Lane Cove Council Meeting December Meeting 2025

The Lane Cove Council December 2025 Meeting will be held on Thursday, 11th December 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 – LGNSW Annual Conference and Election of Board Members 

Local Government NSW’s Annual Conference was held in Penrith from 23-25 November 2025.

Five of Lane Cove Council’s motions were included in the conference business papers:

• Proposed EP&A Amendment (Planning System Reforms) Bill 2025;
• Electoral campaign reform for local government;
• Mandatory working with children checks for elected councillors;
• Supporting people seeking asylum within our community; and
• Early childhood education reforms.

A sixth motion proposed by Council, Reform of Principal Place of Residence Eligibility: Aligning NSW Land Tax, was withdrawn from consideration at the conference by Council’s General Manager, following discussions with Councillors.

Councillor Darcy Byrne, Mayor of Inner West Council, was elected for a two- year term as LGNSW President.

Councillor Kathy Bryla, a Lane Cove Councillor for Central Ward, has been elected to the Board of LGNSW also for a two-year term.

Notices of Motion

2 Notice of Motion – Community Safety Initiatives Across the Lane Cove Local Government Area Recommendation      

Councillor Caleb Taylor has tabled a notice of motion that is calling for a coordinated safety framework that integrates infrastructure, partnerships and engagement will help ensure that Council and Police can respond effectively to emerging issues while also supporting prevention and early intervention.

Key components of this approach include:

• Improved visibility of safety infrastructure, particularly through a structured audit of Council-managed CCTV and the development of a voluntary Community Safety Mapping Project to support Police investigations and deterrence.
• Stronger collaboration with NSW Police, using shared education, joint messaging and coordinated engagement opportunities to reinforce community confidence.
• Locally relevant, innovative safety initiatives that reflect the needs of Lane Cove’s residential neighbourhoods, business districts, transport nodes and public open spaces.
• Regular opportunities for direct communication, enabling residents to raise concerns, access practical advice and receive updates on trends and prevention strategies from both Council and Police.

This framework will provide a more visible, transparent and accessible safety partnership, improving responsiveness and supporting community trust.

3 Notice of Motion – Enhancing infrastructure for dogs in Lane Cove Recommendation 

Councillors Greenwell and Bryla have tabled a notice of motion asking Council to investigate opportunities to enhance local infrastructure for dogs in the Lane Cove Local Government Area (LGA).

Their notice of motion notes:

“Dogs are a huge part of our community here in Lane Cove, with registered dogs numbering 7,650 as of December 2023. With more people living in units and not having their own backyards, having access to well-maintained green spaces that are suitable for dogs to use off leash is essential.

While we have some fantastic shared green spaces for all, we consistently receive feedback from residents that spaces designated solely for dogs and their owners’ use are not maintained to the same high standard. For example, in the last year we’ve received complaints and comments from residents about maintenance at the dog park in Blackman Park including:

• Poor drainage resulting in excessive mud making the space inside the fenced dog park unusable after a minor amount of rain.
• Uneven surfaces and holes that pose a hazard for dogs and pet owners alike and makes the area more difficult for older and/or less mobile community members
• Poorly maintained latches and twisted fence wires that can cause injuries to people and dogs
• Overgrown grass and excessive weeds within dedicated dog parks This makes it hard for owners to clean up after their pets, particularly during wet weather,
• Weeds, in particular clover when carpeting the park attracts a large number of bees in summer posing an unnecessary risk of stings.

Similar issues have been reported at Turrumburra Park including:

• Broken glass and dumped asbestos
• Exposed weed matting
• Broken gate
• Deep leaf litter that requires removal

With dog ownership continuing to rise, and more residents living in apartments and more pressure on shared open spaces, it is essential that our dog-friendly areas remain functional and safe for as much of the year as possible. Increasing the level of maintenance in this section would significantly improve usability and help meet growing community demand.”

4 Notice of Motion – Sports Field Access to Support Growth of Lane Cove-Associated Sports Clubs Recommendation    

Councillor Taylor has tabled a notice of motion seeking a review of Council’s existing Management Directive for Sportsground Hire to explore ways of enhancing the utilisation of Lane Cove sports fields by clubs associated with the Lane Cove community. It requests a review of current field usage and hire, and the development of best practice management approaches that prioritise and optimise access for Lane Cove–associated sporting clubs.

5 Notice of Motion – Development and implementation of a Lane Cove Council Domestic and Family Violence Strategy Recommendation  

Councillors Little and Roenfeldt have tabled a notice of motion calling for the creation and implementation of a Domestic and Family Violence Strategy for Lane Cove.

Their notice of motion states:

“A DFV strategy would outline Council’s approach and actions in relation to:

• promoting respectful relationships and equality of treatment between women and men;
• creating safe inclusive public spaces, facilities and programs;
• raising awareness of DFV though messaging and educational programs;
• ensuring that Council staff are trained to support and respond to DFV;
• partnering with stakeholders including community groups and service providers;
• Council’s role in advocacy and education in relation to DFV;
• Council’s approach to vulnerable cohorts such as people of cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with disabilities.

A DFV strategy could also explore other initiatives or programs Council may be able to implement, including for example:

• encouraging local businesses to advertise job share roles or other employment opportunities to assist women impacted by DFV and support their financial independence;
• forging partnerships with service providers such as KYDS Youth Counselling service;
• initiatives to assist women with male children who may find it particularly difficult to find crisis accommodation.

A DFV strategy should be developed in close consultation with the community, including service providers and victim survivors.”

Officer’s Report for Determination

6 Response to Notice of Motion – Silver Pond Investments Pty Ltd VPA – Variation to Canberra Avenue Scope of Works and VPA – Progress Update 2 Recommendation

This is a complicated issue.  Mayor Merri Southwood, in her latest newsletter, explains the issue as follows:

“A progress update on negotiations with the developer of the Newlands development in St Leonards South to vary the Voluntary Planning Agreement signed with Council to allow works to commence on the enhancement of Newlands Park whilst keeping Canberra Avenue open for traffic movement until one year after a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued for every development along the Canberra Avenue frontage.

The report on the negotiations is long, and it discloses that a second issue has emerged during the negotiations – a request by the Newlands developer to be released from its VPA obligations to complete a park known as the Holdsworth Works.

If the Council officer’s recommendation is accepted, the General Manager will be authorised to finalise negotiations on the Canberra Avenue and Holdworth Works.

If the recommendations are supported, under the terms of Resolution 145/2025, Canberra Avenue will remain open to traffic until at least one year after the issue of Certificates of Occupancy for the Newlands, Audrey, and Landmark Quarter, and, perhaps later, if 2 Marshall Avenue and Area 3 lodge development applications.

Only after that will a trial closure commence for one year.

Any permanent closure of Canberra Avenue after these several milestones will be a decision of a future elected Council.”

7 Response to Notice of Motion – Ongoing Failure and Unreliability of Vertical Transport at Lane Cove Market Square Recommendation    

The Officer’s report notes:

“The unreliability of the Vertical Transport at Market Square has created uncertainty and frustration within or our community. The concerns that Council has raised publicly in recent months, and the recent meeting with senior council staff and Region Group and Frank Knight have been productive and resulted in improved communication, a structured action plan for the resolution of the Vertical Transport issues that have been experienced. It is expected with this improved communication and focus on accountability that any future issues related to infrastructure and presentation at Market Square will be resolved quickly and that the needs of the community will be met.

Regular updates will continue to be provided on Market Square matters in the weekly Councillor Bulletin.”

8 Local Government (General) Regulation Review – Submission to OLG Recommendation  

The OLG is proposing to review the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, splitting it into three (3) distinct stand-alone Regulations:

1. Elections,
2. Council Governance & Operations, and
3. Approvals

The officer’s report states Lane Cove Council agrees with this approach and that the OLG should develop the Elections Regulation provisions first because without these it would not be possible to hold council elections every 4 years and to fill casual vacancies as required under the LG Act. This would impact councils’ ability to function effectively and to meet community needs. Without the LG Regulation, the 2028 local government elections could not be conducted. This would disrupt the democratic process and prevent communities from electing their local representatives.

9 Post Exhibition – New Model Code of Meeting Practice Recommendation

At the 18 September 2025 Ordinary Council meeting, Council resolved (Resolution 202/25), to consult with the community on the Draft Code of Meeting Practice that comprised mandatory and non-mandatory provisions of the NSW Office of Local Government new Model Code of Meeting Practice for Local Councils.

The draft Code of Meeting Practice was placed on public exhibition for a period of 6 weeks with no written submissions having been received.  Therefore the recommendation is that councillors resolve to adopt the new Code of Meeting Practice.

10 Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee Draft Minutes – 30 September 2025 Recommendation 

The purpose of this report is to provide the draft minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) meeting held on 30 September 2025.

11 NSW ALGWA Conference – Councillor Conference Attendance Interest Recommendation 

Blacktown City Council will host the 2026 Annual Conference for the Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA). The conference, to be held from 26 to 28 March 2026, was formed to support and encourage women’s participation in Local Government.

The 2024 ALGWA NSW Annual Conference was attend by Councillors Kennedy and Southwood who were endorsed by Council at the 26 February 2024 Extraordinary Council Meeting, Resolution 21/2024

Councillors are being asked to endorse any councillor who wishes to attend the conference.

12 Councillor representation on Centrehouse Inc. Management Committee Recommendation 

Councillor Kennedy has recently accepted the role of President of the Centrehouse Inc. Management Committee in a temporary capacity until a permanent President is appointed. During this time, she is unable to also perform the role of Councillor representative.

Accordingly, Council needs to appoint a Councillor representative on the committee until a permanent Centrehouse Inc President is appointed, or until September 2026 at the latest.

Councillor Flood becomes the primary Councillor representative on this committee, and Council will need to determine an alternate representative.

13 Response to Notice of Motion – Inclusive Communities Grant Program Recommendation    

At the Council meeting held on 18 September 2025, Council resolved to establish a pilot community grant program of up to $5,000 to engage professional drag performers at hospitality venues during Pride Month in June 2026.

The resolution came from a Notice of Motion titled Lane Cove Camp: Drag Community Grant for Pride and Mardi Gras.

In accordance with s. 356 of the Local Government Act 1993, Council is required to give 28 days’ public notice before providing financial assistance to businesses.

The public notice consultation included questions regarding approval for the program, eligibility and interest in applying for a grant.

The Council officer’s report notes:

“A total of 207 responses were received. Despite slightly more than 50% of respondents supporting the initiative, there are mixed community views.”

 

The officer’s recommendation is as follows:

“Community feedback on the Inclusive Communities Grant Program demonstrates that there is support for celebrating Pride and the LGBTQIA+ Community.  However, the low number of eligible businesses expressing interest in participating in the program means that it is likely that there will be little if any uptake of the grant offer.

Given this, it is recommended that Council not proceed with the proposed grant program at this time, as it is unlikely to generate meaningful activation during this important festival period. However, Council recognises the vital role that social inclusion plays in a thriving community, including for our LGBTQIA+ residents and visitors. Given the strong support expressed by the local community, Council will use this feedback to guide further investigation into appropriate and sustainable ways to celebrate Pride in Lane Cove.”

14 ROTARY Peace Poles Proposal Recommendation 

Rotary Lane Cove has approached Lane Cove Council regarding the installation of a series of Peace Poles in Lane Cove, the first being a primary Peace Pole installation adjacent to The Canopy. This report seeks in principle approval for the project and the commencement of community consultation.

Peace Poles are installed in over 200,000 locations worldwide, including at local government sites in Australia, such as:

• Wingecarribee Shire (Moss Vale Civic Centre). (see our cover photo – source https://www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/)
• Fraser Coast Regional Council (Brolga Theatre forecourt)
• Town of Walkerville (Mary P. Harris Reserve).

The Peace Poles are typically around 2.4 metres high, with four or more sides displaying the peace message in multiple languages relevant to the local community, often including First Nations languages. Rotary clubs are the primary supporters and installers of Peace Poles globally.

The Rotary Peace Poles proposal represents a low-cost opportunity to partner with a respected community organisation and deliver a meaningful cultural asset for Lane Cove. With Rotary funding the design and production of the poles, the Council’s investment is limited to minor site preparation.

With strong community-building potential, broad promotional benefits, and minimal risk, the project aligns with Council’s commitment to inclusivity, creativity and civic pride. Proceeding to community consultation will allow Council to refine the concept, confirm the preferred location, and ensure the installation reflects local values and expectations.

15 Ventemans Reach Boardwalk and Remediation Tender Update Recommendation   

Lane Cove Council called for tenders in accordance with Council’s tender and quotation procedure to undertake remediation works of contaminated land and upgrade a section of boardwalk at Ventemans Reach Bushland Reserve.  Council was seeking one contractor to oversee both components (remediation and boardwalk construction) using relevant sub-contractors where necessary.

Council’s Request for Tender document was lodged via Vendor Panel on 1 July 2025 and closed on 12 September 2025 for which Council received eight (8) conforming tender submissions.

All tenders substantially exceeded the available budget for the entire project.  However, the tenders show that Council has sufficient grant funds to undertake the remediation component of the project.  A separate tender process will commence if and when boardwalk construction funds become available.

It is recommended that Council decline to accept all tenders and negotiate with the tenderers to gauge interest, make final price adjustments and select the most appropriate contractor to carry out the remediation works only.

16 Managing abandoned watercraft in Dunois Reserve, Longueville – Stage 2 Recommendation   

The Officer’s report notes:

“Overall, the results of the Stage 2 Community Consultation and Design Development highlighted a range of constraints that will impact the installation and quantity of racks able to be installed along Dunois Reserve Waterfront.

Of the three initial areas proposed, the community showed a preference for Zone B. However almost all respondents recognised that the amount of watercraft would outnumber the space available on formalised racks. An overwhelming majority believed it necessary that Council develop a strategy to assist in the enforcement of improper watercraft storage, most respondents also noted that financial regulation and direct enforcement including removal of improperly stored watercraft be implemented to ensure the waterfront is protected and maintained.

The presence of Aboriginal Heritage as well as tidal fluctuations has also restricted the areas that formalised racks can be considered.

In response, Council staff have developed a site-specific design that addresses these concerns, however, recognises that it does not meet the current capacity of watercraft currently along the foreshore.”

Council plans to create a strategy for the whole local area to deal with watercraft that are stored incorrectly or left abandoned. This strategy will look at what nearby councils are doing and consider things like fees, registration, rules, and how the rules will be monitored and enforced.

It is recommended that this strategy be prepared and presented to Council for approval at the same time as the proposed installation of storage racks at Dunois Waterfront, to help ensure the project has the best outcomes.

17 Drainage Works for Pottery Green Oval Recommendation  

Since the meeting held on 20 November 2025, Council has not received any letters of offer from sporting clubs detailing monetary contributions offered towards drainage works at Pottery Green Oval.

However, it is understood that the Northern District Junior Cricket Association has applied for a $7,500 grant from NSW Cricket, but has yet to receive notification from NSW Cricket on whether the application has been successful.

The costs of the proposed drainage works are $25,000. The project is not identified in the 2025/26 Operational Plan or budget. Whilst a contractor has advised that works could occur late in January 2026, there is no certainty at this stage regarding external contributions to fund the total costs to Council.

Given there is no budget for this project in the 2025/26 budget and no confirmation of grant money, this project will be included in the 2026/2027 budget.

18 Local Transport Forum – 18 November 2025 Recommendation  

The Local Transport Forum discussed the following and has made recommendations for Lane Cove Council to adopt”

1. Proposed ‘No Stopping’ restrictions on Chisholm Street at Greenwich Road, Greenwich
2. Proposed change to ‘No Stopping’ restrictions on River Road between 47-71 River Road
3. Proposed 2P electric vehicle charging bays at various locations
4. St Leonards – Lunar Laneways 2026 – Traffic Management Plan
5. Cumulative Impacts of Development on Local Roads of Longueville Peninsula
6. 2026 Transport Forum Meeting dates
7. River Road Shared User Path – Stage 2
8. Centennial Avenue Pedestrian Safety
9. 299 Pacific Highway Bus Zone Relocation
10. St Ignatius College – Request for a TMP
11. Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP)
12. River Road/Canberra Avenue – Request for Traffic Signals
13. Pacific Highway Corridor Study

19 Council Snapshot November 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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