Lane Cove News Week in Review 3 May to 10 May 2023

Welcome to our week in review.

Dirty Deeds

It may have been chiller this week in Lane Cove, but on Friday night (5 May 2023), it was hot hot hot with a huge crowd in The Canopy getting into the Dirty Deeds – AC/DC cover show.   Here are just a few of the comments left on ITC’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

We were told that the Mosh Pit was going off with mostly under tens.

Sydney Water Not to Be Privatised

The NSW Government will introduce legislation to Parliament this week to amend the Constitution Act 1902 to protect Sydney Water and Hunter Water from privatisation.

As the first piece of legislation for the new Minns Government, the NSW Premier Chris Minns said the government was delivering on its election commitment to safeguard the public ownership of the state’s critical public assets.

Both Sydney Water and Hunter Water are statutory state owned corporations and can be safeguarded from privatisation by an amendment to the Constitution Act.

The Constitution Amendment (Sydney Water and Hunter Water) Bill 2023 proposes an amendment that will require those two specific corporations, and their main undertakings, to remain in public ownership by ensuring that those entities, may not be sold or disposed of.

The new provisions of the Constitution Act will be binding on the current and future governments. Only an Act of Parliament will be able to authorise the sale or disposal of Sydney Water or Hunter Water.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Before the election I made a commitment to protect Sydney Water in the Constitution. This week my government delivers on that promise.”

“We’ve seen what 12 years of privatisation of electricity network, ports and toll roads has done – it’s led to people having to pay higher prices to pay for services they use to own.”

“This ends this week.”

“Under Labor there will be no more privatisation of essential assets.”

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“Sydney Water and Hunter Water have each served their communities for over 130 years. They provide critical drinking water and crucial infrastructure and profit is directed back into the NSW Government – it is basic common sense to keep these entities in public ownership.”

“These two entities were created on behalf of the people of NSW and this Bill will ensure they continue to operate in the best interests of the people of NSW.”

Sydney Buses

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.

A Busways spokesperson advised the following:

“Busways continues to experience driver shortages across the North Shore and West due to unprecedented bus driver shortages in Australia.

We’re actively working with Transport for NSW to adjust timetables based on driver availability to deliver as many services as possible and give passengers increased certainty and choice.

We were pleased to be able to offer an increased timetable over the Easter school holidays. These additional trips were possible due to school services not running.

The timetable has been advertised, including its start and end dates, along with ensuring trip planner was current and updated.

At times, buses may still operate at reduced service levels due to unplanned driver absences. Please check the Trip Planner before you travel.”

St Leonards Named By Australia Post As Suburb Where Dogs Attack Posties

Australia Post is urging all dog owners to help protect their Postie, with data released today showing the number of Posties attacked, harassed or chased by dogs is increasing significantly this financial year. They have nominated areas with the most dog attacks and St Leonards is named in that list – part of St Leonards is in the Lane Cove Council Area.

Tips for keeping your dog secure:

• Always keep your front gate securely closed.
• Where possible, secure your dog in the back garden (rather than the front garden) and keep any side gates securely closed.
• If you are expecting a delivery, be careful when opening your front door to ensure your dog doesn’t run out from behind you. Keeping them safely in another room when you answer the door is a great way to prevent this.

Australia Post released the following stats:

“There were an alarming 1,885 incidents involving dogs and Posties between July 2022 and March 2023, already surpassing the 1,587 recorded during the full 2021/22 financial year. Australia Post has attributed some of this increase to the over a million additional dogs* (a fifth of all pet dogs) brought into Australian households between 2019-2021, including during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

New South Wales saw the largest number of incidents at 650 in just nine months, already nearly 28 per cent higher than the full year results the year prior. Queensland had 555 incidents (up 15 per cent), followed by Western Australia with 329 (up 23 per cent). Victoria and Tasmania had a combined 218 dog-related incidents (up 5 per cent), followed by South Australia and the Northern Territory with 133 collectively (up 4 per cent).

Australia Post data identified the following areas as having the highest number of dog related incidents:

• New South Wales – the Nepean, New England and Hunter regions in addition to Alexandria, Wollongong and St Leonards;
• Queensland – Darra, Bundamba and Toowoomba; and
• Western Australia – Palmyra, Geraldton and Rockingham”

Lane Cove Council Sport and Recreational Facility

The Sydney North Planning Panel public meeting was held on 3 May 2023.  On 5 May 2023, the SNPP approved Lane Cove Council’s Development Application for a Sports and Recreational Facility at 180 River Road Northwood.  We have put together a list of FAQ’s about the development, which you can read here.

Update on Workplace Injury at 4 Northwood Road – Pathways Aged Care Development Site

You may recall that a serious workplace accident occurred at the aged care development site at 4 Northwood Road Northwood in September last year.

The injured person was a traffic controller and a young mum. We were told by some of her friends working on the site that she was in hospital for a significant period of time and underwent numerous operations. Unfortunately, we don’t have a current update on her injuries (we had numerous enquiries as she was well-known to the locals who lived nearby and would talk to her frequently).

We asked Safework NSW for an update on their investigations. Safework NSW is the authority responsible for initiating legal prosecutions against individuals, employers or businesses who have breached Workplace Health and Safety laws.

A spokesperson for Safework NSW advised:

“SafeWork NSW continues to investigate an incident where a woman suffered injuries at a workplace in Northwood on Monday 26 September 2022.

No further information is available at this time.”

We will let you know if Safework NSW take any action.

Read more about this incident here.

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.

If you would like to find out more join their Facebook Group here.

Central Park Upgrade

A new picnic table at Central Park Longueville. Central Park is beautiful and includes a rose garden. The park is located behind the Diddy and near the Lane Cove Tennis Club.  Toilets were recently installed, however they have been out of order for a considerable period of time.

Lane Cove Sport

AFL 9’s – Are you an Adult Wanting to Play AFL?

AFL 9s (touch mixed non-contact) runs an Autumn competition in Lane Cove on Thursday nights at Blackman Oval. There are currently two teams. They need at least two more teams in the competition.  If you are over 15 (both Males and Females), they would love you to sign up. No experience is needed and games are only 40 minutes.

Each team needs at least 9 people with 3 females.

If you are keen to register here https://aflnswact.com.au/afl9s/.

Business Alerts

Lash Nature & Beauty has opened in the same arcade as Four Frogs Crêperie and Be.U Natural

They specialise in Eyelash Extensions as well as, Brows and Facials.

They have an opening special – see below.

You can book:

• by calling 0433 727 038
• via their booking site – https://lashnatureandbeauty.simplybook.me/
• via DM on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lashnature_beauty/

Opening Hours: Mon – Saturday 10am-7pm. Sunday via appointment only

The owner Sophia told ITC the following:

“Lash Nature & Beauty specialises in providing high-quality services such as eyelash extensions, brow services and facials. As a service provider, I strive to cater to the unique needs and beauty aspirations of each customer.

My ultimate goal is to ensure that all customers are pleased with the quality of the services rendered. Nothing brings me greater joy than seeing my customers content with the results of their beauty treatments. ”

Brew Runner by Toby’s Estate

Introducing Brew Runner by Toby’s Estate – Sydney’s first eco-minded coffee delivery service. By Toby’s Estate.

Enjoy specialty coffee delivered direct from their Chippendale roastery to your door in a reusable canister. That you give back. Then they give back. It’s reusable, and the result; less single-use packaging waste.

Brew Runner currently delivers to postcodes 2066 and 2068 every Tuesday to Friday. Plus, delivery is FREE!

Special Offer: 30% off your first Brew Runner order with the code COVE30

Find out more here – https://bit.ly/42iQfRH

T&Cs: Valid on first purchases only at brewrunner.com.au. Limit of 1 use per customer. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers, discounts or coupon codes. Code valid until 31 July 2023.  Toby Estate is an ITC Business Supporter.

Articles Published by ITC This Week

NSW Government Seek to Recoup More From Local Councils via Emergency Services Levy

Lane Cove Council has just received advice that the Emergency Services Levy (ESL) payable for 2023/24 will be $1,186,681, which is a $224,207 (23%) increase on the 2022/23 figure of $962,474.

In addition, it appears Councils will no longer receive a subsidy from the State Government, as has been the case in the past 3-4 years.

Local Government NSW (LGNSW) has criticised the NSW State Government’s decision to apply the increases in the Emergency Services Levy describing it as catastrophic for many councils. LGNSW said that for some councils the unexpected cost hit would all but wipe out any IPART-approved rate rise, shredding budgets already under massive pressure from the combined impact of the pandemic, extreme weather events, high inflation and wage increases. Read more here.

Lane Cove Events

Team Lopez Foundation – Raising Money for Pancreatic Cancer Research – 21 May 2023

Round up your PAWsome family for the BIGGEST RIVERVIEW CHARITY EVENT THIS YEAR at Tambourine Park Reserve!   The fundraising is a combined event between the Team Lopez Foundation and Bloomingtails to raise money for pancreatic cancer – read more here.

Join local businesses, local families, dogs, and an auctioneer on 21 May 2023 from 10 AM – 2 PM.

WHAT’S ON:⁠

Family and dog activities, stalls and sausage sizzle – This event is designed for families and fur-parents to help raise money and awareness for Pancreatic Cancer Research – Team Lopez Foundation. All activities and retail purchases will go directly to the cause.

Raffle Prizes – At 12:30 pm, the lucky winners will be announced! Prizes from Bloomingtails Dog Grooming, Dog Walking, Dog Treats, kids toys and local business vouchers. Simply buy your raffle ticket at the entry! All funds will be donated to Team Lopez Foundation.

Pawsome Auction – A PAWsome Auction will be held at 12:30 pm to raise money for Team Lopez Foundation. There will be auction items, including a race track voucher and so much more! It could be your PAWsome family’s lucky day!⁠

Let’s suPAWt together, RSVP here:

Please RSVP, as they will enable the organisers to plan for catering and other activities.

ITC will see you there with Mr Doggy ITC!!

Biggest Morning TeaNight 25 May 2023

Support a great cause with a local Cancer Council Event on 25 May 2023 between 5.30 pm and 7.30 pm.

The Boujee Boards & Bern the Chef are hosting a Biggest Morning TeaNight!

Join Lane Cove’s local catering operators, Lily & Bernadette, for a low-key social night. Two hours of delicious fare, fun and sharing.

Book here.

Heartbeats for Xav – 4 June 2023

Incidents, Accidents and Crime Watch

Vandalism and Theft at Riverview Shops

At about 8.30 pm on Friday, 4 May 2023, the Riverview Shops located on Tambourine Bay Road were vandalised and the Chiropractor clinic had EFTPOS and phones stolen.  All the windows were smashed at the back of the shops, however, most of the windows were fitted with bars, so they were not able to access all the shops (see our cover photo).

There is an apartment above Riverview Butcher and the resident called the police, who arrived within 10 minutes.  The police arranged for their forensics team to take fingerprints.

The Riverview Pharmacy has CCTV and the police have reviewed the footage.

Incident

Massive Traffic Delays Around Artarmon (and set to continue)

On 6 May 2023, a truck was stuck in the Lane Cove Tunnel. This created traffic delays around Lane Cove.  At the same time,  Willoughby City Council is upgrading the streetscape around Hampden Road Artarmon.   Some Lane Cove residents said it took them an hour to drive from Artarmon to Lane Cove.

Willoughby City Council provided the following update about road closures around Artarmon:

Stage 3B works are planned to commence on Tuesday 9 May 2023 and be completed in approximately 2 to 3 weeks, weather permitting.

These works will be conducted during normal daytime hours from 7:00am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday and 7:00am to 3:30pm Saturday.

In order to set up, night works will take place from 9.00pm to 5.00am on Monday 8 May 2023, weather permitting.

Night works will also take place 9.00pm to 5.00am on Sunday 28 May 2023 to reinstate Hampden Road upon completion of Stage 3B, weather permitting.

Note: No works during Public Holidays.

What disruption is expected?

• Right hand turn onto Francis Road from Hampden Road will be permissible.
• Right hand turn from Broughton Road to Hampden Road will not be permissible.
• Right hand turn from Hampden Road to Jersey Road will not be permissible.
• Left hand turn from Broughton Road to Hampden Road for vehicles over 3 metres will not be permissible.
• Left hand turn from Jersey Road to Hampden Road for vehicles over 3 metres will not be permissible.
• Temporary parking loss on Hampden Road between Jersey Road and Francis Road.

North Shore Police Area Command Report – Lower North Shore

The North Shore Police Area Command has advised as follows:

Possess Child Abuse Material – Riverview

Police have charged a 39 year old Riverview man with possessing child abuse and bestiality material.

In late March 2023 enquiries by the NSW Police Force Child Exploitation Internet Unit uncovered an internet service attached to a Riverview home had allegedly downloaded more than 500 files containing child abuse material.

Around 6:00am Friday 28th April detectives attached to North Shore Police executed a search warrant at the Riverview home where more than a dozen hard drives, laptops, tablets and other digital storage devices were seized. A 39 year old male was placed under arrest. He was taken to Chatswood Police Station where he was charged in relation to the matter. He will face Hornsby Local Court later this month.

If you or someone you know are impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation there are support services available at https://www.accce.gov.au/help-and-support/who-can-help

Aggravated Enter Dwelling – Artarmon

Police have charged a 52 year old Hunters Hill man following an alarming incident that occurred at a unit complex in Artarmon earlier this week.

Police will allege that around midday Sunday 30th April the Hunters Hill man attended a unit complex on Barton Road, Artarmon. It will be alleged that as a resident of the complex has returned to their unit the Hunters Hill man forced his way into the home where he proceeded to take a large knife from the kitchen before demanding to speak with another resident of the unit. The resident rang police prompting the Hunters Hill man to flee. Police undertook a search of the surrounding area in an effort to locate the male however were unsuccessful.

About 10:00 pm that evening police were alerted that the Hunters Hill man had allegedly returned to the unit complex. Police located the man on nearby Parkes Avenue, he was arrested and taken to Chatswood Police Station where he was charged with 2 x aggravated enter dwelling with intent and one count of stalk/intimidate. The man was refused bail, he will next appear before Downing Centre Local Court in June.

Stealing – Kirribilli

Police have charged a 16 year old male from Seven Hills after he was stopped while allegedly in possession of stolen electric bike.

Around 7:40pm Friday 28th April North Shore Police were called to Kirribilli Avenue, Kirribilli by Australian Federal Police officers attached to Kirribilli House. The AFP officers informed police that they observed the young person enter the garage of a home in nearby Plunkett St and take an E-Bike. The AFP officers stopped the boy as he allegedly rode the bike along Kirribilli Avenue before alerting police.

The young person was taken to Chatswood Police Station where he was charged with steal property in dwelling and possess housebreaking implements. He will face Parramatta Childrens Court in June.

Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm – North Sydney

Police have charged a 49 year old North Sydney man with stabbing a housemate in the leg and chest.

Around 2:30pm Tuesday 25th April police were called to a unit complex in Neutral Street, North Sydney after a male contacted emergency services to say he had just been stabbed.

Police will allege the North Sydney man stabbed his housemate once in the leg and a further 5 times in the chest. The victim was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital where they were treated for minor injuries. The 49 year old male was arrested at the scene, police also seized a bloody knife. The male was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, he was refused bail and will next appear before Manly Local Court in June.

Week in Review Sponsor – The Alcott Lane Cove