Welcome to our week in review.
NSW Planning: Low & Medium Density Housing – The Missing Middle
Apartment buildings of up to six storeys, terraces and townhouses will be encouraged around 171 suburbs in NSW, with Lane Cove being one of the suburbs targeted for the so-called missing middle.
The state government wants to enable homeowners and developers to convert their blocks of land into medium-density housing.
The idea is to free up blocks traditionally used for single-family freestanding houses by providing more housing on the same block that previously had one family occupying a house.
Most freestanding houses in Lane Cove are located in the R2 Zone—most blocks of land in Lane Cove range from about 500 to over 700 m².
The media release relating to these changes was issued on Friday, February 21st. ITC spent the following days reviewing all the information and indicative maps to write an article on the new planning regime.
The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (Planning NSW) information includes FAQs and further information. However, after speaking with an expert town planner and reading other published articles, ITC has noticed inconsistencies and ambiguities. The regulations are to be gazetted on 28 February 2025, and once we have reviewed those regulations, we will be able to publish an article on the new planning regime and crunch the numbers on the properties in Lane Cove that will be in the indicated new low—and medium-density zones.
It is hoped that the Lane Cove Council will hold an information session explaining the new planning regime. Willoughby City Council has already indicated that they will hold a community information session.
Read our article here on the changes as far as ITC understand them.
Gallery Lane Cove Officially Launches Two Exhibitions
On Wednesday, 19th February 2025, Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios launched two exhibitions, soft tongues, gritted teeth and Queer Materials. These thought-provoking works amplify the experiences and voices of the LGBTQIA+ community.
soft tongues, gritted teeth features the works of six artists from across Australia who use sculpture, print media, photography and film to “playfully and tenderly explore the body, gender, desire, power and kinship to offer affective encounters with queer intimacy and resistance” (guest curator, Sarah Rose). This exhibition is part of the Gallery Lane Cove Guest Curator Program. Women NSW funds it.
Queer Materials features the work of two textile artists, Giacomo Budini and SAARA138. Their works explore textiles as an expression of self, sometimes extension of physical self, and commentary on LGBTQIA+ experiences. Part of Mardi Gras + Festival and Gallery Lane Cove Emerging Artists Program
The opening event enabled guests to mingle with artists, meet the curators and immerse themselves in these artworks.
Miguel Olmo, Manager Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios spoke of the importance of putting on these exhibitions to showcase diverse voices within our communities, as well as providing a platform for emerging queer artists.
Our cover photo is the outdoor deck at Gallery Lane Cove.
Clean Up Australia Day Sunday 2nd March 2025
The annual Clean Up Australia Day events are taking place this Sunday 2nd March 2025.
Lane Cove residents have always been keen to roll up their sleeves and help keep our suburb beautiful.
Several local groups conduct Clean Up events each year. Cick here for all the details.
Lane Cove In The News
Lane Cove was mentioned in the news for a range of reasons this week; ongoing bus delays, property prices, coffee and healthy living standards.
Unwined was featured in this BeanScene article. BeanScene is about all things coffee—production, distribution, roasters, cafes, and more. The article profiles owner Luke Harriss and discusses the cafe’s evolution.
A Lane Cove house sale is in the spotlight after buyers paid more than $600,000 over the reserve. According to the Daily Telegraph article, a property on Finlayson Street went to auction with six registered bidders.
Bus services (or lack thereof) continue to be a hot topic. This Sydney Morning Herald article dives into the ongoing issues around service disruptions, driver shortages, and the impact on commuters. Lane Cove gets a mention for long queues during peak times and buses being overcrowded or not turning up at all.
Lane Cove is one of Australia’s healthiest areas, according to Insurance company AIA Australia’s Vitality Zones report; “Researchers crunched the latest data from Australia’s Health Tracker, surveyed more than 2000 Australians, and analysed average life expectancy and public hospital admission figures to identify the nation’s healthiest areas for the AIA Vitality Zones report.”
The Herald Sun has published an article on the report, outlining the factors that influence the outcomes for physical and mental health, and which local government areas (LGAs) are the healthiest across the country. Lane Cove is one of 13 NSW LGAs that make up the 45 Vitality Zones across the country.
Reminder: Election Signage Rules
As we inch closer to the announcement of the Federal election date (before 17 May 2025), Lane Cove Council has issued a timely reminder about what is and isn’t allowed regarding election signage. Election signs can be displayed on private property.
Election signs and other electoral materials cannot be displayed in public places, including:
❌ Public roads, footpaths, and nature strips
❌ Power poles and other public infrastructure
❌ Motor vehicles (leaving leaflets on cars is considered littering and may result in fines)
❌ Footpaths or public places (A-frame signs and advertising boards are not permitted)
Rangers are authorised to issue fines for breach of these rules.
More information is available on Council’s website.
Osteoarthritis Study Seeks Participants
The TOPS trial (The Osteoarthritis Prevention Study) is a research program by the University of Sydney. It’s a 48-month study and one of the first prevention clinical trials that could help people reduce their risk of knee osteoarthritis by discovering whether diet and exercise can prevent knee osteoarthritis in women aged 50 years or older. Participants will be randomly assigned to a diet, exercise, or health education group. The diet, exercise, and health education classes are in St Leonards and Hunters Hill, Sydney.
If you are a:
- Women over 50
- With a BMI of 30 or above
- Live a 30-minute drive from Royal North Shore Hospital or Hunters Hill
- Little to no pain in one knee
You might be the person the team is looking for to help reduce knee osteoarthritis Find out more here.
Business Alerts
Brewmance
@brewmance.official opened their Lane Cove doors on Monday, 24the February 2025. It is located at The Village Shopping Centre. It is located where NiBu Cafe used to be, opposite Harris Farm. Davide and Vica are the team heading up the cafe – they are so keen to meet you. ITC spotted Jay and his dog Penny who were the first customers on Monday morning.
The Lane Cove cafe is in addition to the successful Brewmance cafe in Crows Nest.
Sarnie Panini (sandwich and espresso)
A sandwich shop is opening next to MBE Lane Cove. The arcade is the last arcade on Longueville Road (The Alcott Lane Cove). The fitout has been extensive, with a new grease trap and fan extractors, so we will let you know when it is open. ITC can tell you the number of times people have told us how much they miss a sandwich shop since Lettuce Temp You closed.
Author Talk with Tamara Chavalle @ St Leonards Library
Join Tamara Chavalle as she discusses her debut novel “But baby you’re worth it!” This fictionalised memoir is about a woman who suffers terrible injuries during the birth of her second child. Tabitha, goes from blissful new mother to a mother racked with pain because of mistakes made in the delivery room. The story of one mother’s strength and determination to overcome adversity for the sake of her family.
More about Tamara and her book here. Books will be available for purchase on the night.
When: Thursday 27 February 2025, 6:15pm – 7:30pm
Where: St Leonards Library, LG 88 Christie St, St Leonards
How: Bookings essential
Mike Kenny’s Blue Hues
Be entertained by Mike Kenny’s five piece jazz ensemble in the new Pottery Lane Performance Space.
When: Friday 28 February, 7.30pm – 9pm
Where: The Pottery Lane Performance Space – 1 Pottery Lane Lane Cove
How: Bookings essential.
Cost: $22.50
Downsizing Information Session
You are invited to join Julia Dyer, Downsizing Communications Specialist, as she shares independent advice to help you feel more confident and in control on your Downsizing journey so you can transition with ease.
Crime, Accidents and Incidents
Car Stolen
On late Friday or early Saturday morning, 22 February 2025, a BMW X3 wagon was stolen from Lane Cove Street near the village. A wallet was stolen from another car parked on the same street (but at a different end).
Mowbray Road Accidents
In the Cove is over 12 years old, and since we have been around, we have constantly received complaints about the number of accidents on Mowbray Road Lane Cove North. There is a bend in the road near an unoccupied site that used to be a Caltex Service Station, and it is an accident hotspot.
Last year there was a fatality on Mowbray Road – read more here
On 21 February 2025, Raeleigh Karakashian a lane cove local who works at Pristine Pool & Spa Service was ready with her video camera as she told ITC that as soon as it rains cars spin out of control on this section of the road. Raeliegh posted the following on Lane Cove Chat by ITC
“The fact that I took this video before the accident happened is a sad fact that there is a major issue that needs rectification on this bend. Cars have been losing control here since the 90’s and probably before then. It is a combination of the corner and also the speed of the drivers. I watch multiple cars lose control and correct themselves every single time it rains. I would not deem any of them going above the speed limit or at extreme speeds just too fast for the design of the road.”
Lane Cove Council posted the following on their website on 26th February 2025:
“In recent years, a number of measures have been introduced along Mowbray Road in Lane Cove North to help improve road safety.
This includes the installation of guard rails, high friction pavement, speed advisory signs and an electronic speed sign.
In September 2022 more extensive works were undertaken to fix the superelevation of the road in the vicinity of 426-432 Mowbray Road and narrow the lane width to direct the path of traffic.
More recently Council has been investigating options to potentially increase the radius of the bend and/or install a centre island with redirective kerbs.
These two concepts have been discussed with Transport for NSW and Willoughby Council and will hopefully be the subject of a grant funding application in the next quarter.
As part of our ongoing monitoring of safety on Mowbray Road, Council has been reviewing the average speed along the road using the data from the electronic speed sign.
The data shows that 85% of Mowbray Road users travel at 51km/h and while there were four instances where drivers clocked more than 90km/h, overall less than 1% of drivers were in excess of 60km/h.
This information complements the Lane Cove North Speed Reduction project introduced by Council in 2024 which seeks to reduce the average speed in the area.
A number of traffic calming measures have already been installed as part of the project including 17 speed humps and linemarking along 7 streets as part of the move to designate the whole area as 40km/h.”
The speed monitoring undertaken by Council is very interesting as it shows that drivers are sticking to the speed limit.
Week in Review Sponsor
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With an emphasis on fresh ingredients and meticulous preparation, each dish is crafted to preserve the natural taste of the ingredients. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Joychew provides a warm and inviting space to enjoy a true taste of Cantonese culinary excellence. Highly recommended by the community, it’s no surprise that it’s hailed as one of the best in Sydney.
Book your table online today and experience the flavours of Cantonese cuisine like never before!
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