Lane Cove News Week in Review 24th to 31st July 2024

Welcome to our week in review.

The opening of the Chatswood Metro Line has been Delayed, But Bus Timetable Changes will be Implemented in the first week of August 2024.

On 7 July 2024, The Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen, announced the target opening date for the Sydney Metro City was 4 August 2024.  This date was subject to final testing and regulatory approvals.

Fast forward to 30 July 2024, and the Minister has now advised the Chatswood Line will not open on 4 August 2024 as the national rail regulator has not given them the green light to open.

However, In the Cove understands that the planned bus changes to be implemented simultaneously as the Chatswood Line was to open will still go ahead. We noticed that the new bus timetables had a start date of 5 August 2024, and then the date was removed, only to be reinstated to 5 August 2024.

A source told us that Busways drivers said the new timetable will start on 4th August (different from the other online route information).   How will this work with some buses now terminating at North Sydney, meaning passengers must walk to the North Sydney station?

A Transport for NSW Spokesperson told ITC:

“Transport for NSW (Transport) has introduced changes to some bus services in Sydney’s North West and North Shore, to improve connectivity to Sydney Metro and the broader public transport network.

While the new Sydney Metro from Chatswood to Sydenham will open soon, these bus changes will commence from Sunday 4 August as planned across Greater Western Sydney, The Hills and North Shore and Northern Suburbs.

In the period before Metro opens, bus passengers can connect to Metro stations between Tallawong and Chatswood and also to Chatswood, St Leonards and North Sydney train stations.

Transport is working closely with bus operators to ensure passengers can get used to their new journey and get to where they need to go while Sydney Metro completes necessary final safety assurance checks.

Extra bus services will operate from the North West and North Shore in the interim, there’ll also be bus marshals at key transport hubs to help passengers complete their journeys.

Sydney Metro is running an additional four safety exercises with emergency services before the independent assurance process is complete.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause our passengers, but encourage passengers to jump online at transport.nsw.gov.au/buschanges and plan their new trip on transportnsw.info.”

Read more here.

Man Arrested After Allegedly Attempting to Scam $8000 from Lane Cove Resident

The North Shore Police Area Command has acted quickly and arrested a man who was allegedly trying to scam an elderly Lane Cove resident out of $8000.  The man also allegedly assaulted one of the victim’s relatives.  Local residents helped the police by providing CCTV footage.  These scams can happen to anyone – so make sure you are very wary about anyone calling you and asking you for bank details.

Read more here 

Watch the Olympics at The Canopy on The Big Screen

Yes, it is cold, but if you can brace for the cold, The Canopy is showing The Olympic Games on the big screen. Lane Cove Council has advised an updated schedule for screening the Olympics at The Canopy. You can catch all the action from:

10 pm – Weekdays
10 pm –  Saturdays
10 pm – Sundays

The duration of the screenings depends on the number of people attending; if there’s low participation on particular evenings, the council may switch off the screenings earlier. So, if you’re keen to see an event, pack a picnic and bring your friends! Check the Canopy website for any updates. 

NSW Government Announces Portable Bonds Scheme for Renters

Renters across NSW will soon be able to move homes and transfer their bonds with them, with the NSW Government investing $6.6 million to develop and deliver the nation’s first Portable Rental Bonds Scheme.

Two thousand twenty-one census data revealed that Lane Cove had over 5,700 rental properties.

The state turnover is more than 330,000 tenancies annually, with an average tenancy of 1.6 years.

The bonds scheme aims to assist residents in juggling high rents, low vacancy rates, and general cost-of-living pressures. On average, renters face moving costs of $4,000, often paying a new bond before their old one is returned.

The Portable Rental Bonds Scheme will be a financial relief measure that makes it easier for renters to move by allowing eligible tenants to transfer their existing bond to their new rental home digitally. This new Scheme maintains the integrity of the bond system, ensuring homeowners have security while improving cash flow and reducing financial stress for renters.

Premier Chris Minns announced the Scheme by saying, “Moving house is one of the most stressful things you can do, not to mention expensive for many renters.”

The Rental Commissioner is leading the development of the Scheme, which is currently out to public tender. Development will involve upgrading the existing rental bonds system, and work is expected to be completed in 2025.

Lane Cove in the News

As previously reported in our Lane Cove Council July Meeting Agenda Summary (read more here), Lane Cove Councillors were asked to vote on phasing out poker machines at clubs operating on council land (The Diddy and the Lane Cove Bowling Club). Councillor Flood tabled the motion, and all councillors voted in favour except Councillor David Brooks Horne. Mayor Scott Bennison did not vote as he is The Diddy’s auditor.

This motion caught the attention of ABC News and ABC Radion 702.  You can read their article here.

Water Leaks Continue In Lane Cove North

Our roving reporters have told ITC that there has been a constant and relatively significant water flow for three to four weeks outside 640 Mowbray Road West. This site is opposite Mowbray Public School and only a few properties away from local businesses like Springbok Delights.

One resident expressed frustration that the issue was still unresolved despite three calls to Sydney Water and a Snap Send Solve report.

A council compliance officer was notified when called out to address separate issues at nearby construction sites around Mindarie Street.

Late last week, Sydney Water communicated to the same resident that they would have staff and contractors onsite over the weekend and may have to switch off the water main to address the issue.

After no improvement, Sydney Water was once again contacted.  This time, Sydney Water advised that work was not undertaken due to issues with contractor availability.

As of Tuesday, 30 July 2024, Sydney Water indicated that night works may occur on Thursday, 1 August 2024. Night works are the preferred option to minimise disruption due to the proximity to businesses and Mowbray Public School.

Sydney Water advised the Lane Cove North residents that they would endeavour to send letterbox drop notifications to residents once the work was confirmed. If time did not permit that, they would communicate via text with as many residents as possible.d

ITC contacted Sydney Water for a statement and was advised the water leak was a low priority issue.

A Sydney Water spokesperson told ITC:

“Water leaks reported by Sydney Water customers are triaged by our service teams based on the severity of the issue.

Timeframes for job completion are updated depending on factors such as impact on customers, timing required to complete repairs, whether additional resources are needed and current workloads.

The leak on Mowbray Road West, Lane Cove North, was classified as a lower-priority job and has now been repaired.

Sydney Water customers who have signed up to receive alerts for water shutdowns will receive text message notifications as appropriate. To register for service alerts, visit: https://www.sydneywater.com.au/water-the-environment/what-you-can-do/register-for-service-alerts”

New Parcel Lockers at The Canopy

New Australia Post parcel lockers have been installed at The Canopy opposite The Cake Man. Parcel lockers are easy to use and offer a great delivery solution for those living in units and those who cannot attend the Post Office during business hours.

The new lockers are in addition to those at the Lane Cove Post Office on Burns Bay Road.

Click this link here for information on access to these lockers.

Chargrill Charlie’s in the News

Chargrill Charlie’s Lane Cove’s franchise owner, Justin Levinstein, was recently featured in an Inside Franchise Business article.

Justin and the Chargrill Charlie’s team have been a fixture in Lane Cove for 12 years. Many in the community have benefited from their support of schools, sporting and community clubs and organisations. 

It was great to get some insight into the business history and what keeps Justin passionate about business. 

Read all about it here.

Lane Cove Artist in Young Archie Exhibition

Ten-year-old Lane Cove artist Theodore Saldan’s self-portrait is exhibited in the 2024 Young Archie exhibition.

You can view Saldan’s self-portrait, My Future Self, alongside other finalists at The Young Archie exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW until 8 September 2024.  Details of all the prize winners are here.

Congratulations Theodore!

THE VONWILLER AWARD 2024

The Vonwiller Award for Children & Young Artists (formerly known as The Eve Vonwiller Youth Art Awards) is a prestigious biannual award presented by Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios dedicated to celebrating the artistic talent of children and young artists aged 5-17.

Named in honour of Eve Vonwiller, a revered member of the local artist community, teacher, and advocate for children’s art education, the award aims to recognise and nurture the youth’s creativity and provide opportunities for the development of their talents.

The event opens tonight – 31 July 2024

Councillors Visit Lane Cove Toy Library & The Sydney Library of Things

On Friday, 26 July 2024,  Lane Cove Council councillors visited The Lane Cove Toy Library and The Sydney Library of Things Lane Cove.

The Lane Cove Toy Library receives a Council Community Assistance Grant and operates under the stewardship of the co-located Sydney Library of Things. Funding is available to not-for-profit organisations for one-off projects and services that support and enhance the well-being of Lane Cove residents and the community.

The councillors were impressed with the volume and variety of toys and games on offer. They heard from some of the Toy Library volunteers about how the grant funding had been used and how excited the community has been about this new service.

Located at 47 Burns Bay Road, the Toy Library operates out of premises owned by Council and has over 950 toys, games and puzzles. Membership entitles you to borrow up to 5 items for up to 3 weeks at a time with no additional fee. Opening hours are currently 9:30 am-12:00 pm on Thursdays and Saturdays.

It is a click-and-collect system, so go online now and pick out the toys you would like to borrow with your kids. If you are planning a games night with your friends, the Lane Cove Toy Library has some newly released games and some old favourites.

Find out more or become a member at thelanecovetoylibrary.org.au

The Sydney Library of Things is where you borrow everyday household items that you would use once and then not again – trestle tables, gazebos, water pressure washers, food dehydrators, sewing machines, popcorn machines, chocolate fountain, digital projector and screens.    Find out more here.

Lane Cove Red Bin Waste Contributing To Odour Issues In Woodlawn

Lane Cove Council and four other councils in the Northern Sydney Region send the contents of red–lid waste bins to a purpose-built Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) facility at Woodlawn, south of Sydney. The waste is taken by truck and train to the facility, which also processes waste from some Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils councils.

Approximately 50% of Lane Cove’s red lid bin waste is diverted from landfill and converted into Mixed Waste Organic Output (MWOO).

Veolia manages the facility and is responsible for transforming the waste from red-lidded Lane Cove and other North Shore councils’ bins into MWOO for environmental rehabilitation.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has fined Veolia Environmental Services (Australia) Pty $30,000 after failing to comply with the conditions of the Environment Protection Licence covering the MBT facility and creating odour issues.

Read more here

Carisbrook House July Devonshire Tea Weekend

Another amazing Devonshire Tea Weekend at Carisbrook House. The monthly Devonshire Tea weekends have become very popular. An ITC roving reporter attended the July open weekend, and they were very impressed. If you have yet to visit Carisbrook, now is the time! The courtyard offers a sunny spot to sit and relax away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Escape to Carisbrook this August.

Events here

Lane Cove Makers Markets

ITC loves visiting the Lane Cove Markers Markets on the third Sunday of every month (9 am —3 pm). Last Sunday, we wandered through the market and enjoyed the lovely sunshine. The market presents products made by the Artists and Designers themselves. They are handmade in Australia.  The markets are located in Lane Cove Plaza and The Canopy.

The next market day is here.

St Andrews Church Longueville Market Day – 3 August, 9.00 am to 1.00 pm

Speaking of Market Days, the long-running annual St Andrews Church Longueville Market Day is this weekend. If you love white elephant stalls, second-hand books, fresh scones, plants, and more, then head along to the Market Day (an ITC favourite). More information is here.

Local Businesses in the Spotlight

Congratulations to these businesses that are finalists in the Local Business Awards.

The Northern District winners, including Lane Cove, will be announced at an awards ceremony on 7 August.

Taylor & the Besties Show Returns to The Canopy

After a sold-out event earlier in the year,  Lane Cove Council is bringing Taylor and Her Besties back to the Canopy on 6 September 2024. Don’t create any Bad Blood with the Swifties in your life – get your tickets while you still can!

Our photos below show how much fun the last concert was. Details here.

Calling all Hunters Hill Green Thumbs

• OVERALL BEST GARDEN
• BEST STREETSCAPE GARDEN
• BEST BEAUTIFIED OR MAINTAINED PUBLIC SPACE
• BEST SMALL BALCONY AND COURTYARD GARDEN
• BEST NATIVE INSPIRED ‘HABITAT-FRIENDLY’ GARDEN

Local Old Boys Unite for Heritage Round

On Saturday, 27 July 2024, The Lane Cove Old Ignatians Football Club (LCOIRFC) Heritage Round took place at Ryde Oval against Knox Old Boys. It allowed past Lane Cove Rugby Club players and Old Ignatians to watch the current teams.

LCOIRFC is Sydney’s newest Suburban rugby club, and it recently held its first President’s Lunch since the club was formed through a merger of the Lane Cove Rugby Club with the Old Ignatians Rugby Club.

Attendees, including players from the current Colts back to their 1950s equivalents, were treated to a discussion between Wallaby greats Stephen Larkham and Stirling Mortlock on the golden Wallaby/Brumby era of the late 1990s and early 2000s. They also offered their reflections on the joys of club rugby.

Both clubs have rich histories; however, merging the two clubs offers a continuous player pathway of strong local affiliation from juniors through high school to colts and seniors. This season, the amalgamated club is fielding three senior teams: the Firsts playing in the Clark Cup, the Seconds in the Farrant Cup, and the Colts in the Nicholson Cup. The Colts are currently at the top of the table under coach Robert Palmer and Nick Hill, both Old Iggies alumni.

Crime, Accidents and Incidents

Vehicle Fire – Lane Cove – 26/07/2024 

At about 11:15 a.m. on Friday, July 26th, 2024, a truck carrying skip bins was travelling along Centennial Avenue, Lane Cove West. At some point, the contents of one of the skip bins caught alight. Other vehicles signalled the driver to pull over, and emergency services were contacted.

Police and NSW Fire and Rescue attended shortly after. Police maintained traffic management at the location while NSW Fire and Rescue extinguished the fire.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage, and no one was injured as a result.

Break and enter – Chatswood – 29/07/2024

A 51-year-old male has been charged with Break & Enter house etc steal and possess housebreaking implements.

Shortly after midnight on Monday 29^th July 2024 police were notified by a storeowner that the alarm on their store at Thomas Street, Chatswood had gone off. Police attended the location shortly after and observed the front glass doors had been smashed to gain entry to the location.

Police reviewed CCTV footage of the incident and canvassed the immediate area. They received information that a male matching the description recently boarded a bus. Further enquiries were made, and the bus was stopped in Crows Nest, where the male was placed under arrest for break-and-enter and searched. During the search, police allegedly located two Screwdrivers and a pair of scissors.

The male was conveyed to Chatswood Police Station and charged with Break & Enter house etc steal and possess housebreaking implements. The male was bail refused and will appear before Hornsby Local Court on 29^th July.

Possess housebreaking implements – Crows Nest – 25/07/2024

A 35-year-old and a 44-year-old male have both been charged with possessing housebreaking implements.

About 4:00 a.m. Sunday, July 25th, 2024, Police were conducting proactive patrols in Crows Nest when they observed the 2 males walking along Alexander Street. Police attempted to speak to the males, at which point both males attempted to flee.

Police stopped both males shortly after and after speaking to the males had cause to search them. As a result of the search, Police will allege that numerous house-breaking implements were allegedly located in the possession of each male.

The males were arrested and conveyed to Chatswood Police Station where they were both charged with Possess housebreaking implements and will appear before Manly Local Court in August.

Week In Review – Sponsor The Alcott – Helping Out Local Community Groups

Our week-in-review sponsor is The Alcott.

The Alcott and ITC are holding the 3rd Annual Lane Cove Smartest Street/Apartment Block trivia night on 12 September 2024. All money raised will go towards funding The Sydney Library of Things and The Lane Cove Toy Library. You can book here.

Last year, the competition was fierce. After the event, several streets and apartment blocks lamented they missed out on showing how brainy they are—so get on your Street or apartment Whatsapp and show them how smart you are. There are some Lane Cove questions and general trivia for all ages.