At the Lane Cove Council’s April Meeting, Lane Cove Councillors will be asked to approve the release of the Lane Cove Council’s Delivery Program, Operational Plans, Budget and Draft Fees (the Budget Papers) for public comment.
LCC Budget Papers must be approved before the start of each financial year.
Every NSW local council is guided by its ten-year Community Strategic Plan. This Plan is the highest level of Strategic Planning undertaken by local councils and identifies the community’s main priorities and aspirations. It sets out the objectives to achieve the community’s vision and is developed after community consultations.
The four-year Community Strategic Plan is our councillors’ key ‘go-to’ document. It identifies all the key activities the council has committed to undertaking over its four-year term. All council plans, projects, activities, and funding allocations must be directly linked to this plan.
An Operational Plan is developed annually that details a Delivery Program, identifying individual projects and activities that will be undertaken in a specific financial year to achieve the commitments made in their four-year Delivery Program. If it is not in the operational Plan, then it is doubtful that a council will take on a new programme/or spend money on an unbudgeted item – they are reviewed each quarter.
The Operational Plan must include the council’s detailed annual budget, the council’s Statement of Revenue Policy (i.e. the rates and levies ) and charges (such as parking charges at LCC carparks or applications for tree removals) in the next financial year.
The Lane Cove Budget Papers consist of the following documents:
Draft 2024/25 Budget Overview
This is the high-level summary of the Budget Papers. This document summarises where Lane Cove Council gets its money (i.e. rates and fees and charges, grants, revenue from investments and buildings it owns and operates like The Canopy). This document also summarises plans for how and where Lane Cove Council spends its money each year.
Draft 2024/25 Delivery Program and Operational Plan
This document combines the Delivery Program and Operational Plan. The Delivery Program lists 6 Strategic areas established by the Lane Cove Community Strategic Plan – Our Natural Environment, Our Built Environment, Our Society, Our Culture, Our Local Economy and Our Council.
Operational Plan
The Operational Plan identifies the detailed actions to be taken in the 2023/24 financial year.
A range of New Initiatives are contained in the Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan, including:
- Implementation of the Age-Friendly Strategy
- Development of a Social Inclusion Strategy
- Development of a Children and Families Policy
- Fitout of new childcare space at St Leonards South
- Kindy Cove Child Care Centre Improvements, including new Shade Sails
- Lane Cove Aquatic Centre Energy Efficiency Improvements
- Major upgrade works at Bob Campbell Oval, including turf field, amenities and playground
- Continue the construction of a new Sport and Recreation Facility at 180 River Rd, Lane Cove
- Complete the development of a Masterplan for Burns Bay Reserve
- Implement playground equipment upgrades at Leemon Reserve and Stringybark Reserve
- Complete the development of a Masterplan for Stringybark Creek Reserve
- Celebrate Greenwich Library’s 60th Birthday and Lane Cove Library’s 70th Birthday
- Enhance the multimedia studio and develop podcasting facilities that create opportunities for collaboration and lifelong learning
- Develop communications on how to prepare for extreme climate events and emergencies
- Implement Childsafe Standard Policies and practices, including the provision of training
- Implement new utility management software (Trellis) to manage, monitor and report on energy and water use
- Respond to the NSW Government’s proposed Planning Reforms
- Manage the implementation of public domain works at St Leonards South, including the provision of water sensitive urban design principles
- Complete Village Streetscape Improvements along Burns Bay Road Lane Cove
- Implementation of Burns Bay Road Cycleway – Linley Point
- Explore funding opportunities for Shared User Pathways to access the new Sport and Recreation Facility
- Implement Lane Cove North Traffic Management Plan – Centennial Avenue Pedestrian Refuge and Close Elizabeth Parade
- Implement Lane Cove North Speed Reduction Plan
- Upgrade the intersection at Mowbray Road / Centennial Avenue / Greenlands Road to improve traffic flow east bound on Mowbray Road into Centennial Avenue
- Investigate the lane reconfiguration at Greenwich Road and River Road to improve traffic flow
- Undertake design development for Northwood Road Safety Upgrades
- Recognise, develop and celebrate sustainability champions, businesses and among Council staff
- Continue the Sustainability Rebates Program
- Incorporate circular economy principles in Council operations and promote sharing economy platforms in the community to improve resource recovery and reduce waste generations
- Work with local businesses to reduce waste and increase resource recovery
- Upgrade boardwalk and remediate land at Ventemans Reach
- Conduct a LGA wide bush track audit
- Convert the Terrace Function Room into a Multifunction Theatre Space
- Work with the community to promote and expand linkages to indigenous culture
- Support activation of the Village Streetscapes Improvements
- Develop and implement Councillor Induction Program
- Review relevant Council Codes and Policies following the induction of Councillors
- Transition Council’s fleet to Electric Vehicles by 2025 including purchasing up to two additional electric vehicles
- Implement outcomes of internal audits and service delivery reviews
- Review the Procurement Policy (based on OLG Model) ensure it is relevant, compliant and reflects contemporary sustainability standards
- Develop a Digital Engagement Strategy
- Undertake comprehensive review of Community Strategic Plan by engaging with the community and providing feedback on the outcomes/results of the engagement
- Review recruitment and retention strategies
- Introduce a new Leadership Development Program within Council
Draft Resourcing Strategy
This document outlines Lane Cove Council’s resourcing strategy and includes the three plans below.
Draft Long Term Financial Plan
The 10-year Long Term Financial Plan has the following objectives
- Maintain or improve existing service levels to the community
- Maintain a strong cash position
- Maintain an operating surplus in the annual Budget
- Maintain a sufficient Employee Leave Entitlements Reserve based on the age and entitlements of all staff, in accordance with Council’s Workforce Management Plan.
- Capital expenditure on asset renewal matches or exceeds depreciation to continue to maintain or reduce the infrastructure renewal backlog.
Iis noted in the Plan that:
“Council’s current financial position continues to remain sound. The audited Financial Statements as at 30 June 2023 indicate that Council’s internally restricted cash reserves totaled $72.2 million and its externally restricted cash reserves (such as developer contributions and grants) totaled $50.3 million and unrestricted cash of $1.2 million.”
Draft Asset Management Plan
This is an overarching document on how Lane Cove Council manages assets. The executive summary states:
“In our asset portfolio, we have over 29,000 assets, with a value of over $1.08 billion (June 2023).
Our asset portfolio includes roads, buildings, open space, stormwater, plant and fleet and other assets. These assets enable us to provide services and facilities to the community to meet their needs.
Our asset performance has been positive, meeting the Office of Local Government asset sustainability measures for many years. Continued focus on these measures will be required, particularly with increased population forecast and the demands it brings in terms of asset consumption.
Our asset value and condition has improved over the years and places us in a positive position to sustainably maintain and renew our asset portfolio:
- Council’s asset renewal backlog is currently estimated to be $11.6 million, representing slightly less than 2% of Council’s total asset value
- The current replacement value of our infrastructure assets is estimated at $718 million
- Buildings and road related assets make up 70% of our total asset stock by value with stormwater assets making up a further 14
- We plan to spend $144 million over the next 10 years on renewals ($88 million) and new assets ($56 million). 80% of our assets are either in Condition 1 (Excellent) or Condition 2 (Good) and do not require immediate replacement or renewal. Our asset management practices are reliant on quality asset data, effective asset management systems, efficient business processes, skilled staff and independent expert advice. This is critical for effective lifecycle management of assets to support the delivery of quality services.
- Over recent years, we have been modifying our asset management practices to suit the business needs, focusing on:
- Maintaining an integrated and fully centralised asset register for all our major asset classes
- Enhancing our asset management skills
- Integrating risk considerations within the asset management system and business processes Our focus is to improve our asset management maturity. This involves ongoing reviews of the following:
- Asset data and systems, including cyclical valuations and asset audits
- Skills and processes
- Asset evaluation and performance
Draft Workforce Management Plan
This Plan identifies Lane Cove Council’s people requirements, including skills and employment practices. The Plan details principles of human resource management, workforce planning and capability building. It outlines how Lane Cove Council will develop and maintain its employee base that meets current and future organisational and community needs.”
Rates Increase
The Minister for Local Government determined the general permissible increase in Rates for all councils in 2024/25 to be 4.9% increase.
Council levies two Ordinary Rates and one Special Rate as follows:
The Ordinary Residential Rate is levied on the Land Value of all Rateable Land categorised as Residential in accordance with S.516 of the Local Government Act (with the exception of heritage properties which are rated on their Heritage Valuation, as determined by the Valuer-General’s Department). The structure of these Rates will be an ad valorem (rate in the dollar) amount (s.497(a)). The rate in the dollar will be applied to the 1 July 2022 land values as determined by the Valuer-General. This structure will also include a minimum Rate which will be specified for each category of Rate.
Ordinary Rates – Residential The total estimated yield from Residential Rates is $24,571,478. The ad valorem rate proposed to be levied for the Residential Rate is 0.0007935 cents in the dollar on the Land Value as supplied by the Valuer-General. The estimated yield of the ad valorem amount is $12,780,354. The minimum amount for the Residential Rate will be $1,032.95. The estimated yield of the minimum rate is $11,791,124.
The Ordinary Rates – Business – The Business Rate applies to the following areas Lane Cove Central Business District, St. Leonards Business District, Industrial, and Other. The total estimated yield from Business Rates is $6,584,866. The ad valorem rate proposed to be levied for the Business Rate is 0.00515186 cents in the dollar on the Land Value as supplied by the Valuer-General. The estimated yield of the ad valorem amount is $5,775,574. The minimum amount $1,055.14 with an estimated yield of $809,292. An Ordinary Business Rate is levied on the Land Value of all Rateable Land categorised as Business in accordance with S.516 of the Local Government Act. The Business Rate has four Sub-categories: Lane Cove Central Business District, St. Leonards Business District, Industrial, and Other. The “Other” category covers properties such as corner shops and service stations.
It is proposed to levy a Car Parking Special Rate on Business premises in Lane Cove of 0.178247 cents in dollar with a minimum rate of $2 per assessment, to yield $186,667. This revenue will continue to offset the recent investment in carparking now available within the Village (e.g. The Canopy Car Park).
Lane Cove Council Fees and Charges
Some fees/charges are set by other legislation and cannot be changed (i.e. development application fees) however you may like to comment on charges that impact you.
For example:
Are you looking to remove 1 -3 trees (that are not in a dangerous position or overhanging a house) – the application fee has increased to $134.00. Note the Lane Cove Council now applies fees for a tree inspection when a tree is overhanging a house – this has increased from zero fees to $134.00.
Do you want to hire a local council hall (for example, having a party in Waterview Community Centre near Hughes Park) – see how much it will cost?
The fees and charges also include Car Parking Fees for Council-Owned Car Parks in Lane Cove Village – parking rates have increased slightly (see below)
Review the fees and charges on page 141 of the Delivery Programme and Operational Plan.
Stormwater Levy
A stormwater levy applies to provide additional funds to implement
stormwater projects as identified in the municipal-wide flood study. It is proposed to levy a stormwater levy of $25 per residential or business property and $12.50 per residential strata unit. The levy is proposed to raise $332,000. This levy is the same as last year.
Major Projects
Last year there was a complete list of Major Projects and costings. This year a list has not been included. In addition, In the Cove could not see any provisions for the lift upgrade at Lane Cove Market Square – read more here.
One of the biggest projects is the construction of the Sports and Recreation Facility at 180 River Road. Prior to this project being started, the Office of Local Government set out very strict requirements for reporting and updating the community on this project. ITC cannot see any specific reporting on the Sports and Recreation Facility—does this mean that the project is on time and within budget? The Council Snapshot sets out the latest information on budgetary impacts; however, it is noted that additional costs have arisen in relation to sewer works and a Remediation Action Plan.
Lane Cove Council was the developer of the Pottery Lane Building located across the road from the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre. It is both a residential apartment building containing one tower of seven storeys and a 6-level basement carpark and commercial offices.
The Department of Fair Trading issued a building work rectification order to Lane Cove Council to “remediate the potential serious defect” as set out in the rectification order.
The budget papers do not provide an update on this issue and how much the rectification costs will cost the Lane Cove Council buildling.
Sustainability Levy
In 2007 Lane Cove Council introduced a Sustainability Levy. The Levy was introduced with 79% support of the community to fast-track actions identified within the Lane Cove Council’s Sustainability Action Plan.
Many sustainability focussed projects and programs have been directly funded by the Levy and may not have been undertaken if it wasn’t for the introduction of a Sustainability Action Plan.
Bush Friend Casual Supervision
Dunois Reserve Restoration Project
Electric BBQ’s
Every Child a Bushland Experience
Feral Animal Control
HarbourCare
Lovetts Reserve Biodiversity Protection Project
Native Garden/Disability Support Program
On the Verge
Powerful Owl Support Program
Reducing Urban Heat in Lane Cove West
Rope Access Noxious Weed Control
Saltmarsh Restoration
Stormwater Outlets into Bushland Stage 1 – Overview
Streamwatch, National Waterbug Blitz including Bug Hunt
Stringybark Creek Erosion Control and Restoration Plan
TreePlotter – comprehensive tree audit
Tree Vandalism Banners
Urban Rewilding: Ecologically and Community Informed Futures Contribution
Ventemans Reach Contaminated Site – Remediation and Replacement Boardwalk -Stage 2
Volunteer Bushcare Program
Warrarron Wetlands Target Weeding
Ask a Sustainability Expert
Carbon Neutral Fleet
Climate Resilience Events
Electrification Rebates
Greener Apartments Program
Meet Your Neighbours events
Planting Resilience in Lane Cove
Real Estate and Strata Waste Guide
Resilient Sydney Membership
Supporting Solar on Community Facilities
Sustainability Communication
Sustainability Events
Sustainability Lane
Sustainability Reporting
Water Quality Testing
Village Graffiti Reduction Program
Business Support
Lane Cove Villages – Public Art Program
Library LEGO Club
Love Where You Live – A Playful Lane Cove
Seed Library
Showcasing sustainable solutions
Twelve Beetles of Christmas
The Canopy nuisance birds and rodents
Sustainability Contribution to the new Sport and Recreation Facility
What Happens Next?
After the Lane Cove Councillors approve the budget papers they will go out for community consultation and that is when locals can have their say.
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 alerting you to Lane Cove Council's Delivery Program, Operational Plans, Budget and Draft Fees (the Budget Papers) and asking for your comments.){kind=link}