Lane Cove Week In Review 13 – 20 October 2026

By
Liz McPherson
-
Traffic banked up behind a truck stuck at the roundabout outside The Canopy car park on Monday 19 October. The incident happened around 7pm. Photo: supplied by roving reporter

Here’s your wrap of what’s been happening in and around Lane Cove from Tuesday 13 to Tuesday 20 October: a data centre proposal withdrawn, a governance health check for Council, a big agenda for Thursday’s meeting and a packed week of events ahead.

Thank you Galuwa Dining for sponsoring this Week in Review

The big stories this week

The Big One This Week

Ausgrid Linked Company and Ford Land Company Withdraw Lane Cove West Data Centre IDA Proposal

After months of community concern and sustained coverage from ITC, the huge data centre proposal for Lane Cove West has officially been withdrawn. It’s a big win for the neighbours who’ve been fighting this one, and there’s a lot more to it than one headline can hold, so we’ve given it a full feature, also landing in this week’s newsletter. Read the full story.

Use the buttons below to skip to what matters to you:

Lane Cove News

Possum’s Pink Pony Club Raises $12,000 for Breast Cancer

A room full of women came together for a joyous night of connection, friendship and fundraising, and the result speaks for itself: together, the Lane Cove community raised an incredible $12,000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. “The night was an immense success for many reasons. A room full of women, connecting together for a good cause and celebrating friendships made for a joyous night. The positive and happy energy filled the room. I am tickled pink (ha ha) with the support and generosity of the community, as together we made $12,000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation,” said organisers.

Makers Market Fills the Plaza and The Canopy

Sunday’s Lane Cove Makers Market made the most of a glorious spring day, with stalls spread across Lane Cove Plaza and The Canopy until 4 pm. Handmade cards and art prints, potted plants and flowers, fashion and textiles were all on offer under the shade sails and bunting. Missed it? The market is on the third Sunday of every month, so the next one is Sunday 15 November. Lane Cove Makers Market on the ITC Events Calendar.

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In the Media

Hunters Hill Councillor Quits Over “Toxic Chamber”

Just across the river, independent Hunters Hill councillor Marc Lane has resigned partway through his term, the ABC reports. He says key decisions are being made along party lines on the Liberal-dominated council, pointing to plans to examine 18 parcels of council-owned land, some of it waterfront, for possible sale, and the proposed redevelopment of Gladesville Shopping Village with apartments up to 70 metres. Mayor Zac Miles says the chamber is robust and respectful, that no land sale has been agreed and that any sale would follow community consultation. Council is asking the NSW Electoral Commission how the vacancy will be filled. Read the ABC story.

Lane Cove Council

Chat to a Councillor in the Plaza

Got a question, a suggestion or a local issue you’d like to raise? Drop by Lane Cove Plaza this Saturday 24 October between 9 am and 11 am for Councillor in the Plaza. No appointment needed, just come along for a chat with your ward councillor. With the proposed LEP changes open for comment until 16 November (see Have Your Say below), it’s a good chance to ask questions in person. Can’t make it? The next sessions are Saturday 7 November and Saturday 5 December. More details.

Have Your Say

Changes to the Local Environmental Plan

The Local Environmental Plan (LEP) is the main legal document that controls how land in Lane Cove can be used and developed, from zoning and building heights to heritage protection. Council is proposing amendments that include new clauses on urban heat, stormwater, waste and design excellence; changes to heritage items; rezoning Council-owned land on Epping Road, Gay Street, Stevenson Street, McMahons Road, River Road and Centennial Avenue to C2 Environmental Conservation; and a 550 square metre minimum lot size for all R2 Low Density Residential lots. To comment, write to the General Manager quoting “LEP Review – SU11420”, by email to [email protected] or by post to PO Box 20, Lane Cove NSW 1595. Submissions close Monday 16 November at 5 pm. Read the proposal.

Proposed Fee for Planning Agreements

Council is proposing a new $5,000 flat fee to cover the cost of assessing a developer’s draft planning agreement offer. Planning agreements are deals in which developers provide public benefits, such as land, community facilities or affordable housing, as part of an approval. Complete the online survey, email [email protected] or write to PO Box 20, Lane Cove NSW 1595. Closes Monday 26 October. Have your say.

Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2027–2030: Drop-In Sessions

Council is preparing its next four-year plan for a more accessible, inclusive Lane Cove and wants to hear from people with disability, their families and carers. Drop in to Synergy Youth Centre, 8 Little Street, on Tuesday 27 October (6 pm to 7.30 pm) or Thursday 29 October (10 am to 11.30 am) to share ideas, ask questions or get help with the survey, or join a focus group on Friday 30 October (12 pm to 1.30 pm) in the Training Room, Level 2, Civic Centre, 48 Longueville Road. No registration needed. You can also complete the survey online, in print, in Easy Read, or by phone or in person by calling 9911 3593 or emailing [email protected]. Session details or take the survey.

78 Bridge Street, Lane Cove: No Parking Wednesday Mornings

Council is proposing “No Parking Wednesdays 5 am to 11 am” outside 78 Bridge Street so garbage trucks can turn in the closed section of the street. Complete the survey, email [email protected] or call 9911 3581. Closes Monday 2 November. Have your say.

St Vincent Road: 2P Parking

Council is proposing “2P 8 am to 6 pm Mon to Fri, 8 am to 12 pm Sat” on the western side of St Vincent Road between Gore Street and River Road, to increase turnover and stop trucks and boat trailers parking long term and restricting access. Complete the survey, email [email protected] or call 9911 3581. Closes Monday 2 November. Have your say.

Calling Apartment Buildings: Social Cohesion Project

Council is still looking for apartment buildings to join its Social Cohesion Project, which runs three on-site events to help neighbours connect and tackle shared safety and resilience issues together. Let your strata committee or building manager know before you apply. Register your interest.

General Information / Safety Alerts

Confirmed: Lane Cove North Is Officially 40 km/h

Council has confirmed Lane Cove North has officially moved to 40 km/h, with the new signs now uncovered following final approval from Transport for NSW. The lower speed limit, alongside speed humps and raised crossings, is designed to create safer streets and reduce rat-running. Pedestrian crossings at Kullah Parade, Hatfield Street and Mindarie Street remain closed until permanent lighting is installed, so use nearby alternative kerb crossings in the meantime. Watch out for the new signs and slow down. Council’s project page.

Report: Pollution Spotted in Stringybark Creek

A resident reported discoloured, heavily polluted water in Stringybark Creek on two consecutive afternoons this week, with photos showing a blue tinge in the water near rock pools. The resident, who sits on Council’s Bushland Management Advisory Committee, has raised the possibility it may be linked to nearby construction run-off, though ITC has not verified the source and no site has been confirmed as responsible.

Push to Save Naamaroo Bushland at Lindfield

A local resident is campaigning to bring 6.17 hectares of bushland known as Naamaroo, beside Lane Cove National Park at Lindfield, back into public hands after it was relisted for sale. The land was originally gifted to the NSW Government to help create Lane Cove National Park, later passed to a church group as a youth camp and conference centre, then sold privately in 2022. A petition is calling on the NSW Government to use its window to reacquire the site.

Ongoing Water Leak: Epping Road and Parklands Road, Lane Cove North

Sydney Water is continuing to monitor and manage a leak from an isolation valve on a 750 mm water main at the corner of Epping Road and Parklands Road, Lane Cove North, following a burst main there on 25 September. Works are ongoing and staged as crews carry out repairs, so expect to see crews and some traffic disruption in the area in the coming days.

GambleAware Week: Now We See It. Let’s Talk About It.

Gambling harm isn’t always easy to spot, and it rarely affects just one person. It can show up as money worries, strained relationships, stress or time missing from family life. This week, Monday 19 to Sunday 25 October, is GambleAware Week, and this year’s message is simple: now we see it, let’s talk about it. Checking in with someone you’re worried about, or being honest about your own gambling, can make a real difference, and with the Melbourne Cup a fortnight away, it’s a good time to have that conversation. Free, confidential support is available 24/7 from the GambleAware Helpline on 1800 858 858, including for family and friends, and through Gambling Help Online. Visit GambleAware for tools, information and support.

Local Sports

Lane Cove FC Women Finish State Runners-Up

Lane Cove FC’s record 90th season ended in style. The title-winning Women’s Over 30s Division 1 Yellow team went all the way to the final of the Football NSW Champion of Champions, the first LCFC team to make the final in more than 20 years. On a sunny Sunday morning at Valentine Park, the home of Football NSW, they went down to a formidable Killarney District side. Reaching a state final caps off a remarkable year for the team, who went from local premiers to the state stage.

Read their season to remember

Congratulations! Follow Lane Cove FC.

Time for a Change

Boys and Mixed Netball Could Be Coming to Lane Cove, But Only If Enough of You Say Yes

Netball isn’t just a girls’ sport anymore. The Kelpies, Australia’s official boys’ and men’s national team, are ranked number one in the world, and boys’ netball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. Associations right across Sydney have been running boys and mixed competitions for years, and it’s about time Lane Cove caught up. The Northern Suburbs Netball Association is now calling for Expressions of Interest to launch a boys or mixed netball competition for 2027, but here’s the catch: if the numbers aren’t there, it simply won’t happen. If your son wants to play, or your family wants a mixed option on the court, this is the moment to put your hand up, it takes two minutes. Register your interest in the 2027 boys/mixed netball EOI.

Read the full story.

Crime, Accidents & Incidents

Car Crashes Into Apartment Block in Lynvale Close

A loud crash shook an apartment block in Lynvale Close, Lane Cove North, at around 8.30 am on Sunday 18 October, when a VW Golf hit the side of the building. A woman inside was woken as the wall came in behind her and was struck on the head by a brick. She walked to the ambulance and was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital. The driver spoke with police at the scene. Thanks to our Roving Reporter for the update, and to the emergency services who attended and secured the area.

Truck Stuck Beside The Canopy Car Park

Traffic banked up near The Canopy on Monday evening, 19 October, after a large truck became stuck on the roundabout at Rosenthal Lane and Finlayson Street, beside the car park entrance, at around 7pm. One witness said the truck lost traction while turning over the raised roundabout near the loading dock, and several locals said it’s not the first time they’ve seen it happen. Police attended to help manage traffic. Thanks to the followers who sent in photos.

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Upcoming Events

Thursday 22 October is a big day: Delvena’s 50th birthday celebration in the Plaza in the morning, Grandparents Day craft at all three libraries in the afternoon, AusArt Day all day, and the Council meeting at 7 pm.

Delvena Turns 50: Cake and Community

Delvena is Lane Cove’s own women’s refuge, quietly supporting women and children escaping domestic violence for half a century. This Thursday, the community gathers in the Plaza to celebrate that milestone with cake and conversation, a chance to show this vital, often-unseen service some love. It’s a cause close to home and one we’re proud to get behind, so come along if you can. Read the full story.

When: Thursday 22 October
Time: 10 am to 12 pm
Where: Lane Cove Plaza
How: Free, just turn up. See the event listing.

If this raises anything for you, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, or 000 in an emergency.

AusArt Day: Help Refresh Gallery Lane Cove’s Ceramics Studio

This Thursday is AusArt Day, Creative Australia’s national day of giving to the arts. Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios is raising $10,000 to refresh its ceramics studio, with new kiln elements, shelves, seating and a communal kiln open to local artists and makers. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.

When: Thursday 22 October
Where: Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios, 164 Longueville Road
How: Donate to the ceramics studio refresh. Read more.

Grandparents Day Thank-You Craft

NSW Grandparents Day is this Sunday 25 October, so get in early with a handmade thank-you. Kids can drop in to any of Lane Cove’s three libraries and create a special present for their grandparents.

When: Thursday 22 October
Time: 3 pm to 4 pm
Where: Greenwich, Lane Cove and St Leonards libraries
How: Free, no bookings required. More details.

Doggy Day Out at The Canopy

Bring your four-legged friend to The Canopy for fun stalls, competitions and more for furry friends, plus a disco for you and your dog. Weather dependent.

When: Saturday 24 October
Time: 9.30 am to 1.30 pm
Where: The Canopy, Lane Cove
How: Free. More details.

Lane Cove West Public School 75th Jubilee: This Saturday

It’s this Saturday! Lane Cove West Public School is turning 75, and everyone’s invited to celebrate. Expect a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting and live music, plus Bar Coco ice cream, Pizza Buddy pizzas, Jinny Burgers and a coffee cart. There’s also a Jubilee History Trail and commemorative pavers to mark the milestone. It’s an alcohol-free event and all are welcome.

When: Saturday 24 October
Time: 2 pm to 6 pm
Where: Lane Cove West Public School, Avalon Avenue
How: Free. Read more.

KPop Demon Hunters vs The Besties: Halloween Glow Party

Get the costumes ready. The Canopy’s Halloween party brings two crowd favourites together for one night: a K-pop dance show from KPop Demon Hunters, then a big dance-along to Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Katy Perry and more with The Besties. Expect confetti, glow and plenty of dancing, for all ages. Weather dependent.

When: Friday 30 October
Time: 6.15 pm to 8.30 pm
Where: The Canopy, Lane Cove
How: $15 + $1.30 booking fee. Book tickets.

Still to come at The Canopy: Shara Rose & The TailGators with country music and line dancing (Saturday 7 November, 6 pm to 8 pm), Born Jovi (Friday 20 November, 6 pm to 9 pm, $15 + booking fee) and the Bluey Live Christmas Experience (save the date: Friday 4 December). See the Sounds of The Canopy line-up.

Flicks by the River: Saturday 14 November

Council’s outdoor movie night, Flicks by the River, is officially on for Burns Bay Reserve on Saturday 14 November. Book your spot.

More Highlights

For the full list of what’s on, visit the In the Cove Events Calendar.

This Week is sponsored by Galuwa Dining

Galuwa Dining’s first Melbourne Cup lunch is coming up fast, Tuesday 3 November, with sittings from 12.30 pm to 6 pm overlooking Lane Cove Golf Course and the bushland beyond. Bookings are open now, so round up your group and get in early. Book your Melbourne Cup table.

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