Welcome to our week in review.
Budget Commitment For More Lane Cove Buses
As part of the NSW Government’s budget announcement, 50 new articulated “bendy” buses will be rolled out to help ease overcrowding on key Sydney routes—including services through Lane Cove.
Read the press release here announcing the new buses
Bus service reliability and capacity have been an ongoing issue for Lane Cove residents. Privatisation, increased population and changes to services and routes since the Sydney Metro line opened has all had an impact. See our March 2025 article with links to more background information about the issues impacting bus services in Lane Cove.
Lane Cove Council June Meeting
The Lane Cove Council March 2025 Meeting will be held on Thursday, 19th June 2025, at 7.00 pm.
Residents can write to councillors about any agenda item or issue. If you use the email address – [email protected], your email will go to all councillors.
Council meetings are live-streamed and viewable via the webcast on this website.
You can also attend the Lane Cove Council meeting in person. The Council chambers are located on the ground floor of the Lane Cove Civic Centre 48 Longueville Road Lane Cove.
Public members can address the councillors for a time limit of three minutes per person (in-person or virtually) during the public forum segment of the Ordinary Council Meeting. Register by using the online form no later than midnight, on the day prior to the Ordinary Council Meeting.
The public forum provides an opportunity to address only. It is not a forum for debate or response from Councillors.
This agenda is a packed agenda and in particular the draft budget papers have been released revealing that a significant rate rise could be coming next year as Lane Cove Council struggles to balance the budget.
There are two agenda items which stand out.
Community Consultation Results – Draft 2025/26 Budget, Draft Fees and Charges, Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan, Draft Resourcing Strategy and Associated Resource Plans Recommendation – Read more about the increased fees and rates here.
Lane Cove Sport and Recreation Centre – Request for Tender – Facility Operation and Management (excluding food, beverage, and events) Recommendation
The meeting will also be asked to vote on the following recommendations from the Traffiic Advisory Committee:
- Richardson Street West, Lane Cove – Extension of No Stopping Zone
- Tantallon Road, Lane Cove – Installation of ‘No parking – vehicles under 6m excepted – at all times’
- Berry Road, St Leonards – Change the Existing Accessible Parking Space to a 3P Accessible Parking Zone
- Regulatory Signposting and Line Marking
- Merinda Street, Lane Cove – Extension Of ‘No Parking’ Zone
- St Leonards Precinct – Traffic and Safety Concerns
- StIgnatius College, Riverview – Temporary One-Way Traffic.
Read the full agenda here.
Lane Cove 12ft Skiff Club Urges Community Action Against Woolwich Marina Expansion
The proposed expansion of Woolwich Marina has been amended, prompting the Lane Cove 12ft Skiff Club to call for renewed public objections. The deadline for submissions is Friday, 27 June 2025.
The amended Development Application (DA20230094) seeks to increase the marina’s berthing capacity from 45 to 79, accommodating vessels up to 25 metres in length. While the applicant has made adjustments—including reorienting the marina layout and adding public facilities—the Lane Cove 12ft Skiff Club maintains that the expansion poses significant risks to recreational boating and the local environment.
The club’s objections highlight concerns such as:
- Narrowing of the river channel, increasing congestion and safety hazards.
- Restricted shoreline access due to wave attenuators.
- Increased vessel movements, including larger boats up to 25 metres.
- Tripling of the marina’s footprint, limiting public access.
- Potential disturbance of harmful marine sediments during construction.
In addition to maritime concerns, the club notes potential impacts on traffic, noise, visual aesthetics, and local heritage.
Hunters Hill Council has formally opposed the Woolwich Marina expansion, supporting the Sydney North Planning Panel’s unanimous February 2024 decision to reject the original Development Application (DA20230094). The Council cited serious concerns including navigation safety, environmental degradation, and the alienation of public foreshore space.
Following this rejection, the marina’s proponents lodged a Class 1 Appeal in the NSW Land and Environment Court in April 2024. Hunters Hill Council has joined the legal proceedings as a respondent, working alongside local community groups to resist the development. During the initial public exhibition phase, the Council reported receiving 121 objections and just three unique submissions in support of the proposal. The Council continues to stand with the community in opposing the revised DA now under assessment.
Lane Cove 12ft Skiff Club urges all members and supporters to submit individual and personalised objections via the Hunters Hill Council portal. Objections can be brief and only require your name and email address.
The club also encourages the community to support the campaign by signing a petition in relation to this development proposal.
Rotary Lane Cove Special Event – Speaker Peter Joseph AM
The Rotary Club of Lane Cove is excited to welcome Peter Joseph AM, Chair of the Black Dog Institute (and long-time local), for a special community event on Tuesday, July 1st at The Diddy. This will be a thought-provoking evening, as Mr. Joseph shares his personal journey and reflections on leadership, community service, mental health advocacy, and ethical decision-making.
In conversation with journalist Emma Rossi, Peter will discuss how Rotary helped shape his values and purpose early in life. He’ll also touch upon the founding and growth of the Black Dog Institute, now in its 22nd year, and its mission to offer better mental health for all. A deeply personal aspect of his story includes how the Black Dog Institute stands as a legacy for his son Michael, who he and his wife Nettie lost to suicide 19 years ago.
Peter Joseph AM has had a distinguished career in business and investment banking, alongside significant contributions to the not-for-profit sector. Emma Rossi brings nearly two decades of experience in national television news and current affairs to the interview.
This special event is open to all members of the community and is an excellent opportunity to hear from an inspiring leader.
The event is free to attend. Dinner at your own expense. Bookings essential – details here.
Exhibitors Sought For Sustainability Lane at Lane Cove Fair
The Lane Cove Rotary Fair and Sustainability Lane event is coming up on Sunday 12th October. Sustainability Lane is a family-friendly event promoting sustainability and eco-friendly lifestyles for the community. From an electric vehicle display to reptile shows, free native plant giveaways and interactive games for kids, it’s always a jam-packed event which sees over 15,000 people visiting.
In preparation for the big day, Lane Cove Council are looking for local community groups and organisations who will showcase sustainable products, services, and activities which contribute to a more sustainable Lane Cove.
Applications for stallholders are now open and close Sunday 27th July.
See here for further information and the Application Form.
Lane Cove Council Celebrates Refugee Week
To celebrate Refugee Week Lane Cove Council is hosting a powerful evening honouring the resilience, stories, and rich cultural traditions of refugees in our community through music, poetry and storytelling.
When: Tuesday 24 June
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Where: Pottery Lane Performance Space
Cost: $10
How: Details here.
Toy Library Seeking Cozy Coupes & Slides
The Lane Cove Toy Library wants to help you rehome your preloved plastic slides and Cozy Coupes (see photos as example). Items need to be in good condition.
If you have these items and think they are suitable for donation please send photos to The Lane Cove Toy LIbrary so the team can assess if they are able to be brought into the library’s collection.
Free up space at home, save toys from landfill and give them a longer life!
Death Cap Mushroom Warning
Death Cap mushrooms have been in the news a lot of late and now NSW Health is issuing an urgent warning to residents after poisonous Death Cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides) were recently found growing in Sydney, the Southern Highlands, and Southern NSW.
These highly dangerous mushrooms can be deadly if eaten, causing severe vomiting, diarrhoea, and potentially fatal liver and kidney damage. “There is no easy or reliable way to identify if a wild mushroom is edible or poisonous, so we advise people against foraging for, and eating, wild mushrooms,” warns Professor Brett Summerell from the Botanic Gardens of Sydney. Cooking does not make them safe.
Authorities are particularly concerned about children, who may be at risk if playing near trees where mushrooms grow. Parents are urged to supervise children and remove any wild mushrooms from their gardens or local parks.
If you suspect mushroom poisoning, do not wait for symptoms. Call the Poisons Information Centre immediately on 13 11 26. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000). Only eat mushrooms purchased from reputable stores.
Flu Cases Rising Across NSW – Health Officials Urge Vaccinations
With winter here and school holidays just around the corner, NSW Health is strongly urging the community to book their flu vaccine now as influenza cases continue to climb across the state.
The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report, for the week ending June 7, shows over 3,100 people tested positive for influenza, marking a 10.6 per cent increase from the previous week and continuing a rising trend since mid-May. Health Protection NSW Executive Director Dr. Jeremy McAnulty emphasized that these figures represent only a fraction of actual cases, as most people with the flu do not get tested.
“Getting the flu vaccine is quick, easy and recommended for everyone aged six months and over,” Dr. McAnulty stated. “With flu on the rise and school holidays fast approaching, we are strongly encouraging people to book in for their flu vaccine now, which is widely available through pharmacists and GPs. Vaccination is the best protection against infection and severe disease.”
Dr. McAnulty highlighted that influenza is a serious illness capable of causing pneumonia, exacerbating existing chronic conditions, leading to hospitalisation, and even death. While complications can affect anyone, they are more prevalent in individuals at higher risk of severe illness.
The flu vaccine is free for:
- Children aged six months to under five years
- Pregnant women
- Aboriginal people aged six months and over
- Anyone aged 65 and over
- People with serious health conditions
NSW Health also reminds the community of simple steps to protect themselves and others from respiratory illness:
- Staying up to date with vaccinations.
- Staying home if sick and wearing a mask if going out is necessary.
- Avoiding crowded spaces and opting for well-ventilated gatherings.
- Considering a rapid antigen test before visiting vulnerable individuals.
- Making a plan with a doctor if at higher risk of severe illness.
- Practicing good general hygiene, including regular handwashing.
Jules Now Open
Jules has opened its doors in Birdwood Lane where Little Red Robin was. They offer modern Australian cuisine with Asian influences. Currently trading for dinner service Wednesday to Saturday, 5 pm – 10 pm. You can also follow them on Instagram.
Make Music Day This Saturday
Make Music Day is celebrated annually all around the world and is a day to provide free music everywhere whether its parks, rooftops, shops, gardens or train stations. Music on the streets brings people together, lifts moods and creates community.
Staring in France in 1982, this event is now a global celebration of music. Learn more about Make Music movement here.
You can enjoy free live music this Saturday 21 June at Lane Cove and St Leonards.
St Leonards Make Music Event
Wadanggari Park, St Leonards (opposite the train station)
11 am – 1 pm
Free, no bookings required
Lane Cove Make Music Event
The Canopy, Lane Cove Plaza & Live Music Zone
10 am – 4 pm
Free, no bookings required
Lane Cove Junior Rugby Union Player of The Week
Theo was all smiles after being awarded Player of the Week for the Lane Cove Junior Rugby Union Club’s Under 7s. The club reports he always plays with a big smile on his face and never stops trying!
Lane Cove Netball Team Celebrates Convincing Win
Lane Cove Netball Club’s LCNC10 team has continued its strong season. On Saturday the side had a fantastic game, defeating North Sydney Girls High School’s NSGHS19 side 33-6.
Police Seek Assistance With Lane Cove Break In
North Shore Police Area Command are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the two individuals pictured below who were allegedly involved in a break and enter at a unit complex on Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove in the early hours of Monday the 26th of May 2025.
If you can assist or have any information, please contact Chatswood Police Station on 9414 8499 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 and quote reference number E100165812.
Week in Review Sponsor – PAWS GALORE
How would you like to look after someone’s dog or cat while they are away? You get to enjoy a dog or cat’s company without the long-term responsibility and cost of owning one.
Why not become a Paws Galore Pet Boarder?
Paws Galore – A Boutique Pet Boarding Service
Paws Galore is a Lane Cove-based business that offers home pet boarding. The company was established over eight years ago and received continuous 5-star reviews. Paws Galore offers home pet boarding services to clients in more excellent Sydney, with numerous clients in the Upper and Lower North Shore, Eastern Suburbs, and Inner-West.
What is Home Pet Boarding?
Paws Galore fur babies receive lots of love and attention and are treated as part of the family at the Pet Boarder’s home.
It’s like a holiday for your dog or cat in another person’s home where they will be looked after by pet lovers (i.e. Pet Boarders). The home boarding service appeals to pet owners who want their dog or cat to have a “home away from home”.
How Does it Work?
Paws Galore will match the right fit for your circumstances and availability. Their complimentary transport service (drop-offs and pick-ups) makes it simple for the pet owner and the pet boarder. Pet Boarders provide daily photos, so the owners are reassured their dog or cat is being well cared for – who does not love taking pictures of cute dogs and cats?
Paws Galore Wants You to Become a Pet Boarder
Their much-adored “home” pet boarding service has been growing, and they are approaching their busiest period over the Christmas holidays. They are seeking Pet Boarders who can casually look after a dog or cat in their home.
Do any of the following apply to you or your family?
- You love dogs or cats.
- You can look after a dog or cat in your home.
- You would love to enjoy the company of a dog or cat without the “long-term” responsibility and cost of owning one.
- You own a dog and want to have a playmate for a while.
- You would love family bonding time to play with a dog or cat.
If any of the above apply, you should consider being a Pet Boarder.
How Do I Become a Pet Boarder?
To find out how to become a pet boarder, check out the Paws Galore website (click here to go to the join-us page), call or text Hollie at 0434 834 088, or email [email protected] with your name and contact number. Paws Galore will get back to you.
Why not be a Pet Boarder this holiday season?
Paws Galore Pet Boarder Contact Details
Phone: Call or text Hollie on 0434 834 088
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.pawsgalore.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PawsGalore/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paws.galore/
By the way, if you love looking at cute dogs and cats – you must follow Paws Galore’s Instagram – a sneak peek below
Help ITC to Keep Providing Free Local News in 2025
The link to support us is here.
Thank You
Thank you to the In the Cove team, our advertisers, roving reporters and everyone who stops our founder, Jacky Barker, on the street and tells her how much In the Cove has helped them learn more about where they live.
The link to support us is here.
