Welcome to our week-in-review.

A lot is happening with state and local development planning policy, some Lane Cove locals in the spotlight, and plenty more.

Breaking News – Wednesday 6.41 pm 17 July 2024 – Lane Cove West Liberal Party Candidate for Lane Cove Council Elections

Berrys Creek Pollution

Berrys Creek runs through Greenwich and Wollstonecraft and has been identified by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) as part of local reserves that are rare examples of a natural place within a highly urban city.

AILA believes that the area is of state significance as one of the few remaining natural landscapes in Sydney Harbour that are mainly unmodified.

Our cover photo was taken on 9 July 2024 by a roving reporter who is concerned about the impact on the harbour and the creek wildlife.

A Lane Cove Council spokesperson told ITC:

“Sediment controls for any construction site are based on the NSW Government’s Managing Urban Stormwater: Soils and construction (the Blue Book).  “This resource is a guide for local councils and the development industry on stormwater management, mainly erosion and sediment control during the construction-phase of urban development. Better management of stormwater will: reduce pollution to downstream areas and receiving waters …..”

The best practice guide methodology isn’t designed for extreme wet weather events experienced frequently recently. It is not possible to retain the volume of water from high intensity storms on a site. Similarly, the typical sediment control fencing utilised is not a dam, it filters out heavy particulates, so even with this in place there will be small size particulates in runoff which colour the water.

Council meets regularly with all the builders and the compliance team inspect the sediment control works on all the building sites and take enforcement action when appropriate. The most recent inspections reveal each of the sites have in place silt & sediment controls in line with best practise. This includes on site filtration systems with water testing and the site boundaries are protected by sediment control measures.

Where the works have been deemed appropriate for the site and they are being suitably maintained, Council makes allowance for the volume of rain in relation to enforcement. This area is part of a large catchment that during extreme weather events is subject to substantial natural run off. To this end Council has requested for some sites in St Leonards South to sediment control designs be peer reviewed to ensure there are no further improvements that can be made. If the controls are inadequate or are not well maintained, fines have and will be issued.

In the interests of the local environment Council is arranging for the creek to be cleaned and will issue a cost compliance notice under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act {POEO} to each of the developers.”

Unfortunately, this is not the first time that the environmentally sensitive area of Berry’s Creek has been polluted, with a diesel leak from another development in St Leonards – read more here and Newlands being fined for polluting the creek – read more here.

NSW Government Unveils Planning League Table for NSW Councils

ITC wrote an article in May about the updated Housing Targets for the Lane Cove Council area.

Late last week, the NSW Government released its Planning League Table, which aims to improve the response time for development applications to meet State and Local Government targets for housing supply.

Councils assess approximately 85% of all residential development applications. A new Statement of Expectations and league tables to monitor how Councils are addressing the housing crisis will track the efficacy of their development approval processes.

In addition to council planning data, State agencies’ concurrence and referral timeframes will also be published.

The Government said Regionally Significant Development Applications referral times to planning panels will be published in August 2024, State Significant Development assessment timeframes for infill affordable housing will be published in September 2024, and Transport-Oriented Development accelerated precinct assessment timeframes in 2025.

There is a pool of $200 million in financial incentives for councils that meet the new expectations for development applications, planning proposals and strategic planning.

These financial incentives will go towards grants for councils to fund more green space such as parks, sporting facilities and smaller pocket parks, plus maintenance of local streets and footpaths which councils maintain.

For Councils that consistently underperform over time, the Minister for Local Government has the authority to issue a Performance Improvement Order. A Performance Improvement Order outlines the actions that the Minister requires to improve the council’s performance.

Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig said, “The State Government is instituting a range of measures to support councils but where there is continuing underperformance despite that support, I will step in. The NSW Government is serious about addressing the housing crisis and while this is a last resort, we will explore every avenue available to us in order to build more homes.”

Access the league table and Statement of Expectations Order here.

Arrest After Man With Weapon Involved in Fire at Hunters Hill Address

Around 11 a.m. on Monday, 15 July 2024, emergency services were called to a property on Figtree Road, Hunters Hill, following a concern for welfare. When officers attached to Ryde Police Area Command attempted to approach the property, they noticed a man inside was armed with a machete.

Specialist police, including negotiators, were called to the scene. At about 1 p.m., smoke was seen coming from the property. Fire & Rescue NSW attended and extinguished the blaze.

Police arrested a 56-year-old man, who was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital for assessment.

Inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Upcoming Night works – Greenwich Point Wharf 

Greenwich Point Wharf is being upgraded as part of Transport NSW’s Safe Accessible Transport program,-.

The lift pit near the wharf was successfully installed in June 2024, and the construction team is now ready to install the steel lift shaft that will connect the gangway to the sea wall.

To enable the steel lift shaft parts to be transported safely and installed accurately, they must work at night when the water is calmer and there is less marine traffic.

Night work to install the steel lift shaft is expected to occur over 14 nights between Sunday, 21 July, and Thursday, 15 August, from 9 pm to 6 am, weather and maritime conditions permitting.

All other construction activities will continue during standard work hours, from 7 am to 5 pm.

Click here for full details, including information about the new 267 bus service between Chatswood and Greenwich Point Wharf.

For tips and information on what to do if you have a 3G device – click here.

Greenwich Community Association Concerned About Lack of a Direct Bus Between Greenwich and Lane Cove

As the proposed opening date for the new Metro stations approaches (August 4 2024), the Greenwich Community Association (GCA) is concerned that removing Route 265 will impact residents’ ability to access services within Greenwich and surrounding suburbs, particularly Lane Cove.

The Association has noted that removing Route 265 has two serious consequences.

• There is no bus to carry schoolchildren between the two Greenwich Public School campuses, both before and after school, particularly as before and after school care is only provided at the Infants School Campus on Greenwich Rd. Additionally, there is no bus for children to catch to and from school if these students live anywhere south of River Rd.
• There is no direct bus for residents living south of River Rd to visit shops and services at Lane Cove. Instead, they must catch two buses and walk between them at the steepest section of River Road at the Greenwich Road intersection. This will have profound implications for residents who do not drive.

You can find out more about the Greenwich Community Association here.

Spotlight on Some Amazing Lane Cove Locals

Dr George Patrick Bridger Awarded an AM in 2024 King’s Birthday Honours

Every year, just before the King’s Birthday Honours are publicly announced, the media are sent an embargoed list of all the recipients with their suburb and postcode.

This embargoed list enables the media to contact local recipients and interview them for a story published on Monday, the King’s Birthday holiday.

This year, Longueville local Dr George Patrick Bridger was omitted from our list of local recipients as the Governor General’s office did not include his postcode and suburb in the information provided.

When we published our list of local King’s Birthday Recipients, several locals immediately contacted us and said that Dr Bridger was also honoured in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours.

We are pleased to advise that Longueville local Dr Bridger was awarded an AM for significant service to medicine through otolaryngology head and neck surgery.

Read more about Dr Bridger here.

Charlie Pidcock conquers the English Channel.

We recently reported that local Charlie Pidcock planned to swim in the English Channel.

We are pleased to report that 54-year-old Charlie completed the swim in 12 hours and 21 minutes, with help from his Lane Cove buddies.

Adrienne Cahalan

One of Australia’s most successful sailors, Lane Cove local, was featured in The Roar, sharing her experiences in the sport.

Please read our article here on Adrienne when she was inducted into The Australian Sailing Hall of Fame. 

Tamara Chavalle

Local Preschools Participating in Research Trial

Possums Corner Childcare Centre and North Ryde Community Kindergarten have joined other sites across Sydney to Partner with UNSW and The George Institute in an Intergenerational Playgroup. Locals can also participate!

Calling all adults 65+: Opportunity to Participate in an Intergenerational Playgroup Program 

Incredible opportunity for older adults (65+) to participate in an Intergenerational Program under the “INTEGRITY” research trial, bringing adults and pre-school-aged children together for fun-filled and engaging activities, hoping to improve health and well-being outcomes for all. 

Similar to the playgroup seen on the ABC Program ‘Old People’s Home for 4-Year-Olds’. 

Starting soon, this 20-week program involving 2-hour weekly sessions will be held at nearby local preschools!  Eligibility requirements apply. Interested or want to know more? Call +61 2 8052 4365, email [email protected] or visit here. 

More detailed information about the research and intergenerational program can be found here.  

Feel free to share this information with older adults you know who live outside the Lane Cove area and who might be interested. See the list of current preschools partnering in the trial here.

Are You A Lane Cove Helmet Hero?

Another great competition from Lane Cove Council – Helmet Heroes.

Lane Cove Council wants to see locals enjoying the new Blackman Park Skate Park!

To win a $50 Lane Cove Gift Card – film a video of you and your friends at Blackman Park Skate Park.

Send Council a helmet cam or hand-held video that you have taken of the fantastic new Skate Park to [email protected] to enter. Entries close at 11:59 pm on Monday, 22 July 2024. Full T&Cs here.

Some videos will be featured in Lane Cove Council’s upcoming Annual Report or on their website and the Council’s Facebook page.

Experience Winterfest in The Canopy

Lane Cove West Football Club Runner Up in State Final

Last week, we reported that the Lane Cove West Under 16 boys team were playing in a state final.

ITC received the following match report:

“The boys suffered a double early setback, conceding two goals in the game’s first five minutes.

The team reset brilliantly and played some great football without getting the reward of a goal before halftime.

In the second half, LCW FC pushed and committed to getting back into the match, but unfortunately, it wasn’t to be our day.

It was an amazing achievement to reach our first NSW State Cup final. We played a progressive, attacking style of football, cheered on by our brilliant families and fans.

The team returns to action this Saturday in the NSFA Super League, battling for the U16 Super League title with three rounds to go!”

Join The Lane Cove 12ft Sailing Skiff Club. 

With the start of the sailing season only two short months away, The Lane Cove 12ft Sailing Skiff Club (LC12ftSSC) reminds current members to renew and invites new members to sign up.

Located on the upper reaches of the Lane Cove River, at the end of Stuart Street Longueville, the LC12ftSSC is a family-friendly, focused, not-for-profit Club operated exclusively by a large team of energetic sailors, their families, and supporters.

Sailing has been organized from the Longueville Point site since at least 1896/97 and has operated from this location next to the Longueville Wharf since 1918. 

Visit LC12ftSSC’s website to view the full membership options and sailing season details.

The club also runs a very popular learn-to-sail school holiday program, so check the LC12ftSSC website for more information!

Police issue warning over phone scam – Sydney CBD

Police are warning the Sydney community to be aware of hoax phone callers who purport to be from The Rocks police station and attempt to obtain personal details over the phone.

Police have received numerous calls from concerned community members, reporting that they have received phone calls and voice messages requesting that they provide their personal details, as they have been identified as victims of a scam or online fraud.

Officers from Sydney City, Police Area Command, are investigating the source of the calls.

Police would like to use this incident to remind the public to take the following precautions to reduce the risk of being scammed by cold callers:

• If you receive a threatening phone call (and demanding money), hang up immediately;
• Do not disclose personal details to the caller;
• Never provide your personal or banking details to a person who calls you;
• Never provide your financial PIN or account passwords to anyone;
• Do not make any payments to the caller, either via phone, internet, or cash;
• If you are suspicious about the credentials of a person on the phone, ask questions of them. If they avoid answering or refuse to provide information, hang up;
• Don’t let scammers pressure you – scammers use detailed scripts to convince you that they’re the real deal and create a high-pressure situation to make a decision on the spot;
• If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately and
• Contact police immediately to report the incident.

To find out more information about scams or to find out other ways to protect yourself, visit www.scamwatch.gov.au.

If you have been the victim of a scam, you can report it to local police or to the ACCC online at the ‘SCAMwatch report a scam’ page or by calling 1300 795 995.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Crime Accident and Incident Report

Goods in Custody – Lane Cove – 10/07/2024   

A 35-year-old male has been charged with Goods in Personal Custody Suspected of being stolen.

At approximately 9:15 a.m. Wednesday, July 10, 2024, Police observed a male riding an E Scooter on the footpath in Lane Cove without a helmet. Police stopped the male and had a conversation, after which they had cause to search him.

Police allege that numerous stolen items, including identity documents, credit cards, and jewellery, were located as a result of the search. The property was seized by police, and the male was issued with a Field Court Attendance Notice to appear before Hornsby Local Court in September.

Custody of a knife in a public place – Chatswood – 13/07/2024     

An 18-year-old male has been charged with Custody of a knife in a public place.

On Saturday, July 13th, 2024, Police were conducting an operation in Chatswood CBD. At about 2:20 pm., the male was observed by Police allegedly crawling under the ticket gates at Chatswood Interchange without “tapping off.”

Police approached the male and had a conversation, after which police had cause to search the male. Police allegedly located a 21cm knife on the male as a result of the search. Police seized the knife.

The male was issued a Field Court attendance Notice for keeping a knife in a public place. He will appear before Hornsby Local Court in August.

Trespass, Possess prohibited drug, Possess prescribed restricted substance & Possess graffiti implement with intent to contravene s 4(2) – Mosman – 13/07/2024  

A 19-year-old male has been charged with Entering enclosed land, not prescribed premises without lawful excuse, Possessing a prohibited drug, Possessing/attempting to possess a prescribed restricted substance, and Possessing graffiti implement with intent to contravene s 4(2).

At about 12:10 a.m. on Saturday, July 13th, 2024, Police were conducting patrols of the Mosman area when they observed a male walking along a footpath. As Police passed the male, he allegedly attempted to conceal his face and then turned to walk in the opposite direction. Police tried to speak to the male, at which point he started to run.

Police allegedly located the male a short time later, hiding in the rear of a property. The male was arrested for trespassing and searched. During the search, police allegedly located a clear resealable plastic bag of cocaine, 5 Valium tablets, 7 Spray paint cans and five marker pens.

The male was issued a Field Court Attendance Notice and will appear Before Manly Local Court in August.

House party – Neutral Bay – 14/07/2024     

A 25-year-old male has been charged with hindering or resisting a police Officer in the execution of duty and Failing or refusing to disclose identity as required following a house party in Neutral Bay.

At about 12:20 a.m., Police received information about a house party occurring at a rental property in Neutral Bay. The property had been rented to a person with what police will allege were fraudulent details.

The rental occupants refused to allow Police access to the location, resulting in a specialist unit attending and extracting the occupants one at a time. The male allegedly resisted Police during the process and was arrested and conveyed to Chatswood Police Station. The party was shut down, and the Police obtained all occupants’ details. Police are making further enquiries about who made the initial booking using the alleged fraudulent information.

The male was charged with Hindering or Resisting a Police Officer in the execution of duty and Failing or refusing to disclose his identity as required. He will appear before the Manly Local Court in August.

Graffiti – Waverton – 16/07/2024   

A 16-year-old male has been charged with a Person under 18 years possessing a spray paint can in a public place, going onto or into or remaining on or in running lines & Intentionally marking premises, etc, without consent – aggravated.

At about 1:50 a.m. on Tuesday, July 16th, 2024, the male, allegedly in the company of another young person, gained access to the rail corridor at Waverton. The pair travelled along the rail tracks westerly and were monitored by CCTV cameras. Police will allege that the male was observed marking rail infrastructure fences and poles with spray paint.

Police were notified as a result and attended shortly after locating the pair, who immediately ran from Police. Police stopped the male and placed him under arrest. They had cause to search the male and allegedly located 11 cans of spray paint in his backpack. The male was conveyed to Chatswood Police Station, where a support person was organised for him.

The male has been charged with a Person under 18 years possessing a spray paint can in a public place, Going onto or into or remaining on or in running lines, etc. & Intentionally marking premises, etc, without consent – aggravated and will appear before Surry Hills Children’s Court.

Week in Review Sponsor – Garcon

Are you made of mussels?

On Thursday nights at Garçon Lane Cove you could be.

They will offer unlimited mussels with all-you-can-eat fries, or as the French call it, Moules Frites. It’s a match made in heaven.

Mussels come with your choice of sauces: Provençale (tomato and basil), Wine and Cream, and Thai (lemon grass, chili, and coconut cream). Served with French fries and ended with a dessert.

What: All You Can Eat Mussels, Fries with dessert

Where: The Canopy, 2 Rosenthal Ave Lane Cove

When: Every Thursday night from 5:30 pm-9:00 pm

Price: $58 per person

Book: www.garcon.com.au