It’s a packed Council agenda this month. We’ve included everything in full with links to the official papers, and an easy “Jump To” navigator to help you skim or dive deep.
Jump to:
Meeting basics
Mayoral Minute
Notices of Motion
Officer’s Reports for Determination
Officer’s Reports for Information
📋 Quick Summary — October 2025 Council Meeting
- 🎉 Recognition of the Osborne Park Progress Association’s centenary
- 🌿 Motion to tackle the spread of Spanish Moss in Lane Cove
- 🚶♀️ Proposal for a new pedestrian crossing on River Road near Canberra Av
- 🏗️ Development conditions: dust, noise and worker parking near construction sites
- 💧 Bluefit reappointed for another five years to manage the Lane Cove Aquatic Leisure Centre
- 💧 Electrification Project at the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre
- 🚧 Reliability of the Lifts and Escalators at Lane Cove Market Square 🛗
- 🚦 Lane Cove Traffic Forum Recommendations including a new sign on Mowbray Road notorious bend 🛑📊
Read the full agenda below or jump directly to a section above.
The Lane Cove Council October 2025 Meeting will be held on Thursday, 23rd October 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 available for viewing on the webcast section of 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 formno 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.
Wrap Up by ITC Founder Jacky Barker
Check out a wrap up of items to be discussed or keep reading and see all the agenda items.
Mayoral Minute
1 Mayoral Minute – Osborne Park Progress Association – Centenary Celebrations and Commemorative PlaqueRecommendation
This Mayoral Minute acknowledges that the Osborne Park Progress Association is celebrating their centenary.
The Mayoral Minute notes:
“The Osborne Park Progress Association’s centenary represents a remarkable milestone in the history of community life within Lane Cove. Few volunteer associations have demonstrated such longevity, adaptability, and sustained contribution to local life.”
“To commemorate the Association’s 100 years of service, Council will present a commemorative plaque reflecting the Osborne Park Progress Association’s outstanding contribution to community development, civic life and the enhancement of local amenity. The plaque will be installed at the Osborne Park Recreation Area and unveiled as part of the centenary celebrations in November 2025.”
In the Cove will soon be publishing a history of the Osborne Park Progress Association.
Notices of Motion
2 Notice of Motion – Tackling the spread of Spanish Moss Recommendation
Councillor Flood is proposing a motion to investigate opportunities for increased management of Spanish Moss within Lane Cove, and to advocate for federal recognition of Spanish Moss as a priority weed.
Councillor Flood notes:
“Spanish Moss (Tillandsi Usneoides) is an invasive species of weed that has been increasingly identified in Sydney’s North Shore region, including Lane Cove.
This weed is a problem because it can smother the host tree, blocking natural light and preventing photosynthesis eventually killing the tree. The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) warns that in addition to smothering the tree, the added weight can damage branches, resulting in limb loss and extensive damage to the health of the tree.”
In the Cove published an article on 27 June 2025, following Lane Cove Council’s warning to residents that it is a weed. Read more here.
3 Notice of Motion – Design and construction of River Road crossing to allow safe pedestrian access from the St Leonards South precinct to the south side of River Road
Recommendation
Councillors Southwood, Greenwell and Taylor have tabled a notice of motion regarding the need for urgent discussion with Transport for NSW about a proposed pedestrian crossing at Canberra Avenue and River Road for the new St Leonards South Developments, for residents who will be occupying apartments that are being built on the River Road side of the St Leonards South Precinct.
The notice of motion states:
“By mid-2027 it is anticipated that construction of several large residential developments in St Leonards South (SLS) will be completed and thousands of residents will move into the precinct.
Many of these residents will need to cross River Road to –
- access Wollstonecraft Station, which is a much shorter and easier downhill walk from the southern portion of SLS than a walk up the hill to St Leonards Station or the Crows Nest Metro
- access Greenwich Infants School via Smoothey Park which is a quicker, shorter and more level route to school than going up to Greenwich Road
- the bushland areas along Berrys Creek.
Currently the only traffic light controlled pedestrian crossings on River Road are long steep, uphill walks to either Shirley Road or Greenwich Road.”
The Councillors have noted that when the NSW Government released details of the Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Accelerated Projects, Crows Nest, technical transport plans were also released.
The technical plans included a signalised pedestrian crossing at Canberra Avenue and River Road. It was noted that only a medium priority for Transport for NSW (TFNSW), which is responsible for the design and construction of signalised crossings.
Councillors have also noted:
“Given the considerable time frame required for design and construction of pedestrian infrastructure on regional roads such as River Road, work must start soon to ensure that the infrastructure required to ensure safe pedestrian movement across River Road is in place by mid- 2027.”
Councillors are being asked to vote on a resolution requesting that urgent discussions be held with TFNSW about the pedestrian crossing and that a report be prepared and presented to council by February 2026.
4 Notice of Motion – Development consent conditions and other measures to monitor dust and noise associated with construction sites and to address congestion caused by worker parking adjacent to construction sites
The St Leonards South Precinct (SLSP) is undergoing a significant transformation, with numerous high-rise residential buildings being constructed and more development on the way.
This type of high-rise residential construction has not been seen before in the Lane Cove Local Government Area.
The SLSP covers a net developable area of approximately 6.2 hectares. It is projected that the population of this area will increase to approximately 3,629 residents residing in about 1839 apartments.
The SLSP is bounded by Marshall Avenue to the north, Canberra Avenue to the east, Park Road to the west and River Road to the south (see map above).
Councillors Southwood, Greenwell and Taylor have tabled a notice of motion asking for Lane Cove Council’s officers to review standard development conditions to require a more stringent approach to the dust and noise associated with construction work.
They have also suggested that developers should include a development parking plan outlining where construction workers park during the development.
The councilllors noted:
“Given the increasing level of concern within the community about exposure to dust and noise from construction sites, it is appropriate that Council investigates:
(a) the use of dust and noise monitoring equipment for its own compliance and public health purposes
(b) the development of consent conditions requiring the installation of such equipment on the boundaries of construction sites and.
(c) the reporting of the data derived from this equipment.
Further to the above, the issue of parking by construction workers is an ongoing problem for the amenity of residents near construction sites. It is suggested that a Parking Plan be required to be included with any Development Application for a major development where it is considered that construction worker parking may impact the amenity of nearby residents.”
The notice of motion also ask council officers to request that any changes to Lane Cove’s development consent conditions should be advised to NSW Planning with a request to incorporate. NSW Planning approves most of the large scale developments.
The photo above is an artist’s impression of how the St Leonards South Precinct will look after the approved developments have been completed. As of June 2025, development consents have been issued for approximately 80% of the projected new dwellings.
5 Notice of Motion -Acknowledgement of Council Staff for Lane Cove’s Liveability Achievements – 2021 to 2025 Recommendation
Councillor Scott Bennison has tabled a notice of motion requesting that councillors acknowledge the outstanding efforts of all Council staff in achieving Australia’s highest liveability ranking in 2025 and maintaining top-tier performance since 2021.
Councillor Bennsion notes:
“Lane Cove’s sustained excellence over multiple Liveability Censuses is not an accident, it is the result of long-term commitment by staff at every level. The consistency of results across changing external conditions (pandemic recovery, population growth, and evolving service expectations) demonstrates resilience and adaptability.
Council recognises that behind each infrastructure upgrade, service improvement, and engagement initiative stands a dedicated workforce committed to making Lane Cove a better place to live. These achievements enhance civic pride, strengthen community trust, and position the Council as a benchmark for liveability nationally.”
Read In the Cove’s article on the Australian Liveability Census here.
ITC Background
Every two years, Place Score conducts the Australian Liveability Census. It’s an Australian-wide survey with data mostly derived from an online survey aimed at understanding what people value in their neighbourhoods and how well their local areas are delivering on those values.
From the data, a liveability score (or place experience score) is calculated for local government areas (some local government areas may not receive a score if their response rate is low).
Place Score Census collects social data using a human-centric approach. It does not include objective factors such as crime statistics, health system data, or economic data.
With a place experience score of 80 out of 100, Lane Cove has topped the 2025 Australian Liveability Census. This score is well above the national and state averages of 66.
The census survey was completed by 585 Lane Cove locals who provided over 1500 responses. Read more here
6 Notice of Motion – Reform of Principal Place of Residence Eligibility: Aligning NSW Land Tax Exemptions with ATO Tax Residency Standards Recommendation
Councillor Bennison is tabling a notice of motion requesting Council’s support to advocate for reform of the definition of “residency” as it relates to land tax exemptions, including the Principal Place of Residence (PPR) exemption and the application of foreign owner surcharge thresholds. He also proposes that this matter be submitted as a Motion for consideration at the 2025 Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Annual Conference.
Councillor Bennison has noted that:
“Under current NSW land tax law, the Principal Place of Residence (PPR) exemption, as outlined in Schedule 1A of the Land Tax Management Act 1956 (NSW), allows individuals to be exempt from land tax (and, where applicable, the foreign owner surcharge under Schedule 2) if they occupy a property as their principal place of residence as at 31 December of the taxing year.
However, this framework does not currently require a demonstration of genuine or habitual residence in New South Wales. As a result, individuals including non-resident Australian citizens and foreign-based owners may claim the exemption by briefly occupying a property around the taxing date, even if they spend the majority of the year overseas and have minimal or no ties to the state. This practice undermines the intent of the exemption and allows for the avoidance of land tax and foreign owner surcharges.”
“Adopting a similar residency framework for land tax purposes would ensure that land tax exemptions reflect a genuine connection to the community, rather than being based on strategically timed presence or citizenship status.”
7 Notice of Motion – Abandoning Net Zero – A Call to the Federal and NSW Governments to Protect Regional Communities
Recommendation
Councillor Bennison has tabled a notice of motion requesting that Lane Cove Council submit a Motion for consideration at the 2025 Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Annual Conference. Councillor Bennison wants LGNSW to
- Formally acknowledge the adverse economic, social, and environmental impacts caused by large-scale solar and wind energy projects being driven by Federal and NSW Government net-zero policies.
- Call on the Federal Government and the NSW State Government to abandon their legislated and policy commitments to net-zero emissions by 2050, and to suspend further approvals of large-scale renewable projects until a comprehensive, independent review of their cumulative impacts is completed.
Councillor Bennison notes:
“The Federal Government and the NSW State Government have both legislated or committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
While these policies aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, they have resulted in the rapid expansion of industrial-scale renewable energy projects across regional NSW — including large solar farms, wind turbine developments, and extensive transmission corridors. These projects are producing serious unintended consequences for regional communities, including:
- Economic impacts through reduced agricultural productivity, property value decline, and higher council infrastructure costs.
- Social and mental health impacts, including division, distress, and loss of trust in government processes.
- Environmental degradation of prime farmland, bushland, and native wildlife habitats.
Reports by NSW Parliamentary Committees, independent think tanks, and major media outlets have all documented these outcomes and the growing opposition within regional NSW.”
8 Notice of Motion – Electrification to heating of the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre
Councillors Bryla, Southwood, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little and Roenfeldt have tabled a notice of motion requesting that a workshop be held in late 2025 or early 2026 on the electrification of the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre, which currently uses gas heating. After the workshop, information is to be reviewed at a council meeting for the project to be included in the 2026/2027 budget and Long Term Financial Plan updates.
The Notice of Motion notes:
“Gas-heated public swimming pools are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions due to their reliance on natural gas. These facilities are among the highest energy consumers in the local government areas. Electrifying pool heating systems and transitioning to renewable energy sources is an essential step in achieving Net Zero targets.
The Federal Government’s Community Energy Upgrades Fund (CEUF) is a $100 million program that provides matched funding to local governments for energy upgrades that lower emissions and reduce costs. Eligible upgrades include:
- replacing gas heating in pools with heat pumps,
- installing energy-efficient lighting,
- adding battery storage systems.
Lane Cove Council applied unsuccessfully for CEUF Round 1 funding in 2024, and has submitted a further application under Round 2, with the outcome pending. Electrifying both the internal and external pool heating systems at the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre aligns with Council’s adopted sustainability and climate commitments.”
9 Notice of Motion – Ongoing Failure and Unreliability of Vertical Transport at Lane Cove Market Square
Recommendation
Councillors Taylor and Bennison have tabled a notice of motion asking for Lane Cove Council officers to push for more transparency, accountability and action to ensure that the persistent unreliability of lifts, escalators, and travelators at Lane Cove Market Square is addressed.
Councillors are being asked to vote on the following resolution:
| RECOMMENDATION
That Council: 1. notes with concern the continued and consistent failures of vertical transport infrastructure namely lifts, escalators, and travelators at Lane Cove Market Square, which have caused significant disruption, reduced accessibility, and raised safety concerns for community members, particularly older residents, people with disabilities, and families with young children; 2. acknowledges that this is a long-standing issue, with ongoing breakdowns and service outages reported over an extended period, often with minimal communication and delayed repairs, despite the importance of this infrastructure for access to essential retail and services; 3. notes that an audit of the vertical transport systems has recently been completed by Frank Knight on behalf of Region Group (head lessee) and the Building Management Committee (BMC), but that the results and subsequent action plans have not been made available; 4. calls on the Council General Manager to urgently engage with Region Group and Knight Frank (building and facilities management), and any other relevant senior stakeholders to: a) Obtain the audit findings. b) Clarify the causes of repeated failures and current maintenance procedures. c) Request a formal plan and timeline for improvements to ensure the reliability and safety of all vertical transport systems at Market Square; 5. requests that Councillors be updated on the outcomes of the discussions by the December 2025 Council Meeting detailing: a) the outcomes of these discussions; b) any commitments made by Region Group, Knight Frank, or responsible parties to address the ongoing issues; c) recommendations on further advocacy or action Council can take to ensure the issue is resolved in the community’s interest; 6. further requests that Council advocate for improved communication and signage during outages at Lane Cove Market Square, including estimated repair times, points of contact, and alternative access arrangements to reduce inconvenience and frustration for the public. |
ITC Background
ITC has had numerous discussions with the Region Group and Knight Frank on the unreliability of the vertical transportation (lifts and escalators). In 2024, we published an article on the plans by the Region Group and Knight Frank to make significant repairs to the lifts and escalators. You can read the article here.
Knight Frank noted:
“We are committed to major repairs for all vertical transport, including the 4 lifts, 4 travelators, and 2 escalators. Our team is working closely with the local council to ensure a smooth process.”
Knight Frank told ITC:
“The upgrade capex costs are being charged by the Strata as a one-off special levy to the Capital Works Fund.”
Lane Cove Council is a lot owner in the Strata Plan that applies to the Lane Cove Market Square Complex, Lane Cove Library and Carpark.
In 2025 we contacted Knight Frank again asking why there was no signage or notices to guide centre users when the lifts and travelators are not working. Knight Frank responded as follows:
“Thank you for reaching out and for sharing your readers’ concerns regarding Lane Cove Market Square. We appreciate your continued engagement and the opportunity to provide an update.
Operational Issues
- Lifts & Escalators: The vertical transport units at the centre are aging, and sourcing replacements becomes increasingly difficult. We have engaged an external consultant to support our incumbent service provider in working directly with manufacturers to source the necessary parts and restore functionality.
- Basement Odour: On Friday, a grease trap line cracked due to pressure buildup, resulting in a spill in the P3 carpark. Plumbers were dispatched immediately and repaired the issue within hours. The clean-up was managed by Lane Cove Council, who oversee the carpark directly and we can confirm there is now no odour present.
Communication & Signage
- Updated Contact Details: New stainless steel lift signage is currently being ordered. In the interim, we are working to install a temporary patch today to ensure contact information is visible and accessible.
- Non-Working Phone Number: The previous number displayed on the Centre Management Office signage has been disconnected. The signage has been updated to reflect the new contact number, which is now active for customers to contact the Centre Management team.
- Accessibility of Contact Info: We are updating lift signage to include the correct contact number. The new permanent signage will ensure that contact details are visible and accessible, even in the event of lift malfunction.
Responsiveness
Web Contact Form Submissions: We acknowledge delays in responding to some submissions. These were due to recent team changes and unexpected staff movements. We are actively addressing this to ensure timely communication moving forward.
We remain committed to improving the experience at Lane Cove Market Square and appreciate your patience as we work through these challenges.
Warm regards,
Centre Manager”
10 Notice of Motion – Advocacy on the proposed Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Planning System Reforms) Bill 2025
Recommendation
Councillor Flood has submitted a motion asking for Lane Cove Council to write to State representatives and decision makers to advocate for increased community consultation and significant changes to the proposed Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Planning System Reforms) Bill 2025.
Councillor Flood notes:
“The Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Planning System Reforms) Bill 2025, while presented by the government as a housing supply measure, makes sweeping changes to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 which would impact all types of development across NSW, including large-scale commercial, industrial and infrastructure projects.
“Clayton Utz Solicitors have called the Bill a “radical reshape of NSW Planning Laws”. They note:
The NSW Government has introduced into Parliament a Bill which proposes the most radical changes to NSW planning laws in the last decade.
The changes proposed in the Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Planning System Reforms) Bill 2025 go well beyond promoting the key objective of accelerating housing delivery. They will affect the assessment and approval pathways for most development in NSW, by refocusing planning decisions on key issues, expanding accessibility to pathways, streamlining assessment and decision-making, and simplifying development delivery.
The Bill would amend the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (Planning Act) to make changes which affect all scales of development, by the public and private sectors, though most changes are focused on smaller scale projects. The introduction of the Bill coincides with the establishment of the Investment Delivery Authority – an initiative intended to promote investment in large scale projects in NSW.
There’s a lot of detail in the proposed changes, and some of it is reserved for regulations which are yet to be drafted. Read the full article here.
The Environmental Defendants’ Office has reviewed the bill, and you can read their comments here.
Officer’s Report for Determination
11 General Purpose Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2025
Following completion of the annual external audit, Council’s annual General Purpose Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2025 (financial statements) are presented to Council for adoption and subsequent lodgement with the Office of Local Government by 31 October 2025. Councillors are being asked to adopt the financial statements and invite the Audit Office of NSW to attend the next Council meeting in November 2025 to present the Auditor’s Reports.
The Officer’s report notes:
“An audit clearance meeting was held between the external auditors and Council senior staff on 24 September 2025. No major issues were identified during the course of the audit or at the clearance meeting.”
You can view the draft financial statements here.
12 Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee – Four Year Internal Audit Plan – 2025/26 to 2028/29
Recommendation
Councillors are being asked to adopt the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) four-year Internal Audit Plan for the period 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2029.
ARIC provides Lane Cove Council with independent assurance and advice in the areas of internal audit, financial management, risk management, compliance and control, and organisational performance and improvement, along with external accountability responsibilities.
One of key deliverables of the ARIC is the preparation of a four-year Internal Audit Plan. The four-year Internal Audit Plan is a rolling program of audits that can be reviewed annually to consider the relevance and currency of the plan and consider any new emerging risks that may require audit in the future.
Read the plan here. The four-year plan includes auditing of areas that have not been audited before, such as property management and depot operations.
13 Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee Confirmed Minutes – 24 June 2025
Councillors are being asked to note the confirmed minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) meeting held on 24 June 2025.
14 Pecuniary Interest Returns 2025
Councillors are being requested to note that all councillors and designated staff have lodged their pecuniary interest returns by the 30 September 2025 deadline for the period 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, with returns to be available on Council’s website (as soon as practicable) minus residential addresses and signatures.
15 Local Transport Forum – 16 September 2025 Recommendation
The Transport Advisory Committee is now known as the Local Transport Forum.
The Local Transport Forum, held on 16 September 2025, have made recommendations on the following:
Changes to the Local Traffic Committee – introduction of the Local Transport Forum
Proposed truck zone at 22 Birdwood Avenue, Lane Cove
Lane Cove Council has received multiple requests to consider providing formal loading access in this location, particularly at 22 Birdwood Avenue, due to the regular presence of removalist and delivery trucks.
The area is currently signposted as No Parking, which does not accommodate stationary loading and unloading for extended periods.
This often results in trucks stopping illegally or obstructing traffic flow.
To address these concerns, the LC Traffic Forum has proposed to convert the existing No Parking restriction to a Truck Zone – 7:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Saturday, reverting to No Parking at all other times.
Rear of 450 Pacific Highway, Lane Cove North – Proposed ‘no parking’ restriction on Helen Street
The LC Traffic forum notes
“The proposed timed No Parking restriction on Helen Street provides a practical solution to ongoing waste collection issues behind 450 Pacific Highway.
By ensuring the area is clear during collection hours, Council can support safe and reliable waste services while minimising impacts on parking availability at other times. ”
The LC Traffic Forum recommends the installation of a ‘No Parking – Wednesday 6:00 am to 2:00 pm for an area of approximately 11m on the eastern side of Helen Street behind 450 Pacific Highway.
670 Mowbray Road West, Lane Cove West – Proposed removal of 15-minute parking restrictions
The current parking restrictions at 670 Mowbray Road West were introduced to support a childcare center that no longer operates. Lane Cove Council has received a request from a resident to remove the short-term 15-minute parking restrictions, which are no longer necessary. It is proposed to replace these restrictions with a standardised 1-hour parking arrangement consistent with the rest of Mowbray Road Wes.t
Wilona Avenue & Eastview Street, Greenwich – proposed no parking restriction
The construction of new residential units along River Road has led to significant short-term parking demand in the adjacent side streets. As trades and delivery vehicles occupy these kerbside spaces, large service trucks face restricted access, leading to delays and safety risks.
To address these concerns, it is proposed that both Wilona Avenue and Eastview Street be signposted as No Parking – Mondays 6:00 am to 1:00 pm on one side. These restrictions would coincide with waste collection and servicing periods, ensuring clear access for garbage trucks and other large vehicles. Outside of these times, parking availability would remain unaffected for residents and visitors.
This LTF notes that this recommendation balances the needs of residents with the operational and safety requirements of Council’s service contractors.
Sera Street, Lane Cove – proposed stop control (road behind Harris Farm Markets Building)
The introduction of a Stop sign and line marking on the unnamed parking road will address ongoing driver confusion at the intersection with Sera Street. A Stop control is more suitable than a Give Way control given the intersection geometry, limited sight distance, and the importance of establishing a clear and enforceable priority rule. This measure will improve overall safety while aligning with existing driver behaviour.
Food and Wine Festival by the River at Burns Bay Reserve 2025 – Traffic Management Plan and Traffic Control Plan (note LCC minutes refer to Tambourine Bay Road Reserve this is incorrect)
The Food and Wine Festival will be held on Sunday, 2 November 2025. Read more here and how you can book tickets.
The Traffic Management Plan will include:
• The boat ramp closure will be advertised one month prior to the event to notify regular weekend users.
• A TMS board advertising the closure will be placed at Tambourine Bay Road and Riverview Street to deter vehicles from entering Riverview Street.
• Riverview Street (between Coonah Parade and College Road South) will operate as one way only, with road closure signage at College Road South/Riverview Road and Coonah Parade/Riverview Street intersections.
• Kooyong Road will be fully closed and designated as a drop-off zone and/or accessible parking area.
Location for new VAS signage – Mowbray Road West
The LTF notes:
“Mowbray Road West has been identified as an area of recurring speeding issues.
There is a particular issue at the bend near 432 Mowbray Road. Vehicles travelling at unsafe speeds lose control at this location. T
his behaviour poses significant safety risks for motorists and other road users.
A Vehicle Activated Sign (VAS) at this location would provide real-time speed feedback and encourage compliance with the posted limit.
VAS units have proven effective in reducing speeding by providing immediate visual feedback to drivers. They are particularly valuable in high-risk areas such as bends and road sections with a documented crash history. Council has received multiple representations regarding speeding along Mowbray Road West, highlighting the need for a targeted safety intervention.”
The LTF notes:
“That Council endorse the installation of a Vehicle Activated Sign (VAS) along Mowbray Road West at the preferred location near 416–418 Mowbray Road, with the alternate location to be considered as a secondary option if required.
Council’s contractor, HIVIS has assessed potential VAS installation points along Mowbray Road West. The unit requires a minimum of 3–4 hours of direct sunlight daily to operate effectively.
The recommended location is on a gentle bend near 416–418 Mowbray Road, on the approach to the bend at No. 342, which has been the focus of concern. Placement here would allow drivers to reduce their speed in preparation for the sharp bend ahead.”
ITC Background
In the Cove has been reporting on accidents at this bend for numerous years. Eyewitness reports have not attributed all accidents to speed, most of the accidents occur when it is raining.
A former RTA (as it was then known) with over 20 years road safety experience, contacted In the Cove and noted the following contribute to accidents when there is wet weather:
1. Drainage and Road Design Issues
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Inadequate crossfall drainage and an angled blister kerb are directing stormwater directly into the wheel path of westbound traffic at the bend apex.
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This poor design allows runoff water contaminated with silt, leaves, and debris to flow across the road surface, reducing traction during rain.
2. Source of Contamination
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Unsealed footpath verges about 20 m upstream of the bend allow silt and debris to wash onto the road during heavy rainfall.
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Overhanging trees west of Ralston Street drop leaves that accumulate on the roadway, blocking kerb drainage and worsening runoff contamination.
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The Rosslyn Street drain downstream is already blocked with silt, preventing effective water removal.
3. Geometric and Driver Awareness Factors
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The tight bend radius for westbound traffic causes oversteering when the surface is slippery.
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Speed limit awareness is poor:
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There are no visible speed zone road markings for westbound motorists near the Pacific Highway.
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The only 50 km/h repeater sign (near Lynvale Close) is small and obscured by tree branches, making it easy for drivers to miss.
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Physio on Longueville Road – 237 Longueville Road, Lane Cove
Due to construction workers parking on Longueville Road, residents and clients are finding it challenging to access parking.
That Council:- 1. Endorse the change of existing 2P 8:30 am–6:00 pm Monday to Friday parking restrictions to 2P 7:00 am–6:00 pm Monday to Friday on Longueville Road.
2. Consider extending the 2P parking to the pedestrian crossing at Zeta Road on Longueville Road.
River Road Shared User Path
The Lane Cove Council has adopted a new way to make shared user plans, which removes the centre line and blue line marking. Read our article here.
The Traffic Forum noted a resident requested that the centre line marking be retained on the Shared User Path (SUP) along River Road.
The resident noted that on the SUP along Pacific Highway, many users do not follow the centre line marking, creating potential conflicts between pedestrians and cyclists. –
The LTF noted:
“The request will be reviewed as part of the River Road Shared User Path project communications to ensure consistent messaging and promote safe shared path behaviour among all users.”
In the Cove has published an article about the new blue line marking. You can read our article here.
16 Road naming proposal – St Leonards SouthRecommendation
The officer’s report seeks Lane Cove Council approval to engage with the community to gather ideas for naming a new road being constructed between Berry Road and Park Road. The road is being delivered as part of the St Leonards South precinct. Lane Cove Council will adopt the same community engagement approach they used for the Canopy and other recent projects.
17 2025 Australian Liveability Census Results Recommendation
See Notice of Motion Above.
Councillors are being asked to:
- note the results of the 2025 Australian Liveability Census, in which Lane Cove achieved first place nationally; and
- use insights from the Liveability Census to inform the 2026/27 Delivery Program and Operational Plan (DPOP).
18 Lane Cove Aquatic Centre Operational Assessment
Recommendation
This Officer’s report presents the findings of a performance review of the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre operators’ performance against obligations set out in the current lease agreement for the management of the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre. The operator is Bluefit Pty Ltd.
The officer’s report notes:
“The purpose of the review was to inform a recent decision to extend the lease with the current operator for a further 5-year term (as allowed under the lease agreement) on the basis that the operator exceeded expectations across key performance areas.
The report is submitted for noting.
The Officer’s report presents the findings of an independent performance review of the servcies provided by Bluefit Pty Ltd.
The review, conducted by the specialist consultancy Sport and Leisure Solutions, noted strong performance by Bluefit, particularly when benchmarked against comparable metropolitan aquatic centres.
The review concluded that the operator has exceeded expectations across key performance areas, despite significant challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, increased demand from nearby facility closures, and rising costs.
Sports and Leisure Solutions prepared the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre Masterplan in 2009.
The Officer’s report concluded:
“The independent review confirmed that the current operator is not only compliant with all contractual obligations but is also delivering performance that exceeds industry benchmarks. With annual visitation nearing one million, membership penetration more than double the national average, and learn-to-swim enrolments surpassing those of comparable facilities, the Centre is achieving exceptional community reach and impact. A Net Promoter Score of +37 also demonstrates strong customer satisfaction and loyalty.
While the review identified some areas for improvement, particularly around presentation standards, housekeeping, and the ageing condition of certain assets these are shared challenges with Council that reflect both operational and infrastructure responsibilities. They also highlight the need for improved follow-through on audit recommendations and a more proactive approach to asset management.
Based on these findings, it has been determined that the lease will continue with the current operator for the remainder of the lease term. This decision is supported by clear, independent evidence of strong operational performance, effective community engagement, and sound contract compliance.
A collaborative approach will be adopted to improve site presentation and cleanliness. In parallel, consideration will need to be made into the future for additional capital investment to support major works within the Centre, ensuring the facility remains safe, functional, and aligned with community expectations into the next phase of its operation.”
19 Civic Centre Concert Grand Piano Hire Recommendation
Lane Cove Council proposes to make the concert grand piano available for hire in the Lane Cove Civic Centre foyer.
This report proposes the introduction of a concert grand piano for hire in the Civic Centre foyer during evenings (5pm to 9pm) and on weekends (8am to 11pm) when the Cove Room is vacant. The initiative aims to activate an underused space, broaden cultural offerings, and provide equitable access to a high-quality instrument for local teachers, students, hobbyists, and community members.
The proposal also acknowledges the contribution of Judy Bailey OAM for whom the piano has now been named in honour of. Judy’s life was dedicated to music, and she was instrumental in creating the Lane Cove Festival to share culture with our local residents in their own village centre. This project would recognise her long-standing advocacy for maintaining and using the piano and adds a personal and symbolic dimension to the space.
The hire scheme can generate modest revenue where fees would contribute to the cost of tuning and maintenance of the instrument and leverages investment already made in making the Cove Room a space for hire. This initiative also reflects a broader trend of repurposing civic spaces for cultural use, reinforcing Council’s role in fostering vibrant community life.
| That Council:
1. adopt the proposed fees and charges for piano hire, in accordance with Section 608 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW), as follows: · $40 per hour – Commercial hire · $10 per hour – Community/Individual hire. 2. place the proposed fees on public exhibition for a period of 28 days in accordance with Section 610F of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW), and invite public submissions during this period; and 3. receive a further report following the public exhibition period to consider any submissions received. |
seeks community input on the fees to be charged for this hire.
Officer’s Report for Information
20 Council Snapshot September 2025Recommendation
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 September 2025.
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