Agenda of Ordinary Council - Thursday, 24 November 2022

Ordinary Council 24 November 2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

APOLOGIES

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO COUNTRY

MINUTE OF SILENCE FOR RELECTION OR PRAYER

NOTICE OF WEBCASTING OF MEETING

public forum

Members of the public may address the Council Meeting on any issue for 3 minutes.

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

1. ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING - 27 OCTOBER 2022

Orders Of The Day

Notices of Motion

2. Notice of Motion - Converting Council Chambers Meeting Room to Multi Functional Performance Space........................................................... 5

3. Notice of Motion - Parking Near Development Sites for Businesses Providing Medical Services................................................................................. 7

4. Notice of Motion - Security Cameras and Security Generally Over the Christmas Period.............................................................................................. 8

5. Notice of Motion - Community Organisations Consultation............. 10

6. Notice of Motion - Rise of Anti-Semitism....................................................... 11

Officer Reports for Determination

7. Presentation of Audited Annual Financial Statements - Year Ended 30 June 2022...................................................................................................................... 13

8. Notices Of Motion Relating to Bushland................................................... 15

9. Draft Community Engagement Strategy.................................................... 23

10. Lucretia Baths - Options for the Future.................................................... 25

11. LEP Amendment No 40 – Subdivision of Existing Approved Dual Occupancy Dwellings.......................................................................................... 28

12. 2022/23 Budget - First Quarter Review........................................................... 32

13. Delivery Program and Operational Plan - 2022/23 First Quarter Review.......................................................................................................................... 35

14. Lane Cove Council Draft Annual Report 2021/22..................................... 37

15. Annual Customer Satisfaction Survey Results 2022............................ 39

16. Additional Digital Transformation Reference Group and Lane Cove Festival Advisory Committee Nominations................................................. 44

17. Greenwich Point Wharf Upgrade - Update................................................. 45

18. Golf Course Alternate Operating Model - 12 Month Update............ 47

Officer Reports for Information

19. Internal Audit Committee - 2021/22 Annual Report.................................. 50

20. Council Snapshot October 2022...................................................................... 51

MATTERS RECOMMENDED BY THE GENERAL MANAGER TO BE CONSIDERED IN CLOSED COMMITTEE

21. MAYORAL MINUTE - GENERAL MANAGER’S PERFORMANCE REVIEW 2021/22

It is recommended that the Council close so much of the meeting to the public as provided for under Section 10A(2) (a) of the Local Government Act, 1993, on the grounds that the matter will involve the discussion of personnel matters concerning a particular individual; it further being considered that discussion of the matter in open meeting would be, on balance, contrary to public interest by reason of the foregoing and as the report contains personal information about the performance of a staff member.

Ordinary Council Meeting 24 November 2022

Notice of Motion - Converting Council Chambers Meeting Room to Multi Functional Performance Space

Subject: Notice of Motion - Converting Council Chambers Meeting Room to Multi Functional Performance Space

Record No: SU7405 - 67349/22

Division: Lane Cove Council

Author(s): Councillor Bridget Kennedy

Executive Summary

This report aims to convert the Council Chambers (including the adjacent meeting rooms) to a multi-function space to function as both a Council Chambers and a performance space which would provide maximum use of the space.

Background

Lane Cove Theatre Company (LCTC) has for close to thirty years, worked to imagine a thriving cultural neighbourhood in Lane Cove, with diverse, scattered artistic venues ranging from schools to community halls. This determination, adaptability and community spirit has been recognised and rewarded by Council many times since their inception. The organisation is now a vital cultural aspect of our community. Currently, LCTC does not have a permanent home and spends the vast majority of its budget on the rental of rehearsal and performing spaces. They have been advocating to council for over 25 years for a permanent space.

In 2004, Council adopted the Cultural Action Plan with one of the key goals/actions being to construct a multipurpose Cultural Facility within a 5-10 year timeframe. In 2009 The Pegasus Report to Council provided the Council with recommendations on how it could best provide

support to community cultural groups. This included identifying the request for a performing arts space that would have an audience capacity for 150 – 200 people; sufficient backstage space; foyer and ticketing space.

Council has continued to consider the suitability of various spaces (for example the old Coles Lane Cove site) as a performing arts space and to date there has been no feasible location or funding model that has come to fruition. Council adopted Create Lane Cove: Cultural Plan in February 2016. ID 9.1 stated that Council would “ensure existing and future community facilities and open spaces are managed in such a way that they increase their long-term viability” and ID 9.2 stated that Council would “continue to investigate opportunities for a multipurpose cultural performance space and work alongside community cultural groups to ensure the solution is viable and sustainable.” These priorities were listed as critical.

Council has continued to consider the suitability of various spaces as a performing arts space and to date there has been no feasible location or funding model. Council has achieved a number of improvements across community cultural groups as identified in the Pegasus Report including:

The refurbishment of the old Lane Cove Community Aid building in 2012 to house Gallery Lane Cove and provide gallery and exhibition space for the Lane Cove Art Society and Centrehouse, Lane Cove Concert Band has enjoyed use of the new community space at the Waterview Community Centre located at 314 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove Music and Cultural Association was relocated into the new Little Street Community Facility on Pottery Lane in 2016 which also became home to Lane Cove and Northside Community Services.

Converting Council Chambers (including the adjacent meeting rooms) to a multi-function space to function as both a Council Chambers, AND a performance space would provide maximum use of a space that is often empty. This solution would be viable and sustainable for both Lane Cove Council in supporting cultural places and infrastructure and provide the Lane Cove Theatre Company with a dedicated performance space.

Its current layout is suitable, the existing entrance, public toilets, and kitchen area can provide a foyer and ticketing space, and with some modifications it can provide sufficient backstage space. (see attachment for concept sketch – many thanks to Clr Bryla for the provision of this). If located and executed properly this facility could become an active and essential cultural hub for

Lane Cove where many different community groups could meet to showcase their talent and collaborate to share ideas and inspiration. It would also attract patrons from outside the Lane Cove area, which would only help to add to and strengthen the cultural diversity already present. It would also allow Lane Cove to be recognised for its rich cultural, musical, and theatrical history.

The Lane Cove Theatre was built in the 1920’s and later became the RIO THEATRE in 1934.⁠ Located at 26-28 Burns Bay Road Lane Cove where the Market Square building now stands.⁠ The Rio Theatre was home to the Lane Cove Musical and Dramatic Society and also acted as a cinema. The building was sold in 1951. In 1958 the Lane Cove Town Hall was opened and became the new home of the Lane Cove Players and Lane Cove Musical Society which flourished in the local community for over 40 years. These groups were forced to disband when the Lane Cove Town Hall was modified to redevelop the site into the existing Lane Cove Council building. This current location has a rich, vibrant cultural history and I call on Lane Cove Council to restore it to its former glory by making it possible to house local cultural and performance opportunities

The location is also ideal as a carpark already exists, near a public transport interchange.

Creating a space like this could also provide other groups spaces (subject to facility availability), for example local dance performances, local school performances and other student concerts.

RECOMMENDATION

That:-

1. Council conduct, in late January 2023, after school returns, a workshop with local cultural groups of a size that would potentially utilise a Theatre, delivered by the conversion of the existing Council Chambers into a multi-use facility incorporating both Council Meetings and Cultural Performances, to:-

a. Determine the needs of the local cultural groups for the project; and

b. Review the initial planning ideas having regard to the identified needs of the groups.

2. Understanding that a DA is required due to a change of use of the space and that the requirements of the Building Code of Australia and Disability Discrimination Act will need to be addressed, Council investigate and determine the process for progressing the project in the shortest possible timeframe to allow for the implementation of the performance space in the 2023/24 Operational and Delivery Plan;

3. A presentation on the outcomes of the workshop be presented at the 2023 Corporate Planning Weekend; and

4. A report be submitted to the February 2023 Council Meeting on the outcome of the workshop together with an outline of the process that would be required for the project to proceed, with the aim of including in the 2023/24 Operational and Delivery Plan.

Councillor Bridget Kennedy

Councillor

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View

Concept Sketch

1 Page

Available Electronically

Ordinary Council Meeting 24 November 2022

Notices Of Motion Relating to Bushland

Subject: Notices Of Motion Relating to Bushland

Record No: SU6014 - 66117/22

Division: Open Space and Urban Services Division

Author(s): Martin Terescenko

Executive Summary

Over the past 2 years Council has adopted three Notice of Motions relating to bushland. The first from April 2021, Notice of Motion - Preliminary Investigation of Options to Reduce Light 'Spill' on Urban Bushland in Lane Cove, the second from June 2022, Notice of Motion - Protect Bushland adjacent to the Western Side of the Golf Course and the third from July 2022, Notice of Motion - Address Reported Bushland Encroachments by Private Users on Public C2 Land and Identify Education Opportunities.

This report provides a response to the adopted recommendations from these reports and recommends the following actions for each Notice of Motion:

Light Spill on Urban Bushland - At the next DCP review a control be added to Part H Bushland of the DCP to the effect that external lighting must be designed to minimise light spill into any adjoining bushland and then any subsequent Development Applications be conditioned accordingly.

Protect Bushland adjacent to the Western Side of the Golf Course - Council commence development of a process to involve the community in the selection of a name for the area currently known as the Northwood Slope along the western edge of the Golf Course and consider increasing the current Golf Course Bush Regeneration budget by $10k in next financial year’s budget.

Address Reported Bushland Encroachments by Private Users on Public C2 Land and Identify Education Opportunities - Council design an educational poster with accompanying guidelines that will be used for educational purposes and enforcement for encroachment issues and add bushland encroachments that Council is in the process of investigating into the monthly Snapshot.

Background

Over the past 2 years Council has been concerned about the effects of development on bushland and encroachments from private property on to bushland. Three Notices of Motion relating to bushland were adopted to address these concerns.

The first Notice of Motion from April 2021, “Notice of Motion - Preliminary Investigation of Options to Reduce Light 'Spill' on Urban Bushland in Lane Cove” resolved:

a. Note the existing planning protections against light spill into bushland, given that the first objective of Lane Cove’s DCP Part H - Bushland Protection is "to protect both public and private bushland from adjacent development which could result in any adverse change to the condition of bushland". And further, that the second objective is "To retain and protect...native fauna habitat".

b. In practice, supports such objectives by a unique DCP requirement for a 10m buffer from bushland required of all developments in Lane Cove, whether residential, commercial or industrial.

2. Receive a report:

a. on what Australian Standards or equivalent guidelines exist that consider impacts of light ‘spill’ on urban bushland and its impact on fauna;

b. outlining if any other Councils have existing planning controls concerning the impact of light ‘spill’ on bushland; and

c. recommending appropriate planning instruments to reduce the impact of light ‘spill’ on urban bushland.

3. Approach the authors of the research provided to determine if they will work with Council to develop a standard to reduce the impact of light ‘spill’ on urban bushland.

The second Notice of Motion from June 2022 “Notice of Motion - Protect Bushland adjacent to the Western Side of the Golf Course” resolved:

1. Amend the wording of the report from ‘this area of bushland is currently not part of

any bushland management plan’ to ‘this area of bushland is currently not part of

any funded bushland management program’;

2. Investigate and report back to a Councillor Workshop for further discussion, the

process, costs and resources required to identify opportunities to consolidate and

extend the existing Northwood slope C2 zoning to cover adjacent remnant patches

of bushland on public land;

3. Investigate and report on damage to this area of bushland by any surrounding use

and details how this damage will be repaired, including the funding of this repair;

4. Undertake a public process to name the bushland known as the “Northwood Slope”

located adjacent to the western side of the golf course; and

5. Develop a plan and budget for future regeneration of this reserve;

The third Notice of Motion from July 2022 “Notice of Motion - Address Reported Bushland Encroachments by Private Users on Public C2 Land and Identify Education Opportunities” resolved:

1. Council investigate developing a public education program to ensure the

community, particularly those living adjacent to bushland (C2) and public

recreation and open spaces land (RE1), understands that encroachment is

unlawful and damaging, and to assist them in appreciating the values of their

adjacent bushland and open space in its natural state;

2. Council investigate developing a publicly advertised process to address reported

encroachments to ensure the boundaries are clear and encroached land is

restored to the public domain and its natural state; and

3. A report be provided to Council to outline the proposed programs, costs and

processes to implement recommendations 1 and 2.

Discussion

Notice of Motion - Preliminary Investigation of Options to Reduce Light 'Spill' on Urban Bushland in Lane Cove.

Noted.

b. In practice, supports such objectives by a unique DCP requirement for a 10m buffer from bushland required of all developments in Lane Cove, whether residential, commercial or industrial.

Noted.

2. Receive a report:-

a. on what Australian Standards or equivalent guidelines exist that consider impacts of light ‘spill’ on urban bushland and its impact on fauna;

The primary Australian Standard relating to outdoor lighting is AS/NZS 4282:2019 Obtrusive Effects of Outdoor Lighting. However, as outlined in the scope of the standard, due to the diversity of species throughout Australia and New Zealand and minimal information on thresholds and behavioural response to artificial light, the effect of obtrusive light on fauna is not covered within the normative parts of this Standard.

The only guideline found on this issue is the National Light Pollution Guidelines for Wildlife Including marine turtles, seabirds and migratory shorebirds January 2020. These Guidelines provide users with information to assess if artificial lighting is likely to affect wildlife and the management tools to minimise and mitigate that affect so that wildlife is not disrupted within, nor displaced from, important habitat; and is able to undertake critical behaviour such as foraging, reproduction and dispersal. The guidelines can be applied regardless of scale, from small, domestic projects to large-scale industrial developments.

b. outlining if any other Councils have existing planning controls concerning the impact of light ‘spill’ on bushland; and

An initial scan of planning controls from a number of Councils has found mixed results in terms of both the application and specificity of planning controls concerning the impact of light spill on bushland.

Some councils such as Waverley and the City of Parramatta include quite specific controls such as:

· “External illumination fixtures must be directed downwards and away from reflective surfaces, avoid spill into parks, reserves and bushland and avoid short wavelength (blue-violet) light.” (Waverley Draft DCP 2022 – B3 Landscaping, Biodiversity and Vegetation protection);

· Consideration must be given to the impacts of lighting on flora and fauna species and their habitat. (Parramatta DCP Section 2 General Controls); and

· Lighting in any future development to be designed to minimise light spill into the ecologically sensitive river riparian corridor to prevent disturbance of bat and migratory bird foraging and roosting habitat (Parramatta DCP Section 4 Strategic Precincts).

Alternatively, some councils such as Mid Coast Council include general controls within their DCP regarding the consideration of “the protection of natural biodiversity, including native vegetation and wildlife, their habitats and biological processes and functions”. Then depending on the siting of the development, either request lighting plans or condition that lighting use directions, shields, height limits, etc. to prevent light from being directed to natural habitats.

This may also be the case for other Councils who do not have reference to lighting spill on natural areas (Note - Blue Mountains, Ryde, Northern Beaches, The Hills, Sutherland, Hornsby all have no reference to this issue in their DCP)

c. recommending appropriate planning instruments to reduce the impact of light ‘spill’ on urban bushland.

The only standard or guideline that could be found which relates to the effects of light spill on wildlife was the National Light Pollution Guidelines for Wildlife Including marine turtles, seabirds and migratory shorebirds. Upon reviewing these guidelines, it was noted that it has outlined 6 best practice lighting design principles which include:

1. Start with natural darkness and only add light for specific purposes.

2. Use adaptive light controls to manage light timing, intensity and colour.

3. Light only the object or area intended – keep lights close to the ground, directed and shielded to avoid light spill.

4. Use the lowest intensity lighting appropriate for the task.

5. Use non-reflective, dark-coloured surfaces.

6. Use lights with reduced or filtered blue, violet and ultra-violet wavelengths.

To minimise the effects of light spill on our bushland reserves, it is recommended that Council adopt changes to the DCP Part H - Bushland at the next DCP review. The changes are to include controls that limit the impacts of light spill on bushland that are based on the 6 best practice design principals of the National Light Pollution Guidelines for Wildlife. These changes to the DCP will ensure the effects of external lighting must be designed to minimise harmful light spill on to any adjoining bushland. Council will also develop a set of standard Development Consent conditions that reflect these principles.

3. Approach the authors of the research provided to determine if they will work with Council to develop a standard to reduce the impact of light ‘spill’ on urban bushland.

The reports referred to in the Notice of Motion were based on studies of the effects of light spill on insectivorous bats. Their research demonstrated that light spill on the edge of bushland does have a disruptive effect on these bats. Council staff have reached out to three of the four authors of the research to see if they would be available to provide some assistance in reviewing Council’s proposed amendments to Council’s DCP or developing some further controls. Unfortunately, at the time of contact they were unavailable to assist. However, should an opportunity arise in the future to work with these authors, Council will consider any additional recommendations when preparing the Draft DCP amendments.

Notice of Motion - Protect Bushland adjacent to the Western Side of the Golf Course

1. Amend the wording of the report from ‘this area of bushland is currently not part of

any bushland management plan’ to ‘this area of bushland is currently not part of

any funded bushland management program’;

This Resolution has acknowledged the change at the meeting.

2. Investigate and report back to a Councillor Workshop for further discussion, the

process, costs and resources required to identify opportunities to consolidate and

extend the existing Northwood slope C2 zoning to cover adjacent remnant patches

of bushland on public land;

The proposed consolidation and extension of the C2 zoning around the western edge of the Golf Course to include areas of vegetation that are currently not zoned C2 has been broken down into the following task with cost estimates:

a. Survey and locate property boundaries - $45k

b. Survey and locate existing C2 boundary - $20k

c. Engage Ecologist to provide report to demonstrate bushland meets C2 requirements - $25k

d. Survey new C2 boundary - $40k

e. Development and Lodgment of Planning Proposal with DPE - $100k

The total estimated cost to of adjusting the C2 boundaries is approximately $230k that is not included in Council’s current budgets. If it was determined to undertake this task a funding source would need to be found. It is recommended that the C2 boundaries be unaltered.

3. Investigate and report on damage to this area of bushland by any surrounding use

and details how this damage will be repaired, including the funding of this repair;

The total area along the western edge is over 25,000m² with approximately 9 properties that may be encroaching into C2 and RE1 areas.

Many parts of the bush found along the western side of Golf Course are heavily weed infested and are a higher priority for bush regeneration before attempting to convert encroachments into native bushland which would be very expensive.

Council currently engages Bush Regeneration contractors to restore bushland around the entire Golf Course as part of its annual works program. Council focuses bush regeneration in areas with the highest resilience first before directing its attention to heavily weed infested areas.

The entire area of bushland along the western edge of the Golf Course needs regeneration, not just locations where encroachments are located.

4. Undertake a public process to name the bushland known as the “Northwood Slope”

located adjacent to the western side of the golf course; and

The bushland on the western side of the Golf Course is currently known as the Northwood Slope. Council’s Human Services Division will commence development of a process to involve the community in the selection of a name.

5. Develop a plan and budget for future regeneration of this reserve;

Council currently engages contractors to undertake bush regeneration works in the bushland surrounding the Golf Course and has done so for many years. In 2021-22 financial year these contractors worked 559 hours at a cost of $29,400.

The current plan for regeneration is to target areas with high resilience which are appropriate for bush regeneration, containing a range of diverse local native species while having a reasonably intact natural seed bank (low disturbance).

The bush regenerators protect the tree canopy in the area by removing weed vines using skirting, herbicide spray and manual removal techniques. Primary weeding would be used to remove woody weeds using mechanical and chemical application methods. Secondary hand removal of grass/herbaceous weeds would be required to remove colonising weeds that come up after primary removal.

The combination of herbicide application (organic and inorganic), flame weeding and hand weeding will be used in the maintenance stages of the regeneration works giving the best chance for the bush to recover naturally.

An ongoing maintenance schedule would be needed to continue to maintain weedy areas to protect the natural regeneration of ground cover and midstory native vegetation.

Areas which would benefit most from revegetation works are low resilient areas containing only some native tree cover with an understory of weeds.

Revegetation is generally used as a last resort when there is little to no natural regeneration. Only local endemic plants sourced from the Council nursery shall be used to revegetate as this will keep good local provenance.

Areas identified for revegetation works would be planned with a focus on habitat creation and linking wildlife corridors.

A maintenance bush regeneration schedule and perpetual budget shall be incorporated into the plan to ensure the plantings are maintained and watered, failed plantings to be replanted and the area kept free of weeds.

Budget

Currently Council’s budget for the bushland surrounding the Golf Course is $30k/annum. If an increase were considered it should be limited to $10k. Any increase over $10k would not increase the speed of regeneration as the process requires time. It is recommended to consider an increase in the Golf Course Bush Regeneration Budget of $10k in next financial year’s budget.

Notice of Motion - Address Reported Bushland Encroachments by Private Users on Public C2 Land and Identify Education Opportunities

1. Council investigate developing a public education program to ensure the

community, particularly those living adjacent to bushland (C2) and public

recreation and open spaces land (RE1), understands that encroachment is

unlawful and damaging, and to assist them in appreciating the values of their

adjacent bushland and open space in its natural state;

Council is in the process of designing an educational poster with accompanying guidelines that will be used for educational purposes and enforcement for encroachment issues.

The different types of encroachments to be addressed in the educational poster include

a. Bush cleared for private assets (i.e. trampoline, swing set, BBQ’s, firepits, garden sheds)

b. Extension of homeowner’s garden into bushland (i.e. landscaping, terracing, steps and lawn)

c. Inappropriate planting into bushland (i.e. lawn, fruit trees, and exotic plants)

d. Dumping (i.e. green waste, general waste and electronic waste)

The estimated cost to develop the poster and guidelines is $5k, which is being covered within existing Bushland Budgets.

Once produced, Council will send the information to all properties adjoining and adjacent to bushland. This information will also be put out to the general community using Council’s Website, Council’s Facebook, Bushcare’s Facebook, Bush Kids Facebook, Golden Whistler Bushcare Newsletter, Quarterly Newsletter and Notice Boards, etc.

2. Council investigate developing a publicly advertised process to address reported

encroachments to ensure the boundaries are clear and encroached land is

restored to the public domain and its natural state; and

Council currently notifies breaches for development activities in the monthly Snapshot report to Council. It is proposed to also add bushland encroachments that Council is in the process of investigating into the monthly Snapshot.

3. A report be provided to Council to outline the proposed programs, costs and

processes to implement recommendations 1 and 2.

Based on the initiatives identified they can be accommodated within existing and future budget provisions.

Conclusion

In relation to the three Notices of Motion relating to bushland it is recommended that the following task be undertaken for each of the motions:

Light Spill on Urban Bushland

At the next DCP review controls be added to Part H - Bushland of the DCP to the effect that external lighting must be designed to minimise light spill into any adjoining bushland and then any subsequent Development Applications be conditioned accordingly.

Protect Bushland adjacent to the Western Side of the Golf Course

· Council commence development of a process to involve the community in the selection of a name for the area currently known as the Northwood Slope along the western edge of the Golf Course.

· Council consider increasing the current Golf Course Bush Regeneration budget by $10k in next financial year’s budget.

Address Reported Bushland Encroachments by Private Users on Public C2 Land and Identify Education Opportunities

· Council complete the designing of an educational poster with accompanying guidelines to be used for educational purposes and enforcement for encroachment issues.

· Bushland encroachments that Council is in the process of investigating into the monthly Snapshot report to Council.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. Develop and adopt changes to the DCP Part H - Bushland at the next DCP review based on the 6 best practice design principals of the National Light Pollution Guidelines for Wildlife, to ensure external lighting is designed to minimise harmful light spill on any adjoining bushland;

2. Develop a set of standard Development Consent conditions that reflect the 6 best practice design principals of National Light Pollution Guidelines for Wildlife;

3. Council commence development of a process to involve the community in the selection of a name for the area currently known as the Northwood Slope along the western edge of the Golf Course;

4. Consider increasing the current Golf Course Bush Regeneration budget by $10k in next financial year’s budget;

5. Council continue designing an educational poster with accompanying guidelines that will be used for educational purposes and enforcement for encroachment issues; and

6. Add bushland encroachments that Council is in the process of investigating into the monthly Snapshot report to Council.

Martin Terescenko

Executive Manager - Open Space and Urban Services

Open Space and Urban Services Division

ATTACHMENTS:

There are no supporting documents for this report.

Ordinary Council Meeting 24 November 2022

Draft Community Engagement Strategy

Subject: Draft Community Engagement Strategy

Record No: SU80 - 65273/22

Division: Corporate Services Division

Author(s): Steven Kludass

Executive Summary

This report provides an update on the progress made in relation to the review of Council’s community consultation and includes a Draft Community Engagement Strategy for Council’s consideration. It is recommended that Council adopt the Draft Community Engagement Strategy for the purposes of public exhibition.

Background

Council resolved the following at its Ordinary Council Meeting of 18 August 2022:

That Council:

1. Receive and note the Community Consultation Review report;

2. Develop a Draft Action Plan, consistent with the contents of this report, for referral to the Digital Transformation Reference Group for input and comment; and

3. Receive a Draft Action Plan for Councillor consideration at a Councillor Workshop, prior to the formalisation of a Final Action Plan no later than November 2022.

Following a review of Council’s adopted Community Engagement Policy, it was evident a separate Community Engagement Strategy was necessary to help enact, guide and enable the Policy.

The Draft Community Engagement Strategy has been distributed to members of the Digital Transformation Reference Group (DTRG) for input and comment. At the time of writing this report, Council had not received any comments from the DTRG in relation to the Draft Strategy.

A short presentation outlining the contents of the Draft Community Engagement Strategy was presented to Council at a Councillor Workshop on 14 November 2022. Feedback received from Councillors has been incorporated in the Draft Strategy.

Discussion

The Draft Community Engagement Strategy has been developed to guide Council’s approach to community engagement. Whereas the Community Engagement Policy outlines Council’s commitment to community engagement in a holistic sense, the Community Engagement Strategy specifically articulates Council’s commitment to the IPA2 Framework, outlines our approach to community engagement (what, why, where, when and how) and contains key objectives and actions as components of an Implementation Approach.

One of the primary issues raised in previous community consultation workshop sessions has been Council’s inconsistent execution of its Policy. The addition of four (4) Objectives and related Action Plan items will advance where Council’s focus needs to be if we are to improve our current community engagement practices.

The four (4) Objectives are:

1. Building capacity;

2. Inclusive engagement;

3. Accountability and Transparency; and

4. Continuous Improvement

Each of these four (4) Objectives include a series of undertakings in the form of action items which will be periodically evaluated and reported to Council.

Community Consultation

Statement of Intent

The consultation is designed to gauge the level of community support for the Draft Community Engagement Strategy to obtain feedback regarding the content as well as to ascertain if any amendments are necessary. The consultation will take place for a period of six (6) weeks and any comments received will be reviewed and evaluated to determine whether any revisions are necessary to the Draft Community Engagement Strategy prior to adoption.

Method

Level of Participation

Inform

Consult

Form of Participation

- Website

- eNewsletter

- Survey

- Written Submissions

Target Audience

Lane Cove Community

Digital Transformation Reference Group

Conclusion

The Draft Community Engagement Strategy has been prepared in response to feedback received following a series of engagement sessions with members of the community, a number of Councillors and several members of staff over the past 3-4 months.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. Adopt, for the purpose of public exhibition, the Draft Community Engagement Strategy;

2. Council undertake community consultation for a period of six (6) weeks as per the consultation plan outlined in the report; and

3. Following the exhibition period, the Draft Community Engagement Strategy, together with a report on any submissions received and any proposed amendments, be considered at the Council meeting to be held in February 2023.

Steven Kludass

Executive Manager - Corporate Services

Corporate Services Division

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View

LCC Community Engagement Strategy

26 Pages

Available Electronically

Ordinary Council Meeting 24 November 2022

Lucretia Baths - Options for the Future

Subject: Lucretia Baths - Options for the Future

Record No: SU8705 - 65553/22

Division: Human Services Division

Author(s): Jane Gornall

Executive Summary

The Jean Mitchell Baths (Lucretia Baths) in Dunois Street, Longueville have been in existence since the 1920’s. The Baths were originally built by the residents of the area for use as private baths. The Baths operated under a lease between the residents and the Maritime Services Board (now Transport for NSW) TfNSW) until 1992 when the lease was transferred across to Council.

The Baths were reconstructed by the community members in 1968 and in 1987 and Council undertook works of $7,500 in 1992. Council also undertook maintenance repairs in 2006. The Baths are now showing signs of their age and a rebuild of the structure is required.

Council has obtained estimates for the rebuilding of the Baths with the price estimated to approximately $600,000.

Council unsuccessfully submitted a grant application into the NSW Government Places to Swim -2021/22 Grant Program to rebuild the Baths and to enhance the surrounding foreshore area.

Council has resubmitted a revised grant application to the 2022/23 Places to Swim Program. The results of the Grant submission are expected to be known in February 2023. Council would be required to contribute $150,000 towards the estimated $600,000 if the grant was successful.

This Report raises the issue of Council deciding:

1. To undertake community consultation about the future of the Baths if the grant is unsuccessful – which would include considering providing funding in the 2023/4 budget to cover the cost of the rebuilding. An amount of $150,000 would need to be included in the budget to cover the cost of Council’s contribution if the grant was successful.

2. To exploring alternative options which could include – returning the Baths to TFNSW or demolishing the Baths and rejuvenating the area adjacent to the Baths to enhance its attractiveness to the community.

In the interim it is recommended that the Baths be closed for access as the structure is no longer safe to use.

Background

In November 1991, the Lucretia Baths Co-operative Society Board wrote to Council requesting that Council “give serious consideration to taking over the Baths Lease from the M.S.B. and the management of the Baths situated in Dunois Street, Longueville‘ citing “Individual Board members are no longer willing to take on responsibility owing to fears of personal liability in the event of serious litigation against the Lucretia Baths Co-operative Society.”

Council considered the matter in November 1991, and March and April 1992. In 1992 the lease was passed over to Council. Council undertook works of $7,500 based on the recommendations of Council’s Chief Engineer and Council’s insurer to ensure the safety of the Baths. The improvements included; removal of exposed rock and replacement with sand; replacement of unsafe steps; installation of additional handrails and provision of a handrail on the walkway; erection of new depth boards; and more safety advisory signage.

Since then Council has intermittently carried out maintenance works, including in 2006 replacing some of the wooden slats with Modwood. While this work fixed the needs at the time, it was not in keeping with the heritage nature of the Baths, which was constructed using wooden slats. The local Heritage listing (1987) states Of rarity value – one of 3 remaining examples of timber-paling harbourside baths left in Sydney. Of technical significance. Of social significance to Longueville, illustrating public recreational use of harbour. Of aesthetic value and an important part of the picturesque riverscape of Woodford Bay.

The Baths are currently in a state of disrepair with significant funding required to bring the Baths up to a safe standard. If repaired, Council will also need to make an annual budget for maintenance available and it will also need to put aside funds for further replacement of parts of the structure in future years.

TfNSW who is the owner of the majority of the Baths has also raised concerns with Council regarding the current ability of boat owners to tie their boats up to the handrail on the platform on the western side of the Baths. TfNSW do not see this as lawful use of the Baths and have requested Council to consider ways of not permitting this activity.

Discussion

Council staff consider the present structure to be unsafe for public access and are recommending erecting signage notifying any prospective users that the structure is unsafe. Council will need to reach a decision if it feels that the costs of rebuilding the Baths is justified.

Council has submitted an amended grant application to the 2022/3 Places to Swim Grant program.

If Council is either successful in receiving a Places to Swim Grant or decides to undertake the reconstruction of the Baths using Council funds several actions need to be carried out:

· Detailed Plans to the standard required for a Development Application need to be prepared and submitted to TfNSW;

· A tender process for a builder will need to be undertaken as the works will be over the Tender requirement of $250,000; and

· At the end of the project Council will need to provide to TfNSW a Works as Executed (WAE) survey and a Port Bed Clearance Report (PCBR).

TfNSW have suggested Council enter into a new lease or licence agreement as Council is on a hold over lease from 1992.

If Council is to proceed with the works, it would not be able to commence until funding became available to undertake the detailed planning works and then the tender was finalised. The actual works are expected to take four – six months to complete.

One alternative to rebuilding the Baths would be to rejuvenate the beach and surrounds and include a BBQ, bubbler, shower, seats, and shade structure. This would enhance the area and allow people who would like to swim in the nearby water to swim but remove the Baths surround. TfNSW would need to agree to this project. There would still be costs associated with this concept including the demolition of the Baths, a port bed clearance report and costs associated with the rejuvenation of the area.

Community Consultation

Statement of Intent

The consultation is designed to engage with the community to determine options for the future of the Jean Mitchell Baths (Lucretia Baths) Any comments received will be reviewed and evaluated to determine whether or not to proceed with the rebuilding of the Baths or demolition and rejuvenation of the Baths surrounds.

Method

Level of Participation	Inform	Inform	Consult
Form of Participation	Open	Targeted	Open
Target Audience	Lane Cove Community	Residents in the area surrounding the Baths	Lane Cove Community TfNSW
Proposed Medium	Advertisement and eNewsletter	Notification Letters and Brochure / Letterbox Drop Onsite signage explaining the options	Website Exhibition and Survey
Indicative Timing	December 2022 until end January 2023	December 2022 until end January 2023	December 2022 until end January 2023

Conclusion

It is recommended that Council proceed with the installation of signage advising that the Baths structure is unsafe. It is also recommended that Council commence community consultation on the possible options for the Baths precinct – including:

a) Rebuilding of the Baths – at an estimated cost of $600,000 with a Council contribution of $150,000 if the grant is successful and the full cost to Council of $600,000 if the grant is unsuccessful.

b) Demolition of the Baths and rejuvenation of the area – with an estimated cost of $150,000.

It is further recommended that Council enter into further discussions with TfNSW with regard to the future of the Baths.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. Undertake Community Consultation as outlined in the report on the future of the Baths, with the options to include:-

- Rebuilding of the Baths to attract and retain community use;

- Demolition of the Baths and the rejuvenation of the area; and

- Requesting the community to suggest other options.

2. Erect signage at the Baths to deter usage of the Baths due to safety concerns;

3. Liaise with Transport for NSW – (TfNSW) about the options for the future of the Baths; and

4. Receive a report after the Community Consultation has concluded.

Jane Gornall

Executive Manager - Human Services

Human Services Division

ATTACHMENTS:

There are no supporting documents for this report.

Ordinary Council Meeting 24 November 2022

LEP Amendment No 40 – Subdivision of Existing Approved Dual Occupancy Dwellings

Subject: LEP Amendment No 40 – Subdivision of Existing Approved Dual Occupancy Dwellings

Record No: SU8814 - 65853/22

Division: Environmental Services Division

Author(s): Terry Tredrea; Christopher Pelcz

Executive Summary

This report outlines the Planning Proposal (AT-1) to permit subdivision of certain approved dual occupancy dwellings under company title in the R2 zone on or before Thursday 16 June 2022.

While it has always been permissible to construct dual occupancies in the R2 zone in Lane Cove LGA on lots with a minimum 750 sqm (attached) and 900 sqm (detached), it is prohibited to subdivide them.

This prohibition is Clause 4.1A of Council’s Local Environmental Plan. The aim has been to maintain a “desired low-density character”, especially in the R2 residential zones by discouraging dual occupancies in smaller lots.

At its Ordinary meeting 23 June 2022 (AT-3 and AT-4) Council resolved to prepare a planning proposal in support of the view expressed by a resident (AT-2) that:

“the owner or potential owner of company-title residences [experience great difficulty in obtaining] finance or equity release from a banking institution or other lender, due to recent universal changes in lending policy.”

In response, Planning Proposal No 40 was prepared to permit those four owners of dual occupancies currently registered under company title in R2 zones to strata subdivide their properties. That is, to amend clause 4.1A to permit strata subdivision of:

• certain approved dual occupancy dwellings

• in the R2 zone

• registered under company title

• on or before Thursday 16th June 2022.

In November 2022, Council’s Local Planning Panel was requested to review and consider the proposal in relation to the Strategic Merit Test, the Site-Specific Merit Test and consistency with Section 3.33 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and advise Council accordingly.

The Panel notes (AT-6) that “the Planning Proposal as proposed in its original form fails to meet the strategic merit test”. Furthermore, such a selective amendment “disadvantages those dual occupancies which have not gone down that path” of using company title to create defacto subdivision and remained unsubdivided.

As a result, the Panel has suggested amending the wording to the original LEP amendment in order to “introduce equity to the owners of all existing dual occupancies approved prior to 16 June 2022”. It was recommended that Council forward the amended Planning Proposal to the Department of Planning and Environment to request the issuing of a Gateway determination on behalf of the Council.

Background

Current Planning Controls

· In the R2 Low Density Residential zone, Dual occupancies (both attached and detached) are permissible with consent. “Dual occupancy” is defined as 2 dwellings on one lot of land.

· However, Clause 4.1 (4A) of the Lane Cove LEP states that:

Despite subclause (3), the size of a lot for the purposes of a dual occupancy must not be less than—

(a) for dual occupancy (attached)—750 square metres, and

(b) for dual occupancy (detached)—900 square metres.

· Clause 4.1A of the LEP regarding subdivision of dual occupancies, states:

Despite any other provision of this Plan, development consent must not be granted to the subdivision of land on which a dual occupancy is erected or proposed to be erected if the subdivision would result in the dwellings that comprise the dual occupancy being located on separate lots.

The result is effectively a total prohibition of subdivision of dual occupancies in R2, even where they are permitted to be constructed.

Discussion

The Planning Proposal process is governed by Division 3.4 of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and the Local Environmental Plan Making Guideline (prepared by NSW Department of Planning & Environment). The main steps involved can be summarised as:

· Step 1 – Applicant lodges Planning Proposal via NSW Planning Portal.

· Step 2 – Initial assessment report prepared by staff and presented to Local Planning Panel for advice (meeting is webcast and speakers can attend meeting).

· Step 3 – Panel’s advice reported to Council who determines whether or not to forward the Proposal for a Gateway Determination (we are at this stage).

· Step 4 – NSW Department of Planning & Environment assesses Proposal and decides whether or not to issue a conditional Gateway Determination (delegation will normally be issued to Council to finalise).

· Step 5 – Subject to Gateway conditions, full community consultation will be undertaken.

· Step 6 – A post-consultation report is presented to Council with a response to submissions. Council determines whether to finalise the Proposal and delegate authority to General Manager.

· Step 7 – Amendments are finalised and published.

Local Planning Panel’s advice

The Local Planning Panel have reviewed the proposal and were not supportive on the grounds that it did not meet the strategic merit test. They have suggested an alternative amendment of Clause 4.1A of the Lane Cove LEP 2009 by the addition of a subclause states that despite the prohibition on subdivision of land containing a dual occupancy:

(2) Development consent may be granted to the subdivision of a lot on which a dual occupancy is erected or proposed to be erected on condition that this applies to:-

a) the land is in Zone R2 Low Density Residential; and

b) the dual occupancy had been erected, or the building work for the erection of the dual occupancy had commenced, on or before 16 June 2022; and

c) the erection was, or is being carried out, under a development consent or complying development certificate granted on or before 16 June 2022; and

d) the plans approved by the development consent or complying development certificate show parts of the building as being intended for separate occupation; and

e) the subdivision would create lots that substantially correspond with the parts shown on those plans as being for separate occupation; and

f) the size of each lot resulting from the subdivision is not to be less than 375 square metres.

The Amended Planning Proposal will:

1. Allow owners of dual occupancies in the R2 zone of the Lane Cove local government area that were approved on or before 16th June 2022 to subdivide their properties.

2. By reference to the date of 16 June 2022, prevent “an influx of dual occupancy development applications generally, since it is limited to existing dual occupancy developments or to those falling under the proposed sub clause 4.1A(2)”.

3. Only retrospectively allow subdivision of buildings that were originally intended for separate occupation.

The attached Planning Proposal (AT-1) explains this under Section 2 Explanation of provisions.

The Local Planning Panel also recommended that Council “gives consideration to revising its Local Strategic Planning Statement and its Local Housing Strategy to brings those policies into harmony with Planning Proposal No. 40”.

This Panel recommendation is not supported because under the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, Section 3.9 (3A) any Local Strategic Planning Statement must be reviewed, supported and approved (in writing) by the Greater Cities Commission before Council adoption. Further, any amendment to the Local Housing Strategy must also be reviewed, supported and approved by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment. This exercise would be time-consuming and ultimately unnecessary if the LEP amendment is supported by the Department of Planning and Environment.

Conclusion

It is recommended that Council support the amended Planning Proposal as suggested by the Local Planning Panel.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. Support the amended version of the LEP clause 4.1A amendment;

2. Forward the amended Planning Proposal to the Department of Planning and Environment to request the issuing of a Gateway determination on behalf of the Council; and

3. Grant delegated authority to the General Manager to correct any minor anomalies of a non-policy and administrative nature that may arise during the amendment process.

Mark Brisby

Executive Manager

Environmental Services Division

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View	Planning Proposal 40	12 Pages	Available Electronically
AT‑2 View	Letter in support by resident	4 Pages	Available Electronically
AT‑3 View	Notice of Motion - 23 June Meeting	3 Pages	Available Electronically
AT‑4 View	Minute PP40 - 23 June Meeting	1 Page	Available Electronically
AT‑5 View	Three model clauses	3 Pages	Available Electronically
AT‑6 View	Advice - Lane Cove Local Planning Panel 8 November 2022	3 Pages	Available Electronically

Ordinary Council Meeting 24 November 2022

2022/23 Budget - First Quarter Review

Subject: 2022/23 Budget - First Quarter Review

Record No: SU8604 - 63254/22

Division: Corporate Services Division

Author(s): Sarah Seaman

Executive Summary

The 2022/23 Budget - First Quarter Review involves a number of variations to both income and expenditure estimates. Taking into consideration the variations from the First Quarter Budget Review, the projected 2022/23 overall operating result has been revised to a surplus of $11.53M, with the operating result before grants and capital contributions forecast to be a surplus of $0.05M. It is recommended that the Budget be varied in accordance with this report.

Background

Council is required to prepare a Budget Review Statement each quarter, in accordance with Clause 203 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005. The purpose of these reviews is to ensure that the impacts of financial variations are reflected in the forecast of Council’s global budgetary position to 30 June 2023, and the adopted Budget adjusted accordingly.

The majority of first quarter adjustments are attributed to income and expenditure estimates which have been carried forward from the 2021/22 Budget in order to complete projects or programs that were ‘works in progress’ as at 30 June 2022.

Discussion

A summary of Council’s revised Budget for 2022/23 and a summary of budget movements have been included in this report:

	Original Budget (000’s)	First Quarter Adjustments (000’s)	Revised Budget (000’s)
Expenditure - Operating	55,881	804	56,685
Income - Operating	56,184	552	56,736
Surplus/(Deficit) before Capital Grants/Contributions	303	(252)	51
Income - Capital	10,214	1,265	11,479
Surplus/ (Deficit)	10,517	1,013	11,530

Summary of Budget Movements

Operational Expenses:

- $804K Increase in Materials and Contracts and Other Expenses which is made up of:

- $36K Increase - Carryover grant for the Greener Neighbourhood Programme

- $20K Increase – Transfer from Sustainability Levy Fund, allocated to Spendmapp

- $232K Increase – Carryover funds for remediation at Lovetts Reserve

- $20K Increase - Carryover grant for the NSOOS Bush Regeneration Project

- $64K Increase – Carryover grant for the Loop Walk Wayfinding Project

- $380K Increase – Carryover grant for the Ventemans Reach Remediation Project

- $52K Increase – Carryover grant for the Social Cohesion & Resilience Program

Operational Income:

- $552K Increase in Grant Income which is made up of:

- $36K Increase - Carryover grant for the Greener Neighbourhood Programme

- $20K Increase - Carryover grant for the NSOOS Bush Regeneration Project

- $64K Increase – Carryover grant for the Loop Walk Wayfinding Project

- $380K Increase – Carryover grant for the Ventemans Reach Remediation Project

- $52K Increase – Carryover grant for the Social Cohesion & Resilience Program

Capital Income

- $1,265K Increase in Grant Income which is made up of:

- $80K Increase - Carryover grant for the NSW Planning Portal API Project

- $300K Increase - Grant received from Transport NSW for Mowbray Road Blackspot Project

- $27K Increase - Carryover grant for the Gore Creek Reserve Walking Track Project

- $275K Increase - Carryover grant for the Ventemans Boardwalk Project

- $83K Increase - Grant received for the Carisbrook Roofing Project

- $500K Increase - Carryover grant for the St Leonards Library Project

Capital Expenditure

- $17,779K Increase Capital Expenditure which is made up of:

- $80K Increase - Carryover grant for the NSW Planning Portal API Project

- $300K Increase - Grant received from Transport NSW for the Mowbray Road Blackspot Project

- $20K Increase – Carryover from the Sustainability Levy Reserve for the Aquatic Centre Grandstand Solar Project

- $100K Increase – Carryover from the Sustainability Levy Reserve for the Civic Centre Solar Panel Project

- $22K Increase – Carryover from the Sustainability Levy Reserve for the Tantallon LED Lights Project

- $27K Increase - Carryover grant for the Gore Creek Reserve Walking Track Project

- $5,000K Increase – Bushland Expansion Program

- $276K Increase - Carryover grant for the Ventemans Boardwalk Project

- $1,000K Increase – Transfer from the Indoor Sport & Recreation Reserve to progress works related to the proposed Facility

- $10,077K – Transfer from the VPA Reserve for the completion of St Leonards Plaza.

- $165K Increase - Grant received for the Carisbrook Roofing Project

- $83K Decrease – Transfer from Facilities Management budget to Carisbrook Roofing Project

- $225K Increase – Carryover for the Market Square Carparking System Project

- $500K Increase - Carryover grant for the St Leonards Library Project

- $70K Increase – Transfer from the Capital Works Reserve, additional funding required for Henningham Playground Project.

A copy of all proposed budget adjustments can be found in AT-1.

Conclusion

The following statement, by the Responsible Accounting Officer, is made in accordance with Clause 203(2) of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005.

It is my opinion that the Quarterly Budget Review Statement for Lane Cove Council for the quarter ended 30 September 2022 indicates that Council's projected financial position will be satisfactory at year end 30 June 2023, having regard to the projected estimates of income and expenditure and the original budgeted income and expenditure.

RECOMMENDATION

That the 2022/23 Budget be varied as follows:-

	Original Budget (000’s)	First Quarter Adjustments (000’s)	Revised Budget (000’s)
Expenditure - Operating	55,881	804	56,685
Income - Operating	56,184	552	56,736
Surplus/(Deficit) before Capital Grants/Contributions	303	(252)	51
Income - Capital	10,214	1,265	11,479
Surplus/ (Deficit)	10,517	1,013	11,530

Steven Kludass

Executive Manager - Corporate Services

Corporate Services Division

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View

Budget Review for the Quarter ended 30 September 2022

12 Pages

Available Electronically

Ordinary Council Meeting 24 November 2022

Delivery Program and Operational Plan - 2022/23 First Quarter Review

Subject: Delivery Program and Operational Plan - 2022/23 First Quarter Review

Record No: SU238 - 63259/22

Division: Corporate Services Division

Author(s): Stephen Golding

Executive Summary

This report outlines the 2022/23 First Quarter progress towards achieving the projects and activities listed in the adopted 2022/23 Delivery Program and Operational Plan. It is recommended that the report be received and noted.

Discussion

The 2022/23 – 2024/25 Delivery Program and 2022/23 Operational Plan was endorsed by Council on 23 June 2022.

Council’s 2022/23 Delivery Program and Operational Plan outlines the strategies, actions and new initiatives proposed to be undertaken during the financial year in order to advance the goals and objectives of the Community Strategic Plan: Liveable Lane Cove: 2035. The First Quarter Review of the 2022/23 Delivery Program and Operational Plan is attached at AT-1. The report indicates the responsible work area and includes a short progress report and action status.

Some highlights for the First Quarter include:

· The Lane Cove Community Nursery this quarter potted 2,734 new plants potted distributed 3,842 plants this quarter through various Council programs;

· The Harbourcare program continues to facilitate rubbish clean-ups in our local reserves and waterways. This quarter, Council hosted 3 clean-up events and 1 individual clean-up. A total of 23 volunteers were active in this period, 32.5kg of rubbish was removed and 1,381 individual pieces recorded;

· The Sustainability Levy has been utilised to fund a total of 42 projects, covering the areas of environmental, social, and economic sustainability;

· The energy and water efficiency measures installed at the new Tantallon Pavilion and Oval were launched in September. The measures included a 60kw solar PV system, two 101kWh lithium-ion batteries, energy efficient LED lighting for the Pavilion and oval, 20,000 litre rainwater harvesting tanks to help irrigate the oval, and rain garden featuring native plants;

· Council launched a partnership in August with RecycleSmart to provide residents with a pick-up service of tricky to recycle items such as soft plastics and textiles. This quarter 133 pickups were completed, weighing over 500kg's;

· Lane Cove Festival ran throughout September 2022, with over 50 events targeting all members of the community;

· Sponsorship in 2022 allowed the brochure to be digitally available but also to be delivered to all residences in Lane Cove;

· Council ran several events during Cameraygal Week, in support of celebration of the traditional owners of the land;

· The draft Disability Inclusion Action plan was completed and prepared for public exhibition;

· Lane Cove Library hosted a Technology Expo during Adult Learners week. The community was able to experience 3D printing, laser cutting, crafting with Cricut, virtual reality, etc;

· During the Lane Cove Festival, the Library organised a Spanish-themed week of events to celebrate a new collaboration with the Cervantes Instituto. Hundreds of the Institute’s collection are now available at Lane Cove Library. A one year free membership also makes Spanish eBooks and eAudiobooks available to Library borrowers;

· Local Studies staff created a display to celebrate the life of Caroline Jones AO. Prior to her passing in May 2022, Caroline had donated a small collection of memorabilia to the Library including her 1972 Logie Award and her 2013 Walkley Award;

· Following a detailed review and successful exhibition, Council adopted the Sustainability Action Plan 2022-2025 at its 29 September Ordinary Council Meeting. The Plan provides a robust framework for Council to continue to pursue excellence in sustainability. It was developed with extensive stakeholder engagement, with Council’s diverse range of functional areas, members of Councils Advisory Committees, and the broader community;

· Council has engaged three medium to high density apartment complexes to participate in the community-led resilience program. Five events have been held across the three complexes at Lane Cove North and St Leonards this quarter, with one complex already forming a resilience team after a series of engagements which focused on getting to know your neighbours, defining community resilience, identifying and prioritising local hazards and risks, and developing resilience solutions; and

· Council has partnered with service providers to promote emergency preparedness to our vulnerable communities. Two trial “get prepared” workshops were held in September for CALD community members in partnership with Willoughby City Council and the Australian Red Cross.

RECOMMENDATION

That the First Quarter Review of the 2022/23 Delivery Program and Operational Plan be received and noted.

Steven Kludass

Executive Manager - Corporate Services

Corporate Services Division

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View

Delivery Program and Operational Plan - 1st Quarter Review 2022- 2023

193 Pages

Available Electronically

Ordinary Council Meeting 24 November 2022

Lane Cove Council Draft Annual Report 2021/22

Subject: Lane Cove Council Draft Annual Report 2021/22

Record No: SU245 - 61373/22

Division: Corporate Services Division

Author(s): Steven Kludass

Executive Summary

The Local Government Act, 1993 requires all NSW councils to prepare an Annual Report for the previous reporting period by 30 November each year. Lane Cove Council’s Draft Annual Report for 2021/22 has been produced and this report recommends that Council adopt this document as the finalised Annual Report and send a copy to the Minister for Local Government as required by the Local Government Act, 1993.

Discussion

Council’s Draft Annual Report for 2021/22 is attached electronically as AT-1 and covers all of the matters listed in the Local Government Act, 1993 to be addressed, in particular the financial information included in the Audited Annual Financial Statements and the progress on achieving the projects and activities listed in the 2021/22 Operational Plan.

In order to maintain consistency amongst Council’s Corporate Planning documents, the Draft Annual Report is organised into Council’s Six Strategic Planning Themes in the same way as the Liveable Lane Cove: 2035 Plan and the annual Operational Plan. This helps to reflect Council’s achievements across the key themes rather than by Council’s internal organisational structure.

The Draft Annual Report contains an introduction by the Mayor and General Manager for this reporting period. The highlights for 2021/22 as described in their introduction has been reproduced below for the information of Councillors and the community:

A year ago, Lane Cove took out equal highest place in the Australian Liveability Census after our community's perceptions of liveability, community values and attributes were measured against neighbourhoods across Australia.

The results showed that Lane Cove’s top liveability strengths are a sense of personal safety; local businesses that provide for daily needs; the natural environment; access to neighbourhood amenities; and a sense of belonging in the community. Other high-ranking results against the national average included sustainable urban design, cultural and/or artistic community, evidence of community activity, unusual or unique buildings and/or public space design and evidence of recent public investment (in infrastructure).

Over the course of this past year we have continued to deliver high-quality services and facilities for our community and with the introduction of a new Council in January 2022 came the opportunity to revisit our Liveable Lane Cove: 2035 plan to make sure it aligns with our community’s expectations for the future.

As part of our commitment to planning for the future, Council joined together with 24 other councils to sign one of the largest renewable energy deals for local government which resulted in all Council facilities and streetlights being powered by 100% renewable energy from 1 July 2022.

The big picture focus has not however come at the expense of responding to the current needs of the community. For example, the outdoor dining trial on Longueville Road helped to provide additional opportunities for businesses recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic while the opening of the 12ft Sailing Skiff Club, Friedlander Place and the Tantallon Oval Pavilion provided the community with greater access to foreshore areas, public space and public facilities.

Council continued to reduce its reliance on the grid by installing new solar PV systems at the Lane Cove Aquatic Leisure Centre, Council Depot and Tantallon Oval Pavilion. Drivers of electric vehicles can now also access faster charging stations at The Canopy while a new parking system at Market Square helps reduce the time taken to find a parking spot.

As the challenges of an enduring pandemic continue, Council has been conscious of creating vibrant, engaging places for our community to enjoy. This included running 100 additional events than the previous year and delivering the largest event so far at The Canopy with approximately 1,000 locals turning out for the ANZAC Day Service. In addition to continuing the success of some events being held online, Council has also continued to roll out its online service options for the community.

To improve road safety, new traffic signals were installed at Tambourine Bay Road/Burns Bay Road/Coxs Lane and the traffic signals at the intersection of River Road and Longueville Road were reconfigured. Shared User Paths were also constructed on River Road from Greenwich Road to St Vincents Road and on Tambourine Bay Road from River Road to Yallambee Road.

To ensure Lane Cove is a Sustainable Community, 300 advanced trees were planted in Longueville to improve the tree canopy, the preparation on an Urban Forest Strategy was commissioned, and new Climate Resilience and Sustainability Action Plans were adopted.

With such significant initiatives consistently being delivered by Council, our future as one of the most liveable communities in Australia is secure.

Conclusion

The Draft Annual Report has been prepared to meet the requirements of the Local Government Act. Upon adoption of the Annual Report, a copy will be forwarded to the Minister as required by the Local Government Act, 1993 and will be publicly accessible via the Popular Documents section on Council’s website www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. Council adopt the Draft Annual Report at AT-1 for 2021/22;

2. The adopted Annual Report be forwarded to the Minister for Local Government; and

3. The Annual Report be published on Council’s website.

Steven Kludass

Executive Manager - Corporate Services

Corporate Services Division

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View

Draft Annual Report 2021/22

162 Pages

Available Electronically

Ordinary Council Meeting 24 November 2022

Annual Customer Satisfaction Survey Results 2022

Subject: Annual Customer Satisfaction Survey Results 2022

Record No: SU7705 - 66425/22

Division: General Managers Unit

Author(s): Jessica Quilty

Executive Summary

Each year Council undertakes a Customer Satisfaction Survey which aims to understand and identify the community’s satisfaction with Council’s performance across various service areas including planning and development, maintenance of roads and footpaths, parks and open space, and community services and facilities in accordance with Council Community Strategic Plan. It also identifies the community’s overall level of satisfaction with Council performance and analyses the community’s contact with Council and satisfaction with Council’s customer service. This year Council achieved and overall satisfaction index of 6.90 against a target of 7. This report will also examine the demographic breakdown of respondents, areas of excellence and areas needing improvement. It is recommended that the report be received and noted.

Discussion

Background & Sample Profile

Council has been conducting the annual Community Satisfaction Survey since 1996 which allows Council to track and analyses key trends over time. This year’s telephone survey was conducted by Micromex from the 20^th- 29^th September with 402 residents contacted to obtain feedback. Council uses a 4-point scale to accommodate comparisons with previous research (e.g. 1 = poor, 4 = excellent).

The demographic profile of the sample size was nearly a 50/50 split between male an female. In terms of age, the majority of respondents were under 49 which has been a shift on previous years.

Satisfaction Results

Council recorded an overall satisfaction Index score of 6.90, slightly lower than last year’s 7.01. Overall satisfaction with the Council remains in the “excellent” range. Residents who have lived in the LGA for fewer than 10 years were significantly more satisfied with Council. Overall satisfaction has remained steady over the past 10 years.

Council’s top five services/facilities in terms of satisfaction include events, library, the Plaza and The Canopy performances, bushland and the Aquatic Centre.

Other key areas of satisfaction were:

· Parks and Playgrounds - 97%

· Customer Service Centre – 95%

· Sportsfields – 94%

· Waste and recycling - 92%

Councils least performing services include control of development, traffic management, tree management, maintenance of road and footpaths and Councils telephone services. However, it should be noted that the later still performed well with 80% plus satisfaction.

Control of development has historically been an area of dissatisfaction with residents with a low satisfaction range occurring between 2014 and 2019 which may correlate to the construction (property) boom in Sydney. However, minor improvements were seen in 2022.

Council Contact and Strategies for Improvement

45% of residents have contacted Lane Cove Council in the past 12 months, with residents aged 65+ significantly more likely to have done so.

The primary modes of communication include phone (46%) followed by email (22%). Council is reviewing its telephone services structure aiming to improve first contact resolution whilst also offering more online ‘self service’ options for the community.

Council is undertaking various projects across the LGA to improve local traffic conditions. The intersection at Mowbray Rd/Centennial Ave is being upgraded to allow for greater capacity. Traffic calming measures are also being introduced in Dorritt Street following consultation, as well as Coxes Lane and Bridge Street. Council recently completed modifications to the Mowbray Road ‘bend’ aiming to improve safety. Council will also prioritise road and footpath maintenance in next year’s budget.

A full breakdown of results can be found in AT-1

Conclusion

Overall, the 2022 customer satisfaction survey results indicate that Council’s performance is consistent with prior years. There are improvements in the results in a number of service areas and some potential opportunities for future improvement in other areas which Council is taking steps to address.

RECOMMENDATION

That the report be received and noted.

Craig Wrightson

General Manager

General Managers Unit

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View

Community Satisfaction Results 2022

46 Pages

Available Electronically

Ordinary Council Meeting 24 November 2022

Greenwich Point Wharf Upgrade - Update

Subject: Greenwich Point Wharf Upgrade - Update

Record No: SU438 - 66342/22

Division: Open Space and Urban Services Division

Author(s): Martin Terescenko

Executive Summary

Council resolved in September 2022 to write to Transport for NSW (TfNSW) to advise that it wishes to work with TfNSW and with its community to develop a design solution for the Greenwich Point Wharf upgrade that addresses, to the extent possible, community concerns, whilst meeting TfNSW’s statutory duties in terms of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 and Transport’s Transport Access Program.

TfNSW have responded to Council’s correspondence as indicated below. It is recommended that the report be received and noted.

Background

In relation to the Greenwich Point Wharf upgrade proposed by Transport for NSW in September 2022 Council resolved to:

“1. Writes to Transport for NSW (TfNSW) to advise that it wishes to work with TfNSW and with its community to develop a design solution for the Greenwich Point Wharf upgrade that addresses, to the extent possible, community concerns, whilst meeting TfNSW’s statutory duties in terms of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 and Transport’s Transport Access Program;

2. Requests TfNSW to convene a community workshop to discuss the design issues outlined in TfNSW’s report on submissions:

· opportunities to reduce the lift height;

· opportunities to reduce the length of the jetty;

· additional weather protection;

· different lift façades;

· installation of berthing infrastructure such as appropriately spaced fenders, ladders and cleats on the pontoon to support berthing by vessels of different sizes;

· extending bus operating hours; and

· other related design issues arising from the wharf upgrade program.

3. Offers to assist TfNSW to notify relevant stakeholders of this workshop through Council’s community engagement channels;

4. Will participate in this workshop; and

5. Will report back to Council on the outcomes of the workshop”.

Discussion

TfNSW have responded to Council’s correspondence with the following:

“As discussed, the project team has consulted on the project twice. Initially in March 2021 on the preferred concept design and again in December 2021 when the Review of Environmental Factors was displayed to the community.

Details of the community engagement can be found on our website at https://roads-waterways.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/greenwich-point-wharf-upgrade/index.html .

TfNSW does not propose to undertake any further community engagement on the project.

In regards to the issues raised below:

· opportunities to reduce the lift height; The lift height has been reduced as much as possible during detailed design.

· opportunities to reduce the length of the jetty; The fixed jetty length has been reduced as much as possible without impacting DSAPT requirements.

· additional weather protection; Additional weather screening had been included on the pontoon.

· different lift façades; The lift façade is glass as shown in the engagements mentioned above.

· installation of berthing infrastructure such as appropriately spaced fenders, ladders and cleats on the pontoon to support berthing by vessels of different sizes; This has been included in the design as much as practicable. This is limited by ferry berthing being the primary function of the wharf.

· extending bus operating hours; This is outside the project scope. I will pass on the comment to the relevant part of TfNSW to consider and return to Council with a response.”

Conclusion

TfNSW have advised that they do not propose to undertake any further community engagement on the Greenwich Point Wharf project. However, they will be amending the design to incorporate the design changes requested by Council where possible.

RECOMMENDATION

That the report be received and noted.

Martin Terescenko

Executive Manager - Open Space and Urban Services

Open Space and Urban Services Division

ATTACHMENTS:

There are no supporting documents for this report.

Ordinary Council Meeting 24 November 2022

Golf Course Alternate Operating Model - 12 Month Update

Subject: Golf Course Alternate Operating Model - 12 Month Update

Record No: SU2092 - 66170/22

Division: General Managers Unit

Author(s): David Stevens

Executive Summary

This report outlines the new operator model for the Lane Cove Golf Club (LCGC) since the engagement of a new operator of the Pro Shop in October 2021. Northbridge Golf Club Pro Shop (NPS) replaced the incumbent Sydney Sports Management Group (SSMG) to manage day-to-day golf operations that included: accepting bookings and payment for social golf; acting as starter for Club Member competitions; and, managing the flow of money between the Pro Shop and Club for said competitions. Simultaneously, Kasey Dive Golf was directly engaged by Council to manage golf coaching activities having previously been sub-contracted to SSMG.

The 12 months from October 2021 to September 2022 was a difficult period to report on for the purposes of evaluating the success (or otherwise) of the new operator. Based on the available data and their observed performance it is recommended they be retained

For the FY21 and FY22 the Lane Cove Golf Club increased annual membership subscriptions payable to Council to help offset the course operating costs. These have assisted in Council reducing the operating subsidy for the course, as intended under the new model.

It is recommended the report be received and noted.

Background

At the July 2021 Council Meeting, Council considered a report titled “Golf Course Alternate Operating Model” (Refer AT-1) and resolved to:-

1. Receive and note the report;

2. Endorse the alternate operating model outlined in the report except that in the first year Council receives an extra $300 from the increase in subscription fees (not $400); and

3. Receive a further report at the end of the 12-month trial on the results from the alternate operating model.

The above Report concluded by saying “For Golf to be sustainable at the site, it is important that changes be made to the current operating model for the course. Council has worked with the LCGC to understand what they believe to be the best model. While they have ultimately decided not to take full responsibility for managing the golf operations, they have proposed a series of changes which are worthy of trialing, including an alternative operator. To achieve this, in the short term there will be additional costs compared to the existing model. Ultimately, this will allow Council to understand the impact of various new measures to make golf activities sustainable in the site.”

This report responds to resolution 3 to “Receive a further report at the end of the 12-month trial on the results from the alternate operating model.”

Discussion

The above resolution provided the engagement of a new operator to manage day-to-day golf operations following the LCGC’s decision not to proceed to operate the course and agreement to increase in annual member subscription fees and an increase in the amount Council received for club members to access to the course. The following outlines the outcomes of these changes.

New Operator Activities

In October 2021 NPS replaced the incumbent SSMG to manage day-to-day golf operations that included: accepting bookings and payment for social golf; acting as starter for club member competitions; and, managing the flow of money between the Pro Shop and Club for competitions. Simultaneously, Kasey Dive Golf was directly engaged by Council to manage golf coaching activities having previously been sub-contracted to SSMG.

NPS began the management of golf operations literally days prior to the COVID Lockdown being lifted. golf participation numbers (utilisation), noted as being “in steady decline” in the July 2021 Report, had posted a multi-year high in September before doing so again in October. By way of context, the September and October utilisation numbers were between 2.0 and 2.5 times greater than the same months in 2020 and largely reflected participation not seen at Lane Cove Golf Club for well over a decade.

An initiative undertaken by NPS of their own accord was the renovation of the “old pro shop” located adjacent to the first tee to replace the Council hired “site shed” from Kennards in June 2022. The renovated building has been met with widespread approval from members and social players alike. The updated premises have provided the opportunity for NPS to deliver a service and offering more akin to what any golfer would ordinarily expect at a Golf Club. Further, Northbridge Pro Shop commissioned golf merchandise (shirts, hats et al) with the Lane Cove Golf Club logo at its own expense to reinforce the upgraded service(s) and golf experience.

Overall, manage day-to-day golf operations by NPS has met Council’s and the LCGC’s expectations.

Lane Cove Golf Club Member Course Fees

For the FY21 and FY22 the Lane Cove Golf Club increased annual membership subscriptions from $1,000 to $1,400 in the full member category with $300 flowing to Council (an increase from $455 to $755 per member per annum). In addition, all members are now required to book competition tee times one week in advance, and if any vacancies are available prior to competition day, those tee (block booking) times are released (competition time compressed) to the public for social play. This change resulted in $28,000 in additional revenue to Council for FY22.

Overall Financial Performance

The financial years FY21 and FY22 included the COVID 19 lockdowns, which provided a boon for golf participation (17,257 and 14,797 public rounds respectively, up from 13.495 in FY 2020). However, unfortunately FY 22 was problematic years in terms of weather. NPS since taking over have endured the course being closed for a total of 103 days due to wet weather. Additionally, even when the golf course was open, greenkeeping staff were simply unable to maintain the golf course to the desired standards. The obvious outcome was a significant reduction in revenue (months of April 2022 and July 2022) the course was closed entirely for zero income) and participation. It should be noted that Council has no ability to reduce costs due to the unprecedented wet weather, as Council’s golf course maintenance contract with Green Options is fixed price.

While Council continues to subsidise the golf course operations on an annual basis, the shortfall has decreased significantly over the last two financial years due to the COVID-19 encouraged increased participation, (-$92,000 in FY 2021 and -$76,000 in FY 2022, down from $-156,000 in FY 2020).

On a year to date basis, comparing the period NPS has operated the facility (October 2021 to September 2022) NPS generated public round revenue of $201,000 (with 103 days closed), versus SSMG $294,000 (4 days closed) for the same period a year earlier. Allowing for the number of days the course was closed, the resulting averaged revenue from public round use is very similar, $767 per calendar day versus $814 per calendar day respectively.

Conclusion

The 12 months from October 2021 to September 2022 was a difficult period to report on for the purposes of evaluating the success (or otherwise) of the alternate operating model. The impacts of COVID 19 lockdown rules and wet weather make comparison with historical performance difficult. NPS have introduced new initiatives such as the pro shop upgrade and undertaken increased marketing and awareness efforts, which have been thwarted by continued bad weather, prompting protracted periods of course closure. It is proposed to maintain the status quo from a golf operations management perspective by retaining NPS and Kasey Dive Golf.

Over the coming months, with the pending preparation for construction of the Lane Cove Sport and Recreation Facility, Council staff will be working with NPS and the club to develop a strategy for the golf course during the construction period.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council receive and note the report.

Craig Wrightson

General Manager

General Managers Unit

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View

REPORT Golf Course Alternate Operating Model

4 Pages

Available Electronically