Lane Cove Council Meeting September Meeting 2025

The Lane Cove Council September 2025 Meeting will be held on Thursday, 18th September 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.

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.

Mayoral Minute

1 Mayoral Minute – Vale Wiliam Arthur (Bill) Henningham Jr. PSM

The Mayor has noted as follow:

“It is with sadness that I note the passing of William Henningham, known to many as Bill, on 12 August 2025.  William Arthur Henningham Jr. was born with local government in his DNA. His father, William Henningham Snr, served on Lane Cove Council for ten years and the Greenwich Community Association (formerly known as the Greenwich Progress Association) was founded in 1944 in the home of Bill’s parents.

Bill was elected to Lane Cove Council in April 1976 and continued as an elected representative until September 1983, serving as Mayor for four years from 1977.

Our much-loved Lane Cove Plaza was opened by Bill in November 1977.

Bill was active in many of the Lane Cove institutions that continue today, such as Centrehouse and Lane Cove Community Aid.

His commitment to Lane Cove was acknowledged in the award of Lane Cove Citizen of the Year in 2009.

Whilst the Lane Cove community was an important focus of Bill’s life, in his role as a practising solicitor, Bill was highly respected as an expert on local government law, serving as Secretary of the NSW Local Government and Shires Association in 1983.

He was a foundation member of the Environmental Planning and Development Law Committee of the Law Society of NSW.

Bill was awarded a Public Service Medal in the 1990 Australia Day Honours.

Bill is survived by Wendy, his wife for 60 years, and was a loved father to Lisa and Tracy, Paul and Edwina, Steve and Nancy and grandfather to Jamie, Georgia, Angus, Zoe and Gilbert.

The Lane Cove community will be the poorer for Bill’s passing.”

2 Notice of Motion – Lane Cove Camp: Drag Community Grant for Pride and Mardi Gras Recommendation    

Councillor Katie Little has proposed a notice of motion asking councillors to support a community grant to allow local businesses to apply for up to $5,000 for Lane Cove hospitality venues to engage professional drag performers in ways that complement their establishments during Pride Month and Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival.

Councillor Little noted:

“Why should Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs have all the fun? This motion proposes a one-off community grant program for Lane Cove hospitality venues to add sequins and sparkle with a professional drag entertainer – during Pride Month (June) and/or the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival period (13 February – 1 March 2026).”

Drag bingo and bowls? A café with a little cabaret? A Bollywood lip-syncing extravaganza, or maybe an ice cream server dishing up double scoops with double entendres

Far from frivolous, this motion aims to boost local business and align with Council’s Social Inclusion Strategy.”

“Drag queens aren’t just glitter and sequins — they’re brave beacons of diversity and radical self-expression.

If passed, this motion will not only celebrate Lane Cove’s commitment to inclusion and diversity but also boost the local economy, strengthen community bonds, and remind everyone — whether in sequins or sneakers — that Lane Cove is the place to visit where everyone belongs.

Drag is an internationally recognised art form that combines theatre, fashion, music and humour. Above all, drag thrives on community participation and is the most fabulous fun way to send a clear message: everyone is welcome here.”

Councillors are being asked to vote on the following:

RECOMMENDATION

That: Council:

1. Establish a one-off total community grant program of up to $5,000 for Lane Cove hospitality venues to apply for funding to engage professional drag performers in ways that compliment their establishments,
2. The funding for this community grant program is to be sourced from Council’s Social Inclusion Operating Budget,
3. Make the grant available for use during Pride Month (June 2026),
4. Promote the program widely to encourage a variety of venues to participate, ensuring events are safe, inclusive and welcoming to LGBTQIA+ community members and allies; and
5. Note that professional drag artists are not limited by gender and that Kings are equally welcome.

3 Notice of Motion – Extend Lane Cove Library Opening Hours Recommendation   

Councillor Caleb Taylor has tabled a notice of motion requesting Lane Council consider extending library opening hours at the next Corporate Planning Weekend and as part of the 2026/27 Budget preparation process to extend the current Lane Cove Library hours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until 7:00 pm for a trial period of six months.

In support of his notice of motion, Councillor Taylor has noted that extending library hours is required, as it will:

• Meet Increased Demand from Students and Professionals (including remote workers and freelancers)
• Improve access for families with working parents and caregivers who cannot currently access the library due to work commitments
• Reduce social isolation
• Economic and Educational Benefits

Councillor Taylor noted that many libraries across NSW are open late on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council consider the initiative of extending library opening hours at the next Corporate Planning Weekend and as part of the 2026/27 Budget preparation process.

ITC Note:  In August 2019, In The Cove tabled a petition to the council to extend the library hours due to issues raised by our readers.  Lane Cove Council rejected the petition but did say that it would review the need for extended hours after The Canopy was completed (one of the concerns was that if the library hours were extended, this would put strain on the Lane Cove Market Square Car Park).  You can read our article here.

As far as ITC is aware, extended library hours have not been discussed at a Lane Cove Council Meeting since 2019.  Since that time, 24/7 libraries (offering after-hours access) have been introduced at smaller libraries on the Northern Beaches, and they are currently trialling 24/7 access at the Manly Library.

4 Election of Deputy Mayor Recommendation  

At its meeting on 10 October 2024, Council resolved (192/2024) to elect a Deputy Mayor for the period ending September 2025.  The current Deputy Mayor is Councillor Bridget Kennedy. Nominations are handed to the General Manager before the start of the council meeting.

5 SEP 2025 Update – Lane Cove Sport and Recreation Project Recommendation    

The officer’s report provides an update on the construction of the Galuwa Recreation Centre (previously called the Lane Cove Sport and Recreation Facility) and asks Council to approve an increase in the budget — from $81M to $82.5M (a 1.85% rise).

The report notes that the project is close to completion, with practical completion expected in November 2025.

The report also notes that construction is progressing well overall, but some earlier risks — particularly unexpected site conditions — have impacted costs. The primary issue has been managing the excess soil and cleaning up the site. Now that the earthworks are finished, the actual costs are known, and they will increase the budget by about $1 million (a 1.23% increase), bringing the total to around $ 82 million.

The report also notes that, in addition to this, other works are underway across the broader precinct, including the new signalised intersection, golf course upgrades (first tee and practice putting green), signage, and consultant fees. To cover these, it’s recommended that another $500,000 be set aside as a contingency.

With this allowance, the total project cost will increase to approximately $82.5M, representing a 1.85% rise from the previously approved $81M budget.

ITC Note.  Practical Completion refers to the date when the main contractor hands over the site, but it does not necessarily mean the building is complete and ready for use.  The centre will not be able to open until the traffic lights on River Road are installed and operating. The centre will also need to be fitted out by the centre operators and food and beverage operators.

6 Proposed Voluntary Planning Agreement for 2-4 Pacific Highway, St Leonards Recommendation

A Development Application (DA) has been prepared but not submitted for an upgraded LEP Billboard at 2-4 Pacific Highway, St Leonards.

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The officer’s report notes that Council has received an offer to enter into a Planning Agreement with JCDecuax. The Offer comprises a monetary contribution for local works or projects at Council’s discretion and a share of advertising time on the sign, at no charge to Council. The first payment of the monetary contribution will be made upon Practical Completion of the proposed LED Billboard upgrade.

Upon submission and pending Lane Cove Council’s endorsement of the Draft VPA, both will be publicly exhibited concurrently.

The officer’s report notes:

“Senior Council staff have considered the Offer and determined there is a public benefit arising that includes financial and social benefit to Council and the broader community. A draft Planning Agreement (PA) has been prepared and is now presented to Council for consideration.

If Council agrees, the draft PA and supporting documentation will be publicly exhibited in accordance with statutory requirements (28 days), with the outcomes of the community consultation reported to Council”

JCDecuax is offering the following public benefit contributions:

1. A 5% share of advertising time at no charge to Council that may only be used for community messages that are directly affiliated with Council; and
2. A fixed (recurring) monetary contribution of $10,000 per annum indexed at CPI to be expended by Council on local community works or projects at Council’s discretion.

Council intends to use the annual monetary contribution for the maintenance of Wadanggari Park, St Leonards for a term of 10 years.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. places the draft Planning Agreement for 2-4 Pacific Highway, St Leonards and supporting documentation on public exhibition concurrently with the DA; and
2. receives a report on the outcomes of the public exhibition for the draft Planning Agreement.

7 New Model Code of Meeting Practice 2025 Recommendation

A new Model Code of Meeting Practice for local councils was released in August 2025.  A

The Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoeing (a former Mayor), said the changes to the Model Meeting Code were part of the broader set of reforms the Minns Labour Government was progressing to improve confidence, trust and transparency across NSW councils. Minister Hoening said:

“The council chamber should be a place of dignity, where debate and decision making takes place in full view of the community.

“Making decisions on behalf of communities is the very role of a councillor, and all councillors should never lose sight of this core responsibility.

“These changes should ensure that, in a council chamber or committee meeting, mechanisms are in place to prevent the derailing of meetings and overshadowing the important work of local government.

“Council and committee meetings must be effective, transparent and genuine, and strive for outcomes to benefit the community.

All councils will need to adopt a code of meeting practice that contains the mandatory provisions of the updated Model Meeting Code by 31 December 2025.”

Key changes to the Model Code of Meeting Practice include:

• Preventing councils from holding private councillor briefing sessions to discuss matters that should be considered in the public domain at committee and council meetings (unless they are confidential)
• Encouraging councils to hold public forums preferably before committee meetings, or if they choose council meetings, to enable community engagement in local matters
• Expanding the powers of the mayor to remove councillors from meetings for acts of disorder
• Expanding the powers of the mayor to remove members of the public if they disrupt council meetings
• Requiring information considered at closed meetings to be made public after it ceases to be confidential
• Requiring councils to give reasons when making decisions on planning matters that depart from staff recommendations (as recommended by ICAC)
• Promoting neutrality in the role of the general manager
• Requiring council and committee meetings to be live streamed to give the community and media access to council decision making, and to require those videos to be public for at least the rest of the council term, or 12 months in the case of a meeting in an election year.

One of the most controversial aspects of the new Code is that councillor briefings are no longer permitted to take place behind closed doors.  Local Government NSW (the body that represents councils) has criticised this decision.   The LGNSW president, Councillor Miller, acknowledged the new code but noted that LGNSW remained disappointed with the Minister’s decision to prohibit briefing sessions for elected council representatives.

“Councillors are elected to make informed decisions on behalf of their communities,” Cr Miller said.

“Briefing sessions are not decision-making forums – they simply ensure councillors are properly equipped with the background and technical information they need before a matter comes to the public chamber.

“These briefings lead to better informed representatives and, ultimately, better decision-making outcomes for communities, but decisions are – and always will be – made transparently in council meetings, in full view of the public.”

Lane Cove Council is also considering starting the public forum earlier (at 6:30 pm) and limiting the public speaking time to one hour.

Councillors will be asked to vote on the following:

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. Council adopt, for the purpose of public exhibition, the Draft Code of Meeting Practice 2025 which includes both mandatory and non-mandatory provisions, consistent with the Office of Local Government’s Model Code of Meeting Practice and ‘supplementary provisions’ as outlined in this report;
2. Council endorse the proposal to conduct Public Forums immediately prior to Ordinary Council Meetings with a commencement time of 6.30pm and a conclusion time of 7.30pm;
3. Council undertakes community consultation for a period of six (6) weeks as per the consultation plan outlined in this report;
4. following the public exhibition period, the Draft Code of Meeting Practice, together with a report on any submissions received and any proposed amendments, be considered at the Council meeting to be held 20 November 2025, and
5. Council write to the Office of Local Government requesting that they provide training and development (and/or tools) that is offered to Mayors and other council officials in implementing the provisions of the new Model Code.

 

8 Establishment of a Performance Review Panel – General Manager Recommendation

The General Manager is accountable to Lane Cove Council, principally through their contract of employment. The agreement requires that the performance of the GM be reviewed at least annually against agreed-upon performance criteria.

The Officer’s report states:

“Consistent with previous practice, it is considered appropriate for Council to undertake the GM’s performance management in accordance with the ‘Guidelines for the Appointment and Oversight of General Managers 2022’ publication, issued by the Office of Local Government and to delegate the performance management of the GM to a Performance Review Panel established in accordance with the guidelines.

The guidelines require performance criteria to be agreed within 3 months of commencement of employment and set out in a performance agreement. Within a further 2 months of signing the performance agreement the GM must submit to Council an action plan establishing how performance criteria are to be met.

To align with Council’s planning and performance cycle, it is proposed that the year one performance cycle be for the period 21 July 2025 to 30 June 2026.

Given this will be the first performance agreement set for the new GM, the Mayor is proposing that the draft performance agreement for the 2025/26 performance year be reported to Council at the October Ordinary Council Meeting for adoption following discussions with the GM, Performance Review Panel and external facilitator.”

Councillors are being requested to vote on the following:

RECOMMENDATION

That for the remainder of the Council term, Council:

1. undertake performance management of the General Manager having regard to the Guidelines for the Appointment and Oversight of General Managers 2022issued by the Office of Local Government;
2. establish a Performance Review Panel to undertake the performance management of the General Manager;
3. resolve the composition of the General Manager’s Performance Review Panel to consist of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and 2 nominated Councillors through to June 2026;
4. delegate the panel responsibility for performance management of the General Manager, including discussions about performance and performance reviews, any actions that should be taken, the determination of each new performance agreement, the reporting of performance findings and recommendations to Council, and the selection of a qualified external facilitator to assist with the performance review process, and the development of each performance agreement; and
5. agree to the involvement of an external facilitator to assist with the performance review process and the development of each new performance agreement.

9 2025 Local Government NSW Conference Motions Recommendation  

LGNSW is the peak industry body for councils across NSW and its annual conference is the main policy making event for all NSW councils and associate members. The 2025 conference will be held in Penrith between Sunday 23 November and Tuesday 25 November 2025.

Motions proposed to be submitted to the annual conference are first required to be supported by Council resolution.

Councillors are being asked to support the following four motions to be submitted to the LGNSW annual conference.

That Local Government NSW (LGNSW) requests that the Federal and State Electoral Commissioners liaise with Councils to review current rules and regulations governing electoral campaigning and in particular campaign rules around the erection of signage on public property and at polling booths so that the rules are consistent across all levels of government.

Mandatory Working with Children Checks (WWCC) for Elected Councillors (and MPs) in NSW

That Local Government NSW (LGNSW)  calls on the NSW Government to:

1. affirm the critical importance of providing safe and high quality to care for children in Early Childhood Education and Care settings,
2. recognise the systemic failure of current systems to ensure quality standards have been met, and as a consequence children have been endangered,
3. acknowledge that for-profit service providers are more likely to fall below acceptable standards, and that Early Childhood Education is best delivered by not-for-profit organisations,
4. acknowledge that Local Councils are well placed to provide and to support not-for profit early childhood education,
5. fund Councils to establish safe staffing ratios so that no educator is left alone with children and acknowledge that CCTV is no substitute for safe staffing,
6. provide block funding to local councils for the purpose of expanding the council-run early learning centres, and to allow councils to help meet demand for early learning across NSW,
7. allocate 100% of Smart & Skilled Funding to TAFE NSW for early childhood education & care training,
8. introduce rent controls upon landlords of early learning centres; and
9. review and resource the regulator so that it is fit for purpose and to ensure that all centres are inspected and quality standards enforced and publicly reported.

That Local Government NSW (LGNSW) write to the Minister for Immigration to call upon the Australian Government to:

1. Provide people seeking asylum with a valid visa and the opportunity to work while they await decisions on their protection application, including automating the bridging renewal process. By providing people work rights, they can contribute skills to Australia, remain independent in society and stay engaged in the immigration system.
2. Expand the eligibility criteria of the Status Resolution Support Services program to ensure people’s basic needs are met, including health care, accommodation, crisis support, so people in need can live safely and not in destitution and deep poverty.
3. Provide a fair pathway to permanency for the approximately 7,700 individuals who were subjected to the ‘Fast Track’ visa assessment pr

That Local Government NSW (LGNSW) write to the Minister for Immigration to call upon the Australian Government to:

1. Provide people seeking asylum with a valid visa and the opportunity to work while they await decisions on their protection application, including automating the bridging renewal process. By providing people work rights, they can contribute skills to Australia, remain independent in society and stay engaged in the immigration system.
2. Expand the eligibility criteria of the Status Resolution Support Services program to ensure people’s basic needs are met, including health care, accommodation, crisis support, so people in need can live safely and not in destitution and deep poverty.
3. Provide a fair pathway to permanency for the approximately 7,700 individuals who were subjected to the ‘Fast Track’ visa assessment process.

10 Draft – Policy – Council Policy Framework Recommendation  

The framework establishes a hierarchy for Council policies, Management Directives, and Guidelines, ensuring consistency, transparency, and accountability in Council’s decision-making and operations.

Each document type serves a distinct role, ranging from strategic direction to operational guidance, with clear requirements for approval, review, and publication.

Lane Cove Council aims to establish a consistent and structured approach for the development, adoption, implementation, amendment, and review of corporate documents. These documents serve a dual purpose: providing transparency to the community regarding the Council’s strategic direction, and guiding staff in the effective delivery of services and responsibilities.

The draft Policy Framework (draft Framework) (AT-1) provides the strategic principles for Council policies and outlines the tiers of corporate policy related documents.

The draft Framework consists of three tiers of corporate documents, referred to as:

1. Council Policy– Strategic, community-focused documents adopted by Council resolution.
2. Management Directive– Operational, internal documents guiding staff, approved by the General Manager or delegate.
3. Guideline– Supporting documents that provide detail for implementing policies or directives.

11 Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee Confirmed Minutes – 25 March 2025 Recommendation

NSW councils are required to have an Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC).

ARICs are independent advisory committees – they provide assurance and advice to the council, but do not make binding decisions.

Lane Cove Council is adopting a new procedure whereby ARIC minutes are submitted at the next Lane Cove Council meeting.

The officer’s report notes:

“In future, the confirmed minutes of ARIC meetings will be presented to the governing body for noting each quarter. To further improve the way in which the minutes are prepared, the Chair of ARIC will be asked to include a brief description of the discussion points as part of the preparation of the minutes, in addition to the existing Determinations of the Committee. This practice will commence from the next ARIC meeting to be held on 30 September 2025.”

ITC Note: The minutes attached to the council papers show the issues discussed by ARIC, but there is no context as the agenda papers are not provided.

12 Asphalt 2027 – NSROC Tender for Road Surfacing, Patching and Associated Works Recommendation    

Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (NSROC), on behalf of its member councils, invited tenders for the Road Surfacing, Patching and Associated Works Contract to engage suitably qualified contractors and ensure best value for money.

The following service providers are recommended for appointment to panels A, B and C to deliver the specified services in accordance with the technical specifications outlined in the tender:

Panel A, for Reconstruction/Re-sheeting works: NSW Building & Civil Pty Ltd, Fulton Hogan, Bitupave Ltd T/A NSW Boral Asphalt, Downer EDI, Convil Group, All Pavement Solutions/Bernipave Road Solutions, Stateline Asphalt Pty Ltd, NA Group, State Asphalt Services Pty Ltd, Resco Civil Pty Ltd, and ANJ Asphalt.

Panel B, for Patching/Heavy Patching works: NSW Building & Civil Pty Ltd, Stateline Asphalt Pty Ltd, Fulton Hogan, Convil Group, All Pavement Solutions/Bernipave Road Solutions, State Asphalt Services Pty Ltd, ANJ Asphalt, NA Group, Roadworx Group Pty Ltd, Downer EDI, JM Schembri, Planet Civil Pty Ltd, Bitupave Ltd T/A NSW Boral Asphalt, Optimal Civil, Fenworx, and Resco Civil Pty Ltd.

Panel C, for Specialist Services:  RPQ Spray Seal Pty. Ltd., SuperSealing and both of which are also appointed under Panels A and B.

13 Managing abandoned watercraft in Dunois Reserve, Longueville Recommendation    

This agenda item documents the outcome of community consultation related to the Dunois Reserve and Waterfront, and seeks endorsement for the next steps in implementing the project.

The community consultation aimed to gauge the community’s perception of the condition and utilisation of Dunois Reserve and Waterfront. Strong support (82% of responses) has been received for the installation of dinghy racks to address cluttered and abandoned watercraft that damage sensitive mangrove and salt marsh habitats.

Given the strong community support for the introduction of storage racks at this location, a concept design for the storage racks will be developed, identifying potential locations for the racks, before the commencement of a second stage of public engagement. This will ensure the final solution balances environmental protection, recreation, and community needs. The final proposal, following public consultation, will be reported back to Council for adoption.

Councillors are being asked to vote on the following recommendation:

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. prepare a draft design and layout of proposed boat racks for further community consultation;
2. amend the design following consultation as required; and
3. report the final proposal to Council for adoption.

 

This is a lovely area to walk around – read our article here.

14 Car Share Policy 2025 Recommendation    

Lane Cove Council reviewed their Car Share Policy and put the policy out for public exhibition.  Nine submissions were received on the car share policy (two car share operators and seven residents of Lane Cove).

The officer’s report noted:

Car sharing is a recognised sustainable transport option that supports reduced private vehicle ownership, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and is a more efficient use of urban parking resources. The Car Share Policy provides the framework for managing dedicated car share parking spaces in a fair and equitable manner, balancing the needs of car share operators with competing parking demands.

The consultation highlighted strong overall support for car sharing as a transport option, while views on specific provisions, such as the proposed 4-day booking limit and 5% street allocation cap, were mixed.”

The final policy will include:

• Removal of the proposed 4-day booking limit, consistent with operator feedback and industry practice.
• Strengthened operator obligations, including mandatory quarterly reporting, minimum ANCAP safety standards, and improved environmental performance.
• Extension of the review cycle for dedicated spaces from one year to two years, providing greater certainty for operators.
• Removal of administrative and financial burdens on operators, including the requirement for Council-issued permits and the cost of space removals.

The officer’s report also noted:

“The Policy is recommended for adoption, with implementation to be supported by the development of a new pricing structure and further collaboration with operators on the rollout of new spaces.”

Council will vote on the following resolution:

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. receive and note the Car Share Policy 2025 Consultation Report;
2. adopt the Car Share Policy 2025 (shown attached s AT-1);
3. develop a new pricing structure for operators to remunerate Council for permission to utilise dedicated car share spaces;
4. issue an expression of interest for Car Share operators to work with Council on existing and new dedicated car share spaces; and
5. conduct the next review of the Car Share Policy after 2028 (unless needed).

15 Council Snapshot August 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.

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