Welcome to our week in review.
Wadanggari Park St Leonards
Stage 1 of Wadanggari Park opened on Saturday, 29 July. The first piece of playground equipment has opened.

When Stage 2 opens next month, you’ll be able to enjoy more play equipment, grassed area, performance stage, end-of-trip bike facilities, picnic settings, plus more!
Wadanggari Park is located in St Leonards.
Have Your Say on Lane Cove Council Ward Boundary Changes
Lane Cove Council consists of three electoral wards: Central Ward, East Ward and West Ward.
In preparation for the local government elections in September 2024, Lane Cove Council has undertaken a review of the electoral ward boundaries.
Councils are required to review their wards and alter them if “the number of electors in one ward in its area differs by more than 10% from the number of electors in any other ward in its area”.
The review found that there is a variation of more than 10% of electors between the West Ward and Central Ward due to population changes. Council is therefore proposing to move the boundary between these two wards.
Proposed New Ward Boundary
Lane Cove Council proposes that 628 electors from the area generally east of Burns Bay Road, south of Waterview Drive, and north west of Burns Bay foreshore and Burns Bay Reserve be transferred from West Ward to Central Ward. This new boundary:
Addresses the geographically odd-shaped interface between West Ward and Central Ward;
Addresses the recent trend of electoral growth occurring in East and West Wards, relative to Central Ward; and
Has regard for the likely impacts of development occurring in the LGA in the immediate future, primarily in West and East Wards.
The proposed change to the ward boundary between West Ward and Central Ward, is shown in the Important Links section.
The consultation closes at midnight, Monday 04 September 2023
Lane Cove Ferry
For safety reasons, Hunters Hill Wharf on Alexandra Street has been temporarily closed until further notice.
After an inspection of the wharf on Thursday, 27 July, Transport for NSW has engaged a contractor to carry out repairs on a wharf pile.
Privately operated Lane Cove and School service ferries will not use this wharf.
To assist passengers, the Lane Cove Ferry Service is temporarily adding an additional stop at Woolwich Wharf.
Did you know there was a Lane Cove Ferry – find out more details here.
40A Cope Street Development
RetireAustralia has lodged a Development Application to redevelop the former Caroline Chisholm Retirement Village. The development will be independent living apartments for seniors.
You can view the Development Application on the Lane Cove Council’s Website – DA 134/2022.
The Sydney North Planning Panel will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, 16 August 2023 at 2.00 pm.
If you wish to address the panel or listen to this meeting, you must register by contacting the Planning Panels Secretariat before 4pm Monday, 14 August 2023 on 02 8217 2060 or via email to [email protected].
More details here.
Lane Cove Council’s report to the Sydney North Planning Panel noted:
“Some 99 unique submissions were received in response to the public notification period, the majority of which raise legitimate concerns about potential adverse impacts.
It is considered that the site is impacted by several constraints including:
- Inadequate vehicular access;
- Close proximity to a number of residents adjoining to the north, east and south of the site;
- Heritage retaining wall;
- Building height and FSR standards;
- Lack of space and access during construction.
These constraints are not acknowledged in the overall design of the site and in the resultant unacceptable bulk and scale of the buildings.
The development also fails to comply with numerous development standards set out in the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021, State Environmental Planning Policy 65 – Design Quality of Residential Apartment Development, the Apartment Design Guide and Lane Cove Local Environmental Plan 2009.
It is recognised that the proposed development would assist in meeting the future needs of an aging population. However, the predominance of such developments places high importance on creating well designed accommodation which does not compromise the amenity of future residents or adjoining residents.”
LCM and Anglicare Food Drive
On 12th August, LCM Churches and Anglicare are having a food drive in The Canopy between Coles and ALDI from 7 am till 4 pm.
This will allow people to grab an extra item of non-perishable food during their shop and donate it on the way out.
All the collected food will be given to Anglicare and given to people in need through their channels.
With the cost of living increasing and 2.5 million Australians living in poverty, this is a great opportunity to care for those in need.
Battery Safety to Prevent Fires
The NSW Government is urging households to use, store and dispose of batteries safely to combat the surge in house, garbage truck and waste facility fires. The Government is raising awareness of preventing these potentially deadly fires and saving lives.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority will roll out social media content that warns of the risks of batteries and advises consumers how to properly dispose of old, unused or dead batteries.
A letter will be sent to Councils seeking their support to encourage residents to never discard dead batteries in household waste or recycling bins.
Fire and Rescue NSW data shows there has been an almost 20 per cent increase in battery-related fire or explosion incidents, when comparing the first half of this year to the first half of last year.
In the first six months of 2023 there were 114 lithium battery related fires, with key items of concern being power packs and chargers, micro-mobility devices like e-bikes and e-scooters and portable power banks.
Local councils and waste contractors have seen a significant rise in the number of truck and rubbish fires caused by batteries, which if damaged can explode and spark fires which are difficult to put out.
Batteries thrown into rubbish bins instead of being disposed of safely also contribute to an increase in recyclable materials winding up in landfills.
There are several recycling options available to consumers. Batteries can be taken to a Community Recycling Centre.
Products with batteries embedded in them, like mobile phones, laptops and power tools should be disposed of at an e-waste recycling facility or e-waste drop-off event.
To find out more about safe battery disposal, visit the EPA website.
To find out more about battery and charging safety, visit the Fire and Rescue NSW website.
Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said:
“Batteries power so much of our lives, but the sight of flames erupting from a garbage truck is a reminder they can be very dangerous. The community needs to understand that bins are not the place for batteries.
“The good news is we can recycle 95 per cent of batteries. But at the moment, only 10 per cent are being recycled.
“It’s time to take charge of battery waste. Households need to give them a new life by taking them to your closest collection site or using your council’s e-waste services. It’s better for the environment and also much safer.”
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
“We are seeing an emerging issue with the rise in the number of lithium battery fires in NSW. We would encourage people to be careful in how they use them in the home.
“The batteries are starting to feature more prominently in fire statistics, with lithium power packs and charger fires an increasing concern for fire crews.
“These fires are difficult to extinguish and can cause significant damage to a home. We would encourage homeowners to take care when charging devices, follow charging instructions and dispose of used battery products safely.
“If you are unsure about using batteries, our firefighters are part of the local community and I encourage you to ask their advice.”
FRNSW Acting Deputy Commissioner – Field Operations, Trent Curtin said:
“Firefighters are responding to an average of more than three battery fires a week from in-home charging issues or incorrect disposal.
“As we bring more batteries into our homes, it is important that we dispose of them correctly once they’ve reached the end of their life.”
National Stroke Week
This week is National Stroke Week – get to know the signs of a Stroke.
The Stroke Foundation commissioned Deloitte Access Economics to update the Stroke Foundation’s No Postcode Untouched, Stroke in Australia 2020 report. The No Postcode Untouched, Stroke in Australia 2020 maps stroke incidence, prevalence and risk factors by federal electorate division. Lane Cove’s Federal Electorate is North Sydney.
This Stroke Foundation also commissioned a report on the economic impact of stroke in Australia, 2020. Deloitte Access Economics has estimated that stroke costs the Australian economy $6.2 billion per year, including $3.6 billion in lost productivity. Read more here.
Delay in Processing Tree Requests at Lane Cove Council
If you have a tree that needs pruning or removing, be aware that there is a backlog at Lane Cove Council – below appears when you start the process of logging a tree request online.

Crime, Accident and Incident Report
Accident
An Elderly Man was badly injured when he was hit by a small truck at the lights at the intersection of Burns Bay Road and Tambourine Bay Road.

Alleged Home Invasion Lane Cove North
Just before 11 pm on Thursday 3 August 2023, officers attached to North Shore Police Area Command were called to a residence on Mowbray Road West, Lane Cove North, following reports of a home invasion.
Police have been told a male allegedly armed with a baseball bat forced entry into the unit and assaulted a male occupant.
A crime scene was established, and an investigation into the incident commenced.
As inquiries continue police are urging anyone with CCTV footage or information to contact North Shore police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Our Cover Photo is The Canopy in the early morning last week.
Week in Review Sponsor The Diddy
The Diddy will be holding their Inaugural Diddy Day on 5 November 2023 – put this date in your diary.

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