Lane Cove Council February 2025 Meeting

The Lane Cove Council February 2025 Meeting will be held on Thursday, 20th February 2025, at 7.00 pm.

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.

 

Mayoral Minute

Mayoral Minute – Importance of Social Cohesion – Joint Sydney Mayoral Roundtable Recommendation   

Mayor Merri Southwood has tabled a motion of notice asking councillors to condemn incidents of racism and violence.

The Mayor notes:

“Given the current threats to social cohesion that are prevalent in our community, I move that it is appropriate that our Council condemns the escalation of racism and violence against racial and faith-based communities and affirms its commitment to fostering social cohesion and inclusivity in our community.”

RECOMMENDATION   That Council:- 1.         condemns incidents of racism and violence against racial and faith-based communities and the recent escalation of attacks on homes, places of worship and schools of members of the Jewish community, 2.         affirms its commitment to fostering social cohesion and inclusivity in our community, 3.         calls on the federal and state governments to acknowledge the important role of local government in creating and maintaining social cohesion; and 4.         calls on the federal and state governments to resource Councils to develop and implement social cohesion strategies and policies.

 

Mayoral Minute – Meeting with Hon Paul Scully MP, Minister For Planning And Public Spaces and Hon Penny Sharpe MP, Minister For Energy, Environment, Heritage. Recommendation    

Mayor Merri Southwood noted:

“On 17 January 2025 I was invited by Jerome Laxale MP to join a meeting with the Hon Paul Scully MP, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Hon Penny Sharpe MP, Minister for Energy, Environment, Heritage to discuss tree vandalism and the possibility of increased penalties for tree vandalism.

The meetings took place on 29 January 2025.

In attendance at both meetings with the Ministers and their advisers were Jerome Laxale MP, Tanya Taylor – Mayor, Willoughby Council and President of NSROC, Hugh Phemister – General Manager, Willoughby Council, Zac Miles – Mayor, Hunter’s Hill Council and me.

The Mayor of Willoughby, in her capacity as President of NSROC, tabled a Willoughby Council document to both Ministers outlining the concerns of Willoughby Council in terms of tree vandalism. These concerns aligned with those of Lane Cove Council. The Mayor also outlined a suggested process whereby orders for tree planting, etc could be available to Councils to supplement the powers available to Councils now.”

Councillors are being asked to vote on the following resolution:

RECOMMENDATION   That Council:- 1.   Thanks Jerome Laxale MP for the opportunity extended to the Mayor to attend meetings with the Hon Paul Scully MP, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Hon Penny Sharpe MP, Minister for Energy, Environment, Heritage to discuss tree vandalism and the possibility of increased penalties for tree vandalism, 2.   notes that NSROC is in the process of establishing a working group to address tree vandalism across the member Councils and supports this initiative, 3.   continues to advocate at NSW government level for increased fines and other legislative measures to assist Councils in their fight to prevent tree vandalism in their LGAs: and 4.   thanks Council staff for their ongoing commitment to the prevention of tree vandalism and urges community members to notify Council of suspected cases of tree vandalism as soon as possible after detection by calling 9911 3555.

Notices of Motion

Notice of Motion – Companion Animals in our Community – Working towards responsible ownership Recommendation     

Councillor Kathy Bryla, Councillor Rochelle Flood, Councillor Helena Greenwell, Councillor Bridget Kennedy, and Councillor Merri Southwood have tabled a motion asking Council officers to report at the LCC April 2025 meeting on the status of actions taken and actions recommended to be taken in response to recommendations 12-15 of the Council’s Dog Strategy.

The notice of motion notes:

“Over the past three years, a recurring theme has emerged in discussions within the Dog Advisory Committee (now the Companion Animals Committee), Sport Club Advisory Committee, and Bushland Management Advisory Committee meetings. It has been recognised that there is a need for increased education and awareness among companion animal owners, as well as the broader community, regarding the etiquette and rules associated with responsible pet behaviour.”

That:- 1.   Council receives a report at its April 2025 meeting on the status of actions taken, and actions recommended to be taken, in response to recommendations 12-15 of Council’s Dog Strategy 2021, namely- 12. The location and content of all dog related signage will be audited and reviewed. 13. A comprehensive Information, Education and Communications Plan will be prepared that identifies the role and best use of each means of communicating with the community. 14. A central hub for dog related information will be provided on Council’s website. 15. Interpretive signage that explains the environmental significance of bushland areas and their sensitivity to a range of risks including dogs will be considered at the entries to the bushland reserves   2.   the report includes recommendations to expand education of cat owners as to their legal responsibilities   3.   the report detail funding remaining for companion animal education in Council’s 2024-25 financial year (if any) and funds required for the 2025-26 financial year to implement the above actions and recommendations.

 

4 Notice of Motion – Election Stalls and Distribution of Electoral Material at Council Events Recommendation

Councillors Southwood and Kennedy have tabled a notice of motion seeking councillors’ support to prohibit political advertising at all Council events.

The Notice of Motion includes:

“Lane Cove Council supports the right of those involved in electoral processes to campaign and undertake other activities associated with the electoral process.

The many electoral stalls in the Plaza in the lead up to elections are evidence of this support.

It is important, however, that the focus of Council events not be impacted by activities associated with electioneering for federal, state or local government elections.”

RECOMMENDATION   That Council  prohibits political advertising at all Council events, including but not limited to: •           stalls held by any political parties; and •           electoral candidates, councillors or members of parliament or third-party organisations promoting political parties or campaigns through flyers, posters, promotional items, or clothing.

 

Notice of Motion – Notice of Motion: Pricing Policy For Council Sporting and Aquatic Facilities. Recommendation    

Councillor Flood and Bryla have tabled a notice of motion to investigate options for discounted pricing for council sporting and aquatic facilities.

RECOMMENDATION   That: Council – 1.   Provides a report outlining: a.   Comparative pricing between council’s aquatic facilities and sporting facilities (including the proposed or finalised pricing for the sport and recreation facility if such data is available when the report is undertaken) and facilities of a comparable size based on their offerings and visitation numbers, across NSW, including but not limited to: Inner West, City of Sydney, Tamworth, Snowy Valley, Bellingen and Hawkesbury. b.   A cost comparison of discount schemes and the eligibility requirements for these schemes across NSW. c.   The feasibility of implementing a discount scheme with a focus on single entry price points (or workarounds to ensure people aren’t outplaying significant costs upfront) across Lane Cove Sporting and Aquatic Facilities (excluding those where fees are exclusively based on club membership). This should include discounts for aged pensioners, students (including tertiary students), single parents, the unemployed and those on low incomes (criteria to be determined following detailed comparisons). 2.   Investigate examples of free pool entry programs and report on options for a free pool entry trial in Lane Cove (with a view to any trial commencing after neighbouring pools including Willoughby re-open). 3.   That a suite of discount options be presented to Council by the end of 2025 calendar year including suggested models for implementation. 4.   Consider including a budget in the 2025/26 financial year for the work outlined in points 1-3 , to be undertaken by an external consultant if required.

 

Blackman Park Masterplan Update (For Council Adoption)

In October 2024, Lane Cove Council resolved to review the Blackman Park Masterplan 2013/14 to identify areas within the park for future enhancement.

Below is the Blackman Park Master Plan that councillors will be asked to vote on.

The new master plan also includes plans for new multi purpose Clubhouse amenities on the bottom oval (see architect’s drawings below).

The officer’s report summarises the community consultation in response to the review and presents the finalised Blackman Masterplan Update for adoption.

The officer’s report notes the following:

“Blackman Park Masterplan 2013/2014, and the improvements that have been made since its adoption, were reviewed by Council with the support of an extensive period of community consultation.

A consultation document for the Update to the Masterplan included prompts for specific additions, which gauged the type of enhancement to Blackman Park considered necessary by the community.

Overall, the community were receptive of introducing the Clubhouse Amenities building, improvements to the gym facilities and upgrades to the playground area. As a result, the Update to the Blackman Park Masterplan will focus on those three elements.

While the suggestion for the new activities; Pickleball and a Ninja Warrior Course, were welcomed by some, it raised concern for others.

In particular, the current parking and congestion issues have physical constraints to resolve and would only heighten with the increase of activation.

This issue of overactivation has also been raised for the proposed, and only available, location for either activity. The greenspace adjacent to the eastern Amenities building is already utilised by groups for events, by the means of planned activity or crowd overflow as well as the Scouts for their outdoor activities.

This green space also is integral to the functioning of Blackman Park, such as a permeable surface to offset the extent of impermeable surface, assisting in pedestrian circulation and providing passive opportunity amongst a vast active space. With the implication of new facilities, it has highlighted the decline of existing facilities which in turn cannot deliver the correct amenity to the community in the current state.

In response to these issues, the Masterplan Update recommended for adoption will incorporate the proposed Clubhouse building and not include the introduction of the new activities; Pickleball and Ninja Warrior. Upgrades of the existing facilities such as the playground and outdoor fitness equipment will also be included in the Masterplan Update.”

[ITC Note: The Lane Cove Cats Junior AFL Club commissioned the architect’s drawings, and they are a direct result of issues in relation to the location of the existing toilet and change room facilities, which are located nearer to the playground end of the park.  If teams are playing on the Blackman Park grass ovals, players have to cross an extremely busy car park to access the toilet and change rooms.

If teams play on the synthetic grass, they can access the Blackman Park Scouts Hall and Amenities Block – however, this is not an easy option for players using the bottom oval.

The Northern Suburbs Football Club, the Lane Cove Football Club, and the Lane Cove Cricket Club support the clubhouse amenities.

The bottom grass fields are used extensively by the Lane Cove Cricket Club’s junior girls’ cricket team, and the new clubhouse will include changing rooms for female teams. Read more about how Junior Girls’ cricket has gone from strength to strength in Lane Cove here.

It is envisaged that  like the renovated clubhouse facilities at Tantallon Oval other community groups can make use of the facilities – for example, the Stringybark Creek Residents Association hold their Meetings in the Tantallon Oval clubhouse rooms]

RECOMMENDATION That Council: 1.   Receive and note the results of the community consultation for the Blackman Park Masterplan Update 2.   Adopt the finalised Blackman Park Masterplan Update, included as AT-6.

 

Stringybark Reserve Masterplan Recommendation    

Stringybark Reserve Masterplan has been developed in response to the surrounding community and its unique site conditions.

The officer’s report includes the following:

“The first community consultation in 2023 informed the key issues that many of the park users agreed to; need for the playground upgrade, drainage issues and damage to the turf in the off-leash dog area, flooding events and general request for improvement.

The Draft Masterplan acknowledged the main themes within stages, to which the community supported the themes but not necessarily in the order in which they were proposed.  Additionally, the current natural setting of the park was emphasised as important to preserve.

The final Masterplan has now re-established the priority of proposed items, particularly to indicate the upgrade to the turf in the off-leash dog area and associated drainage using water sensitive urban design principals as a Stage One item. There are no proposed changes to the Masterplan arising from the consultation, however the staging of the implementation of the Masterplan  has been updated to reflect the funds available to undertake Stage 1 works with financial year. The Stringybark Reserve Masterplan is sensitive to the natural character of the park across all stages: the protection and succession of the existing mature trees, retention of its open space, introduction of additional water sensitive urban design measures and native planting.

Council support for this community led Masterplan can ensure that the construction of Stage One can commence this financial year (2024/2025), utilising the allocated grant funding.

Conclusion

It is recommended that Council adopt the Final Stringybark Masterplan to ensure that the Stage 1 works can be completed prior to the end of this financial year.”

 

RECOMMENDATION That Council: 1.   Receive and note the results of the community consultation for the Stringybark Reserve Masterplan; and 2.   Adopt the responding Stringybark Reserve Masterplan included as AT-1.

 

 

Nominations for Community Representatives to Advisory Committees Recommendation

The Officer’s report notes:

“Council is committed to ensuring the community is informed and encourages community participation in decision making, and an essential aspect of this process is the facilitation of advisory committees.

Council’s Advisory Committees consider and advise on a wide range of local issues by providing a discussion forum for Council representatives, local stakeholders and community members.

Councillor representation on Council Advisory Committees for 2025 was determined at the Ordinary Council Meeting of 24 October 2024. Council also resolved to call from community representatives to nominate for the following Advisory Committees:

• Access and Age-Friendly Advisory Committee
• Bicycle Advisory Committee
• Bushland Management Advisory Committee
• Companion Animal Advisory Committee
• Festival Advisory Committee
• Public Art Advisory Committee
• inclusion Advisory Committee (name to be determined)
• Sporting Club Advisory Committee
• Sustainability Advisory Committee
• Youth Advisory Group.

The Expression of Interest process commenced on 4 November 2024 and ran for six weeks until 16 December 2024. During this period information was placed on Council’s website (on the Have Your Say and Committees pages), E-Newsletters were sent to Council’s various newsletter subscribers, and Facebook posts were published.

Council received 87 nominations from community members to join Council’s Advisory Committees.”

You can view the people who have been selected to serve on the advisory committees here.

[ITC Note:  ITC’S founder Jacky Barker submitted a nomination to be on the Lane Cove Festival Advisory Committee and that nomination was successful – the committee is comprised of up to 12 members and only six nominations were received]

Officers Report for Information

3.1 Completion of the Pottery Lane Performance Space Recommendation

This report provides a final update to Council on the completion of the Pottery Lane Performance Space, outlining its features, the next steps for operational trials, community engagement, and the official opening. It is also to acknowledge the work of the Theatre Space Planning Reference Group for their work in helping create a new multifunctional performance space for Lane Cove.

You can read more about the new performance space here.

9 LEP Sustainability Review Recommendation

At its Ordinary meeting on 21 November 2024, Council resolved to commence a review of its Local Environmental Plan with a focus on Sustainability.

The purpose of the officer’s report is to provide a timeline for the review of Council’s Local Environmental Plan (LEP). The work program is set out below and is scheduled to be completed in late 2026 subject to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing & Infrastructure.

Timeline

 

10 Draft Model Code of Meeting Practice – Submission to the Office of Local Government NSW Recommendation

The officer’s report includes the following:

“Council understands the proposed amendments to the Model Meeting Code are designed to deliver on outcomes such as promoting transparency, integrity and public participation, promoting the dignity of the council chamber, depoliticising the role of the general manager and simplifying the Model Meeting Code.

Despite the concerns raised in Council’s previous submission on this matter and the concerns raised in relation to the latest version of the Model Meeting Code, it appears the NSW Government will likely proceed with major amendments to the Model Meeting Code that are likely to be introduced in the coming months.”

11 Delivery Program and Operational Plan – 2024/25 Second Quarter Review Recommendation  

The officer’s report notes the following:

This report outlines the 2024/25 Second Quarter progress towards achieving the projects and activities listed in the adopted 2024/25 Delivery Program and Operational Plan. It is recommended that the report be received and noted.

Discussion

The 2024/25 Delivery Program and Operational Plan was adopted by Council on 20 June 2024.

Council’s 2024/25 Delivery Program and Operational Plan outlines the strategies, actions and new initiatives proposed to be undertaken during the financial year in order to advance the goals and objectives of the Community Strategic Plan: Liveable Lane Cove: 2035. The Second Quarter Review of the 2024/25 Delivery Program and Operational Plan is attached at AT-1. The report indicates the responsible work area and includes a short progress report and action status.

Some highlights for the Second Quarter include:-

• Council was announced as the overall winner of the Local Sustainability Award at the 2024 Local Government NSW Excellence in the Environment Awards at a special event held in Sydney on 4 December 2024. Lane Cove Council was among 32 winners across a range of categories, with Lane Cove also accepting divisional awards for the Toward Net Zero Award and the Innovation in Planning, Policies and Decision-Making Award,
• The ‘Pottery Lane Performance Space’ was completed and hosted a comedy performance as the first trial event,
• Council partnered with the Edmund Rice Centre to host a Youth Climate Panel in October 2024 to showcase young climate leaders from the Pacific islands of Kiribati and Tuvalu.  The event welcomed 6 young people from the Pacific Island nations, of Kiribati and Tuvalu, and was well attended, with special guests including a delegation from the Kiribati Parliament; Hon Ruth Cross Kwansing, Hon Tessie Lambourne, and Hon Tauanei Marea, as well as Willie Kwansing, David Lambourne, Tekaura Tauanei, Tierii Tokintekai and Kauae Been, as well as Senator Abigail Boyd,
• Council held a movie screening of the documentary ‘Rising Up’ in the Canopy in early November 2024. The event included a Q&A panel following the film, with filmmaker Kal Glanzig and Australian Geographic Young Conservationist of the Year 2018, Sophia Skarparis, to hear about the positive impacts that young people can achieve,
• Council received an unqualified external audit from the NSW Audit Office with excellent 2023/24 results in all our key financial performance indicators,
• Nine Councillors were sworn in at an Extraordinary Council Meeting held in October 2024. Since this time, several councillor induction and professional development sessions have been held for the benefit of the new Council,
• The 2023/24 Annual Report and State of the City Report (formerly known as the End of Term Report) were finalised and received by Council,
• A Community Engagement Plan was developed and endorsed by Council for the review of the Community Strategic Plan, commencing February 2025,
• Adoption of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee 2023/24 Annual Report and the 2024/25 ARIC Annual Workplan,
• Presentation of the 2024 Annual Community Satisfaction Survey results report to council, highlighting the positive feedback Council received from hundreds of randomly selected local residents,
• The Lane Cove Community Nursery requisitioned a total of 2,315 free native plants for various Council programs,
• On The Verge provided 628 plants for nature strips and pocket parks,
• Lane Cove’s Bushcare program celebrated its 30th anniversary,
• The Home Library Service made 368 deliveries to 120 individual clients and 11 institutions in the Lane Cove and Hunters Hill local government areas,
• Hidden Sunflowers Program – Launched a new initiative supporting people with hidden disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder and mental health challenges on the International Day Of Disability,
• Multicultural Celebrations – Hosted vibrant Diwali celebrations showcasing cultural diversity,
• 12 Beetles of Christmas – An innovative Christmas program featuring local cultural groups, professional artists, and First Nations collective Gwiyaala Aboriginal Art, which created Beetle sculptural artworks used across the village at Christmas to highlight the declining numbers of thee beetles and what our community can do to help,
• Comedy & Disability Awareness – Hosted ‘Are You Pulling My Leg’, a comedy show featuring award-winning comedians with disabilities, sharing candid and humorous life experiences for International Day of Disability,
• Mental Health Awareness – Delivered Reconnect Program during Mental Health Month, including aged care support sessions, a seniors scam awareness workshop, and the youth-led Need A Lift mental health initiative,
• Small Business Month – Hosted business talks and workshops at Lane Cove Library, covering burnout, future planning, and retirement, alongside a business-focused reading list,
• Greenwich Library’s 60th Birthday – Celebrated with a library makeover, 150+ attendees, an art competition, and a birthday cake cutting,
• Podcasting for Art & Education – Library staff acquired Rodecaster Pro II podcasting equipment at St Leonards Library and is now used by Gallery Lane Cove to capture artist talks for exhibitions,
• HSC Study Nights – Over 200 students attended special study nights at Lane Cove and St Leonards Libraries, with access to collections, staff expertise, Wi-Fi, and study rooms,
• Youth Resilience Program launched with partnership with Synergy Youth centre and Relationships Australia to offer a weekly youth engagement program focused on resilience and life skills,
• Food & Wine by the River – 20 Mudgee food and wine producers attracted around 4,000 visitors for a successful riverside culinary experience,
• Rotary Fair & Sustainability Lane was successfully hosted and attracted over 20,000 visitors attended, making it a major community highlight,
• Christmas Festivities – The Lighting of the Christmas Tree and Bluey Live Christmas Experience drew thousands to the Village for Santa photos, face painting, and entertainment, and
• Digital Engagement – Launched a new Instagram Reels program, reaching 20,669 people with 7,917 views, sharing engaging Council news and events.

RECOMMENDATION   That the Second Quarter Review of the 2024/25 Delivery Program and Operational Plan be received and noted.

  

12 2024/25 Budget – Second Quarter Review Recommendation   

The officer’s report includes the following:

The 2024/25 Budget – Second Quarter Review involves a number of variations to both income and expenditure estimates.

Program Budget summary:

Capital expenditure has been reduced by $652K to $77,169K. When transfers to and from Reserves are taken into account, the net result of the quarterly review is balanced with no change to the program budget surplus.

Income Statement summary:

Taking into consideration the variations from the Review, the projected 2024/25 operating result before capital grants and contributions has been revised to a surplus of $105K from the original budget surplus of $109K. The overall operating result is forecast to be a surplus of $21,324K compared to the original budget surplus of $12,569K due mainly to a forecast increase in developer contributions.

It is recommended that the 2024/25 Budget be varied in accordance with this report.”

13 Bushfire Risk Management Plan Adoption Recommendation

In 2022/23, the Hunters Hill, Lane Cove, Parramatta, Ryde, Bushfire Management Committee (BFMC)  developed the Bushfire Risk Management Plan (BFRMP) 2024. At the Ordinary Council meeting of 18 May 2023, Bushfire Risk Management Plan (BFRMP) 2024 was endorsed for community consultation as per the requirements of the NSW Bushfire Coordinating Committee (BFCC). The consultation period was open from 23 May 2023 – 18 July 2023 for an eight (8) week public consultation period.

A total of seven (7) submissions were received for the BFRMP with one (1) submission received for the Lane Cove Local Government Area (LGA). These submissions were reviewed by the BFMC in conjunction with member councils, land holders and the NSW BCC for determination of recommendations before final approval and endorsement of the plan.

In January 2025 Council was notified that the plan officially adopted by the NSW BCC. The BFRMP is now being presented to Council for formal adoption.

14 Pecuniary Interest Returns for the 2024 Elected Council Recommendation    

The Officer’s report includes the following:

“The purpose of this report is to table the Pecuniary Interest Returns of Councillors as required by the Local Government Act 1993 and under the Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils in NSW (Model Code of Conduct). This report recommends that Council notes the tabling of these returns.”

Background

The disclosure of interest returns, written declarations and the disclosure of pecuniary interests at Council and Council committee meetings, supports community confidence in local government and ensures staff act honestly and responsibly, when carrying out Council functions.

Section 440AAB of the Local Government Act 1993 (“LG Act”) requires:

1. The General Manager must keep a register of returns disclosing interests that are required to be lodged with the General Manager under a code of conduct, and
2. Returns required to be lodged with the General Manager must be tabled at a meeting of the Council, being the first meeting held after the last day specified by the code for lodgment, or if the code does not specify a day, as soon as practicable after the return is lodged.

The Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils in NSW requires that all Councillors must lodge a written return of interests with the General Manager within three (3) months of becoming a councillor (4.21 (a)).

All returns for Councillors in office as of 1 October 2024 have been submitted and received within three (3) months of being elected.”

RECOMMENDATION   That Council note the report and tabling of Pecuniary Interest Returns of Councillors as of 1 October 2024.

Officer Reports for Information

Council Snapshot –  December/January 2025 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.