Welcome to our week in review.
Power Supply Issues Due to Hot Weather – Wednesday 27 November 2024
Reserves of power supply in NSW are anticipated to be tight during this afternoon’s hot weather, and as a result a range of action is being taken to reduce demand on the energy grid.
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) says the peak period for power use in NSW will be between 3pm and 8pm, as people return home from work and school and output from the state’s large network of rooftop solar panels declines.
AEMO forecasts there could be insufficient generation available to meet the demand in NSW. As a result, steps are well underway to reduce demand and lessen the risk of load shedding leading to temporary blackouts in some areas.
AEMO and the NSW Government are activating programs that ask large government and private organisations to reduce their power use. These actions are expected to be adequate to maintain a reliable supply for NSW consumers, unless there is an unforeseen supply issue or weather conditions deteriorate.
AEMO has arranged a panel of large businesses to voluntarily reduce demand.
The NSW Government is activating two protocols to reduce demand on the energy grid.
First is the Government Energy Action Response which will see NSW Government agencies, local councils, Commonwealth and ACT Government agencies voluntarily reduce electricity use between 3pm and 8pm.
Agencies will do this by increasing the set point of air conditioning where safe and feasible, closing blinds, turning off non-essential lighting and turning off equipment when not in use.
Second is Voluntary Demand Reduction which asks four water utilities (Water NSW, Sydney Water, Hunter Water and Central Coast Council) and the City of Sydney, to shift electricity usage to outside peak demand periods.
These actions will free up power supply when pressure on the network is greatest.
If it is possible and safe to do so, businesses and households can also choose to make small changes to their electricity use between 3pm and 8pm to help reduce demand on the national grid during the evening peak.
For example, closing blinds, doors and windows to keep out the heat, and delaying the use of non-essential appliances such as dishwashers and pool pumps. If possible, set your air conditioning to 24 to 26 degrees between 3pm and 8pm.
Energy should be used as normal prior to 3pm when rooftop solar panels are powering much of the state. During the peak from 3pm to 8pm, every small step to reduce demand makes a difference.
In the heat it is important residents prioritise their health. Stay hydrated and avoid going outside in the hotter parts of the day where possible. Remember to check on at-risk relatives and neighbours.
Transport Orientated Development (TOD) Accelerated Projects
The Minns Labor Government has delivered masterplans for its Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Accelerated Precincts.
Masterplans have been completed for Bankstown, Bella Vista, Crows Nest, Homebush, Hornsby, Kellyville and Macquarie Park. See below the area that has been ear marked for quicker rezoning. The only area in the Lane Cove Council Local Government Area that is impacted is along the Pacific Highway in St Leonards South.
The finalisation of the rezonings for these precincts means development applications can now be submitted and assessed.
Also known as tier one TOD sites, these are high-priority locations that have undergone accelerated rezonings and will accommodate high and mid-rise homes within around 1200m of these metro and rail stations.
These homes and jobs will also be supported by $520 million to fund new public spaces and active transport links meaning more vibrant and walkable precincts.
The masterplans establish a three per cent affordable housing rate, with homes to be held as affordable housing in perpetuity across all sites, and higher affordable housing rates of up to 18 per cent across key sites within the precincts. The TOD Program is the first time in NSW history that a government has introduced inclusionary zoning for affordable housing in perpetuity.
To encourage faster development, new provisions were exhibited alongside the masterplans to offer a streamlined pathway for planning assessments, including:
Proposals which are more than $60 million (or approximately 100 homes) will have access to the State Significant Development pathway. This will provide an assessment within 275 days, with only 90 of those days being in government hands.
Excluding certain low-risk concurrence and referral (C&R) provisions as requirements for development applications, because this has been dealt with at the rezoning stage. This means that new homes will be delivered faster.
Exempting residential developments in TOD Accelerated Precincts from design competitions while still requiring design excellence and meeting the Apartment Design Guidelines.
These masterplans were finalised following public feedback received during an extended six-week community exhibition period which concluded in August.
All feedback from the community and stakeholders was carefully considered by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) to shape the finalisation of these rezonings.
This rezoning will come into effect this Wednesday, 27 November 2024, and development applications will then be able to be lodged to build new homes.
The delivery of the final masterplans for the TOD Accelerated Precincts will be a significant contribution to the Minns Government’s commitment to rebalance Sydney’s housing growth around existing transport infrastructure meaning better, more accessible and connected communities.
The TOD Accelerated Plan will mean:
Crows Nest – 5,900 new homes and 2,500 jobs. The benefits are:
- Better connectivity for walking and cycling to the Sydney Metro and heavy rail stations with new road and public open space upgrades.
- Increased tree canopy to maintain the leafy character of the St Leonards and Crows Nest precinct.
- These new homes and jobs are all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes and services, so young people, families and workers have somewhere to live.
- More information on TOD Accelerated Precincts can be found here: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/policy-and-legislation/housing/transport-oriented-development-program/accelerated-precincts
Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:
“By getting these masterplans done, we are another step closer to building more homes for the next generation.
“These precincts will deliver a mix of housing, new open spaces and playing fields – they’ll be great communities for families to build a life.
“This is all part of our Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes, so young people, families and workers have somewhere to live.”
Revenue NSW Time Delays in Issuing Infringement Notices for Lane Cove Council Parking – Update
Last week we included the following in our week in reveiw.
A roving reporter sent us a copy of a fine notice issued in November 2024 for an alleged incident in July 2024. Is this a denial of natural justice? Who remembers in November what you did in July? It would be different if we knew the ticketless system was accurate. Has anyone else experienced this time delay? The roving reporter also advised us that they received the fine notice and the payment reminder on the same day.
After we published the above the Lane Cove Council reached out to ITC and advised the following:
“The fine was processed for Revenue to issue on 5 August.
Once council were made aware of ITC’s post, we immediately contacted Revenue NSW and received the following response accepting responsibility:
While the fine was legitimate, and processed correctly and on time by council, we agree that 3.5 months between offence and receipt of a penalty, is too long. Council have instructed Revenue to cancel this fine.”
Businesses Under Pressure During Burns Bay Road Paving Upgrade
Footpath construction on Burns Bay Rd will replace the current old brick lining the sidewalk with granite pavers. Unfortunately, the work has come at an inconvenient time for local store owners, and now they need your help.
The work started in early October and was expected to be completed by December. This timeline has been pushed back to 2025 due to a delay in the pavement deliveries.
Retailers have seen a reduction in trade and they would like to remind you they are open for business.
Kick INXS Show Rocks The Canopy
Saturday 23 November saw the return of the Kick INXS Show to the Canopy stage.
The high energy show was enjoyed by music lovers – sax and guitar solos were a particular highlight! It was great to see diners at the Canopy restaurants also enjoying the show.
The next big event at The Canopy is The John Field band – find our more here.
Lane Cove Christmas Donations
As Christmas approaches many of us want to support those who may be struggling. From this week Sydney Community Services have food collection trolleys in Woolworths Lane Cove and Greenwich IGA to help you do just that.
Pantry staples and other shelf-stable items are welcome. These will be collected regularly by local volunteers, and then packed into hampers to be distributed throughout the community.
Sydney Community Services have been supporting younger people living with a disability, the elderly, young families and those facing financial hardship for over 50 years.
Lane Cove Council’s Trees of Joy Accepting Gifts Now
This festive season, Lane Cove Council is again inviting locals to give back by donating unwrapped gifts for children in need. Gifts for all ages of children and teenagers can be donated; collect a gift tag for inspiration from any tree location.
Donations can be made until Friday, 6 December 2024.
Where you can drop off gifts and donations
🎄 Lane Cove Council Civic Centre (At the Customer Service Desk)
🎄 Lane Cove Library
🎄 St Leonards Library
🎄 Greenwich Library
Gift ideas
🎁 Cinema Pass
🎁 Toys for younger children
🎁 Vouchers such as iTunes, Dymocks, Coles, Woolworths
🎁 Other gifts to suit teenage kids
Sydney Library of Things Expands to Northern Beaches
The Sydney Library of Things has opened its third branch at Cromer on the Northern Beaches. The first Sydney branch opened at The Coal Loader in Waverton during 2021, followed by Lane Cove in 2024.
The Sydney Library of Things was co-founded by two Lane Cove locals, Jacky Barker (In The Cove) and Bridget Kennedy, and former Lane Cove resident Carol Skyring.
The Manly Observer covered the opening of the Cromer branch.
Fun Fact: The bunting in the picture above was made from old Lane Cove Council Streets banners.
Will Your Art Adorn Our New Street Libraries?
Lane Cove Council is inviting artists to submit original, colourful artworks for two new Street Library locations, which will be installed by May 2025.
Artists can apply to two sites. The first is near Pottery Gardens, a retirement village near Lane Cove Village. The second is at Hughes Park, near Lane Cove River and Carisbrook Historic House. Artists can apply for one or both sites, but typically, each library will feature a different design.
The Street Libraries Project encourages the community to donate, swap, and borrow books from mini wooden library houses in local parks and streets. By decorating these libraries with painted artwork, the project aims to attract more attention to the libraries, enhance the local streetscape, and help reduce vandalism.
Interested artists can find more details and the full artist brief here: Streetside Gallery Artist Brief.
WIN a Step 2 My First Christmas Tree With The Lane Cove Toy Library
The Lane Cove Toy Library is giving away a Step 2 My First Christmas Tree. To enter, join The Lane Cove Toy Library by 15 December 2024.
If you join as a volunteer (free membership for four sessions a year), you get two entries.
So go ahead and join now or join up a friend as a Christmas Present.
Lane Cove In The News
The Daily Telegraph published an article about a Sydney teacher who has been jailed after he attempted to groom teenage boys online. He was caught out when an online vigilante group set up an account purporting to be a 15-year-old boy and arranged to meet in Lane Cove earlier this year.
You can read the article here.
Alfred Street Off Ramp Closed Until 2025
The upgrades to the Warringah Freeway continue. As of last Friday, 22 November 2025, the southbound Alfred Street exit has been closed. The exit will remain closed until mid-2025.
It is hoped that this temporary closure will help complete the project sooner and reduce noisy night works for nearby residents.
Get Ready For Christmas Beetle Mania!
Lane Cove Council have released their Christmas Program, and the Christmas beetle is the show’s star! Once a fixture of Christmas time, these beetles have been declining in numbers.
This Christmas, there are a number of activities for all ages that celebrate the Christmas beetle, from educational talks to crafts to a 12 Beetles of Christmas competition. The competition challenges locals to snap a picture of a real Christmas beetle or one of 12 Christmas beetle sculptures that will pop up around Lane Cove during December.
Have Your Say On Stringybark Reserve Masterplan
Lane Cove Council has released the draft masterplan for Stringybark Reserve in Lane Cove North. The release comes after an initial community consultation in 2023.
Stringybark Reserve Masterplan proposes:
- Upgrade to the playground, including and agility course, swing set and slides
- Additional barbecue facilities
- Upgrades to the community garden
- New sport and workout facilities
- Addition of an accessible toilet facility
- Implementation of water-sensitive design to improve drainage, such as rain gardens and bioswales
- Additional footpath to playground
- Improved turf in the off-leash dog area
View the full masterplan, and complete the online survey here.
Alternatively, you can lodge a written submission to the General Manager by quoting SU9544 via:
email: [email protected] or,
post: Lane Cove Council, PO BOX 20, LANE COVE, NSW, 1595
Consultation closes midnight Tuesday 21 January 2025.
La Voce Community Choir Christmas Carols at the Library
Live Music at Gallery Lane Cove This Friday
Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios invite you to spend an evening with Laurence Pike as he performs his new solo album, ‘The Undreamt-of Centre’, live in the Gallery. The performance will be situated within the context of the contemplative works of Douglas Purnell’s exhibition, ‘Through The Open Gate’.
Pike is a prolific drummer/composer/producer and one Australia’s most respected creative musicians. This new work draws on the sounds of modern classical music, Japanese environmental ambient music, fourth world electronics, free jazz and the choral traditions of Estonia, offering an evocative and contemporary reimagining of the requiem mass.
When: Friday 29 Nov 2024, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios, Upper Level, 164 Longueville Rd, Lane Cove
How: LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE
Crime, Accidents and Incidents
Today (Wednesday 27th November 2024) there was a car accident on Burns Bay Road an Penrose Street.
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