Lane Cove Council Meeting June 2026 – Agenda Wrap Up

The Lane Cove Council June Meeting will be held on Thursday, 18 June 2026.

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.

The public forum provides an opportunity to address only. It is not a forum for debate or response from Councillors.

In 2025, the Office of Local Government introduced a new Meeting Code of Practice, which all NSW local councils were required to adopt. The new Code stated that the public forum was no longer part of the formal council meeting and had to be on a different night to a council meeting.

Due to the new Code, Lane Cove Council’s public Public Forum was changed to the Monday Night before the Thursday Night Meeting.

Recently the NSW Legislative Council disallowed the 2025 prescribed Model Meeting Code for NSW councils.  This means that all councils are to now use the 2021 Model Code of Meeting Practice.

Mayoral Minutes

Mayoral Minute – 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List Recommendation

Mayor Merri Southwood is proposing Lane Cove Council write and congratulate the three locals who received a King’s Birthday honour and thank them for their contribution to the community and beyond.  Read our article here to see which local received a King’s Birthday honour.

Petition

A petition has been sent to Lane Cove Council signed by 219 people opposing the use of Lane Cove Council funding for drag queen events in Lane Cove.

The officer’s report notes the petition raises concerns about the use of ratepayer money for drag queen activities and requests that Lane Cove Council reconsider the programme.

At a previous Lane Cove Council meeting, council discussed this issue at length.  The funding is part of the council’s pride activation programme.   The funding was approved after public consultation and the programme aims to support local businesses, encourage visits to the Lane Cove Village and promote Lane Cove as an inclusive and welcoming community.

Only one business has submitted an application and the total cost to council is $700.00

The officer’s report recommends council receive and note the petition.

Notices of Motion

Maintenance of vacant development sites to manage sediment run-off and to address visual amenity of precincts adjacent to vacant development sites Recommendation

Councillor Merri Southwood has tabled a notice of motion asking Lane Cove Council staff to investigate the Council’s powers to enforce maintenance of improvements and vegetation on inactive development sites to prevent sediment run-off and to maintain visual amenity of precincts adjacent to development sites.

Councillor Southwood notes that there can be a delay between a development site being cleared and construction starting.  During this time neighbours may be living next door to a site that becomes overgrown and untidy.

She also notes that when sites that have been demolished and are left unattended there can be issues with dust and sediment run-off into storm water systems that flow into waterways.

Lane Cove Council has limited control over the timing of private construction activity and timetables.

Although Lane Cove Council does have some enforcement powers, Councillor Southwood would like the Lane Cove Cove staff to review and explore council’s powers to ensure:

• improvements are maintained on sites on which no construction activity is imminent
• weeds and overgrown vegetation are controlled on development sites
• sites that have been cleared are revegetated with adequate sediment and dust control measures in place

ITC Note:  An ITC staff member lived downhill from a construction site that had been cleared.  The sediment control put in place by the builder was not adequate to stop water running off the site and flooding their backyard, one room and water running down their driveway and onto a major road.  The building work was being supervised by a private certifier.  The staff member was told by Lane Cove Council that as a private certifier was involved, they could not direct the builder/owner to install proper sediment control.  This meant tracking down the private certifier, leaving several messages on their phone.  Eventually the private certifier came back to the staff member and after two weeks advised that they would send a notice to Lane Cove Council recommending compliance action.  In the meantime, there was more rain and more runoff.

Notice of Motion – Data Centre Compliance and Regulation Recommendation

The Lane Cove West business park is rapidly becoming one of NSW’s most concentrated zones for hyperscale data centres. AirTrunk already operates SYD2 at 1 Sirius Road, another recently approved data centre on Apollo Place and is seeking approval for a third facility neighbouring its existing site.

Goodman has also lodged an data centre development application for 12 Mars Road. 

After NSW Planning placed Goodman’s Development Application and its Environmental Impact Statement on public exhibtion the proposal received 374 public submissions (only 9 in support). It is the highest number recorded for a NSW State Significant Data Centre application.

One of the most significant responses came from Sydney Water, which has asked NSW Planning to defer its assessment until a separate servicing study is completed.

Sydney Water says the site sits in the Chatswood Water Supply Zone, where the existing drinking water system has limited capacity to service the development.

Lane Cove Council objected, raising concerns about height, visual impact and the cumulative impact of data centres in the Lane Cove West industrial area.

Local groups, residents, sporting clubs and environmental organisations also lodged objections, raising concerns about water use, noise, proximity to children’s sport and schools, diesel generators, bushland impacts and the Lane Cove River.

NSW Planning has now requested a Submissions Report from Goodman. Read more here.

An organisation called Lane Cove DC Alliance has signalled its intention to build a data centre at 16 Mars Road.

If all are approved, four hyperscale data centres will operate side by side in the same suburban business park, each running 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

An ITC investigation looked at the existing Airtrunk data centre development conditions revealed compliance issues with their reporting requirements – read more here.

Councillor Rochelle Flood has tabled motion advocating for clearer regulations and compliance standards for the operation of data data centres in NSW.

Councillor Flood is asking Lane Council Councillors to vote on a resolution which:

• Notes that NSW planning and environmental laws have not kept pace with the rapid rise of data centre appliance, leaving NSW with inadequate compliance monitoring of data centre operations.
• Calls for improved regulation of data centres to ensure compliance across all aspects including development and day-to-day operations such as noise reports, fire safety standards etc., as well as water use and emissions targets.
• Writes to the NSW Premier and Minister for Planning asking them to establish a single regulatory authority to oversee all matters relating to data centre operating standards such as noise reporting, fire safety requirements etc, emissions and water use targets.
• Investigate other regulatory models to make it easier for communities to raise valid complaints and to have transparent oversight of data centre compliance.

Councillor Flood is requesting that the above point be included into Lane Cove Council’s submission to the Federal Inquiry into AI and data centres and makes a request to the NSW Data Centre inquiry seeking to raise additional concerns about regulatory compliance.

Notice of Motion – Review of Advisory Committees Recommendation

Councillor Merri Southwood has tabled a notice of motion proosing a review of Council’s advisory committee structures and charters, with the aim of adopting, before the end of the current Council term, revised arrangements that strengthen two-way communication, engagement, and understanding between the community and Council.

Lane Cove Council’s current advisory committees are:

• Bicycle Advisory Committee
• Bushland Management Advisory Committee
• Carisbrook House Advisory Committee
• Companion Animal Advisory Committee
• Lane Cove Festival Advisory Committee
• Lane Cove Public Art Advisory Committee
• Sporting Club Advisory Committee
• Sustainability Advisory Committee
• Youth Advisory Group
• Inclusive Communities Committee
• Access and Age-Friendly Advisory Committee

There is no legislative requirement for NSW councils to establish advisory committees. Most metropolitan and larger regional councils have between five and sixteen advisory committees, while smaller rural councils may have fewer.

Advisory committees have no binding decision-making power.  They have no delegated power and act in a purely advisory role, formed to assist the council across a wide range of functions and issue

Councils are free to determine if they will approve the formation of advisory committees (or similar structures) and their designation and charter.

Lane Cove Council’s advisory committees operate under charters that are based on a Council template but with variations between them to address the specific purpose of each committee.

The charters are clear that the role of advisory committees is to provide advice and recommendations to the General Manager, but they are not to make decisions on behalf of Council.

Councillor Southwood notes:

It is, however, some time since Council has undertaken a full review of its advisory committee structure to ensure that it now meets its strategic objectives. No review was undertaken during the previous three terms of Council.

Notice of Motion – E-Bike Safety and Community Education Recommendation   

Councillor Taylor has tabled a motion seeking to address the increased use of e-bikes and personal mobility devices, and the need for community education regarding safe riding behaviour.

Councillor Taylor is asking Councillor to vote on a resolution that:

• notes the increasing use of e-bikes and other personal mobility devices within the Lane Cove local government area and community concerns regarding safety, compliance, and responsible use.
• Lane Cove Council writes to the NSW Minister for Roads, the NSW Minister for Transport, and the NSW Minister for Youth asking for:
  • a state-wide education campaigns on e-bike safety and road rules
  • greater enforcement of existing regulations relating to illegal e-bikes and unsafe riding behaviour
  • additional measures to improve rider, pedestrian and road user safety
  • support for local government initiatives that promote e-bike safety education
• Request Council staff prepare and deliver a community education campaign on e-bike safety, including:
  • educational content distributed through Council’s social media channels, website, newsletters and other communication platforms
  • information materials outlining legal requirements, safe riding practices, and shared path etiquette
  • collaboration with Council’s Road Safety Team to develop and promote safety awareness initiatives
  • engagement with local schools and community organisations where appropriate.
  • establish community engagement opportunities, including pop-up information stalls attended by interested Councillors and Council staff at suitable community events and locations, to provide residents with information on e-bike safety and responsible use.
• Request Council staff explore opportunities through Synergy Youth Centre and by partnering with other youth-focused organisations to deliver targeted education and engagement programs for young people regarding e-bike safety, road rules and responsible riding behaviour.Councillor Taylor is requesting Lane Cove Council staff prepare a report within the next six months outlining the actions undertaken, community engagement outcomes, and any further recommendations to improve e-bike safety within Lane Cove.

Read In the Cove’s article on E-bike in Lane Cove here.

 

Notice of Motion – Future Funding of Businesses Hosting Drag Queen Events Recommendation  

Councillors Bennison  and Taylor have tabled a Notice of Motion, referring to the petition mentioned above, seeking a Council resolution to prohibit future funding, grants, sponsorships, subsidies, or fee waivers to businesses for the purpose of hosting drag queen events.

Response to Notice of Motion – Urgent Change of Building Manager – Lane Cove Market Square Recommendation

At the 2026 Lane Cove Council Meeting, Councillors discussed the lift and escalator issues at Lane Cove Market Square and ask Council staff to provide more information on the ownership structure, leasing arrangements and building manager.

By way of background, LML Lift Consultants were engaged by the Market Square Building Management Committee (BMC) to undertake Lifecycle and Feasibility Assessments of the vertical transport (VT) infrastructure. The assessments identified that key lift, escalator and travellator assets are approaching end of service life and are generally below contemporary standards.

In response, Knight Frank prepared a schedule of remedial works prioritising safety and compliance. The capital works completed in December 2025 are expected to defer major lift replacement expenditure for approximately three (3) years.

In January 2026, the BMC terminated the incumbent VT contractor and appointed a replacement contractor on an interim six-month basis. Service levels and equipment reliability have improved significantly since, with procurement of a permanent contractor underway.

The report notes that Knight Frank is the facilities manager only and there is not a contract between the BMC and Knight Frank.

Lane Cove Council and the Region Group have agreed to implement a Building and Facilities Management at Market Square.

The Officer’s report notes:

“Vertical Transport – Costs to Council

The existing vertical transport infrastructure is approximately 16 years old and approaching the latter stages of its operational life.

Under the BMS, lifts are classified as Shared Facilities and Council is responsible for 70% of associated capital and operating costs. The LML Audit assessed the lifts as having a remaining service life of 3–5 years, with future replacement costs estimated between $900,000 and $1.2 million.

Escalators and travellators are not Shared Facilities. Under the lease, Council is responsible for 100% of end-of-life capital replacement costs, while Region Group remains responsible for repairs, maintenance and operating costs. The LML Audit assessed the escalators and travellators as having a remaining service life of 5–10 years, with replacement costs estimated between $1.4 million and $1.7 million.”

Officer Reports

Post Exhibition – Draft Delivery Program & 2026/27 Operational Plan, including 2026/27 Budget, Fees and Charges, Resourcing Strategy and associated Resource Plans Recommendation

The Local Government Act 1993 requires Council to adopt its annual Operational Plan and Budget by 30 June, outlining the activities to be undertaken in the next financial year (i.e., from 1 July), as part of a Delivery Program. The Local Government Regulation 2005 requires the Operational Plan and Budget to include an annual Revenue Policy.

At the Lane Cove Council April Meeting, Councillors voted to endorse the budget papers (being the Draft Delivery Program and the Operational Plan 2026/27 Draft 2026/27 Budget, Draft 2026/27 Schedule of Fees and Charges as part of the Draft Revenue Policy, and the Draft Resourcing Strategy including associated Resource Plans) for public exhibition.

The budget establishes the anticipated operating result for 2026/27 and provides information on key income and expenditure.

The offficer’s report notes:

“A total of 8 submissions were received during the public exhibition period. Councillors have received a copy of all submissions which have been placed on the Councillor HUB.

A detailed response to matters raised in submissions has been prepared and is attached to this report as AT-1. No changes to the draft documents, aside from the Long Term Financial Plan, are proposed in response to any of the public submissions received.”

There was a 3.9% rate rise in 2025/2026, however at the time the 2025/2026 budget was published Lane Cove Council noted there could be a significant rate rise in 2026/2027.

The NSW Government, through the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) caps the total general income that may be raised from levying rates on property. IPART has determined that general income from rates in 2026/27 may increase by a maximum of 4.7%. This is the basis of the draft 2026/27 budget, so it is not the significant rate rise forecasted.

However if you read the Long Term Financial Plan – Lane Cove Council are strongly signalling that a Special Rate Variation request will need to be to Ipart – read our article here.

The Officer’s report also notes:

“The 2026/27 Operational Plan and Budget have been prepared in a fiscally responsible manner. Council does, however, acknowledge the increasing difficulty in balancing the budget in the future and will need to continue exploring new income producing and/or expenditure saving opportunities to not only balance the budget but significantly increase its ability to provide additional funds for the renewal of Council’s infrastructure assets.”

The Domestic Waste Management (DMW) Service is provided to all residential properties. Council must make and levy an annual charge for the service and income must not exceed the reasonable cost of providing the services (section 496 and 504). The draft 2026/27 Budget provides for the levying of a Domestic Waste Management Charge (under S.496 of the Act) of $637.65 for each 80 litre MGB and recycling service on all rateable and non-rateable residential properties. The DWM is expected to raise $11.1M in revenue.  Some NSW councils have forecasted that their DMW will need to increase due to the increase in fuel costs due to the Iran War.  This charge is the same charge as last financial year.

Public Exhibition – Draft Community Engagement Strategy, Draft Community Engagement Policy, and Draft Digital Engagement Strategy

The officer’s report notes:

“A review of Council’s adopted Community Engagement Strategy and Community Engagement Policy has been undertaken to ensure both documents remain fit for purpose, included matters that the elected Council requested be of focus as per the July 2025 council resolution, and to ensure the documents represent community engagement best practice.

A new Digital Engagement Strategy has also been developed to provide a clear framework for how Council communicates, engages and delivers services through digital channels. Importantly, the Digital Engagement Strategy complements the Community Engagement Strategy and is an integral component of contemporary community engagement.

This report recommends that Council proceed to place the draft Community Engagement Strategy, draft Community Engagement Policy and draft Digital Engagement Strategy on public exhibition and a report on the outcomes of the public exhibition be reported back to Council at a later date.”

Implications of the Disallowance of the Local Government (General) Amendment (Model Code of Meeting Practice) Regulation 2025 Recommendation     

As mentioned above the NSW Upper House disallowed the regulations implementing a new Model Code of Meeting Practice.

Mayor Merri Southwood in her email to residents summarising the Lane Cove Council Agenda Papers asked locals to get involved and provide their feedback on what day the public forum should be held.

Mayor Southwood noted:

“The Minister for Local Government may seek to introduce a new version of the Code, but in the meantime, Council must decide whether to revert to the Thursday night public forum (which is held as part of our meetings) or continue with a separate forum on Monday night.

* What would you prefer?

1. Monday night Public Forums

2. Thursday night Public Forums at the beginning of the Council meeting

** Please let your Councillors and Council know your preference. Email us before our Thursday meeting.

[email protected]

[email protected]”

Post Exhibition – Draft Restricted (Cash) Reserves Policy and Draft Infrastructure Asset Management Policy Recommendation

The annual statutory financial statements of Council include a summary of the funds held in the external and internal financial reserves. These reserves have been established over time.

To date there has been no Council Policy that applies to the establishment and management of all Council financial reserves, which sets out the agreed direction and controls as well as a target balance to be held in each reserve.

Both externally and internally restricted financial reserves are established and managed to meet a range of objectives. Externally restricted financial reserves are established to meet legislative requirements, primarily unspent developer contribution funds and unspent grants received by Council. These unspent funds are set aside as externally restricted assets in financial reserve as they can only be expended for that purpose.

Internally restricted financial reserves are established at the discretion of Council and are used to meet a variety of circumstances, generally focused on a specific activity or service of Council. These unspent funds are set aside as internally restricted assets in the internal financial reserves.

A draft Restricted Cash (Reserves) Policy has been prepared to document the future management and utilisation of Reserves to ensure that Council meets best practice governance and audit controls.

The Draft policy was exhibited and no public submissions were received.  Councillors are now being asked to approve the policy.

Post Exhibition – Rotary Peace Poles Project 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.

The proposal was put on public exhibition.

The Officer’s report notes:

“Community feedback was low, with18 survey responses received and 3 written submissions. The feedback received was mixed, with a majority of submissions expressing opposition, primarily relating to project priority, visual impact and use of resources.

• Supportive submissions recognised the symbolic value of peace, community connection and opportunities for children to engage with the concept.
• Following consideration of all feedback, staff consider the project aligns with Council’s Community Strategic Plan objectives relating to community identity, inclusion and cultural expression and recommend the project proceed at location 3 which is adjacent to the Canopy Lifts on the basis that there are low risks for installation and was the most preferred location in feedback received.”

Draft Submission – NSW Strategic Plan For Children 2027 – 2030 Recommendation

The NSW Office for Youth is developing a new Strategic Plan for Children and Young People 2027–2030 and is accepting submissions until 30 June 2026.

Lane Cove Council has prepared a submission drawing on local research and community input, including the Council’s Children and Families Strategy, Community Strategic Plan, Social Inclusion Strategy, and feedback from the Youth Advisory Group. The submission addresses each of the five themes in the NSW consultation paper.

The five key messages are:

• Better access to early childhood education, life skills, and pathways to employment.
• The importance of community spaces, infrastructure, and trusted adults in helping young people feel connected and included.
• Improved coordination of services so families can more easily find and access support when they need it.
• Greater investment in mental health and wellbeing, including access to sport, recreation, and open space.
• Engaging young people in ways that match how they actually communicate and want to participate.

The main recommendation is that local government be formally recognised as a key partner in delivering the Strategic Plan. Councils are already providing many of the services and community connections that make a real difference to children and families, and are well placed to help put the Plan into action locally.

Councillors are being asked to approve the submission.

Tender Outcome – Lane Cove Aquatic Centre Electrification Upgrade Recommendation  

Council called for tenders for the design and construction of electrification works at the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre, in line with the Local Government Act 1993 and Council’s Tender and Quotation Procedure.

The project supports Council’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency and lowering operating costs. Funding has been secured primarily through the Australian Government’s Community Energy Upgrades Fund (CEUF).

The works involve replacing gas-dependent equipment with electric alternatives, along with the electrical upgrades needed to support that transition.

Tenders were assessed against five criteria: price, delivery capacity and methods, experience and capability, work health and safety, and sustainability.

Following an evaluation, Hirotec Pty Ltd was identified as the preferred tenderer, offering the best overall combination of value for money, technical capability, and relevant experience in aquatic and electrification projects.

Council is asked to accept the recommended tender and authorise the General Manager to sign the necessary contracts.

Draft Submission – Low-rise housing reforms and targeted assessment Recommendation   

In December 2025, the NSW Government passed the Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Planning System Reforms) Act 2025.  This Act makes significant changes to how the planning system works in NSW.

As part of these changes, new rules for low-rise housing have been introduced to make it easier and faster to get smaller residential projects approved, sitting between a simple complying development certificate and a full development application.

On 14 May 2026, the NSW Government released a discussion paper proposing further changes to how low-rise housing is assessed across NSW. The paper proposes a new targeted assessment pathway.  This pathway is meant to be a faster, more flexible approval process for low-rise housing with a 50-day determination timeframe. Community feedback is open until 24 June 2026.

The Officer’s report notes that Lane Cove Council supports planning reforms that help deliver housing more quickly, the submission raises concerns about the assessment timeframe, the approval provisions under the new pathway, and the need for greater clarity around application fees.

Councillors are being asked to endorse the submission.

Draft Submission – Variations and Changes to Complying Development Recommendation   

The NSW Government is proposing changes to allow minor variations to the Complying Development Code.  This means that in some cases, a development that doesn’t fully meet the standard rules could still be approved through a new “variation certificate” process.

Under the proposal, a variation request would be submitted alongside a Complying Development application. While private certifiers can handle the main application, only Council staff would assess and decide on any variations.

Lane Cove Council is broadly supportive of the reforms but has raised a number of concerns for the NSW Planning’s consideration.

Assessment Timeframes

The proposed timeframes are measured in calendar days.  The timeframe is ten days where a private certifier is involved, and 20 days where Council is the certifier. In practice, this gives Council staff as little as 1.5 to 3 weeks to complete their assessment, which the officer’s report is that is not enough time given current workloads.

Council recommends the timeframes be changed to working days, which would extend the assessment window to 2–4 weeks and allow for more thorough and manageable reviews.

Safeguards

The proposal mentions some protections against inappropriate approvals but doesn’t go far enough. Council is concerned that applicants could submit multiple variation requests for the same property, or re-submit an application that has already been refused.

Council recommends that the NSW Planning Portal be updated to block both of these situations automatically.

Fees

The proposed fees for variation certificates are either a flat fee of around $456, or a sliding scale based on the number of variations:

One variation — $342

Two variations — $456

Three or four variations — $569

Council does not support the sliding scale approach, as the number of variations doesn’t necessarily reflect the amount of work involved in assessing them. While a flat fee is more appropriate, the amounts proposed seem too low given the additional workload these applications will create for staff.

Council recommends that a site inspection be required as part of the variation assessment process, as is already the case for Development Applications. This would help identify any potential impacts from the proposed variation and is achievable within the recommended timeframes.

Council’s experience shows that incomplete applications cause significant delays. To address this, Council suggests better guidance for applicants, including checklists, safeguards built into the Planning Portal, optional pre-application reviews, and the possible use of artificial intelligence to check submissions before they are lodged.

Council endorsement of the submission is sought.

Draft Submission – Federal Parliamentary Inquiry into Artificial Intelligence and Data Centres Recommendation

Council is asked to endorse a draft submission to the Federal Parliamentary Inquiry into Artificial Intelligence and Data Centres.

The submission builds on concerns previously raised at the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry, but goes further given the broader scope of the Federal Inquiry. It addresses two main issues: the inadequacy of the current planning framework for assessing data centres, and the environmental, health and community impacts of data centre expansion.

The submission includes 13 recommendations, informed by the direct experience of the Lane Cove community, which has already been significantly affected by data centre development in the area.

A key recommendation in the submission is that the Telecommunications Act 1997 be amended to give councils and communities greater oversight and control over telecommunications infrastructure works. Under the current Act, telecommunications companies can carry out work on Council land without a Development Application, and requirements to restore any damage are poorly enforced.

This issue was highlighted in a series of investigative articles published by In The Cove, which documented significant damage to public and private property in Lane Cove caused by cabling contractors working on data centre infrastructure.  This was work that Council had no official power to stop or regulate. The articles, known as the “Cabling Cowboys” series, prompted federal intervention, with Communications Minister Michelle Rowland writing to telecommunications regulators TIO and ACMA demanding an investigation into the contractor’s practices across multiple NSW local government areas.

Read the Cabling Cowboys series on In The Cove here

16.1 Response to Notice of Motions – Habitat log salvage program and Enhancing urban biodiversity through scalable habitat initiatives Recommendation

Lane Cove Council staff were asked to report back on environment and biodiversity initiatives discussed at council meetings.

The officer’s report notes that both the Habitat Log Salvage Program and Enhancing Urban Biodiversity can be delivered collectively via Council’s existing bushland programs without requiring significant additional resources.

It has been confirmed that salvaging hollow or partially hollow logs from Council tree works and repurposing them as habitat is achievable and can be incorporated into existing operations.

Alternatively, it is recommended that Council promote an initiative where residents are encouraged to utilise materials readily available on their own properties or from Council’s stockpile of hollow logs that can be repurposed into artificial habitat refuges. This initiative can be effectively integrated with existing bushland programs.

In the early stages of the program, access to habitat logs will be prioritised to residents engaged with the relevant bushland programs.

Council will also support partnerships with local groups such as the Men’s Shed or qualified carpentry practitioners to deliver upcycling workshops and habitat‑making activities by inviting them to participate in Council’s nursery workshops.

Local Transport Forum – May 2026 Recommendation 

The Local Transport Forum considered the following:

28/30 Phoenix Street – No Stopping zone

6 Parkland Avenue – parking bay marking

40-44 Wood Street – No Stopping zone

Miramont Avenue – altered timing of No Parking zone

Joseph Street, Osborne Road, First Avenue, Cobden Avenue  –  Review of  parking and sight lines

Community Safety Precinct Committee – North Shore Police Area Command Recommendation

The North Shore Police Area Command (NSPAC) Community Safety Precinct Meeting was held on Tuesday 9 June 2026.  This was the first time the meeting had been held in 2026.  Over the years the frequency of the meetings has become fewer and fewer.

The meeting brings together police from the North Shore Police Area Command, councils, government representatives and community organisations to share updates on local safety initiatives and policing activity across the area. It is also a chance for attendees to meet local police officers.  Mayor Merri Southwood attended the meeting.

NSPAC covers Lane Cove, Mosman, North Sydney, Willoughby, and part of Ku-ring-gai. Attendees include councillors, state and federal MPs, security companies operating in the area, and local community service providers. Officers from the Crime Prevention and Traffic Units were present at this meeting.

In the Cove will provide a more comprehensive report on the meeting in the next few days.

 Council Snapshot May 2026 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.