The Lane Cove Council September 2023 Meeting will be held on Thursday, 21 September 2023.
Have Your Say – Be Part of the Process
Residents can write to Councillors on any agenda item or issue. If you use the email address – [email protected], your email will go to all councillors.
A Zoom meeting link will be emailed to your nominated email address.
A time limit of three (3) minutes per public forum address applies.
Listed below are the agenda items for the meeting.
Mayoral Minutes
Mayoral Minute – Striving for best practice and effective relationships between our Community, Councillors and Council Officers Recommendation
Mayor Andrew Zbik has tabled a notice of motion which he feels will assist councillors dealing with Lane Cove Council staff. He wants councillors to be involved in strategic decisions but not to be involved in the day-to-day operations of the Lane Cove Council.
He believes current council resolutions are too prescriptive and need to be more strategic.
He also wants residents to understand that councillors cannot get involved in the day-to-day operations, and it is not their job to approve tender documents and contracts. This should be left to the Lane Cove Council staff with the necessary expertise.
Notices of Motion
Election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor Recommendation
As prescribed by legislation, at this meeting, councillors will vote on the Mayor and Deputy Mayor (which will only be until the next election in September 2024).
Notice of Motion – Support for Early Childhood Education in the Local Government
Councillor Rochelle Flood has tabled a notice of motion asking Lane Cove Councillors to resolve to write to Local Government NSW, calling on them to commit to supporting councils to recruit and retain early childhood educators by:
Advocating to the NSW State Government to:
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- Increase support for public early childhood education services, including extending the paid placement funding offered to ECT students to Diploma and Certificate III students, and;
- Support councils to expand high-quality early childhood education and care through long day care, out-of-hours care, pre-school, and occasional care;
Bargaining with the United Services Union and its members in good faith to achieve an increase to wages for early childhood educators above inflation, as well as leave provisions and hazard pay that reflect the risk of infection associated with work in early childhood education.
Notice of Motion – Operating Models for Early Childhood Education Facilities in Lane Cove
Councillor Rochelle Flood has tabled a notice of motion asking Lane Cove Councillors to resolve that:
- As each council owned but privately operated early childhood education facility contract expires or comes up for renewal, a report is prepared evaluating the current operating model and comparing it to a council run model, and how each can deliver in terms of:
- Affordability and accessibility for parents/the community;
- Quality of education and care for children;
- Quality of employment and retention rates for workers; and
- Cost and viability for the operator.
- These reports are to be brought to council for consideration before new arrangements are agreed;
- A session is to take place at the corporate planning weekend in 2024, to consider and discuss alternate management models that are available for council owned early childhood education facilities;
- Council considers the management model for two pending early childhood education facilities in St Leonards South at the upcoming corporate planning weekend – with the issue to return for determination at a council meeting before June 2024; and
- Council undertakes a review of the rental subsidies available to large not-for-profit entities such as the Kindergarten Union.
Officer Reports for Determination
Sustainability Review of Councils Development Control Plan Exhibition Outcomes
This review aimed to incorporate a range of amendments to the Lane Cove Development Control Plan (DCP) addressing sustainability initiatives related to climate change and emission reductions within the Lane Cove Council area. Only four submissions were received from the public on the DCP amendments.
One of the suggested amendments to the DCP relates to gas installation in new developments.
At the City of Sydney’s August meeting, the councillors resolved to request the City of Sydney’s Chief Executive Officer be asked to investigate the opportunities and challenges with amending the City of Sydney’s planning controls to require all new residential developments and development not captured by the City’s new Net Zero planning controls, to be all-electric and report back to Council via the CEO Update, including next steps, as soon as possible.
Lane Cove Council has already considered limiting the use of gas. The following has been suggested as part of the sustainability review of Lane Cove’s Development Control Plan.
5G Cell Towers Request for Information – Update
Lane Cove Council resolved to write to numerous government departments and agencies to ask for information on 5G. The responses have now been collated and are attached to the agenda papers. Background information here.
Jean Mitchell Lucretia Baths Restoration
Lane Cove Council previously resolved (subject to the appropriate funding model) to restore the Lucretia baths.
The intent was to limit the scope of any work to rebuilding the existing structure. No other work, such as landscaping, installing change rooms or any other upgrades, was to be done.
This was good news, but the restoration is subject to Lane Cove Council finding funds to include the restoration works in their 2024/25 Budget.
Lane Cove Council further resolved to receive a report regarding the process and funding required to develop plans for the restoration of the baths and to develop and implement a community engagement program to gauge interest in the community being involved in the restoration project.
The Report regarding the process and funding of the restoration project will be discussed at the September Lane Cove Council Meeting.
The Lane Cove Council’s officer reports note the baths’ restoration may be more complicated and expensive than contemplated. The Report notes that after discussions with other councils that have restored tidal baths, the cost could be over $1 million.
Opening of Wadanggari Park and St Leonards Library
This is a report on Lane Cove’s newest park.
Wadanggari Park, Australia’s first park and adventure playground to be built on a bridge over a rail line, will be officially launched by Stephen Bali, Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and Public Spaces. The 4750sqm public park has been created over the northern suburbs railway line in what was once unused space and captures new 180-degree views to the city.
The new park provides quality recreation space for residents of St Leonards, demonstrating how good planning can provide amenity in high density housing areas. The surrounding precinct connects rail, bus, and new metro transport links, and is serviced by the already well-patronised St Leonards Library and the Council-owned, 300-space car park.
The $43.5m Wadanggari Park was built by Lane Cove Council with $4.75m from the NSW Government Public Spaces Legacy Program. It offers climbing equipment for older children and a special young children’s zone, as well as intriguing paths, a stage, and grassy lawns.
Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and Public Spaces Stephen Bali said the new green open space parkland will be of tremendous value to St Leonards’ community.
“This investment from the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program is providing over 5,400 surrounding homes with a new high-quality recreational asset on their doorstep that they can use to socialise, relax and enjoy the outdoors.” Mr Bali said.
The park was co-designed by Council, designers, and engineers, themed on the three phases of a banksia plant, culminating in a vivid yellow bloom. Wadanggari means banksia in the local Aboriginal language and is reflected in the onsite plantings and design features of the new playground.
The library was built by JQZ and funded as part of a Voluntary Planning Agreement for the development of 88 Christie Street, and a $500,000 grant from the State Library of NSW.
Draft Voluntary Planning Agreement for 524 – 542 Pacific Highway, St Leonards
Lane Cove Council has received a letter of Public Benefit Offer (VPA) from the developer of 524 – 542 Pacific Highway, St Leonards (Telstra site), which is progressing through the planning system as a State Significant Development.
The Department of Planning & Environment (DPE) has provided an in-principal endorsement of the Public Benefit Offer, stating it is “considered exceptional public value for the purposes of the 2036 Plan”. The Public Benefit Offer provides for a Monetary Contribution of $3.6M in addition to a s7.11 contribution of $6.2M, and ten (10) affordable housing units for a period of 15 years.
The Council is not the consent authority; however, DPE does not enter into VPA’s with proponents on behalf of councils; regardless of whether or not the Council ultimately supports the development proposal, it needs to consider the VPA on its merits in the event the State Significant Development Application is approved. It is recommended Council give notice of its intention to enter into a Voluntary Planning Agreement as outlined in the officer’s report.
This officer’s report has been prepared in response to a July resolution to review Council’s adopted Investment Policy to incorporate a transition towards non-fossil fuel aligned financial institutions and socially responsible investments, revised investment portfolio limits to facilitate the transition and put in place appropriate thresholds that balance social and economic returns.
Councillors are being asked to vote on whether they want to pursue the Revised Draft Investment Policy, noting that if it does wish to proceed it will be publicly exhibited for a period of 6 weeks, providing an opportunity for community feedback on the matter.
This officer’s report provides consideration of outcome of the consultation in relation to Council’s Revised Works Schedule associated with the Lane Cove Section 7.11 Contributions Plan. Council approved the exhibition of the Revised Works Schedule at its meeting of 22 June 2023 and the public exhibition period closed on 20 August 2023. No submissions were received during the public exhibition period. It is recommended the revised Section 7.11 be adopted.
2023 Australian Liveability Census
Between April and June 2023 Council acted as a ‘Distribution Council’ in the 2023 Australian Liveability Census, which was undertaken by placescore.org. Council’s participation in the Census was supported by the Greater Cities Commission, which funded all Metropolitan Council’s participation. The objective of the Census is to capture community values regarding neighbourhood liveability. Lane Cove’s liveability score was 79 out of 100, up from 76 in the 2012 Census. This is well above the Australian national average score of 67 and one of the highest scores of any individual local government area.
The initial results of the 2023 Census have now been released and a total of 821 responses were received from Lane Cove residents. This is an increase of almost 30% from the 2021 survey. The confidence level of the results based on the sample size is 95%.
2023 Local Government NSW Conference Voting Delegates
Lane Cove Council must nominate three Councillors as voting delegates for motions for the 2023 LGNSW Annual Conference.
New Independent Members of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee
Council’s Internal Audit Committee currently has two (2) independent members appointed to the Committee. In transitioning to a fully-fledged Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee by June 2024, Council is taking measures to ensure it satisfies the guidelines issued by the OLG. One of the key considerations contained in the guidelines is the need to have three (3) suitably credentialed independent members on the Committee.
Council has recently been through a process of recruiting the required three (3) independent members. In preparation for the recruitment, an information package was developed using materials made available by the OLG. The recruitment was advertised on Council’s website, LinkedIn and SEEK. Council also advertised the positions on ‘Women on Boards’ in which 750 women were alerted to the opportunity.
Council’s recruitment portal, Talent Propellor, was used as the vehicle to capture information submitted by applicants.
In total, Council received twenty-eight (28) applications for the three (3) positions which is considered an outstanding response. Seven (7) applicants were shortlisted for an interview which was conducted on Friday 5 September 2023.
An interview panel comprising the General Manager, the Executive Manager – Corporate Services and the Manager – Community Services assessed the following three (3) applicants as the preferred candidates for the three (3) independent member positions:-
Dennis Vaccher
Brian Hrnjak
Deborah Goodyer
The preferred candidates have an excellent blend of relevant knowledge, experience and qualifications. Dennis Vaccher is an incumbent independent member of the Committee and will ensure an appropriate level of continuity and corporate knowledge is maintained throughout the formative months of the new independent member team. Copies of the preferred candidates’ CVs have been distributed separately to the Councillors. The appointment to the positions commences 1 November 2023 for a two (2) year period with an option to extend by a further two (2) years.
Synthetic Turf Surfaces in Lane Cove LGA
At the June 2023 Council meeting Council considered a Notice of Motion – Report on Chief Scientist and Engineer’s Independent Review into the Design, Use and Impacts of Synthetic Turf in Public Open Spaces. The Notice of Motion requested a report be submitted to the September Council meeting.
This report includes an inventory of the existing locations of synthetic turf on land managed by Council and proposes future management, replacement and disposal of synthetic turf in these locations in the light of the recommendations of the Chief Scientist and Engineer’s report which support the ongoing use of synthetic turf utilising best practice.
It is also noted that the Blackman Park synthetic sports fields are reaching their end of life and that Council will need to commence the design and tender process for the disposal and replacement of these fields. Due to the need for the increase capacity that a synthetic surface provides and the construction of the fields they will be replaced with a new best practice synthetic surface. It is recommended the report be received and noted and Council commence the process for the disposal and replacement of the two Blackman Park synthetic fields in the 2024/25 financial year.
Greenwich Baths Lease Arrangements
A tender was put out for operation of the Baths and the Bluefit was the only organisation to respond to the tender. Bluefit has suggested the following operational model:
The Baths dates and times remain with BlueFit staff opening and closing the gate;
- Café is closed in season shoulders (see description below), with no lifeguard supervision during these times;
- Entry fees are charged when the café is staffed in the peak times and a lifeguard is on duty, a second staff member:;
- The Children’s Beach Safety Program continues;
- Cleaning / maintenance as per specification every morning and night.
Supervised Period Where Entry Fees (kiosk and lifeguard) Apply:
- Weekends from November to March inclusive;
- Weekdays in the summer school holiday period (excepting Christmas Day).
Community Consultation Results on the Draft Fraud and Corruption Prevention Policy and Strategy
A review of Lane Cove Council’s Fraud and Corruption Prevention Policy and Strategy has been undertaken in light of information that has been released by both Standards Australia and the NSW Audit Office. The revised Fraud and Corruption Prevention Policy and Strategy was exhibited for community consultation and no comments were received.
Council currently operates various Advisory Committees and participates in other External Organisations to provide a forum for discussion on broad local and regional issues among Council representatives, local agencies, and community members. The officer’s report aims to determine Councillor representation on these Committees for the period ending September 2024.
Advisory Committees and external organisations provide an opportunity for Councillors, community members and other stakeholders to come together to discuss and address matters relevant to each committee’s charter and terms of reference. Councillors represent Council on a number of Advisory Committees and External Organisations.
Committee Member Appointments – Theatre Space Planning Reference Group & Dog Advisory Committee
Details of appointees to the above committee.
Community Consultation Results and Finalisation of the Review of Ward Boundaries
This proposal is to even out the numbers for each council ward. The two ward areas with the most construction and, therefore, most new residents will be in the west and east ward. The central ward is being expanded to take into account this growth.
It is proposed that 628 electors from the area generally east of Burns Bay Road, south of Waterview Drive, and northwest of Burns Bay foreshore and Burns Bay Reserve be transferred from West Ward to Central Ward (if you live in the Waterview Drive area this is you).
| Ward | Number of Electors | Variation |
| Central | 9,185 | Highest |
| East | 8,720 | 5.3% |
| West | 8,885 | 3.4% |
| TOTAL | 26,790 |
After public comment, councillors are being asked to adopt the above as the new ward boundaries.
Officer Reports for Information
Council Snapshot August 2023 Recommendation
Lane Cove Council publishes a monthly snapshot, which sets out what has been happening over the month, from development applications, parking fines, waste and landfill reduction reports, and reports on upcoming footpath maintenance.
Below are some of the stats of interest for August 2023.
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