Lane Cove News Week in Review 26th April to 3 May 2023

Welcome to our week in review.

It’s been a busy week with the NSW and Federal governments making announcements which impact Lane Cove residents.

Sydney Buses Review

As Lane Cove commuters know all too well, Sydney buses (operated by different private operators) have been unreliable with cancellations and timetable changes.  Lane Cove buses are part of Region 7 and are operated by Busways (background information here)

This week, the NSW Government announced the creation of a Taskforce to make recommendations to improve the reliability, quality and effectiveness of bus services across NSW.

The Taskforce has 12 months to review the “franchised/privatised” system. Their first interim report is due on 10 July 2023.

The Taskforce can bring forward interim or urgent findings and recommendations throughout its tenure.

Depending on its findings, the Taskforce may request additional time to undertake further work and related recommendations.

The Taskforce will engage directly with affected stakeholders, including through community meetings and accepting submissions on passenger, driver and operator experience. A Passenger Reference Group will also be established to assist the Taskforce in its engagement with and ensure it hears directly from, local communities. ITC will make sure we keep on top of this issue and will let you know when submissions are called.

In formulating its advice to the Minister, the Taskforce will also consider the Parliamentary Report into the Privatisation of Bus Services.

The terms of reference for the Bus Review Taskforce are here.

Lane Cove Chat by ITC members were querying why there were timetable changes on 24 April 2023. They also noticed that there were more 292 buses the week before.

The following explanation was provided by a Busways Spokesperson:

“Please see below the social media posts across Busways Facebook and Twitter pages about the timetable changes. Due to the April school holiday break, an Easter Holiday Timetable ran from 11 to 21 April 2023 in Sydney’s North Shore and West.

As always, timetable information is available in trip planner. We remind customers to please check trip planner each time they travel.”

This does not explain why there were more 292 buses in a quieter period and we have asked for more information.

Lane Cove Named in Top 10 Advantaged LGAs in Australia

The 2021 Census Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) data was released this week by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). This data offers a snapshot of relative socio-economic advantage and disadvantage across Australia and is used by governments of all levels to understand their communities.

SEIFA defines relative socio-economic advantage and disadvantage in terms of “people’s access to material and social resources, and their ability to participate in society”.

Nine of the 10 most advantaged LGAs are on waterfronts or close to water, including Sydney Harbour, the Darwin waterfront, and the Swan River in Perth. Woollahra ranks first among the most advantaged LGA in Australia.

Lane Cove is ranked the 7th Most Advantaged LGA in Australia.

Extracts Below: Source Australian Bureau of Statistics

Did you know that 9 of the 10 most advantaged areas in Australia are located on waterfronts or close to water? pic.twitter.com/22Ax0DC6sE

— Australian Bureau of Statistics (@ABSStats) April 27, 2023

Lane Cove Council Sport and Recreational Facility

The Sydney North Planning Panel public meeting was held today (3 May 2023).  After the public meeting, the panel members convened to discuss the Development Application for the proposed Sport and Recreational Facility at 180 River Road Northwood.

Lane Cove Market Square Easter Thursday Power Surge Update

On Thursday, 6th April (the day before Good Friday), there was a power surge which impacted the lower north shore (Ausgrid has not acknowledged there was an incident). Travellators, boomgates and some lifts were impacted in shopping centres around Lane Cove, Willoughby, Artarmon and Crows Nest.

At Lane Cove Market Square, there were several issues, including a Kidstuff employee being locked in their store due to the security doors not being able to be operated and the manual override system not working.

Over the years, ITC has received numerous complaints about the management of Lane Cove Market Square and how hard it is to contact Centre Management. ITC contacted Knight Frank’s head office, and we have updated our article with their response to the incident.

The following contact information was provided:

“For any customer or retailer enquiries, customers can email [email protected] or alternatively fill out the ‘Get In Touch’ form located on the centre website here – Lane Cove Market Square. One of the Centre Management staff will be in reply within 48 hours.

For urgent or immediate building/maintenance support from Centre Management both customers and retailers can call the Facilities Response Centre 24 hrs/7 days per week on 1300 001 722 and Centre Management staff are notified immediately. Alternatively, for emergency situations we encourage customers and retailers to dial 000 for the appropriate emergency authorities.”

Arnie’s Recon Closes Down

ITC readers will be aware that In the Cove has been promoting Arnies Recon. where you could dispose of small household appliances and E-waste. Unfortunately, they have had to close their doors. You can still drop E-waste at the Community Recycling Centre at Artarmon. They also take small appliances.

The message posted on Arnies Recon page was as follows:

“It is with great sadness that we announce Arnies Recon is closing its doors effective immediately.

Since mid-February, we experienced drops in volume at our collections and drop offs. After 2 1/2 months of insufficient levels of supply, we could not continue.

Sadly, we have had so many commercial and government organisations interested in partnering with us. Unfortunately, they didn’t manifest in time to keep our doors open.

The two of us have poured everything we have into this vision. Personally, we were also exhausted from the amount of energy this particular model of recycling required. We just didn’t have any more to give.

There is a lot to celebrate. Mainly, thanks to your support, we’ve saved over 5500 tonnes of electronics and appliances from landfill.

We were continually amazed and inspired by the love and enthusiasm you have all had for the Arnies mission. This inspired us to continue through some of the toughest moments.

We have amassed a huge bank of knowledge in the last three and a half years. Our commitment to saving electronics from landfill is not dented. We will now look at how we can use what we have learned to continue our commitment to building a more sustainable future.

With love and gratitude,

Lisa and Adrian

Arnies Recon”

If you are looking for other ways to responsibly dispose of household items check out our article here (which will soon be updated to remove all references to Arnies Recon).

Lane Cove Women’s Shed

A Lane Cove local is looking to set up a Women’s Shed in Lane Cove (the Men’s Shed will be providing them with space, probably on a Friday).   Are you interested in helping set up a Women’s Shed and becoming part of the Lane Cove Women’s Shed?  If so, an informal information meeting is being held at the Lane Cove Golf Club on Thursday, 25 May 2023, between 3 pm and 4 pm (the bar will be open).   If you would like to find out more about being part of a Lane Cove Women’s Shed or will be attending the information session, email here.

Business Alerts

Barrel One Coffee Roasters

Barrel One Coffee Roasters is coming to Lane Cove – they will be located across from the Post Office next to Unwined Espresso Bar.

They operate coffee shops in Potts Point, Manly, Brookvale, Cromer and Manly.  They have started their fitout and hope to be open in August 2023.

Coles St Leonards

Coles St Leonards has now reopened.  Read more here.

Pure Food Co – located in Harris Farm

Harris Farm Lane Cove has a new concession located around the corner from their butcher called Pure Food Co!

They have been operating out of Harris Farm Potts Point for a few years and have expanded to the Lane Cove store.

They focus on Natural Slow Cooked Meals and fresh salads. Apparently, a must-try is the lentils matched up with roasted pumpkin.

The food is ready to eat and you can order from UberEats and soon online for pickup. They also provide catering for events!

If you head to the fridge section near Pure Food Co. you will find their ready-made meals to take home and heat up like Moroccan chicken pies, spanakopita and moussaka.

Lane Cove Thai Eatery

A few weeks ago, we mentioned a new Thai Restaurant is opening in Lane Cove. Lane Cove Thai Eatery opened this week.

They are located in The Village Shopping Centre – which is the centre across from Harris Farm and near NiBu Cafe and Soulful Fitness

Chipop Chicken

ITC recently met with the owners of Chipop Chicken – we did not realise that they had purchased the previous Korean Fried Chicken business in the Bakers Delight Arcade and had opened a brand new business.

Their menu is Korean Fried Chicken plus an assortment of your favourite Korean dishes. They are located UPSTAIRS in The Cake Man Arcade, and you can enter via the stairs opposite Pure Flowers or the door near The Cake Man. Some locals have tried the food and given it a thumbs up.  If you have a pram or need assistance walking up stairs, there is a lift.

Articles Published by ITC This Week

Federal Health Minister Acts on Vapes Being Sold at Convenience Stores

With four tobacco shops in the Lane Cove Village Area, vaping is something that local parents are concerned about.

Yesterday (2 May 2023), Health Minister Mark Butler delivered a speech to the National Press Club which included details on Medicare Reform and a crackdown on vapes. The aim is to remove vapes from convenience stores.

At the same time, the Sydney Morning Herald reported the NSW government will look at smoke detectors in schools to stop vaping in public schools.

The Lane Cove Council has also started a campaign to alert residents on how they can report the sale of vapes to under 18’s

Read our article here.

Find out What Lane Cove Council Has Planned for Your Rates Money

Have you ever wondered how the Lane Cove Council spend your rates money? Would you like to have a say on how they are spent? Have you ever thought that Lane Cove Council has been charging too much for a service? Would you like to have a say on Lane Cove’s fees and charges?

Guess what? You can!! Each year the Lane Cove council releases their budget papers which set out the programmes they will be undertaking in the next financial year and also how your rates money will be spent.

ITC has put together some information to enable you to provide comments on Lane Cove’s plans for the upcoming year.  Read more here.

Incidents, Accidents and Crime Watch

Incident

Lane Cove North Construction Site Issue – Powerlines 

On 3 May 2023, there was an incident near two construction sites on Mindarie St Lane Cove North. A reversing truck hit powerlines which came down on a static concrete pump. Live wires were on the ground. NSW Fire and Rescue were in attendance.  There were no injuries.  About 41 homes lost power, while Ausgrid worked to fix the powerlines.

Crime Watch – Update on Mama Hongs

Ann Ngo (one of the owners) was back in court on 28 April 2023. A date has now been set for sentencing and it will be heard at the same time as Nathan Yeung (Ann’s business partner). Ann and Nathan have two children. Background Information in our article here.

Offences and Sentencing

2022/00083642-003 / Seq 3 – Actual offence – Take/detain person in company

2022/00083642-004 / Seq 4 – Actual offence – Common assault-T2

2022/00083642-005 / Seq 5 – Actual offence – Assault occasioning actual bodily harm-

The above are listed for Sentence Hearing on 16 June 2023 10:00 AM before the District Court – Crime at Sydney Downing Centre. Bail to Continue (Not Varied)

Estimated duration: 2 Hours

Car Break and Enter – Roslyn Street Lane Cove North

An ITC Roving Reporter advised the following incident on Thursday 27
April 2023:

“Two guys on foot in Roslyn Street last night trying to get into cars. Managed to get into mine”

North Shore Police Area Command Report – Lower North Shore

Supply Prohibited Drug – Crows Nest – 22/04/2023

A Glenfield man has been charged with several offences and will face Manly Local Court in June after police stopped a vehicle he was allegedly driving.

At 6:30pm on Saturday 22nd April, police observed a blue Mazda stopped in a “no stopping” zone on Albany Street, Crows Nest. Police approached the vehicle, however, will allege that when police pulled up behind the Mazda, it conducted a U-turn and drove off at speed and proceeded through a red traffic light at Ernest Street.

Police caught up to the vehicle and stopped it a short time later. Police spoke with the male and subsequently searched the male and the vehicle.  Police will allege that in the males waistband they located a significant amount of cash as well as 6 clear resealable bags containing cocaine.

In the search of the vehicle, police allegedly located a bottle containing Methadone which the male did not have a prescription for as well as a petrol card and visa debit card that were not in his name.

The male was arrested and conveyed the Chatswood Police Station where he was charged with the following offences: ‘Proceed through red traffic light’, ‘Recklessly deal with proceeds of crime’, ‘Supply prohibited drug’, ‘Possess prohibited drug’ and ‘Goods in personal custody suspected being stolen’.

Fail to Quit – Crows Nest – 25/04/2023

A 24-year-old Central Coast man has been issued an infringement after allegedly failing to leave a licensed premises in Crows Nest.

Police have been told that at 10:00pm on 25th of April the male was at a licensed premises in Crows Nest when he came under notice of staff for allegedly reaching behind the bar and pouring his own drink.

The male was spoken to by staff and security and was escorted to the front of the premises and asked to leave the venue. It was here that the male allegedly became argumentative and refused to leave the vicinity of the licensed premises and as such, police were contacted.

Police attended, spoke with the male, and issued him a $550 fine.

Shoplifting – Chatswood – 20/04/2023

Two men and a woman, all from Glebe have been charged with larceny after allegedly taking three coffee machines from a store within a shopping centre in Chatswood.

At 1:30pm on Thursday 20th of April 2023, the three individuals came under the notice of the stores Loss Prevention Officer (LPO) after allegedly walking out of the store with a coffee machine and failing to pay for it.

The LPO called police and followed the three individuals into the car park and witnessed them place the coffee machine into a black Range Rover and return to the shopping centre.

A short time late, the trio were stopped and spoken to by police.  Police searched the Range Rover and will allege they located three stolen coffee machines valued at $1047 as well as 2 milk frothers and a de-tagging device.

The two males were arrested and conveyed to Chatswood Police Station. At the police station the males were charged with Larceny. The female was issued a Future Court Attendance Notice for Larceny.

Mid-Range PCA – Mosman – 14/04/2023

A 23-year-old Mona Vale man has had his license suspended and will face Manly Local Court after allegedly being caught drink driving on Friday night.

At 11:35pm, police were conducting stationary random breath testing on Spit Road, Mosman and directed a grey ute, driven by the Mana Vale man, to pull into the testing site.

The male was subjected to a roadside breath test, which allegedly returned a positive result. The male was arrested and conveyed to North Sydney Police Station. At the station the male underwent a breath analysis which police will allege returned a midrange result of 0.126 grams of alcohol in 210 litres of breath.

The man was issued with a Court Attendance Notice and is due to face Manly Local Court on the 25th of May 2023.

Cover Photo

Our Cover Photo was taken by Gabrielle Webster and posted on Lane Cove Chat by ITC – The photo was taken on 1 May 2023 at Burns Bay Reserve.

Week in Review Sponsor – Yellow Brick Road Lane Cove