The Town of Cambridge has pulled the plug on any new, unplanned spending for its community facilities, sporting grounds, and open spaces, imposing a freeze expected to last between one and two years.
Council Hits Pause on Unplanned Upgrades
In a significant move announced on December 29, 2025, the western suburbs council declared it will not proceed with any new, unbudgeted improvements to its community assets for the next 12 to 24 months. This halt applies universally, even if local clubs or associations offer to contribute their own funding towards proposed projects.
Mayor Gary Mack explained the decision stems from a need for strategic clarity. He revealed the council had been inundated with requests, facing over $10 million in improvement demands in the past year alone. “The LAMP is about planning for the future, not just responding to requests as they come in,” Mr Mack stated.
It is crucial to note that regular maintenance and already planned renewals will continue as normal. The council has also confirmed that exceptions will be made for any works required to address immediate safety concerns or high-risk issues.
Strategic Plan to Guide Future Investment
The spending pause is directly tied to the development of the council’s Leisure Assets Master Plan (LAMP). This comprehensive blueprint is intended to provide a long-term strategy for managing the town’s sport, recreation, and leisure infrastructure, ensuring investments are equitable and sustainable.
“We want to make sure every investment is fair, strategic and delivers the best outcomes for all parts of our community, not just today but for generations to come,” Mayor Mack emphasised. He framed the freeze not as a blanket refusal but as a necessary step for better planning. “This pause on unplanned improvements is not about saying no, it’s about making sure we say yes in a way that supports clubs, protects community interests, and uses ratepayer funds wisely.”
The master plan will address several key areas:
- Asset management and future capital works.
- Opportunities for co-location and shared use of facilities.
- Leasing and licensing arrangements for community groups.
- A clear framework for funding priorities.
Community Consultation to Shape Cambridge's Future
Central to the LAMP process will be extensive input from residents and user groups. The council plans to begin community engagement in mid-2026, seeking feedback on the current and future needs for the town’s open spaces and sporting facilities.
Mayor Mack urged local clubs to participate actively. “The best way to advocate for your club’s needs is to take part in the engagement process. Your input will help shape the LAMP and guide how we prioritise investment for the long term.”
The council aims to appoint a consultant early in 2026 to lead the project, with a commitment to moving swiftly without compromising the quality of consultation. The goal is to have the final Leisure Assets Master Plan delivered by 2028.
“The town recognises the need for our clubs and community to have clarity about future investment in these facilities as soon as possible,” a council statement read, promising to work towards reduced timeframes where feasible. A dedicated project page has been established on the Town of Cambridge website for residents to follow the process.
