Lane Cove Council Meeting November Meeting 2025

The Lane Cove Council September 2025 Meeting will be held on Thursday, 20th November 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.

Petition

Lane Cove Council has received a petition from a parent whose child attends Luz All Abilities at 5 Sera Street, Lane Cove, requesting accessible parking and timed parking for pick-up and drop-off spaces in the Sera Street car park. The petition also calls for pedestrian safety, lighting and signage to be reviewed around the centre.

Lane Cove Council has rejected the request on the basis that Sera Street topography makes it impossible for them to comply with the Australian Standards for accessible parking spaces.   They have offered Luz Abilities the option to lease/license some car spaces in the Sera Street Carpark that are suitable for accessible parking.

They have also advised they will look into cleaning up around the centre and review the lighting.

Notices of Motion

2 Notice of Motion – Installation of Solar Panels on Galuwa Recreation Centre for maximising clean energy generation Recommendation    

Councillors Kennedy and Bryla have tabled a notice of motion that Lane Cove Council investigate the installation of a large-scale solar PV system on the roof of the Lane Cove Sport and Recreation building (a site with significant, under-utilised roof space), to support Council’s net-zero targets and potentially enable locally generated electricity to be distributed within our community.

Their notice of motion notes:

“Unlike previous installations used to offset Council’s own energy consumption, this project, whilst supporting operations within the building may also contribute to local renewable energy supply and support grid resilience. By implementing infrastructure such as Virtual Energy Networks, we can also start to generate electricity for locals who may be unable to generate electricity themselves.”

3 Notice of Motion – Promoting Community Safety and Stronger Sentencing for Violent Crime Recommendation   

Councillor Bennison has tabled a notice of motion about community safety and calling for stronger penalties for adult crimes committed by youths (like in Queensland and Victoria).

Councillor Bennison, in his notice of motion, asserts that there has been a 23% increase in the number of break-ins.  This statistic is from Opendata.  However, it is comparing 2020 to 2022 and 2022 to 2024.  There was a drop in break-ins during the COVID lockdown which resulted in a larger than normal hike for the next period.

According to Opendata stats, even after that 22.3% rise in the break-in rate between those two periods:

• • Lane Cove’s break-in rate is still 22.9% lower than the NSW average, and 42.9% lower than the national average

  • Lane Cove’s violent crime rate is about two-thirds lower than the NSW average and even lower than the national average

Councillor Bennison is calling on Lane Cove Council’s General Manager to utilise Council’s communication channels — including social media, newsletters, and signage — to remind residents and businesses of the heightened risk of theft and property crime during the Christmas and New Year Period.

He is also asking Lane Cove Council to write to the NSW Premier, asking the NSW Government to implement Adult Crime – Adult Time legislation in NSW.

4 Notice of Motion – Strengthening Accountability and Oversight of Strata Managing Agents Recommendation    

Councillor Bennison has tabled a notice of motion aimed at strengthening Strata Manager legislation.

He would like the Lane Cove Council to write to the NSW Government requesting the following:

1. extend statutory liability to strata managing agents who fail to implement owners-corporation resolutions or perform maintenance duties.
2. enable lot owners (or a minimum of 25% of lots) to apply directly to NCAT for compensation or compliance orders under Sections 106 or 232 of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW).
3. introduce civil penalties for repeated non-compliance or negligence by strata managing agents.

5 Notice of Motion – Protecting Vulnerable Families from Housing Exploitation in NSW Recommendation    

Councillor Bennison has tabled a notice of motion about protecting vulnerable families living in boarding houses.

Councillor Bennison notes:

“Rising rents, higher living costs, and limited housing supply have forced many low-income households and vulnerable families out of traditional rental properties and into boarding and rooming accommodation. Lane Cove residents are not immune to these costs and risks of exploitation.”

Councillor Bennison is asking councillors to vote on the following:

That Council:

1.  acknowledges the growing number of vulnerable families being pushed into boarding and rooming accommodation due to the ongoing housing affordability crisis;
2. supports reform to strengthen the rights of boarders and lodgers under the Boarding Houses Act 2012 (NSW), aligning them more closely with those of tenants under the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW);
3. requests that the General Manager prepare correspondence to the Minister for Fair Trading, the Minister for Housing, and Local Government NSW expressing Council’s support for reforms to:

a)    standardise notice periods, repairs, and inspection requirements;

b)    establish clear limits and notice periods for rent increases and evictions;

c)    extend full NCAT powers for compensation and dispute resolution to boarders;

d)    ensure bonds, energy charges, and safety standards are consistent with the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW); and

4. notes that a comparison of current rights for boarders and tenants under NSW law is provided in the table below, illustrating the significant disparity in protections and the need for legislative alignment.

6 Notice of Motion – Drainage Works for Pottery Green Recommendation    

Councillor Bennison has tabled a notice of motion in relation to upgrading the Pottery Green drainage.

He notes the following:

“The estimated total cost of the works is approximately $25,000. The Lane Cove Cricket Club and the Junior Rugby Club have jointly applied for a grant to cover the full amount.

Should the grant application be unsuccessful, the clubs have indicated their willingness to contribute $15,000 (50%) towards the project and have requested that Council consider funding the remaining

It is recommended that Council officers take into account the offer made by the local sporting clubs when preparing the 2026/27 budget for these works.”

Officer’s Report for Determination

7 Galuwa Recreation Centre – Operation and Management of Food, Beverage, and Events Options Recommendation   

Sydney Sports Management Group (SSMG) has issued Council with a Letter of Intent agreeing to a capital contribution to fit out the bistro, outdoor dining, kitchen, cool room, and event space.

Council has been negotiating with two Food and Beverage Operators about running the Food and Beverage section of the Galuwa Recreation Centre.

Council is being asked to vote on granting a 7 + 5-year head lease to SSMG, who will simultaneously appoint Lusso Kitchen as the preferred FB&E Operator.

The officer’s report notes the following:

“Lusso clearly articulated their “vision” for GRC that included their engagement plans for diversity and whole of community inclusion, plus a set of extensive sample menus to cover a range of bistro and event(s) offerings. Bistro menu pricing represents fair value when measured against local competition and includes loyalty and local resident (cost) benefits. Further, Lusso seeks to introduce bespoke activation initiatives with a community focus such as “The Community Table” and “The Local Producer Shelf”.

8 Annual Community Satisfaction Survey Recommendation    

Each year Council undertakes a Community Satisfaction Survey which aims to understand and identify the trends in the community’s satisfaction with Council’s performance across various service delivery areas including planning and development, maintenance of roads and footpaths, parks and open space, and community services and facilities as well as the community’s level of satisfaction with Council’s overall performance.

In the 2025 survey, Council achieved an overall satisfaction rating of 88%, with 17% of residents stating they were very satisfied with Council’s overall performance. In addition to this, of the 20 service delivery areas surveyed, 15 received satisfaction ratings of more than 80%.

This report includes a summary of the ratings received across the service areas surveyed and provides high level analysis on the top performing areas and the areas noted for improvement.

Of these 20 service areas, 15 received satisfaction ratings of more than 80%. The following ranked as the top 6 highest rated service areas in terms of satisfaction.

1. Events at The Canopy – 99%
2. Special Events – 99%
3. Libraries – 97%
4. Appearance of public areas; Maintaining a high standard of Council facilities; Lane Cove Aquatic Centre – 95%

The following ranked as the bottom 5 service areas in terms of satisfaction rating, noting that even the lowest rated area for satisfaction, control of development, achieved a satisfaction rating of 67%.

1. Control of development – 67%
2. Traffic Management of local roads – 70%
3. Tree Management – 71%
4. Consultation and engagement with the community – 76%
5. Maintaining local roads and footpaths – 78%

9 Lane Cove Council Draft Annual Report 2024/25 Recommendation    

The Annual Report 2024/25 details Council’s achievements towards the objectives and performance targets contained in the Delivery Program, as well as providing legislative information required under the Local Government Act, 1993 and other acts and regulations as part of the statutory returns.

10 Presentation of Audited Annual Financial Statements – Year Ended 30 June 2025 Recommendation    

As noted in the 23 October 2025 Council report, Council’s overall financial result for the 2024/25 year was a surplus of $28.825M including capital grants and contributions and $6.904M excluding capital grants and contributions.

No issues of concern were identified at that meeting, and it was noted that the Audit Office was likely to issue an unmodified audit opinion upon completion of the final stages of the audit.

On 24 October 2025, the Council received an unmodified audit opinion.

11 Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee – 2024/25 Annual Report Recommendation   

The purpose of this report is to present the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2025.

The Annual Report highlights the Committee’s role, focus, and achievements over the past financial year. It is recommended that Council receive and note the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2025.

12 2025/26 Budget – First Quarter Review Recommendation    

The purpose of this report is to present financial performance results for the period ended 30 September 2025 – First Quarter Review 2025/26 (the review).

13 Delivery Program and Operational Plan – 2025/26 First Quarter Review Recommendation

This report outlines the 2025/26 First Quarter progress towards achieving the projects and activities listed in the adopted 2025/26 Delivery Program and Operational Plan.

14 Tender for the Provision of Legal Services Recommendation

Council recently called for tenders in accordance with Council’s Tender and Quotation Procedure from suitably qualified and experienced legal firms to appoint to Council’s Legal Services Panel for a period of up to five (5) years.

This report provides summarised details of the tender process conducted and recommends that the tenders submitted by Schmidt-Liermann Pty Ltd, G.N Beattie & J.N Ede & L.G Motta & S.H Patterson & C Rose, Marsdens Legal and HWL Ebsworth Lawyers be accepted and these firms be appointed to Council’s Legal Services Panel.

15 Schedule of Ordinary Council Meetings for 2026 Recommendation    

Councillors are being asked to vote on the schedule for Lane Cove Council meetings in 2026.  Council will meet once a month (except for January).

16 Public Exhibition – Draft Children and Families Strategy Recommendation   

The purpose of this report is to seek the councillor’s endorsement to publicly exhibit the draft Children and Families Strategy (draft Strategy)

The draft Strategy sets a direction for how Council will plan, deliver, partner and advocate for the well-being of children and families. The draft Strategy is a values-based decision-making tool and acts as a compass to guide decision-making across planning, design, program delivery and infrastructure investment.

The draft Strategy aligns with national and state-based frameworks and obligations, serving as a strategic guide to support coordinated decision-making across all areas of Council.

Council has engaged extensively with the community and stakeholders to help inform the draft Strategy.

The draft Strategy has 6 guiding principles being: (1) Inclusion; (2) Diversity; (3) Sustainable outcome-focused; (4) Focus area-led design; (5) Communicative, Connected and Coordinated; and (6) Safety and protection.

The draft Strategy is proposed to be publicly exhibited for 6 weeks.

17 Planning Proposal 45 – 170 Pacific Highway, Greenwich Recommendation  

The developers are seeking to establish a senior housing development on this site.

Lane Cove Council officers have recommended that the proposal be rejected.

They note:

“While the Planning Proposal may appear to align with some strategic planning documents which support additional housing, the proposal is inconsistent with Ministerial Direction 9.1, regarding site-specific provisions, it is noted that the proposal does not increase housing available on the site, as seniors housing is already a permitted land use by virtue of the Housing SEPP.”

Council officers further note:

“There is also the further consideration of the protection of important commercial land within the Lane Cove LGA which is close to the St Leonards health precinct and transport. Any LEP amendment to allow residential land uses would undermine the important and limited employment land and the planning proposal.”

18 Planning Proposal 44 – 126 and 130-134 Pacific Highway, Greenwich Recommendation 

The Planning Proposal (AT-1) seeks to amend the Lane Cove Local Environmental Plan 2009 (LCLEP) to allow an Additional Permitted Use of Seniors Housing on the land 126 and 130-134 Pacific Highway, Greenwich, including the ability to strata subdivide.

The site is zoned E2 Commercial Core under LCLEP. Seniors Housing is prohibited in the E2 Commercial Core zone; however, the State Environmental Planning Policy Housing (Housing SEPP) permits seniors housing with development consent.

As above and for the same reasons, the Lane Cove Council officers have recommended rejecting the proposal.

19 Local Environment Plan Review – Update Recommendation    

The Officer’s Report informs Lane Cove Councillors that the Department of Planning, Housing & Infrastructure (DPHI) has not approved a Council-led Planning Proposal seeking changes to the Lane Cove Local Environmental Plan (LEP), known as the LEP review.  Amendments to the LEP have now been made, and officers are seeking councillors’ approval to resubmit the amended plan to DPHI.

20 Public Exhibition – Draft Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan Recommendation 

A Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP) is a strategic planning tool that allows councils to identify and prioritise improvements to the pedestrian network. The aim of a PAMP is to provide a safe, accessible and connected walking environment for all members of the community, including children, older adults, and people with mobility or vision impairments.

Council engaged Crossley Transport Planning (CrossleyTP) to review and update its 2018 PAMP, originally prepared by ptc., to ensure alignment with contemporary best practice, new strategic directions, and the evolving needs of the Lane Cove community.

The Draft Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan 2025 (Draft PAMP 2025) has now been completed and is presented for Council’s endorsement to proceed to community consultation.

It is recommended that Council endorse the Draft PAMP 2025 for the purpose of public exhibition for a period of six (6) weeks.

The officers’ report noted:

“Accessibility also emerged as a key theme. Community members raised issues around narrow or uneven footpaths, lack of pram ramps, and gaps in the network that force people to walk on the road or on grass verges. These concerns were particularly common near schools, shops, and public transport stops.

Together, the responses point to four recurring barriers to walking in Lane Cove:

• missing or unsafe crossings
• high traffic volumes
• fast vehicle speeds and
• discontinuities in the footpath network.

Addressing these would significantly improve safety, comfort, and inclusiveness for people walking.”

21 New Years Eve – Traffic Management Plan & Traffic Control Plan Recommendation    

The road closures for New Year’s Eve 2025 will occur between 6:00pm Wednesday, 31 December 2025 to 1:00am on Thursday, 1 January 2026.

A TMP and its associated TCP are prepared for the proposed road closures of George Street (at Manns Avenue), Albert Street and Gother Avenue in Greenwich.

As part of the road closure, Manns Avenue, George Street (between Manns Avenue and St Lawrence Street) and St Lawrence Street between George Street and Manns Avenue) will be temporary converted onto one way to facilitate the safe movement of vehicles.

The traffic and parking impacts due to the proposed road closures will be minimal.

The proposed road closures will have no impact on the TfNSW road network.

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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