Lane Cove News Week in Review 22nd to 29th March 2023

Welcome to our week in review.

Lane Cove Votes

On 25 March 2023, Lane Cove re-elected Anthony Roberts as member for Lane Cove – read more here.

The biggest talking point on election day was not about Australia’s richest woman Gina Rinehart handing out pies to Liberal volunteers or Simon Holmes a Court appearing at Lane Cove West Public School; it was the scarcity of the democracy sausage.

There was only one booth in Lane Cove where you could buy a snag; that was at Mowbray Public School (they sold out and had to restock).  The irony is that Mowbray Public School is located in Willoughby City Council, so technically, the Lane Cove Council area was a democracy sausage-free zone.

There are numerous reasons for the decline of the democracy snag:

• Volunteers are hard to recruit (particularly on a Saturday when parents have to take their kids to sports);
• Cake Stands require fewer volunteers, and you don’t need a cooking team;
• St. Michaels BBQ’s were broken;
• Lane Cove Public School hall is still being rebuilt, but they promise snags next time;
• Hard to work out demand due to the increase in people pre-polling.

ITC did a quick whipping around to several booths and snapped the photos below.

 

Lane Cove Council March 2023 Meeting

The Lane Cove Sport and Recreation Facility was debated at the March Lane Cove Council Meeting (which finished around 11 pm).  During the public forum, around 25 residents spoke against the current proposal. One resident spoke in favour of the motion.

Some of the objections were due to environmental damage to Gore Greek and surrounding bushland, other objections were based on the project budget of $75 million.  Some residents still wanted Lane Cove Council to speak to Willoughby Council about a joint venture facility located at Gore Hill Oval and near public transport.

A new issue has arisen with the entrance to the proposed facility being a set of traffic lights at the current entrance to the golf club.  Transport for NSW has requested a dedicated right-hand turning bay which means that River Road (if you are travelling from Greenwich to Lane Cove) will be one lane until after the golf course entrance.

The resolution below was passed but only after Mayor Andrew Zbik used his casting vote.

For the Motion were Councillors Zbik, Roenfeldt, Bennison and Mort (Total 4).

Against the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Kennedy, Flood and Bryla (Total 4).

 

RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Zbik and seconded by Councillor Bennison that Council:- 1.      Receive and note the report; 2.       Notes the updated design for the Sport and Recreation Facility, included as AT-1; 3.       Receives at the April Councillor workshop (or when required) the following: a.    80% detailed design of the Sport and Recreation Facility as the design proposed for endorsement by Council for inclusion in tender documents and all supporting report documentation prepared for tender; b.    updated project timeline; c.     updated Quantity Survey report; d.    update on how the tender design will address the recommendations to mitigate risk to the natural environment as outlined in the following DA reports: ·         ESD report ·         Riparian Report ·         Light Spill Report ·         Biodiversity e.    outline in the tender documents a process for expedition of tree planting to replace lost tree canopy and how this will be implemented; f.      update on options considered for the building to contribute maximum renewable energy output and battery storage capability to reach a target of achieving a building that can be operated on 100% renewable energy; g.    briefing summary as to the fit for purpose application of each space in the building to satisfy the community user groups that have been engaged in workshop sessions over the past six months. 4.    Receives a report at the April meeting of Council on the interim arrangements for the Lane Cove Golf Course during the construction phase; 5.    Resolves that the management/operational model for the Sport and Recreation Facility will be determined by Council and that a report be prepared on the available options including modelling of financial feasibility of a Council operated Sport and Recreation Facility; 6.    Proceed with Stage 1 procurement of a Demolition, Sediment Control and Bulk Earthworks contractor (Early Works) with no work to commence prior to the close of tenders for Stage 2 and Councillors have been advised that the project is within budget; 7.  Receive a further report to the April Council Meeting, providing a summary of the workshop and outlining any proposed changes to the documents. and the changes be issued as addendums to the tender documents in 3(a) of this resolution as a result of the workshop; and 8.  Proceeds, following the April Council meeting, with Stage 2 procurement of a Construction Contractor (Major Works), with five contractors selected from the Expression of Interest.

Blackman Park Dog Park Reopens

Lane Cove dog owners were pleased to see the Blackman Park Dog Park reopen this week with some more drainage added to the area.  The park closed when a giant sinkhole appeared right next to the dog park in February 2022 – read about the sinkhole here.

ITC understands that Lane Cove Council is planning a grand reopening event soon. (see over cover photo – credit Kylie Allen)

Author Jacqueline Harvey Visits Lane Cove

On Saturday, Australian author Jacqueline Harvey had local kids captivated at a High Tea at Masala Kitchen (yep they do high teas).

So nice to see such an interest in reading.

Do you suffer from endometriosis or pelvic pain?

Endometriosis affects at least 1 in 9 Australian women and can have an extensive, devastating impact on the daily lives of sufferers. With those suffering waiting on average of seven years before diagnosis.

Pelvic pain can be similarly complex and debilitating, with the impact being felt beyond individuals as it is estimated to cost the Australian economy $6 billion a year.

The Federal Government has funded 20 clinics, making specialised, multidisciplinary care available to more women across Australia with at least one clinic in every state and territory and a mix of regional and metropolitan locations.

The Sydney North Health Network ( not for profit health network) are pleased to announce Hunters Hill Medical Practice as a successful recipient of one of 20 Endometriosis and Pain Clinics. They are located at 6 Ryde Road Hunters Hill.

The Clinics will each receive more than $700,000 over four years, to support hiring specialised staff, including nurse practitioners and allied health professionals, investment in equipment or fit-outs such as pelvic physiotherapy areas, as well as resources, training and development.

Working in existing general practice, the clinics will strengthen what is often the first point of contact in the health system to reduce diagnostic delays and promote early access to multi-disciplinary intervention, care and treatment.

As well as directly helping patients, the clinics will raise awareness of endometriosis and pelvic pain, build professional knowledge and skills in this area, and improve access to information and care pathways.

New Business Alert

A Development Application has been lodged for a new cafe and wine bar in the Harris Farm Building.

The cafe is described in the DA as

“The Café Wine Bar in Shop 3, 56-60 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove, Sydney, NSW, will be a cosy and intimate breakfast, brunch, and dining establishment that seats approximately 50 people.

The café wine bar, which will be operational seven days a week, shall offer breakfast and lunch services. Commencing from the spring of 2023, the establishment will aim to offer its tapas and dinner service on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.”

The outside area will take over some of the space that Harris Farm is using for flower sales.

Lane Cove Council Acquires More Bushland

Lane Cove Council has bought a 2,801 square meter block to bolster its bushland portfolio.

The strategic block at 14 Gay Street, Lane Cove, was purchased as part of the Council’s Bushland Expansion Program and connects to the existing Stringybark Creek Reserve.

The property purchase was finalised on 17 March 2023 at $3,333,000, plus acquisition costs, in line with the Council’s ongoing commitment to preserve natural bushland.

The property spans an impressive 2,801 square meters and includes mature trees, such as Sydney Blue Gums, Sydney Red Gums, Blackbutts, and Turpentines.

Council will consider sub dividing and selling the front of the property, which has a vacant house, to partially recover the purchase cost. The second option is to demolish the house and keep the whole site as open space.

Council will move to classify the land as “operational” while weighing up those two options.

Lane Cove Council posted on their website “The acquisition is a significant step towards the preservation of Lane Cove’s natural bushland.”

Lane Cove Public School needs a Lollypop Person

LCPS needs a new lollipop person…. could this be you?

For many years the job belonged to Stephen Miller but last year Steogeb retired and he is greatly missed. Now the community is very hopeful there will be some interest in the role.

Stephen had once told ITC

“I do love the genuine feeling of ‘gratefulness’ from parents, teachers and children alike; this always makes my day. I was introduced to the school community in the newsletter so many parents and children now know my name. I always try to brighten their day and their responses back always brighten mine. Seeing their trusting, beaming smiles and observing such polite manners from some so young is heartwarming. Hearing “Thank you Steve” yelled by an excited pre-schooler or once being given a hug of appreciation is just lovely. I’m there to do a job though and I take it extremely seriously. I look after all the children as if they were my own.”  Read more here.

Lane Cove Events

Lane Cove Council and the Stringybark Creek Residents Association present Wild About Lane Cove at Mindarie Park on Sunday 2 April 2023

Where to Find Mindarie Park and details here.

Come along to the Clean Energy Community Fair organised by Kylea Tink for North Sydney. This Sunday 3rd April from 10.00 am to 3pm.

The Sydney Library of Things will be there and many other organisations working to reduce carbon emissions and landfills.

Lane Cove Sport

Lane Cove Junior Rugby Union are very excited to announce a 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬 𝐑𝐮𝐠𝐛𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩

They are kicking off a girl’s competition this Sunday 26th March, offering 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 to those who want to join.

They will offer both tackle and non-tackle options for all ages are welcome so everyone can feel comfortable getting involved.

They have two amazing coaches 𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐤𝐞 and 𝐑𝐮𝐛𝐲 𝐍𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐬 who are both current 𝐍𝐒𝐖 𝟕’𝐬 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬!!

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: Tantallon

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧: Sunday’s 11 am so encourage your sisters, cousins or friends who might be interested in this comp to contact them now! Lots of girls played amazing during the Lane Cove Summer 7s comp so come on get your friends onboard today!!!

Please email [email protected] for a special code to receive Free registration.

School Holidays

School holidays are fast approaching. As you know, activities book up VERY fast! We have a list of local activities to make your kids break fun and exciting!  Find out about the activities here.

Last Chance to Win Tickets to the 2023 Royal Easter Show

The 2023 Sydney Royal Easter Show is fast approaching. The Royal Easter Show runs from Thursday 6 April 2023 to Monday 17 April 2023. The Royal Easter Show offers the best value day out in Sydney with 12 hours of free entertainment every day. In the Cove is giving you a chance to win a Family Pass (2 Adults and 2 children tickets). Find out more here.

Week in Review Sponsor – Figtree Greengrocer