The Lane Cove Council March 2025 Meeting will be held on Thursday, 21st August 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. Speakers are required to register by using the online form no later than midnight on the day prior to the Ordinary Council Meeting. However, if you do still want to speak to the council, they will ask after the registered speakers have finished if any other person would like to speak to the council.
The public forum provides an opportunity to address only. It is not a forum for debate or response from Councillors.
Petition
1 Petition to retain treescape on the nature strip at 27 Garling Street, Lane Cove West. Recommendation: Petitions.
Councils throughout Australia discourage residents from attaching materials to public trees, as it could harm the tree or be a safety hazard (for example, the planting may obscure traffic sight lines).
In Garling Street, Lane Cove West, one resident installed vegetation attached to the nature strip tree with chicken wire and other hardware. Lane Cove Council received a complaint that the installation was obscuring traffic. Lane Cove Council’s arborists reviewed the installation and noted it may be causing damage to the tree, and asked for it to be removed. The residents removed the hardware, but asked if the foliage could be retained. This request was denied.
The owners arranged for a petition, which was signed by 35 people, requesting that the foliage remain.
The officer’s report notes the following:
“While the installation of the treescape was carried out in good faith and may appear aesthetically pleasing as suggested by the petitioners, it remains the professional opinion of Councils’ Principal Arborist that the installation of the treescape will be detrimental to the long-term retention of the tree. (See Photos – Images 2 and 3 in Attachment AT-1)
The reason for this is due to the way the treescape obscures visibility of the main branch unions which prevents Council from being able to assess any defects that may be present. The installation of plants creates detritus within the branch unions which in turn provides a moist environment that actively encourages the spread of decay. Further, the tree has been repeatedly wounded by driving nails and screws into it, which creates a pathway for pathogens to enter the woody internal tissues. This too can lead to decay, disease, the unexpected failure of large tree parts and the likely premature death of the tree.
The bricks and chicken wire that were used to brace elements of the hanging garden, would likely be subsumed by reactive woody tissue over time which can greatly increase the chance of chainsaw kickback, which can lead to serious injury or death for an Arborist working on the tree.
Conclusion
Complaints related to the unauthorised installation of Treescape on a street tree located in front of 27 Garling Street, Lane Cove West, have been investigated.
Following an inspection and assessment, Council’s arborists have confirmed that the treescape, comprising of both hard fixtures and vegetation, poses a risk to the long-term health of the tree. The resident was requested to remove all unauthorised elements. While this request has been partially complied with, a petition has been submitted to Council seeking retention of the vegetation component.
It remains the professional view of Council’s Arborist that the treescape should be removed and it is recommended that Council receive and note the petition.”
ITC Comment:
Did you know that the verge or nature strip outside your house belongs to the Council? All trees that are planted on the nature strip also belong to the council. Council is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of public trees on a nature strip.
So what happens when a resident wants to add some features to the tree outside their home? The short answer is: It is not permitted without Lane Cove Council’s consent.
So next question: How many residents know that they are not permitted to plant on a nature strip, or plant around the base of a tree, or place plants in a tree without the council’s consent? It’s hard to know, as some Lane Cove residents are well aware of the Lane Cove Council Tree Management policy.
However, some residents are unaware that the council has strict policies on trees on public land or the verge.
The Tree Management section of the Lane Cove Council has very detailed information on the Lane Cove Council’s policies about trees on your property. The Tree Management webpage also refers to trees on public land (such as nature strips) and includes the following:
“Our Open Spaces team look after public areas such as parks, sportsgrounds, bushland, nature strips and the golf course. We prune trees, collect fallen branches, and remove trees in accordance with the Council’s Tree Preservation and landscape guidelines and Urban Forest Strategy.
General maintenance of nature strips, such as mowing the lawn, is the responsibility of the resident whose property adjoins the nature strip.”
The public tree section does not specify what a resident can or can not do about a tree on the nature strip outside their house.
Notices of Motion
2 Notice of Motion – Mayoral and Councillor Taskforce Supporting People Seeking Asylum Recommendation
Councillor Flood has tabled a notice of motion asking councillors to vote on Lane Cove Council becoming a ‘Supporter Council’ on the Mayoral and Councillor Taskforce Supporting People Seeking Asylum (“the Taskforce”)
The Taskforce was established and chaired by the Greater Dandenong Council in 2018.
It is currently made up of over 40 councils and endorsed by more than 80 community organisations nationwide. The taskforce collaborates across Australian Local Governments and advocates for basic rights and better support for people seeking asylum.
Councillor Flood noted:
“Lane Cove already has a history of proactively seeking to support and include diverse populations.
In December 2017, a motion by Councillors Brent and Zbik resulted in Lane Cove Council becoming a Refugee Welcome Zone (Resolution 194/2017). Refuge Welcome Zones are Local Government Areas which have made commitments to welcoming refugees, upholding their human rights, demonstrating compassion and enhancing cultural and religious diversity in the community.
The vision for Lane Cove is for a connected, inclusive, and sustainable community. A core part of shaping an inclusive community is to recognise the contributions of people from culturally diverse backgrounds, including refugees and asylum seekers, and to work with those communities to ensure they’re given every opportunity to thrive. We see aspects of this reflected in Lane Cove Council’s ‘Create Lane Cove Cultural Plan’ which recognises the importance of working with and supporting culturally diverse communities.”
Lane Cove Councillors are being asked to vote on the resolution set out below.
| RECOMMENDATION
That Council: 1. resolves to become a ‘Supporter Council’ on the Mayoral and Councillor Taskforce (no annual fee); 2. investigates opportunities for advocacy and further initiatives in this space, alongside other taskforce members; and 3. investigates and provides a report back to a future council meeting on the prospect of becoming a General Member Council in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. |
Officers’ Report for Information
3 Silver Pond Investments Pty Ltd VPA – Variation to Canberra Avenue Scope of Works and VPA – Progress Update Recommendation
At the Lane Cove Council July meeting, there was a discussion about Canberra Avenue, St Leonards, and whether or not this road should be permanently closed.
Councillors voted on a resolution which set out their intended timeframe for closing Canberra Avenue. By passing this resolution, the Council was setting out an intended plan of action for Canberra Avenue, which is to keep it open for one year after the Certificates of Occupancy were issued for the developments along Canberra Avenue. Council did not resolve to adopt the proposed plan.
The resolution also referred to a trial closure to assist in deciding if there should be a permanent closure of Canberra Avenue after the trial.
One of the issues that had to be resolved before any final decision could be made was a variation of the Planning Agreement between Lane Cove Council and the developer of the Newlands development. This development has a street frontage on Canberra Avenue, and the units located on Canberra Avenue have a view of Newlands Park. The Developers agreed to expand Newlands Park at their expense; however, this involved closing off Canberra Avenue at the southern end.
Lane Cove Council’s General Manager was delegated the authority to negotiate a variation to the Planning Agreement, specifically regarding the closure of Canberra Avenue. Read the planning agreement here.
Extract from the Planning Agreement:
The General Manager and staff met with the developers in July 2025.
The officer’s report includes the following:
“Given this, Silver Pond have advised Council staff that there are several considerations including financial, legal and contractual that they must take before they will be able to advise Council of their position on commencing negotiations with Lane Cove Council to vary the VPA to give effect to Council’s stated intention of Resolution 145.
Once formal advice has been provided from Silver Pond on their position in relation to a proposed variation to the VPA, a Councillor Workshop will be arranged to discuss the matter further, including any legal advice that has been received from Council and/or Silver Pond.”
Realside 170 Pac Pty Ltd (“Realside”) owns a five-storey commercial building located at 170 Pacific Highway, Greenwich. The building is currently occupied by a coffee shop, an ultrasound business and several other businesss. The land is zoned E2 Commercial Centre Zone. The Developers have lodged a planning proposal with the Lane Cove Council seeking an amendment to the Lane Cove LEP to include seniors housing uses in the E2 Commercial Centre Zone.
If the planning proposal is accepted, a Development Application (DA) will be submitted to Council for the adaptive reuse of and alterations and additions to the existing commercial building on the site to facilitate a mixed-use development comprising ground floor commercial premises and seniors housing independent living units (ILUs). Read more here.
Realside has offered a monetary contribution towards the ongoing maintenance of Wadanggari Park, St Leonards. The offer would be in addition to the development contribution payable under S7.11 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act).
The officer’s report includes the following:
“The Monetary Contribution offered for the medium-term maintenance of Wadanggari Park represents a considerable public benefit. Further, it provides flexibility to Council for the re-deployment of financial resources to other unfunded and / or partially funded projects and services in the Lane Cove Local Government Area.”
Lane Cove Councillors are being asked to vote on the following:
| RECOMMENDATION
That: 1. Council places the draft Planning Agreement for 170 Pacific Highway, Greenwich and supporting documentation on public exhibition; and 2. the outcomes of the public exhibition be reported to Council. |
Councils make decisions by passing resolutions at a council meeting. It is the role of a general manager to implement those resolutions and to carry out other functions set out in the Local Government Act and regulations.
A General Manager is also required to perform other functions delegated to them by the council. Council monitors the implementation of its decisions through the general manager’s reports to council meetings.
Section 377 (1) of the Local Government Act 1993 stipulates that a Council may, by resolution, delegate to the General Manager or any other person or body (not including another employee of the Council) certain powers, duties and functions for the efficient and effective management of the daily operations of the Council. This section also specifies those matters that cannot be delegated, but must be dealt with by the Council.
In turn, the General Manager may sub delegate, any of the powers, duties and functions of a General Manager, other than this power of delegation, to any person or body, including another employee of the Council (Section 378).
Each council is required to review its delegation authority within a year of a new term of council.
At the Lane Cove Council December 2022 meeting (the start of the previous term of council), an updated list of matters that could be exercised under a General Manager delegation was discussed, and as a result, the council adopted a new General Manager delegation authority.
The delegations being proposed in this meeting are the same as those in 2022.
Click here to read the current Lane Cove Council Delegation of Authority for the General Manager
Every council is required to prepare General Purpose Financial Statements and have them referred for audit as soon as practicable after 30 June each financial year. Councillors are being asked to vote on referring Lane Cove Council’s draft General Purpose Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2025 for external audit. The audit is due to be completed by September 2025.
At the Lane Cove Council’s October 2025 meeting, Councillors will be asked to vote on a resolution to sign the audited Financial Statements prior to placing them on public exhibition. A presentation of the Council’s audited Financial Statements and Auditor’s Report takes place at the November 2025 Council Meeting. The external auditor will usually present the audit findings to the councillors.
Lane Cove Council’s Financial Statements will be sent to the Office of Local Government on or before 31 October 2025, and a further report attaching any public submissions will be tabled at the November Lane Cove Council meeting.
Timeline
| Action | Date |
| Council resolves to refer the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2025 for external audit (Council Meeting) | 21 August |
| External audit is conducted by the NSW Audit Office | 25 August to 3 September |
| Draft Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2025 presented to the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee for its review | 7 October |
| Externally audited Financial Statements are presented to Council for sign-off and released for public exhibition (Council Meeting) | 23 October |
| Submit externally audited Financial Statements and Audit Reports to the Office of Local Government | On or before 31 October |
| Report to Council relating to the tabling of any public submissions received (Council Meeting) and external Auditors presentation to Council | 20 November |
The Code of Conduct sets the minimum standards of conduct for NSW council officials (which includes councillors and staff).
It is prescribed by regulation to assist council officials to:
- understand and comply with the standards of conduct that are expected of them
- enable them to fulfil their statutory duty to act honestly and exercise a reasonable degree of care and diligence (section 439 Local Government Act)
- act in a way that enhances public confidence in local government.
The Code of Conduct must be reviewed within the first year of a new term of council.
At the July 2025 Lane Cove Council meeting, it was resolved to consult with the community on the draft Code of Conduct.
The draft Code of Conduct was publicly exhibited for two weeks, and no written submissions were received.
The officer’s report recommends that councillors vote to adopt the draft Code of Conduct.
The Office of Local Government has published a Model Code of Meeting Practice, which provides a uniform set of meeting rules for councils to ensure accessible, orderly, effective, and efficient meetings.
The code applies to all council meetings and council committee meetings, of which all the members are councillors (committees of council). Council committees whose members include persons other than councillors may adopt their own rules for meetings unless the council determines otherwise.
The Code of Meeting Practice must be reviewed within the first year of a new term of council.
At the July 2025 Lane Cove Council meeting, it was resolved to consult with the community on the draft Code of Meeting Practice.
The draft Code of Meeting Practice was publicly exhibited for two weeks, and no written submissions were received.
The officer’s report recommends that councillors vote to adopt the draft Code of Meeting Practice with one minor variation to fix an inconsistency
9 Community Consultation Results – Proposed Changes to 2025/26 Schedule of Fees & Charges Recommendation
In June 2025, the Delivery Program & Operational Plan, including the 2025/26 Budget, was approved. During the council’s discussion, two items were highlighted that the council believed should result in new charges.
Lane Cove Council has traditionally not levied a charge when a resident contacts the council and asks for a copy of their rates notice. In the last 12 months, Lane Cove Council received over 1,100 requests from residents seeking a copy of their rates notice.
Council is proposing to introduce a fee for service for these requests.
In addition, due to a change in operational arrangements, Council must now set hire charges for use of the Greenwich Senior Citizens Centre.
The following draft fees are proposed:
| 2025/26 Fee | |
| Rates Notice copies | |
| Copy of rates / instalment notice | $25.00 |
| Rates statement letter (1 rating year) | $25.00 |
| Rates statement letter (each additional rating year) | $8.00 |
| Greenwich Senior Citizens Centre | |
| Concession | $31 per hour
or $186 per day |
| General | $52 per hour
or $310 per day |
| Commercial | $124 per hour
or $744 per day |
Only one comment was received in response to the council’s request for feedback on its new fees. The comment was of a general nature relating to rates in general.
ITC Note:
What are the usual reasons for requesting a rates notice? Has the number of requests for rate notices dropped since Lane Cove Council’s push for residents to receive their notices by email? What is the bounce rate for the rate notices sent by email?
It is unclear what the situation would be if a person contacts the council as they have not received a hard copy of their rates notice (for example, put in the wrong letter box, mail stolen). Should that person be charged? Sometimes a rates notice is required for ID verification.
This report outlines the 2024/25 Fourth Quarter progress towards achieving the projects and activities listed in the adopted 2024/25 Delivery Program and Operational Plan.
The Lane Cove Local Government area also includes part of St Leonards. The area bounded by Oxley Street, Pacific Highway, Christie Street, Christie Lane and Lithgow Street, St Leonards, is heavily impacted by construction and post-development traffic, which has raised some concerns about congestion and safety.
At the Lane Cove Council April 2025 Councillors discussed several traffic issues and requested Lane Cove Council officers prepare a report to be presented no later than the August 2025 meeting of Council. The report was to include:
- the outcome of meetings with Transport for NSW (TfNSW) and the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) and with the St Leonards Crows Nest Working Group,
- actions that have been taken by Council to address the traffic concerns outlined in the April 2025 Notice of Motion,
- recommended further actions that can be undertaken by Council in its own right to address these traffic concerns,
- recommended actions that will require approval(s) or consent(s) from other authorities and the processes involved in seeking such approval(s) or consent(s), and proposed engagement strategies with residents of the precinct in relation to proposed changes to address the concerns detailed in 1 above and in relation to construction traffic management plans for future development of the sites in the precinct.
A report has now been prepared. The Officer’s report concludes as follows:
“While the long-term focus is to support a shift towards public and active transport, short-term traffic matters require a collaborative approach between Councils and TfNSW.
TfNSW are undertaking a corridor wide safety investigation of Pacific Highway which is due to be finalised at the end of October 2025. Current turn bans restrictions and congestion on side streets will be reviewed as part of the investigation.
The intersection control at the Nicholson Street/Oxley Street has been reviewed by Council and will be upgraded to a ‘Stop’ control to reinforce priority routes. The broken centerline markings will be extended up to the Nicholson Street/Oxley Street intersection to provide clearer lane delineation for turning vehicles. Further to this, a crossing facility on Nicholson Street south of Oxley Street will also be investigated.
Council also met with DPHI regarding the above concerns and DPHI referred Council to TfNSW’s Corridor wide safety investigation of Pacific Highway.
Regarding engagement strategies, many of Council’s ongoing forums such as the St Leonards South Residents Liaison Committee and St Leonards CBD Committee will be utilised to discuss concerns in the precinct. Further, a webpage has been added to Council’s website with information on the precinct. On going communications with developers will also continue to ensure a high level of safety is maintained for all road users and disruptions to the existing road network are kept to a minimum.”
The Lane Cove Traffic Committee (“Traffic Committee”) is a requirement of Transport for NSW and is primarily a technical review committee, which provides advice to Council on matters referred to it by Council.
The Traffic Committee discusses prescribed traffic control devices and traffic control facilities for which Lane Cove Council has delegated authority from Transport for NSW.
The Traffic Committee has no decision-making powers; it makes recommendations for Councillors to consider at a Council meeting, but the advice does not bind them.
The Traffic Committee recommendation, if approved by a council resolution, will then be implemented by Lane Cove Council.
The following is included in the Traffic Committee report for adoption by Council:
Shared User Path on River Road– updated concept plan and recommendation to proceed to detailed design. This does not mean that the shared user path will be constructed. It is just one step involved in constructing a shared user path. Lane Cove Council usually submits a grant application to fund Shared User Paths (like the one on River Road that was constructed to assist St Leonards residents to access Bob Campbell Oval by bike).
Traffic Plans for the Lane Cove Rotary Fair on 12 October 2025
Traffic Plans for the Lane Cove Fun Run on 14 September 2025
Fleming Street Northwod Parking – This item was not originally on the Traffic Commitee agenda. It was discussed due to significant community concern and a petition with over 60 signatures regarding traffic and parking impacts in Fleming Street, Northwood.
At this stage, the only recommendation was to undertake a traffic and parking study three months after the Centre opens.
ITC Note: This study may be flawed if the Centre has not, within three months of opening, started hosting regular competition games for either basketball or netball, as this is when demand will increase.
The NSW Government requires all councils to provide a weekly Food Organics (FO) or Food & Garden Organics (FOGO) collection service by 1 July 2030.
In 2022, five Northern Sydney councils conducted a food organics waste collection services pilot programme. The pilot involved a trial food organics service for over 2,000 premises across four local government areas between March and July.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority funded the project’s grants to the councils (Hunter’s Hill, Ku-ring-gai, Lane Cove, Ryde and Willoughby) and NSROC.
Lane Cove Councillors will be asked to vote on adopting the Lane Cove Council FO plan and rollout. If the plan is adopted, the rollout schedule is below.
Lane Cove FO Rollout Plan
Start date: Target March 2026.
Initial rollout: Standalone houses → provided with 60L or 80L maroon-lidded FO bin + kitchen caddy with liners.
Second stage (2026/27): Extend to units/apartments (opt-in initially, then full rollout by 2030).
How Often Is It Planned to Collect the Purple Bin?
The Lane Cove Council’s officer report includes the following:
“Some councils have introduced fortnightly general waste collections when transitioning to FOGO and while this approach may reduce truck movements and associated collection costs, it is not recommended for Lane Cove.
Lane Cove already provides an 80L general waste bin, which is smaller than what is provided by most Councils. Further to this, kerbside audits note that 57% of residents’ general waste bins are more than 90% full on collection day. Also, while food waste makes up a significant portion of the contents of the red bin by weight – by volume it is much less. Adopting fortnightly garbage collections risks Council not meeting the community’s waste collection needs and is highly likely to increase contamination levels in recycling and organics bins.”
What will be the first step?
Residents will receive a kitchen caddy to allow for food waste separation in the kitchen (where the food is generated), certified compostable caddy liners, with an educational package detailing how to use the service.
Liners will continue to be delivered on a six-monthly basis to minimise contamination from plastics and non-approved bags, along with educational material to maximise utilisation of the service and minimise any contamination.
Residents needing top-up liners will be able to readily access additional supplies from Council libraries, the Civic Centre, and via a mailout system through the Waste Hotline.
In The Cove will provide more information if the Lane Cove Council votes to adopt the model proposed in the officer’s report.
On 9 July 2025, the NSW Government announced funding of $2.8 million to install 549 EV charging ports across 22 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
One of the five recipients of funding, Plus ES, has obtained approval for 2 proposed charge points in the Lane Cove LGA. These additional charge points will increase the number of on-street EV charge points in Lane Cove from 15 to 17, and the total number of charge points from 38 to 40.
Council is currently working with Plus ES to finalise site arrangements and will conduct community consultation on the 2 proposed sites, as well as several sites which will serve as alternates should they be required. The results of the consultation will be brought back to Council via the Traffic Committee for final approval.
The sites currently proposed by the charge point operators are listed below.
- 4 Portview Rd, Greenwich
- 1 Woodford St, Longueville (pole on Kenneth St).
The new sites are proposed to have parking restrictions between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm to only allow EV’s to use the space while charging, with a 2-hour limit. Council will consult with the surrounding residents as per the requirements of the Traffic Committee for changes to parking restrictions. Feedback on these locations will be reported to the Traffic Committee for consideration prior to being brought back to Council for final adoption.
Councillors are being asked to vote on the following proposed resolution:
| RECOMMENDATION
That Council: 1. receive and note the report; and 2. undertake the consultation as per the requirements of the Traffic Committee for the proposed EV charging locations.
|
|
RECOMMENDATION That Council: 1. accept the tender from Gowrie NSW for the provision of Early Childhood Education and Care Service at 13-19 Canberra Ave, St Leonards (Tender Ref: NSRC-1131728); and 2. delegate authority to the General Manager to execute all necessary documentation to give effect to this resolution. |
Lane Cove Council’s Events Management Policy provides a framework for the planning, delivery, and evaluation of public events organised by Lane Cove Council. The Policy was last reviewed and adopted in October 2023.
A further review has now been completed to ensure the Policy aligns with current operational practices, complies with relevant legislation, and incorporates emerging priorities such as child safety, cultural inclusion, and political neutrality.
At its meeting on 19 June 2025, Council resolved to:
- endorse the Revised Events Management Policy for public exhibition; and
- receive a further report following the public exhibition period detailing the outcomes of the community consultation
Lane Cove Council received no submissions in response to the public consultation of Council’s Draft – Event Management Policy. Whilst no submissions were received, it is noted that there was a total of 31 visits, with 8 visitors downloading the document.
| RECOMMENDATION
That Council adopt the draft Events Management Policy and publish the Events Management Policy on Council’s website. |
Officer Reports for Information
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.
Below are some of the stats of interest for July 2025.
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YUMI insert notices of. motion like example below copy and past from word doc and then do for each type – I have left below in as an example – when you get to council snapshot – need data as below PLUS info on synergy in that doc
3 Notice of Motion – Maintenance of Common Property – Market Square Complex Recommendation
Councillor Bennison has tabled a notice of motion asking Lane Cove Council to ensure that Lane Cove Market Square is properly maintained and cleaned.
Market Square is a central hub in the Lane Cove village precinct, and the functionality and presentation of its shared facilities are critical to the public’s experience and access.
Despite formal maintenance agreements being in place, there has been a consistent level of community dissatisfaction in recent times due to ongoing issues with the lifts, escalators, and amenities.
This matter requires detailed briefing and consideration by Councillors in a Councillor Workshop setting to identify practical steps that can lead to improved outcomes for residents and visitors alike.
Lane Cove Council is limited to what it can do in relation to maintenance and cleaning due to the complex legal arrangements. However at the end of the day Lane Cove Council is the lessor and can exert pressure on the owner. Steps were taken to upgrade the lifts and escalators after ITC met with the building owners and managers and explained the issues that locals had with the facility. Read more here.
Councillor Bennsion is asking councillors to vote on the following resolution:
| RECOMMENDATION
That Council:
1. notes that there is a long term lease between Lane Cove Council and Region Group (on behalf of Woolworths and other commercial tenants) that includes maintenance of certain common property areas within the Market Square complex, including but not limited to lifts, escalators and toilet facilities; 2. acknowledges that the structure of ownership, management, and maintenance responsibilities within the complex is further governed by the Building Management Committee for the “Shared Facilities”; 3. notes that Council continues to receive regular complaints from the community regarding: a) Lifts and escalators being out of service for extended periods, b) Poor cleanliness and upkeep of the toilet facilities and other common areas; and c) General amenity and safety concerns, particularly impacting elderly residents and people with disabilities; and 4. requests the General Manager to schedule a Councillor Workshop at the earliest opportunity to: a) provide an overview of the current legal and operational arrangements relating to the complex; b) outline any challenges or limitations in enforcing maintenance obligations under the current agreements; and c) facilitate a discussion with Councillors with a view to identifying options to improve service standards and outcomes for the community. |
Officers’ Report for Determination
4 Response to the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the Early Childhood Education and Care Sector Recommendation
This report presents Lane Cove Council’s draft submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Early Childhood Education and Care, launched in response to growing national concern about standards, safety, and access within the sector. Council has a long-standing role in the delivery of early childhood education and care (ECEC), both as a direct provider and as a supporter of the wider network of services in the local government area (LGA).
The submission draws on insights from Council staff, local early childhood educators, community feedback, and long-term experience in service delivery. It highlights key priorities such as child safety and wellbeing, quality of educational outcomes, educator workforce sustainability, and the importance of recognising the sector as a critical component of Australia’s education system.
The report recommends that Council endorses the submission and forwards it to the Inquiry.
Lane Cove Council’s submission addresses the following:
The submission addresses several key themes raised by the Inquiry, including:
- Safety, Supervision, and Wellbeing
Council emphasises that effective supervision is the cornerstone of safety in ECEC settings. It urges the Inquiry to prioritise staff empowerment, responsive supervision practices, and improved parent partnerships to support child wellbeing. - Quality of Education and Workforce Conditions
The submission advocates for greater support for off-floor planning, particularly in small centres, and highlights the need to shift quality assessments toward actual educational experiences rather than documentation volume. Workforce retention, recognition, and parity with school-based educators are identified as urgent priorities. - Regulatory Transparency and Smarter Assessment
Council recommends smarter technologies and longitudinal data collection to improve quality assessment over time. Concerns are raised regarding inconsistency in the partial rating process, and a call is made for greater transparency and equity across assessments. - Traineeships and Workforce Development
Council supports expanded access to programs such as the Y Careers initiative and calls for wraparound support for trainees, better regulation of training providers, and improved mentoring and peer support opportunities. - Funding and Scale of Centres
The submission supports differentiated funding that recognises the unique value of smaller, community-based services and notes that while fee relief has improved affordability, system complexity remains a burden. - Inclusion and Disability Support
Council raises concerns about the disconnection between NDIS
5 Review of Leasing of Council Property Policy and the introduction of a Rental Assistance Policy Recommendation
Draft Rental Assistance Policy
Draft Leasing of Council Property Policy
This report presents a review of the Leasing of Council Property Policy and proposes a revised framework for rental subsidies and access arrangements for community use of Council facilities. The updated framework aims to ensure a more transparent, equitable, and sustainable allocation of Council assets, aligned with community priorities and Council’s strategic objectives.
It is recommended that two draft policies—the revised Leasing of Council Property Policy and a new Rental Assistance Policy—be placed on public exhibition to inform the development of final policies that support improved, consistent, and transparent approaches to the leasing and management of Council facilities.
The officer’s report notes:
“The purpose of Council’s Leasing of Council Property Policy is to provide a consistent framework for establishing leases, licenses, and occupancy agreements over Council-owned property, including those with commercial businesses, community organisation, and not-for-profit (NFP) groups. The policy also informs the fee structure for short-term or casual bookings and hire agreements. Currently, all community and NFP organisations receive an 80% discount on market rent, with additional discounts of up to 50% off rates have been applied to Bowling Clubs. Some groups also receive free waste services. Some organisations pay only nominal annual rents based on historical practices. Sub-letting is permitted with Council approval. Lease terms for community organisations are generally limited to five years unless significant capital contributions are made.
The current rental assistance scheme, under which most community groups automatically receive an 80% subsidy, is no longer financially sustainable. As Council’s facility stock ages, the cost of ongoing maintenance, compliance, and necessary upgrades continues to rise. To ensure these assets remain safe, accessible, and fit for purpose, Council requires a fairer contribution from user groups, particularly those with the capacity to assist. Some community organisations generate significant income and hold substantial financial reserves, which could be reinvested into the facilities they use rather than relying solely on Council to carry the full burden. The existing model fails to recognise the diverse operational models, financial capacities, and levels of community benefit across different groups. A more nuanced, tiered approach is required—one that continues to support those who need it most while encouraging more equitable contributions from those who can afford to contribute. This future-focused model will ensure affordability for grassroots and welfare services, while fostering shared responsibility for the long-term sustainability of community infrastructure.”
The tiered approach has been proposed with the following in mind:
- Commercial Enterprises receive no subsidy and are charged full market rent, as they operate for profit.
- Social Not-for-Profit Clubs, which primarily offer social opportunities and generate revenue, are eligible for a 20% subsidy.
- Service-Based Not-for-Profit Organisations, such as sport, recreation, or education providers offering fee-based services, receive a 40% subsidy.
- Community Interest Groups, which are volunteer-run and focus on cultural, musical, youth or recreational engagement, are eligible for a 60% subsidy.
- Local Welfare and Support Services that assist disadvantaged or vulnerable groups receive an 80% subsidy.
- Council-Partnered Service Providers that deliver services aligned with Council’s strategic plans may be eligible for a 100% subsidy.
The new policies will now be put on display for public exhibition. If you are involved in a community group that licences property from Lane Cove Council, you should read and respond to the policies.
6 Council Policies Review – Pedestrian Plaza and Public Space Policy Recommendation Minute
This report presents a revised draft policy (‘the policy’) governing the use of public pedestrian thoroughfares, including footpaths and plazas, for stalls, street performances, displays, and outdoor dining.
The policy consolidates existing procedures and introduces new provisions relating to child safety, street performances, equitable access, and clarity around rules for the spaces.
It also includes a prohibition on political advertising during council events and regulates the use of A frames on council land.
Lane Cove Council is being asked to resolve to put the redrafted policy on exhibition.
7 2024/25 Budget – Third Quarter Review Recommendation
The Officer’s report notes the following:
Taking into consideration the proposed variations in this Review, the projected 2024/25 operating result before capital grants and contributions has been revised to a deficit of ($229K) from the original budget surplus of $109K. The overall operating result (including capital grants and contributions) is forecast to be a surplus of $20,802K compared to the original budget surplus of $12,569K due mainly to the forecast increase in developer contributions.
The forecast ($229K) deficit before capital grants and contributions is a reflection of the same challenges faced in preparing the 2025/26 Draft Budget which forecasts a deficit of $598K. Increasing costs of service delivery and depreciation outstrip any growth in income leading to an operating deficit.
It is recommended that the 2024/25 Budget be varied in accordance with this report.”
This is also another indication of a possible rates rise in 2026/2027 rates year. Read more here.
8 2025 National General Assembly of Local Government 24-27 June 2025 Recommendation
The proposed resolution is:
That Council authorise all interested Councillors to attend the National General Assembly Conference in Canberra between 24 and 27 June 2025 with funding sourced from 2024/25 Councillor Training Expenses Budget.
9 Local Government Remuneration Tribunal Annual Report and Determination – Councillor Fees Recommendation
The Local Government Remuneration Tribunal is responsible for categorising councils and determining the minimum and maximum fees paid to Mayors and Councillors in each category. For the financial year 2024/25, an increase of 3.75% was determined by the Tribunal and was accepted by Council at the Ordinary Council Meeting 20 June 2024.
Last year the Mayor was paid $49 170 and Councillors paid $22 540.
| RECOMMENDATION
That Council determine the following annual fees to be paid for the 2025/26 financial year, commencing 1 July 2025:- 1. Mayor: $50,650 (in addition to the Councillor fee); and 2. Councillors: $23,220. |
10 Policy on Payment of Expenses and Facilities to Councillors Recommendation Minute
This policy was last reviewed, amended, and adopted at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 27 October 2022, Council Resolution 120. That review incorporated the NSW Office of Local Government (OLG), Better Practice template as reference in the NSW OLG Circular 17-17 Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy – Better Practice Template.
Section 252 of the Local Government Act 1993 requires a Council within the first twelve (12) months of each Council term to adopt a policy concerning the payment of expenses and provision of facilities to Councillors. Council must give public notice for 28 days of the intention to adopt the policy and consider any submissions made before adopting the policy.
11 Greenwich Village Games 2025 Recommendation
The Greenwich Village Games (‘the Games’) are conducted approximately every four years by the Greenwich Village Games Organising Committee (‘the Committee’). This report recommends that Council support the conduct of the 2025 Games and recommends the appointment of nominated community representatives and the three (3) East Ward Councillors to the Organising Committee.
The Games are a community run event which have occurred approximately every four years since 1988. The Games involve about 25 events held over a three-day weekend, which are conducted on a cost neutral basis.
The Games are conducted by a Council Committee – the Greenwich Village Games Organising Committee. The most recent games occurred in 2012, 2016 and 2022, noting that the 2020 games were delayed until 2022 due to the Covid pandemic.
The next Games are scheduled to be held from 5 – 7 December 2025, with events mostly occurring around Bob Campbell Oval. Historically Council has assisted the Committee through the booking of facilities and logistical support for the preparation and use of the Council maintained venues. Support is also provided though the payment of expenses incurred by the Committee based on a full cost recovery arrangement to be recovered from participant fees.
The Charter of the Greenwich Village Games Organising Committee (AT-1) requires Council to make the appointments to the Committee, and includes that Council is represented on the Committee by the three East Ward Councillors. This report recommends the appointment of the following community representatives to the Committee:
| Jon Tindall – Chair | Lynne Spencer – Secretary |
| Alex Crossing | Adam Benjafield |
| Eloise Oliver | David Johnson |
| Anthony Foley | Bruce Spencer |
| Penny Williams | Peter Walton |
| Rich Sicobo | Natalie Speer |
| Mareena Von Behr | Jo Cooke |
| Sarah Tilley | Barbara Sallway |
| Craig Stafford |
Read about the last Greenwich Village Games here.
12 Delivery Program and Operational Plan – 2024/25 Third Quarter Review Recommendation
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 Third 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 Third Quarter include:-
- A review of the Community Strategic Plan was initiated, following an exhaustive community consultation program that involved over 850 local people participating during a six week period
- More than 100 community members, Councillors and staff came together to mark Lane Cove Library’s 70th anniversary. NSW State Librarian Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon joined Mayor Merri Southwood to launch new Library cards, unveil a new art exhibition by Mark Gowing, and celebrate with speeches, a staff-produced film, and birthday cake. Artist Carla Gottgens also created a vibrant multilayered cardboard artwork honouring the Library’s role in Lane Cove, which will remain on display in the foyer all year
- Public art by local Northwood artist Francoise Coquelin was installed, The Dreamer & The Bird sculpture at Greenwich and Mystery Key at Riverview, and Neighbours a sculpture by Mark Cuthbertson & Jonathan Thompson, an artist with lived experience of disability, was installed at Lane Cove West continuing the Lane Cove Villages Public Art Program
- The newly opened Pottery Lane Performance Space was officially launched, with over 100 people in attendance, and there was a smoking ceremony and musical performances. The space was also programmed with film screenings, the first productions from Lane Cove Theatre Company, Jazz events, a Lane Cove Choristers Performance, and public speaking workshops—creating a dynamic new creative hub for the community
- This quarter featured a strong focus on cultural diversity and inclusion – Lunar New Year and Holi celebrations (500 people in attendance) as part of the Kaleidoscope of Lane Cove, Mardi Gras celebrations in the village, grant-funded Art exhibition featuring LGBQTIA+ Artists and a Small Business Soirée during Women’s Week. First Fridays, Saturday Sounds, citizenship ceremonies and the Weaving Stories Film Festival also added vibrancy to the local calendar
- Programs for children and families continue to grow. Council launched a new Children and Families eNewsletter and hosted a Maggie Dent talk to support early learning. In contrast, the Love Where You Play program delivered new play kits and a pop-up play gym in Lane Cove Plaza
- Libraries introduced a new LEGO Club
- The Love Where You Live brand continues to gain visibility, with stickers shared across teams and regular use of the marquee at events. New branding was also developed for the Seed Library (Grow), Maker Space (Make) and play-based initiatives (Play). These small activations help build local pride and identity and support ongoing community engagement efforts
- Seniors Week was a sell-out success, with celebrations across the community. Seniors Week events reached capacity, including the highlight Time to Shine event held in Blackman Park. Activities promoted connection, wellness, and celebration among older residents
- New digital tools and communications boost our community reach. Issuu was introduced to make Council publications more accessible online. Digital engagement continues to grow, with a 20% increase in Facebook views, 15% on Instagram, and over 160,000 people reached. Click-through engagement rose by 90% on Facebook and 254% on Instagram, reflecting stronger engagement with Council information and events
- Sunset in the Village programming in January and February included Australia Day citizenship ceremony with over 400 people. The ceremony welcomed 89 new citizens and included meaningful cultural elements to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Owners
- The Home Library Service made 426 deliveries to 119 individual clients and 11 institutions in the Lane Cove and Hunters Hill local government areas
- Council launched a digital engagement program with 13 Instagram reels posted, reaching 13,897 people and receiving 6,236 views, sharing dynamic content about Council news and programs
- The final component of the Weaving Climate Stories Project was delivered in March, with a film festival at The Canopy to showcase the 10 short films created by local community members and an art piece constructed by indigenous artist Dr Virginia Keft using components woven by community member who had participated in her weaving and yarning workshops. The film festival was well attended, with close to 350 audience members enjoying films on topics ranging from water conservation, the importance of plants, community action, low waste entertaining, and the impacts of a changing climate. Funded through the NSW Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government, the broader Weaving Climate Stories Program had over 300 participants in weaving and yarning workshops with Indigenous artist Dr Virginia Keft, Climate Fresk workshops, and the filmmaking workshops led by Digital Storytellers,
- Council launched the resident-run Meet Your Neighbours program in January, offering support for residents to organise local events designed to build connection and strengthen community. Several events have been held this quarter, with further events scheduled through April and May,
- Council delivered a Recycle Rehome Reuse Day at Blackman Park in February where residents could drop off used bicycles to repair or donate, bric-brac, clothing and soft plastics for reuse or recycling. Delivered with Revolve Recycling and Southern Cross Recycling the event attracted over 180 attendees and diverted over 2 tonnes of material from landfill, which was made up of 102 bikes and scooters, 1,356 kg of clothing, 440 kg of bric-a-brac, and 122 kg of soft plastics,
- Council received funding of $140,000 from the NSW EPA through their Joint Procurement Funding Program to work with Hunters Hill Council to undertake a review of existing collections and processing contracts to understand the feasibility of contract variations and conduct a bin reconciliation to provide accurate bin numbers for modelling and the establishment of a food organics collection service,
- A new Waste Services Guide was developed to provide residents with an overview of the range of waste services provided by Lane Cove Council. The guide is available on our website, and will be distributed to local real estate agents, building managers, and stratas to be shared with new residents,
- Six new kerbside electric vehicle (EV) chargers have been installed across Lane Cove by Plus ES with support from the NSW Government’s EV Charging Grant Program. Utilising existing power poles, the chargers are conveniently located on Little St Lane Cove, Mowbray Rd West Lane Cove North, and Bellevue Avenue Greenwich. These latest installations bring the total number of kerbside charging points in Lane Cove to 15, complemented by an additional 22 charging stations located in Council carparks. Residents can access details of the various locations and charging specifications by visiting Council’s Parking webpage,
- On The Verge provided 306 plants for nature strips and pocket parks; and
- The Lane Cove Community Nursery requisitioned a total of 1,296 free native plants for various Council programs such as Bush Friends, Backyard Habitat, Bushcare, On the Verge, citizenship ceremonies, bush regeneration contractors, sustainability events and workshop giveaways.
13 NSW Public Library Statistics 2023/24 – Lane Cove Library Recommendation
The resolution proposed is as follows:
| RECOMMENDATION
That Council: 1. Receive and note the report on the NSW Public Library Statistics 2023/24 – where Lane Cove Library was acknowledged for the highest number of loans per capita; and 2. Formally acknowledge and thank the Library Services staff for their dedication, innovation, and ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional library services to the Lane Cove community.
|
Read more about the Lane Cove Library here.
Officers Report for Information
Council Snapshot March 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.
Below are some of the stats of interest for April 2025.
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