Agenda

Ordinary Council Meeting

20 February 2025, 7:00 PM

Council will commence consideration of

all business paper agenda items at 7.00 pm.

Notice of Meeting

Dear Councillors,

Notice is given of the Ordinary Council Meeting, to be held in the Council Chambers on Thursday 20 February 2025 commencing at 7:00 PM. The business to be transacted at the meeting is included in this business paper.

In accordance with clause 3.26 of the Code of Meeting Practice Councillors are reminded of their oath or affirmation of office made under section 233A of the Act, and of their obligations under the Council’s Code of Conduct to disclose and appropriately manage conflicts of interest.

Yours faithfully

Craig - GM

Craig Wrightson

General Manager

Council Meeting Procedures

The Council meeting is chaired by the Mayor, Councillor Merri Southwood. Councillors are entitled to one vote on a matter. If votes are equal, the Chairperson has a second or casting vote. When a majority of Councillors vote in favour of a Motion it becomes a decision of the Council. Minutes of Council and Committee meetings are published on Council’s website www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au by 5.00 pm on the Tuesday following the meeting.

The Meeting is conducted in accordance with Council's Code of Meeting Practice. The order of business is listed in the Agenda on the next page. That order will be followed unless Council resolves to modify the order at the meeting. This may occur for example where the members of the public in attendance are interested in specific items on the agenda.

The Public Forum will hear registered speakers from the Public Gallery as well as online using the web platform Zoom. All speakers wishing to participate in the public forum must register by using the online form no later than midnight, on the day prior to the meeting (Wednesday, 19 February 2025) and a Zoom meeting link will be emailed to the provided email address of those registered as an online speaker. Please note that the time limit of three minutes per address still applies, so please make sure your submission meets this criteria. Alternatively, members of the public can still submit their written address via email to service@lanecove.nsw.gov.au. Written addresses are to be received by Council no later than midnight, on the day prior to the meeting. (500 words maximum).

Please note that meetings held in the Council Chambers are webcasted, and recordings are made publicly available on the Council's website. Should you require assistance to participate in the meeting due to a disability; or wish to obtain further information in relation to Council, please contact Council’s Director - Corporate Services and Strategy on (02) 9911 3550.

Ordinary Council 20 February 2025

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

ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING - 12 DECEMBER 2024

EXTRAORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING – 12 FEBRUARY 2025

Mayoral Minutes

1 Mayoral Minute - Importance of Social Cohesion - Joint Sydney Mayoral Roundtable........................................................................................... 5

2 Mayoral Minute - Meeting with Hon Paul Scully MP, Minister For Planning And Public Spaces and Hon Penny Sharpe MP, Minister For Energy, Environment, Heritage....................................................................... 7

Notices of Motion

3 Notice of Motion - Companion Animals in our Community - Working towards responsible ownership.................................................................. 9

4 Notice of Motion - Election Stalls and Distribution of Electoral Material at Council Events............................................................................ 12

5 Notice of Motion - Notice of Motion: Pricing Policy For Council Sporting and Aquatic Facilities.................................................................... 13

Officer Reports for Determination

6 Blackman Park Masterplan Update........................................................... 16

7 Stringybark Reserve Masterplan.............................................................. 28

8 Nominations for Community Representatives to Advisory Committees.............................................................................................................. 52

9 LEP Sustainability Review................................................................................ 58

10 Draft Model Code of Meeting Practice - Submission to the Office of Local Government NSW..................................................................................... 60

11 Delivery Program and Operational Plan - 2024/25 Second Quarter Review........................................................................................................................ 65

12 2024/25 Budget - Second Quarter Review................................................... 68

13 Bushfire Risk Management Plan Adoption............................................... 72

Officer Reports for Information

14 Pecuniary Interest Returns for the 2024 Elected Council............. 74

15 Council Snapshot December 2024 and January 2025............................ 76

Ordinary Council Meeting 20 February 2025

Mayoral Minute - Meeting with Hon Paul Scully MP, Minister For Planning And Public Spaces and Hon Penny Sharpe MP, Minister For Energy, Environment, Heritage.

Item No: 2

Subject: Mayoral Minute - Meeting with Hon Paul Scully MP, Minister For Planning And Public Spaces and Hon Penny Sharpe MP, Minister For Energy, Environment, Heritage.

Record No: SU1099 - 9024/25

Division: Lane Cove Council

Author(s): Councillor Merri Southwood

Executive Summary

This motion seeks Council support for tree protection and the prevention of tree vandalism.

Background

On 17 January 2025 I was invited by Jerome Laxale MP to join a meeting with the Hon Paul Scully MP, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Hon Penny Sharpe MP, Minister for Energy, Environment, Heritage to discuss tree vandalism and the possibility of increased penalties for tree vandalism.

The meetings took place on 29 January 2025.

In attendance at both meetings with the Ministers and their advisers were Jerome Laxale MP, Tanya Taylor – Mayor, Willoughby Council and President of NSROC, Hugh Phemister – General Manager, Willoughby Council, Zac Miles – Mayor, Hunter’s Hill Council and me.

The Mayor of Willoughby, in her capacity as President of NSROC, tabled a Willoughby Council document to both Ministers outlining the concerns of Willoughby Council in terms of tree vandalism. These concerns aligned with those of Lane Cove Council. The Mayor also outlined a suggested process whereby orders for tree planting, etc could be available to Councils to supplement the powers available to Councils now.

The Mayor of Willoughby advised that NSROC is in the process of establishing a working group to address tree vandalism across the member Councils.

Mayors Miles and I outlined recent incidents of tree vandalism in our respective LGAs and the difficulties and expense of pursuing court action in respect of vandalism.

I also raised with the Ministers the challenge of tree protection in respect of developments undertaken under the Complying Development Certificate process. This was outlined clearly in a briefing paper prepared by our Council staff for the meeting.

Both Ministers confirmed that the NSW government is aware of the need to implement stronger tree vandalism measures and that the government is working towards this.

Minister Scully advised that officers have undertaken 20 meetings with LGAs to better understand the issues.

Minister Sharpe noted the tabling in NSW Parliament of Cllr Kennedy’s petition to increase fines.

In summary, the meetings provided an excellent opportunity to deliver a personal message at NSW government level of the need to strengthen measures to prevent and punish acts of tree vandalism.

It is evident that the NSW government is working towards this but there are no time frames available.

I seek Council support for the Mayoral Minute outlined below.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:-

1. thanks Jerome Laxale MP for the opportunity extended to the Mayor to attend meetings with the Hon Paul Scully MP, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Hon Penny Sharpe MP, Minister for Energy, Environment, Heritage to discuss tree vandalism and the possibility of increased penalties for tree vandalism,

2. notes that NSROC is in the process of establishing a working group to address tree vandalism across the member Councils and supports this initiative,

3. continues to advocate at NSW government level for increased fines and other legislative measures to assist Councils in their fight to prevent tree vandalism in their LGAs: and

4. thanks Council staff for their ongoing commitment to the prevention of tree vandalism and urges community members to notify Council of suspected cases of tree vandalism as soon as possible after detection by calling 9911 3555.

Councillor Merri Southwood

Councillor

ATTACHMENTS:

There are no supporting documents for this report.

Ordinary Council Meeting 20 February 2025

Notice of Motion - Companion Animals in our Community - Working towards responsible ownership

Item No: 3

Subject: Notice of Motion - Companion Animals in our Community - Working towards responsible ownership

Record No: SU8288 - 7962/25

Division: Lane Cove Council

Author(s): Councillor Kathy Bryla; Councillor Rochelle Flood; Councillor Helena Greenwell; Councillor Bridget Kennedy; Councillor Merri Southwood

Executive Summary

This motion requests that Council receives a report at its April 2025 meeting on the status of actions taken, and actions recommended to be taken, in response to recommendations 12-15 of Council’s Dog Strategy

Background

Council is required to develop a draft Delivery Plan and Operational Plan to go to public consultation with a view to adoption by 30 June 2025.

The Delivery Plan and Operational Plan must demonstrate how Council plans to deliver on its priorities outlined in Council’s Community Strategic Plan- Liveable Lane Cove 2035 (CSP).

The goal of Theme 1 of the CSP is an inclusive, interconnected and active community

As our local government area continues to grow in both population and density, the shared use of

open space is vital to the fostering of an inclusive, interconnected and active community.

Open space serves an important role where residents can socialise, build friendships and engage in recreational activities, including exercising their pets, thereby fostering both community connection and individual well-being.

Over the past three years, a recurring theme has emerged in discussions within the Dog Advisory Committee (now the Companion Animals Committee), Sport Club Advisory Committee, and Bushland Management Advisory Committee meetings. It has been recognised that there is a need for increased education and awareness among companion animal owners, as well as the broader community, regarding the etiquette and rules associated with responsible pet behaviour.

Examples of other council websites that provide clear guidance for use of open spaces and other resources for dog owners are:

Inner West Council

• Comprehensive Pet Information: Offers extensive resources on their website covering a range of pet-related topics, including adopting a pet, obedience training, lost and found pets, pet etiquette, desexing, and local veterinary services.

• Puppy Preschool Program: Ran a trial of a council-facilitated puppy preschool program led by a certified dog trainer in collaboration with Inner West Companion Animal Services.

• Mobile Info Stand: Companion Animal Officers host monthly pop-up stands in parks across the Inner West, offering free microchip scans, responsible pet ownership goodies, and informational resources.

• ‘Collar Me Home’ Program: Provides free ID tags to pet owners whose pets are lifetime registered, microchipped, and have up-to-date microchip details.

• Online Community: Hosts an Inner West Companion Animal Facebook group to connect pet owners and share relevant information.

For more details, visit: https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/live/information-for-residents/pets

Mosman Council

• Responsible Pet Ownership: Offers a wide range of information about being a responsible pet owner, including pet registration, environmental impacts, and owner responsibilities.

• Pet Welcome Packs: Provides new pet owners with a welcome pack upon registering their pet, including guidance on responsible ownership and local regulations.

• Online Resources: Features detailed information and links to additional 3rd party resources on their website: https://mosman.nsw.gov.au/residents/Pets/responsible-pet-ownership

City of Sydney Council

• Guides and Fact Sheets: Offers short accessible guides and more comprehensive printable fact sheets/pamphlets covering individual topics related to aspects of dog ownership such as barking and pet etiquette in public spaces.

To assist in the development of the draft Delivery Plan and Operational Plan, Council seeks a report on the status of actions taken, and actions recommended to be taken, in response to recommendations 12- 15 of Council’s Dog Strategy 2021, namely-

12. The location and content of all dog related signage will be audited and reviewed.

13. A comprehensive Information, Education and Communications Plan will be prepared that identifies the role and best use of each means of communicating with the community.

14. A central hub for dog related information will be provided on Council’s website.

15. Interpretive signage that explains the environmental significance of bushland areas and their sensitivity to a range of risks including dogs will be considered at the entries to the bushland reserves

RECOMMENDATION

That:-

1. Council receives a report at its April 2025 meeting on the status of actions taken, and actions recommended to be taken, in response to recommendations 12-15 of Council’s Dog Strategy 2021, namely-

12. The location and content of all dog related signage will be audited and reviewed.

13. A comprehensive Information, Education and Communications Plan will be prepared that identifies the role and best use of each means of communicating with the community.

14. A central hub for dog related information will be provided on Council’s website.

2. the report includes recommendations to expand education of cat owners as to their legal responsibilities

3. the report detail funding remaining for companion animal education in Council’s 2024-25 financial year (if any) and funds required for the 2025-26 financial year to implement the above actions and recommendations.

Councillor Kathy Bryla

Councillor

Councillor Rochelle Flood

Councillor

Councillor Helena Greenwell

Councillor

Councillor Bridget Kennedy

Councillor

Councillor Merri Southwood

Councillor

ATTACHMENTS:

There are no supporting documents for this report.

Ordinary Council Meeting 20 February 2025

Notice of Motion - Notice of Motion: Pricing Policy For Council Sporting and Aquatic Facilities.

Item No: 5

Subject: Notice of Motion - Notice of Motion: Pricing Policy For Council Sporting and Aquatic Facilities.

Record No: SU2191 - 8702/25

Division: Lane Cove Council

Author(s): Councillor Rochelle Flood; Councillor Kathy Bryla

Executive Summary

A motion to investigate options for discounted pricing for council sporting and aquatic facilities to increase affordability and access for all.

Discussion

Our community deserves access to affordable local swimming and sporting facilities. Unfortunately, rising cost of living pressures are making it harder for people to access these on a regular basis, with certain groups including single parents, pensioners, students, and those facing low or un-employment often missing out.

Around NSW and Australia more broadly, a number of local councils have implemented policies or trials to address affordability concerns. In 2021, Inner West Council moved to significantly discount their concession pricing rate at council owned facilities - lower the cost for eligible pension/concession card holders to just $1.50, with a range of other tiered discounts available for groups including seniors (not eligible for the pension) and students. This was a move welcomed at the time by the Australian Council of Social Services and the Australian Unemployed Workers Union.

While not as extensive as the IWC offerings, City of Sydney has also moved to significantly lower pool and sporting facility entry fees for those on lower incomes. City of Sydney has an access card available for eligible groups including those on pension cards or accessed as facing financial hardship. This grants $2 entry to all aquatic centres, and $5.50 entry to sport and recreation centres.

Meanwhile, other councils including Tamworth Regional Council moved towards a trial of free pool entry. While the trial is still ongoing, initial reports have been favourable, with increased visitation and improved access for those on lower incomes. In the Snowy Valley LGA, the council implemented free pool entry across their facilities, resulting in a significant increase in visitation numbers, in some cases resulting in more than double the number of visits (see table below).

By contrast, the Lane Cove aquatic centre charges $10.50 for a casual entry pass, with discounts for concession card holders only bringing that cost down to $9.20. For those with children, or those who may be retired, on a pension or otherwise have a low income, this cost remains incredibly high and limits people’s ability to use these facilities.

There’s evidence from other councils demonstrating a boost in cash flow in other areas including paid fitness classes, spending in cafés etc when entry fees are significantly lowered or removed entirely. This shows that people with capacity to pay are more likely to participate and pay for paid classes etc. if they are not paying steep entry fees for the facility itself. This ensures money continues to flow to the facility via other channels.

We know there are extensive benefits to accessing local pools and sporting facilities. Helping people remain active is so important for both physical and mental health, and swimming is vital for safety, particularly in a country like Australia. Access to local pool and sporting facilities should not be restricted because someone is on a lower income. Councils who own facilities, whether they be operated in house or in partnership with private operators should do all they can to ensure access to these facilities is affordable for all.

RECOMMENDATION

That: Council –

1. Provides a report outlining:

a. Comparative pricing between council’s aquatic facilities and sporting facilities (including the proposed or finalised pricing for the sport and recreation facility if such data is available when the report is undertaken) and facilities of a comparable size based on their offerings and visitation numbers, across NSW, including but not limited to: Inner West, City of Sydney, Tamworth, Snowy Valley, Bellingen and Hawkesbury.

b. A cost comparison of discount schemes and the eligibility requirements for these schemes across NSW.

c. The feasibility of implementing a discount scheme with a focus on single entry price points (or workarounds to ensure people aren’t outplaying significant costs upfront) across Lane Cove Sporting and Aquatic Facilities (excluding those where fees are exclusively based on club membership). This should include discounts for aged pensioners, students (including tertiary students), single parents, the unemployed and those on low incomes (criteria to be determined following detailed comparisons).

2. Investigate examples of free pool entry programs and report on options for a free pool entry trial in Lane Cove (with a view to any trial commencing after neighbouring pools including Willoughby re-open).

3. That a suite of discount options be presented to Council by the end of 2025 calendar year including suggested models for implementation.

4. Consider including a budget in the 2025/26 financial year for the work outlined in points 1-3 , to be undertaken by an external consultant if required.

Councillor Rochelle Flood

Councillor

Councillor Kathy Bryla

Councillor

ATTACHMENTS:

There are no supporting documents for this report.

Ordinary Council Meeting 20 February 2025

Blackman Park Masterplan Update

Item No: 6

Subject: Blackman Park Masterplan Update

Record No: SU10245 - 9243/25

Division: Open Space and Infrastructure Division

Author(s): Millie Allsopp

Executive Summary

At the October 2024 meeting, Council resolved to undertake a review of the Blackman Park Masterplan 2013/14 to identify areas within the park for future enhancement. This report summarises the community consultation in response to the review and presents the finalised Masterplan Update for adoption.

Background

At the October 2024 Council meeting Council resolved that Council:-

“1. undertakes a review of the Blackman Park Masterplan 2013/14 to identify areas within the park for future enhancement to ensure:

a. It meets the current and future needs of our community;

b. that the review takes into account urban sensitive water design principles and minimises added night light spill to the surrounding bushland;

c. that the review strives for the highest possible environmental sustainability standards and low carbon emissions;

d. that the plan complies with 3.2.3.3 of The Plan of Management for Bushland in Lane Cove which states that bushland tracks are only for passive recreation (ie no proposal for bike or scooter tracks in C2 zoned bushland is allowed)

2. notes that there is not the capacity to increase car parking spaces at Blackman Park and this not be considered in the brief;

3. writes to interested stakeholders to seek their written commitment to providing 100% of funding for the Multipurpose clubhouse depicted in AT-1 (either through their own funds or government grants received) and that, should the clubhouse be built, the facility will be a facility shared with non-sporting community groups; and

4. seeks community consultation to gather input from residents, associations, local sporting and bushland groups and any other relevant stakeholders on the proposed areas within the park for future improvements, including facilities, activities, and other features for the park.”

Discussion

Based on the points raised in the Council resolution a consultation document was developed for the Blackman Park Masterplan Update (AT-1). The below table shows how this document responded to the Council resolution.

Council Resolution	Response
a. It meets the current and future needs of our community	The Masterplan update has identified the vast amenity already provided to the community. It is recommended that Council prioritise funding towards the upkeep of the existing amenity and to prevent overdevelopment.
b. that the review takes into account urban sensitive water design principles and minimises added night light spill to the surrounding bushland;	Water Sensitive Urban Design and Light Spill to surrounding bushland are currently factored into the current activities of the park. While not addressed in the Masterplan, both sustainability measures will be addressed at the design stage of any new element and upgrades.
c. that the review strives for the highest possible environmental sustainability standards and low carbon emissions;	Similarly to the above, environmental sustainability standards and low carbon emissions are already supported by Councils existing sustainability plans. These will not be present in the Masterplan document and instead be an important aspect of any introductions at Blackman Park.
d. that the plan complies with 3.2.3.3 of The Plan of Management for Bushland in Lane Cove which states that bushland tracks are only for passive recreation (ie no proposal for bike or scooter tracks in C2 zoned bushland is allowed);	The updated Masterplan will make no changes which impede into the C2 zoned bushland, therefore complies with 3.2.3.3 of The Plan of Management for Bushland in Lane Cove.
2. notes that there is not the capacity to increase car parking spaces at Blackman Park and this not be considered in the brief;	Expansion of parking will not be included, but the ongoing monitoring and maintenance of the road will be noted in the Masterplan.
3. writes to interested stakeholders to seek their written commitment to providing 100% of funding for the Multipurpose clubhouse depicted in AT-1 (either through their own funds or government grants received) and that, should the clubhouse be built, the facility will be a facility shared with non-sporting community groups; and	Council wrote to the main sporting clubs that use Blackman Park as their home ground and requested a commitment to providing 100% funding for the proposed Clubhouse.
4. seeks community consultation to gather input from residents, associations, local sporting and bushland groups and any other relevant stakeholders on the proposed areas within the park for future improvements, including facilities, activities, and other features for the park.	The consultation period of over 9 weeks received both wider community input and response from various stakeholders.

The draft masterplan update reviewed the current uses of the park, in addition to the various potential projects which included:

1. Multipurpose clubhouse: A shared facility for sporting organisations and community events.

2. Ninja Warrior exercise course: An engaging fitness-focused obstacle course for all ages.

3. Pickleball courts: Dedicated spaces for this growing sport.

4. Outdoor exercise equipment: Enhancements to existing public gym equipment to promote outdoor fitness.

5. Upgraded playground: Enhancements to existing play facilities.

6. Bike and scooter track: A dedicated track to improve safety and accessibility.

7. Expanded parking: Increased parking capacity to better accommodate growing park use.

Community Consultation Outcomes

The consultation period occurred from 27 November 2024 to 2 February 2025 with the following channels:

· Website Page

· Online Survey

· 7 notification signs with QR code on site

· 4 E-Newsletter reminders

· Various social media posts

· Email to stakeholders

At close of the consultation, Council received:

· 167 survey responses

· 16 resident email submissions

· 9 stakeholder email submissions

The survey identified:-

· 64.7% respondents were part of an organisation that regularly use Blackman Park

- 56% selected AFL

- 33% selected cricket

- 65% selected soccer

· 78.4% respondents agreed to the proposed clubhouse

· 74.8% respondents supported new activities to the greenspace next to the scout hall. However, it has been noted this space is already utilised for Scouts and sport groups.

· 66.5% respondents preferred Ninja Warrior or Pickleball, whereas the remaining preferred it remain as turf or another activity

· 76% respondents do not use the existing fitness equipment at Blackman Park

· 77.2% prefer to see the fitness equipment upgraded rather than replaced with something else

· 52.7% would use a children’s bicycle circuit

· 64.7% would like to see a portion of the bicycle circuit to have some pump track elements

The email submissions highlighted, (with 22 total):

· 10 supported the proposed clubhouse

· 2 against the proposed clubhouse

· 1 support of ninja warrior and pickleball

· 6 requested to retain the greenspace next to the scout hall

· 5 against new activities

· 5 requested to upgrade and maintain existing equipment

· 2 requested to upgrade road

· 2 requested to retain dog areas

Letter of Commitment from Main Stakeholders

Council wrote to the 3 main sporting groups that use Blackman Park as their home ground, AFL, Cricket and Football. Each of these stakeholders have provided a letter of commitment stating that their members are supportive of the proposed Clubhouse and that they would provide a combined $500k towards the project from their own funds, whilst also continuing to apply for grant funding to undertake the project. They have also confirmed that the Clubhouse should be a shared facility with non-sporting community groups (AT-2, AT-3, AT-4, AT-5)

After the gathering of community consultation results and identifying common points raised, Council has developed relevant responses in the below table:

Draft Masterplan Update	Community feedback	Response
Proposed Clubhouse Amenities building	The new facility has overall support and sports groups are in favour	It proposed that the Clubhouse Amenities building will remain in the Masterplan update.
Introducing an activity to the green space next to the East Amenities/Scout Hall	Some people wish to retain this area for its current uses, for example, Scouts, rugby events, dog walking and open space.	It is proposed that this green space will remain as is to accommodate existing activities and to retain open space.
Ninja Warrior Course and Pickleball	There is community support for both activities with around half preferring Ninja Warrior and Pickleball. However, there was no substantial preference for one activity to this location.	One Pickleball court at this location is an inefficient use of space. While a Ninja Warrior Course or one Pickleball court would fit in this location, this space is already utilised with other activity. The Masterplan proposes to not include these activities due to no suitable locations in this park. These activities will be considered elsewhere in the LGA.
Existing facilities and activities	Existing facilities, such as the outdoor gym stations, playground, dog areas and car park need to be looked after.	Council has a maintenance program in place for Blackman Park. It will be noted in the Masterplan that the monitoring and maintenance of these mentioned facilities will be prioritised over the introduction of new activities. The Masterplan will include the upgrade of the outdoor gym equipment and playground.

Blackman Park Masterplan 2013/2014, and the improvements that have been made since its adoption, were reviewed by Council with the support of an extensive period of community consultation. A consultation document for the Update to the Masterplan included prompts for specific additions, which gauged the type of enhancement to Blackman Park considered necessary by the community.

Overall, the community were receptive of introducing the Clubhouse Amenities building, improvements to the gym facilities and upgrades to the playground area. As a result, the Update to the Blackman Park Masterplan will focus on those three elements. While the suggestion for the new activities; Pickleball and a Ninja Warrior Course, were welcomed by some, it raised concern for others. In particular, the current parking and congestion issues have physical constraints to resolve and would only heighten with the increase of activation. This issue of overactivation has also been raised for the proposed, and only available, location for either activity. The greenspace adjacent to the eastern Amenities building is already utilised by groups for events, by the means of planned activity or crowd overflow as well as the Scouts for their outdoor activities. This green space also is integral to the functioning of Blackman Park, such as a permeable surface to offset the extent of impermeable surface, assisting in pedestrian circulation and providing passive opportunity amongst a vast active space. With the implication of new facilities, it has highlighted the decline of existing facilities which in turn cannot deliver the correct amenity to the community in the current state.

In response to these issues, the Masterplan Update recommended for adoption (AT-6) will incorporate the proposed Clubhouse building and not include the introduction of the new activities; Pickleball and Ninja Warrior. Upgrades of the existing facilities such as the playground and outdoor fitness equipment will also be included in the Masterplan Update.

Conclusion

With strong community support for the addition of the Clubhouse Amenities Building and upgrade of the playground and outdoor fitness equipment it is recommended that Council adopt the proposed Blackman Park Masterplan Update that includes these features.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. Receive and note the results of the community consultation for the Blackman Park Masterplan Update

2. Adopt the finalised Blackman Park Masterplan Update, included as AT-6.

Martin Terescenko

Director - Open Space and Infrastructure

Open Space and Infrastructure Division

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View	Blackman Park Masterplan Update (Consultation Document)	9 Pages	Available Electronically
AT‑2 View	Commitment to Funding Letter – Northern Suburbs Football Club	1 Page	Available Electronically
AT‑3 View	Commitment to Funding Letter – Lane Cove Football Club	1 Page	Available Electronically
AT‑4 View	Commitment to Funding Letter – Lane Cove Cats AFL Club	1 Page	Available Electronically
AT‑5 View	Commitment to Funding Letter – Lane Cove Cricket Club	1 Page	Available Electronically
AT‑6 View	Blackman Park Masterplan Update (For Council Adoption)	9 Pages

Ordinary Council Meeting 20 February 2025

Stringybark Reserve Masterplan

Item No: 7

Subject: Stringybark Reserve Masterplan

Record No: SU9544 - 9259/25

Division: Open Space and Infrastructure Division

Author(s): Millie Allsopp

Executive Summary

Following the public exhibition of the Draft Stringybark Reserve Masterplan, this report summarises the community consultation results and presents the final Masterplan for adoption.

Background

As part of the Lane Cove Operational and Delivery Plan, Stringybark Reserve was scheduled for a Masterplan in 2023 – 2024. Since 2023, two separate stages of community consultation have been conducted, alongside site analysis and design development to form the current proposed Masterplan. The development of this Masterplan has since informed the priority upgrade works to occur at this reserve, which will take place this financial year (2024/2025).

During the November 2024 Meeting, Council resolved the following:

“

1. Adopt the Draft Stringybark Reserve Masterplan for the purpose of public exhibition;

2. Undertake community consultation of the draft masterplan for six (6) weeks as outlined in the consultation strategy; including outreach to community groups being Lane Cove North Residents Association and the Stringybark Creek Residents Association; and

3. The Draft Stringybark Reserve Masterplan along with submissions and amendments from the exhibition period be the subject of a further report to Council.”

The Draft Masterplan for Stringybark Reserve had proposed the following stages:

Stage 1 – Playground Upgrade

Stage 2 – Community Garden

Stage 3 – Drainage Bioswale: To the off-leash dog area

Stage 4 – Introduction of an Accessible Toilet

Stage 5 – Water Sensitive Urban Design (Rain gardens and additional bioswales)

Stage 6 – Active Play: New Multipurpose court and Outdoor Gym Equipment

Discussion

Community Consultation Outcomes

The consultation period occurred from 27 November 2024 to 2 February with the following channels:

· Website Page

· Online Survey

· 2 notification signs with QR code on site

· 4 E-Newsletter reminders

· Various social media posts

· Email to stakeholders

At close of the consultation, Council received:

· 49 survey responses

· 3 resident email submissions

· 2 stakeholder/ resident group email submissions

The survey identified:

· Respondents were asked to select their three most preferred improvements, with the following most selected:

- 16 chose improved turf area

- 15 chose playground upgrade, new basketball half court, and toilets

- 14 chose lighting to the main footpath and water sensitive urban design (WSUD)

- 13 chose picnic shelter

· 87.8% respondents agreed to the proposed playground upgrade

· 77.6% respondents agreed to the proposed community garden

· 91.8% respondents agreed to the proposed turf bioswale to improve drainage in the off-leash dog area

· 79.6% respondents agreed to the addition of an accessible toilet

· 87.8% respondents agreed to the proposed active play

The email submissions highlighted, (with 5 total):

· 4 requested to prioritise the stormwater/ drainage improvements

· 4 requested to retain the existing cricket nets and tennis wall

· 2 supported the proposed playground

· 2 supported the proposed toilet

· 1 were against the proposed toilet

· 1 requested for more stormwater intervention

After the gathering of community consultation results and identifying common points raised, Council has developed relevant responses to these points in the below table:

Draft Masterplan	Community feedback	Response
Proposed playground upgrade	Most were in support of the proposed playground. There were queries to the targeted age group of the new playground equipment.	Overall, the new play equipment will accommodate primary school age children. The swing set proposed will feature two child seats and one basket that seats multiple children. The agility course will provide more challenging play.
Off-leash dog area and playground	No objections to keeping the off-leash area, people only emphasised clash between the two areas. Dogs frequently run into the playground and barbeque area. There were some requests for the playground to be fenced.	It is not recommended to enclose the playground with fencing due to the potential damage to existing large trees. Retaining walls and information screening will be used to reduce the occurrence of dogs running into playground and barbeque area.
Proposed Accessible Toilet	There is a majority support for introducing a toilet facility. Most concerns were of its location within the park. Neighbours to the reserve do not support the introduction of toilet or a building near their property. Others expressed concern towards the impact of visibility and safety in the reserve, as well as matters to the ongoing cleanliness and maintenance aspect.	The proposed location as shown in the draft masterplan, is the only suitable option due to existing trees, flood prone areas and grade of land. Due to the site constraints, the proposed toilet will remain in the north-east portion of the park.
Proposed Community Garden	There was general support for establishment of the community garden. There were concerns about its location in the flood zone and enquiry to whether there is a group to maintain the facility.	The community garden has an existing group who will maintain the space. The new garden will be located further upslope from the existing location to alleviate some of the inundation issues.
Flooding and drainage issues	Ongoing comments about stormwater management, flooding and drainage issues. Suggestions offered to further resolve, e.g. additional pits and more cleaning of pits.	Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) measures proposed will alleviate some the local drainage issues. Stormwater management relates to the overall upstream catchment and is out of the scope of this Masterplan. The Masterplan will address the fact that an overland flow path drains through the reserve.
Timing of proposed works	Questions towards the priority of stages and to the timing of when construction of these proposed items will occur.	Stage One has been revised to include the installation of the WSUD drainage bioswale, playground upgrade and the new community garden. Construction works for Stage One will commence in May of this year (2025). The timeline of the remaining stages will be dependent on available budget.
Existing cricket nets	As the existing cricket nets not addressed in the draft Masterplan, some members of the community had enquired to its status and had requested for this facility to be retained and upgraded.	Cricket nets are not appropriate for a reserve of this size. They require a safe fall zone for cricket balls that escape from the nets. For this reason, cricket nets are more appropriately located around sport fields. It is proposed to remove the cricket nets.
Existing tennis wall and basketball area	A few submissions also enquired to the plans for the existing tennis wall and requested that it remain as is.	While it is recognised that the tennis wall holds historical and practical significance to the community, it has structural issues that will require its eventual removal. The wall is in a gully where WSUD measures would be most appropriately located. It is proposed to include a new tennis wall as part of the basketball half court.

Stringybark Reserve Masterplan has been developed in response to the surrounding community and its unique site conditions. The first community consultation in 2023 informed the key issues that many of the park users agreed to; need for the playground upgrade, drainage issues and damage to the turf in the off-leash dog area, flooding events and general request for improvement. The Draft Masterplan acknowledged the main themes within stages, to which the community supported the themes but not necessarily in the order in which they were proposed. Additionally, the current natural setting of the park was emphasised as important to preserve.

The final Masterplan has now re-established the priority of proposed items, particularly to indicate the upgrade to the turf in the off-leash dog area and associated drainage using water sensitive urban design principals as a Stage One item. There are no proposed changes to the Masterplan arising from the consultation, however the staging of the implementation of the Masterplan has been updated to reflect the funds available to undertake Stage 1 works with financial year. The Stringybark Reserve Masterplan is sensitive to the natural character of the park across all stages: the protection and succession of the existing mature trees, retention of its open space, introduction of additional water sensitive urban design measures and native planting.

Council support for this community led Masterplan can ensure that the construction of Stage One can commence this financial year (2024/2025), utilising the allocated grant funding.

Conclusion

It is recommended that Council adopt the Final Stringybark Masterplan to ensure that the Stage 1 works can be completed prior to the end of this financial year.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. Receive and note the results of the community consultation for the Stringybark Reserve Masterplan; and

2. Adopt the responding Stringybark Reserve Masterplan included as AT-1.

Martin Terescenko

Director - Open Space and Infrastructure

Open Space and Infrastructure Division

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View

Stringybark Reserve Masterplan 2025

28 Pages

Ordinary Council Meeting 20 February 2025

Nominations for Community Representatives to Advisory Committees

Subject: Nominations for Community Representatives to Advisory Committees

Record No: SU827 - 1536/25

Division: Corporate and Strategy Division

Author(s): Lorie Parkinson

Executive Summary

Following the report on Council Advisory Committees and Other External Organisations to the Ordinary Council Meeting of 24 October 2024, Council called for community representatives to nominate for a range of Council Advisory Committees.

This report outlines the recommendations of the Council Selection Committee following their review of the nominations and proposes that Council endorse these recommendations for appointment of community members for Council’s Advisory Committees.

Background

Council is committed to ensuring the community is informed and encourages community participation in decision making, and an essential aspect of this process is the facilitation of advisory committees.

Council’s Advisory Committees consider and advise on a wide range of local issues by providing a discussion forum for Council representatives, local stakeholders and community members.

Councillor representation on Council Advisory Committees for 2025 was determined at the Ordinary Council Meeting of 24 October 2024. Council also resolved to call from community representatives to nominate for the following Advisory Committees:

· Access and Age-Friendly Advisory Committee

· Bicycle Advisory Committee

· Bushland Management Advisory Committee

· Companion Animal Advisory Committee

· Festival Advisory Committee

· Public Art Advisory Committee

· inclusion Advisory Committee (name to be determined)

· Sporting Club Advisory Committee

· Sustainability Advisory Committee

· Youth Advisory Group.

The Expression of Interest process commenced on 4 November 2024 and ran for six weeks until 16 December 2024. During this period information was placed on Council’s website (on the Have Your Say and Committees pages), E-Newsletters were sent to Council’s various newsletter subscribers, and Facebook posts were published.

Council received 87 nominations from community members to join Council’s Advisory Committees.

Discussion

The Council Selection Committee met on 10 February 2025 and considered the community nominations for all advisory committees, apart from the Youth Advisory Group whose members do not require Council endorsement.

Access and Age-Friendly Advisory Committee

The Committee’s Charter allows for up to seven community representatives plus a representative from Sydney Community Services and two representatives from non-profit organisations providing relevant services within the local government area.

Ten (10) nominations were received and following a review of each applicant’s skills, experience and interests, the Council Selection Committee recommends the following nominees be appointed to the Access and Age-Friendly Advisory Committee.

Catherine Commins (SCS)	Jodi Martin
Bruce Fraser	Katherine Mort
Fay Frischer	Amanda Wheeler
Tracy Hancock	Beverley Young

Bicycle Advisory Committee

This Committee’s Charter allows for the appointment of a minimum of seven (7) community representatives with cycling interests and up to three (3) representatives from local bicycle-related businesses.

Nine (9) nominations were received and following a review of each applicant’s skills, experience and interests, the Council Selection Committee recommends the following nominees be appointed to the Bicycle Advisory Committee.

Ryan Ahern	David Purdue
James Hansen	Ken Quail
Gavin Imhof	Franc Vaccher
Don Murchison	Mitch Whitehall
Gavin Pilz

Note – the Bicycle Advisory Committee Charter has been recently revised to reflect a change in membership from “up to seven community representatives”, to become a “minimum of seven community representatives”.

Bushland Management Advisory Committee

The Committee’s Charter allows for up to nine (9) community representatives including:

· four (4) community members

· one (1) wildlife representative

· three (3) members of the Lane Cove Bushland and Conservation Society, and

· one (1) member from an active Lane Cove Bushcare Group.

Seven (7) nominations were received and following a review of each applicant’s skills, experience and interests, the Council Selection Committee recommends the following nominees be appointed to the Bushland Management Advisory Committee.

Win Chandler	Ruth Neumann (LCBCS)
Erin Cini	Norma Stuart (LCBCS)
Leon Horsnell (LCBCS)	Frances Vissel
Lynne McLoughlin

It is noted that Lane Cove Bushland and Conservation Society (LCBCS) have nominated their three (3) representatives to the Committee.

Companion Animal Advisory Committee

This Committee’s Charter allows for the appointment of up to eleven (11) community representatives including:

· three (3) dog owners and three (3) cat owners (one of each from each Council ward)

· a community member who does not own a companion animal

· a representative from Council’s Bushland Management Advisory Committee

· a professional dog walker, professional dog trainer, and a veterinary professional that operate in the Lane Cove local government area.

Jo Biddle	Jacqueline Liyan
Natalie Braid	Mali Luty
Jo Brennan	Laree Miller
Diana Gedeon	Lisa Noonan

Festival Advisory Committee

This Committee’s Charter allows for between five (5) and twelve (12) community members.

Six (6) nominations were received and following a review of each applicant’s skills, experience and interests, the Council Selection Committee recommends the following nominees be appointed to the Festival Advisory Committee.

Sarah Balzer	Ajaya Jayarao
Jacqueline Barker	Balu Moothedath
Catherine Briggs	Kersherka Sivakumaran

Inclusion Advisory Committee – (To be renamed Inclusive Communities Committee)

Council resolved to create this new committee at the Council meeting of 24 October 2024 in order to, amongst other things, oversee the development of the proposed Council Social Inclusion Strategy.

At that meeting it was resolved that community input would be sought on the name of this new committee during the committee membership nomination process. Eight committee names were proposed to the community and consultation produced a further five names. After viewing the results of community input, the Council Selection Committee recommends that the inclusion advisory committee be named Inclusive Communities Committee.

The charter allows for up to thirteen (13) members, including:

· nine (9) community members with lived experience

· a representative from Sydney Community Services

· three (3) representatives from non-profit service providers working with disadvantaged/underrepresented communities.

Shanshan Guo	Alycia Palerme
Ajaya Jayarao	Gavin Pilz
Anthony Nolan	Kersherka Sivakumaran

Public Art Advisory Committee

This Committee’s Charter allows for up to ten (10) community members.

Five (5) nominations were received and following a review of each applicant’s skills, experience and interests, the Council Selection Committee recommends the following nominees be appointed to the Public Art Advisory Committee.

Angela Gibson	Rhonda Pryor
Anthony Nolan	Kersherka Sivakumaran

Sporting Club Advisory Committee

This Committee’s charter describes its membership as one (1) representative from each sporting club using Lane Cove Council sporting facilities.

Fourteen (14) nominations were received and following a review of each applicant’s skills, experience and interests, the Council Selection Committee recommends the following nominees be appointed to the Sporting Club Advisory Committee.

Kevin Garrington – Lane Cove Football Club

Scott Hinton – Junior Cricket Association

Brendan Hood – Lane Cove Cricket Club

Ed Howitt – Cricket NSW

Jonathan Hughes – St Michael’s Football Club

Kevin Johnston – Northern Suburbs Football Association

Karmen Karamanian – Lane Cove Netball Club

Diana Payne – Lane Cove Netball Club

Glenn Poynton – Lane Cove Australian Football League

Mark Quealey – Lane Cove Tigers Junior Rugby League

Lynne Spencer – Greenwich Sports Club

Matthew Smith – North Shore Cricket Club

Robert Ward – Lane Cove Tigers Rugby League

Sustainability Advisory Committee

This Committee’s Charter allows for the appointment of up to nine (9) community representatives including

· Five (5) Lane Cove LGA residents

· One (1) Youth representative

· Two (2) local business representatives with a focus on sustainable practices

· A member of Council’s Bushland Management Advisory Committee

Thirteen (13) nominations were received and following a review of each applicant’s skills, experience and interests, the Council Selection Committee recommends the following nominees be appointed to the Sustainability Advisory Committee.

Ann Austin	Ben Meek
Corinne Fagueret	Cassandra Mok
Antoinette Farrow	Lyn Nasir
Emma James	Ruth Neumann
Michelle Leong Glastris	Alex Vaccher

Youth Advisory Group

This charter of this group allows for the appointment of up to fifteen (15) community members who are between 13 and 24 years of age, and live, work or study in the Lane Cove local government area.

There were six (6) nominees who met the membership criteria for this group. They will join the young people who are continuing members of the Youth Advisory Group from 2024.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. the new Inclusion Advisory Committee be named the Inclusive Communities Committee.

2. Council endorse the following nominations for Council’s Advisory Committees:

a) Catherine Commins, Bruce Fraser, Fay Frischer, Tracy Hancock, Jodi Martin, Katherine Mort, Amanda Wheeler and Beverley Young be appointed to the Access and Age-Friendly Advisory Committee;

b) Win Chandler, Erin Cini, Leon Horsnell, Lynne McLoughlin, Ruth Neumann, Norma Stuart and Frances Vissel be appointed to the Bushland Management Advisory Committee;

c) Jo Biddle, Natalie Braid, Jo Brennan, Diana Gedeon, Jacqueline Liyan, Mali Luty, Laree Miller, and Lisa Noonan be appointed to the Companion Animal Advisory Committee;

d) Sarah Balzer, Jacqueline Barker, Catherine Briggs, Ajaya Jayarao, Balu Moothedath and Kersherka Sivakumaran be appointed to the Festival Advisory Committee;

e) Shanshan Guo, Ajaya Jayarao, Anthony Nolan, Alycia Palerme, Gavin Pilz and Kersherka Sivakumaran be appointed to the new Inclusive Communities Committee;

f) Angela Gibson, Anthony Nolan, Rhonda Pryor and Kersherka Sivakumaran be appointed to the Public Art Advisory Committee;

g) Kevin Garrington, Scott Hinton, Brendan Hood, Ed Howitt, Jonathan Hughes, Kevin Johnston, Karmen Karamanian, Diana Payne, Glenn Poynton, Mark Quealey, Lynne Spencer, Matthew Smith and Robert Ward be appointed to the Sporting Club Advisory Committee;

h) Ann Austin, Corinne Fagueret, Antoninette Farrow, Emma James, Michelle Leong Glastris, Ben Meek, Cassandra Mok, Lyn Nasir, Ruth Neumann, and Alex Vaccher be appointed to the Sustainability Advisory Committee;

i) Ryan Ahern, James Hansen, Gavin Imhof, Don Murchison, Gavin Pilz, David Purdue, Ken Quail, Franc Vaccher and Mitch Whitehall be appointed to the Bicycle Advisory Committee.

3. all nominees be advised of Council’s decision.

Steven Kludass

Director - Corporate and Strategy

Corporate and Strategy Division

ATTACHMENTS:

There are no supporting documents for this report.

Ordinary Council Meeting 20 February 2025

LEP Sustainability Review

Item No: 9

Subject: LEP Sustainability Review

Record No: SU10242 - 6568/25

Division: Planning and Sustainability Division

Author(s): Christopher Pelcz

Executive Summary

At its Ordinary meeting on 21 November 2024, Council resolved to commence a review of its Local Environmental Plan with a focus on Sustainability.

The purpose of this report is to provide a timeline for the review of Council’s Local Environmental Plan (LEP). The work program is set out below and is scheduled to be completed in late 2026 subject to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing & Infrastructure {DPHI}.

Background

Council at its meeting of 21 November 2024 resolved in part:-

“1. Council undertake a review of its LEP over the next 18 months, with a view to incorporating provisions including but not limited to the following:

a) Green infrastructure and sustainable energy infrastructure;

b) Transitioning away from fossil fuels to renewable energy infrastructure;

c) Biodiversity conservation;

d) Tree Canopy preservation;

e) Minimising urban heat;

f) Implementing water sensitive urban design;

g) Encouraging development with active and public transport connections;

h) LGA wide design excellence principles;

i) Affordable Housing contributions.”

Discussion

The following program has been developed for the proposed amendments:-

*Timing*	Actions
*February 2025*	Presentation of draft program to Council
*March 2025*	Consultation commences with internal staff including briefings and workshops Notify the NSW Department of Planning, Housing & Infrastructure of Councils intention
*April – June 2025*	Consultation commences with Councils Community Advisory Committees Conduct Public Workshops Commence any specialist studies identified Brief Council on draft LEP Public Exhibition of draft LEP
*July – October 2025*	Present draft LEP to Council’s Design Review Panel {DRP}. Present the staff assessment report to the Local Planning Panel {LPP}. Report to Council on the draft LEP incorporating the advice of the LPP. Subject to Council decision submit the Planning Proposal to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing & Infrastructure requesting Gateway determination.

Please note that the timeline from this point is subject to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing & Infrastructure.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council.

1. Endorse the program for the Local Environmental Plan Sustainability review; and

2. Council notifies the Department of Planning, Housing & Infrastructure of its intention to review the Lane Cove Local Environmental Plan.

Mark Brisby

Director - Planning and Sustainability

Planning and Sustainability Division

ATTACHMENTS:

There are no supporting documents for this report.

Ordinary Council Meeting 20 February 2025

Draft Model Code of Meeting Practice - Submission to the Office of Local Government NSW

Subject: Draft Model Code of Meeting Practice - Submission to the Office of Local Government NSW

Record No: SU837 - 2540/25

Division: Lane Cove Council

Author(s): Stephen Golding

Executive Summary

Council received correspondence from the Minister for Local Government on 17 December 2024 advising that a new Draft Model Code of Meeting Practice (Model Meeting Code) had been drafted and was seeking written submissions from interested stakeholders by 28 February 2025.

Background

Following on from the Councillor Conduct and Meeting Practice Discussion Paper and submission that Council considered and endorsed at the November 2024 Ordinary Council Meeting, the OLG has released a consultation draft of the new Model Meeting Code which is available on the OLG’s website and is attached to this report as AT-1. The proposed amendments to the Model Meeting Code are indicated in track changes.

The amendments are part of the Government’s agenda to ensure that councillors are visibly in control of their councils, demonstrating to the community that decision making is genuinely local.

The proposed amendments to the Model Meeting Code are the first tranche of reforms to the regulation of meetings. The second tranche will be legislated in 2025 as part of the measures implemented to reform the regulation of councillor conduct and will have a particular focus on behaviour at meetings.

Discussion

Summary of Major Changes to the Current Model Code of Meeting Practice

The following information is provided in a document released by the OLG titled “A New Model Code of Meeting Practice – Consultation Draft’:

The proposed amendments will promote greater transparency and public participation by:

• Removing pre-meeting councillor briefings. It is the Government’s expectation that any material provided to councillors, other than the mayor, that will affect or impact or be considered by councillors in their deliberations or decisions made on behalf of the community must be provided to them in either a committee meeting or council meeting. The restriction on briefing sessions will be prescribed in the Regulation.

• Requiring information considered at closed meetings to be made public after it ceases to be confidential, as recommended by ICAC. The general manager will, after consulting with the council, be required to publish business papers for items considered in closed meetings on the council’s website after the information in them ceases to be confidential.

• Requiring recordings of meetings to be published on council websites for longer. Recordings must be published on council websites for the balance of the council term, or, in the case of an election year, for at least 12 months.

• Providing that councils must not make final planning decisions without a staff report containing an assessment and recommendation, as recommended by ICAC.

• Requiring councils to give reasons where they make a decision on a planning matter that departs from the staff recommendation, as recommended by ICAC

The proposed amendments will promote the dignity of the council chamber by:

• Enhancing the authority of the mayor. The mayor will be permitted to call extraordinary meetings without a request and the restrictions on mayoral minutes will be removed.

• Requiring councillors to stand when a councillor addresses the meeting, or when the mayor enters the chamber, as well as by mandating modes of address at meetings.

• Removing the option for councils to reduce the duration of speeches, to ensure all councillors may have their say on important community issues.

• Making clear to the community that decisions are made in council meetings and not in other forums that the community can’t access, like briefing sessions.

• Refining the definitions of disorder to remove phrases that could be weaponised to impede debate.

• Providing as a default that councillors are to attend meetings in person. Councillors will only be permitted to attend meetings by audio visual link where they are prevented from attending a meeting in person because of ill health or another medical reason or unforeseen caring responsibilities. Councillors will not be permitted to participate in meetings at which a mayoral election is being held by audio visual link. To facilitate this, the rules governing attendance at meetings by audio visual link will be mandated.

• Restricting the circumstances in which the council may withhold a leave of absence. Where a councillor gives an apology from attending a meeting, the council will be deemed to have accepted the apology and granted a leave of absence from the meeting unless the council resolves otherwise and gives reasons for its decision.

• Removing the option for staff to attend meetings by audio visual link.

• Strengthening the deterrence against disorder by codifying the common law position that allows councillors to be expelled from successive meetings where they fail to apologise for an act of disorder at an earlier meeting

The proposed amendments will depoliticise the role of the general manager by:

• Removing the requirement for general managers to prepare reports for notices of motion. General managers will no longer be required to prepare reports on notices of motions with financial implications or to identify sources of funding where a notice of motion proposes expenditure that has not been budgeted for. These will be matters for the council to determine.

• Providing that the mayor, not the general manager has discretion on whether council staff should respond to questions with notice. It will be open to the mayor to rule a question with notice out of order at the meeting if it breaches the disorder provisions of the council’s code of meeting practice.

• Conferring responsibility on the council to determine staff attendance at meetings. Because councillors are best placed to determine what support they require from staff at meetings, it will be a matter for the council to determine which staff attend meetings.

The proposed amendments will simplify the Model Meeting Code by:

• Streamlining the code by removing unnecessary provisions.

• Removing the non-mandatory rules governing public forums. Councils will be free to determine their own rules for public forums.

• Simplifying the rules governing public representations to the council on the closure of meetings to the public.

• Simplifying the rules for dealing with urgent business without notice at meetings.

• Simplifying the rules of debate by removing the provisions allowing motions to be foreshadowed.

• Mandating some current non-mandatory provisions including those allowing meetings to be cancelled or held by audio visual link in the event of natural disasters and public health emergencies and those governing councillors’ attendance at meetings by audio visual link.

Proposed amendments to the Regulation will restrict councils from holding briefing sessions. The amendments will establish the appropriate ways councillors are to make decisions and receive information based on the following principles:

• Decision making by councillors must be through a resolution adopted at a council or committee meeting.

• Information is to be provided to councillors through clear and established channels:

• information may be provided to councillors by staff in response to a request for information or action made through the councillor request system,

• general information to assist councillors’ understanding of sector wide issues (e.g. legislative changes), should be received from the general manager (and other external sources),

• training materials to meet learning and development requirements come through established training programs,

• information to enable councillors to understand the function, service delivery standards, strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities of council operations should be provided in periodic workshop format (e.g. an annual strategic planning workshop), and

• information requiring a specific decision or resolution of council is to be provided by the general manager as a part of a report prepared for the business papers of a council or committee meeting.

• The distribution of information in a meeting or format that is not consistent with the above pathways (e.g. through briefing sessions), is not permitted.

• The mayor will not be subject to these restrictions and may receive information in order to undertake their functions under the Act

Key Questions to Consider in Preparing a Submission

• Will the proposed amendments made in the consultation draft of the Model Meeting Code achieve the policy outcomes identified in this paper?

• Are there any other amendments you would suggest that will achieve these policy outcomes?

• Will the proposed amendments have any unintended consequences?

• Are there any other amendments the Government should consider?

Draft Submission – Concerns with Proposed Amendments

In responding to the proposed amendments to the Model Meeting Code and the key questions posed above, Council has prepared a draft submission which is attached to this report as AT-2.

Included in the draft submission are the following concerns:

· Removing the need to specify when Notice of Motions are to be submitted and replacing it with “within a reasonable time” and “to be determined by council”.

· In the case of a Notice of Motion or a Mayoral Minute, it is proposed that the General Manager be no longer permitted to prepare a report if he/she believes there are important legal, strategic, financial, or policy implications that should be considered before the Notice of Motion or Mayoral Minute is debated. This includes identifying funding sources if funds are not already in the adopted budget.

· Removing the prevention of a councillor from asking a question that comprises a complaint or wrongdoing against the General Manager or member of staff is considered unhealthy and may be weaponised.

· Removing the statement of ethical obligations that appears in all business paper preambles may be perceived by the public as diluting the importance of this important matter.

· Pre-meeting briefings are proposed to be banned with the exception of certain circumstances specified in the revised Code. Council has previously raised concerns over the proposed banning of pre-meeting briefings and maintains its opposition to such a measure.

· Public forums cannot form part of a council meeting. They can only be held prior to a council meeting or an extraordinary council meeting.

· The previously prescribed rules of engagement during public forums are proposed to be removed. They are now a matter for council to determine.

· The Order of Business has been removed from the current Code and replaced with council having to determine the Order of Business.

· The right for council to resolve to shorten the duration of speeches to expedite the consideration of business at the meeting has been removed.

· Information in confidential business papers need to be published on council’s website from the time the information ceases to be confidential.

· It is proposed to remove alleging a breach of council’s code of conduct as an act of disorder during a council meeting.

Conclusion

Council understands the proposed amendments to the Model Meeting Code are designed to deliver on outcomes such as promoting transparency, integrity and public participation, promoting the dignity of the council chamber, depoliticising the role of the general manager and simplifying the Model Meeting Code.

Despite the concerns raised in Council’s previous submission on this matter and the concerns raised in relation to the latest version of the Model Meeting Code, it appears the NSW Government will likely proceed with major amendments to the Model Meeting Code that are likely to be introduced in the coming months.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council endorse the concerns outlined in this report, the draft submission attached to this report (AT-2) and note that council will lodge the draft submission with the OLG on or before 28 February 2025.

Steven Kludass

Director - Corporate and Strategy

Corporate and Strategy Division

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View	Consultation draft - Model Meeting Code - Track Changes		Available Electronically
AT‑2 View	Draft Submission to OLG - Proposed Amendments to the Model Code of Meeting Practice		Available Electronically

Ordinary Council Meeting 20 February 2025

Delivery Program and Operational Plan - 2024/25 Second Quarter Review

Subject: Delivery Program and Operational Plan - 2024/25 Second Quarter Review

Record No: SU238 - 1531/25

Division: Lane Cove Council

Author(s): Stephen Golding

Executive Summary

This report outlines the 2024/25 Second Quarter progress towards achieving the projects and activities listed in the adopted 2024/25 Delivery Program and Operational Plan. It is recommended that the report be received and noted.

Discussion

The 2024/25 Delivery Program and Operational Plan was adopted by Council on 20 June 2024.

Council’s 2024/25 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 Second Quarter Review of the 2024/25 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 Second Quarter include:-

· Council was announced as the overall winner of the Local Sustainability Award at the 2024 Local Government NSW Excellence in the Environment Awards at a special event held in Sydney on 4 December 2024. Lane Cove Council was among 32 winners across a range of categories, with Lane Cove also accepting divisional awards for the Toward Net Zero Award and the Innovation in Planning, Policies and Decision-Making Award,

· The ‘Pottery Lane Performance Space’ was completed and hosted a comedy performance as the first trial event,

· Council partnered with the Edmund Rice Centre to host a Youth Climate Panel in October 2024 to showcase young climate leaders from the Pacific islands of Kiribati and Tuvalu. The event welcomed 6 young people from the Pacific Island nations, of Kiribati and Tuvalu, and was well attended, with special guests including a delegation from the Kiribati Parliament; Hon Ruth Cross Kwansing, Hon Tessie Lambourne, and Hon Tauanei Marea, as well as Willie Kwansing, David Lambourne, Tekaura Tauanei, Tierii Tokintekai and Kauae Been, as well as Senator Abigail Boyd,

· Council held a movie screening of the documentary 'Rising Up' in the Canopy in early November 2024. The event included a Q&A panel following the film, with filmmaker Kal Glanzig and Australian Geographic Young Conservationist of the Year 2018, Sophia Skarparis, to hear about the positive impacts that young people can achieve,

· Council received an unqualified external audit from the NSW Audit Office with excellent 2023/24 results in all our key financial performance indicators,

· Nine Councillors were sworn in at an Extraordinary Council Meeting held in October 2024. Since this time, several councillor induction and professional development sessions have been held for the benefit of the new Council,

· The 2023/24 Annual Report and State of the City Report (formerly known as the End of Term Report) were finalised and received by Council,

· A Community Engagement Plan was developed and endorsed by Council for the review of the Community Strategic Plan, commencing February 2025,

· Adoption of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee 2023/24 Annual Report and the 2024/25 ARIC Annual Workplan,

· Presentation of the 2024 Annual Community Satisfaction Survey results report to council, highlighting the positive feedback Council received from hundreds of randomly selected local residents,

· The Lane Cove Community Nursery requisitioned a total of 2,315 free native plants for various Council programs,

· On The Verge provided 628 plants for nature strips and pocket parks,

· Lane Cove's Bushcare program celebrated its 30th anniversary,

· The Home Library Service made 368 deliveries to 120 individual clients and 11 institutions in the Lane Cove and Hunters Hill local government areas,

· Hidden Sunflowers Program – Launched a new initiative supporting people with hidden disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder and mental health challenges on the International Day Of Disability,

· Multicultural Celebrations – Hosted vibrant Diwali celebrations showcasing cultural diversity,

· 12 Beetles of Christmas – An innovative Christmas program featuring local cultural groups, professional artists, and First Nations collective Gwiyaala Aboriginal Art, which created Beetle sculptural artworks used across the village at Christmas to highlight the declining numbers of thee beetles and what our community can do to help,

· Comedy & Disability Awareness – Hosted ‘Are You Pulling My Leg’, a comedy show featuring award-winning comedians with disabilities, sharing candid and humorous life experiences for International Day of Disability,

· Mental Health Awareness – Delivered Reconnect Program during Mental Health Month, including aged care support sessions, a seniors scam awareness workshop, and the youth-led Need A Lift mental health initiative,

· Small Business Month – Hosted business talks and workshops at Lane Cove Library, covering burnout, future planning, and retirement, alongside a business-focused reading list,

· Greenwich Library’s 60th Birthday – Celebrated with a library makeover, 150+ attendees, an art competition, and a birthday cake cutting,

· Podcasting for Art & Education – Library staff acquired Rodecaster Pro II podcasting equipment at St Leonards Library and is now used by Gallery Lane Cove to capture artist talks for exhibitions,

· HSC Study Nights – Over 200 students attended special study nights at Lane Cove and St Leonards Libraries, with access to collections, staff expertise, Wi-Fi, and study rooms,

· Youth Resilience Program launched with partnership with Synergy Youth centre and Relationships Australia to offer a weekly youth engagement program focused on resilience and life skills,

· Food & Wine by the River – 20 Mudgee food and wine producers attracted around 4,000 visitors for a successful riverside culinary experience,

· Rotary Fair & Sustainability Lane was successfully hosted and attracted over 20,000 visitors attended, making it a major community highlight,

· Christmas Festivities – The Lighting of the Christmas Tree and Bluey Live Christmas Experience drew thousands to the Village for Santa photos, face painting, and entertainment, and

· Digital Engagement – Launched a new Instagram Reels program, reaching 20,669 people with 7,917 views, sharing engaging Council news and events.

RECOMMENDATION

That the Second Quarter Review of the 2024/25 Delivery Program and Operational Plan be received and noted.

Steven Kludass

Director - Corporate and Strategy

Corporate and Strategy Division

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View

Delivery Program and Operational Plan - 2nd Quarterly Review - 2024-2025

Available Electronically

Ordinary Council Meeting 20 February 2025

2024/25 Budget - Second Quarter Review

Subject: 2024/25 Budget - Second Quarter Review

Record No: SU10041 - 1534/25

Division: Corporate and Strategy Division

Author(s): Don Johnston

Executive Summary

The 2024/25 Budget - Second Quarter Review involves a number of variations to both income and expenditure estimates.

Program Budget summary:

Capital expenditure has been reduced by $652K to $77,169K. When transfers to and from Reserves are taken into account, the net result of the quarterly review is balanced with no change to the program budget surplus.

Income Statement summary:

Taking into consideration the variations from the Review, the projected 2024/25 operating result before capital grants and contributions has been revised to a surplus of $105K from the original budget surplus of $109K. The overall operating result is forecast to be a surplus of $21,324K compared to the original budget surplus of $12,569K due mainly to a forecast increase in developer contributions.

It is recommended that the 2024/25 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 2021. The purpose of these reviews is to ensure that the impacts of financial variations are reflected in the forecast of Council’s financial position to 30 June 2025, and that it remains satisfactory.

Discussion

A summary of Council’s revised Budget for 2024/25 and a summary of budget movements have been included in this report:

	Original Budget (000’s)	Rollovers (000’s)	First Quarter Review* (000’s)	Second Quarter Review ($’000)	Third Quarter Review ($’000)	Revised Budget (000’s)
Income from continuing operations	77,405	703	2,345	7,400		87,853
Expenses from continuing operations	(64,836)	(358)	(986)	(349)		(66,529)
Surplus/ (Deficit) before Capital Grants/Contributions	109	(69)	88	(24)		105
Surplus/(Deficit) including Capital Grants/Contributions	12,569	345	1,359	7,051		21,324
Operating Budget Reserve movements:
Net transfer from/(to) Reserves	(5,806)	94	197	(4)		(5,519)
Non-cash items – depreciation, leave entitlements accrual, book value of assets disposed	12,463	-	-	28		12,491
Loan principal repayments	(870)	-	-	-		(870)
Capital Expenditure	(55,921)	(13,417)	(8,482)	652		(77,169)
Funded by:
Transfers from Reserves	41,101	12,979	6,927	(740)		60,266
Grants and Contributions	8,829	413	1,270	88		10,601
Internal Plant Hire	96	-	-	-		96
Program Budget Result - Surplus	-	-	-	-		1

* The First Quarter Review figures include Revotes from 2023/24

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

Summary of Budget Movements

Income from continuing operations:

The Review includes a $7,400K net increase in income from continuing operations made up of:-

- $6,987K in net additional developer contributions to be received before 30 June 2025 (contra) ($513K less from LGA Wide contributions and an additional $7,500K from St Leonards South)

- $88K in new / additional capital grants and contributions (contra) including:

§ $50K Roads to Recovery

§ $38K NSW Government Local Small Commitments Allocations (LSCA) Program (three projects)

- $87K in rates and annual charges, partly offset by increased expenditure on Council rates

- $40K in new / additional operating grants (contra) including:

§ $18K International Womens’ Day

§ $12K Australia Day

§ $10K WHS activities

- $39K one-off rebate related to Council’s recent LED streetlighting upgrade expenditure

- $34K for NSROC and Internal Audit office rent, not included in the original budget

- $25K in EV Charging fees from Council car parks, this may be further reviewed in the next quarterly review

- $25K in retrospective shared hall hire fees from Blackman Park Scout Hall

- $20K in sportsground hire based on year-to-date receipts

- $17K in Rezoning Application fees based on year-to-date receipts

- a further $38K in additional income from various sources

Expenditure from continuing operations:

The Review includes a $349K net increase in operating expenditure made up of:-

- $125K required for tree contract works and stump removal due mainly to weather events

- $66K required for a comprehensive review of Council’s Asset Management Strategy and Plan, offset by budget transfers with Finance with no net change to the budget

- $40K in additional expenditure related to new / additional operating grants as outlined above

- $28K for cleaning services

- $28K for Council’s corporate phone system

- $28K for accrual of leave entitlements

- $20K for Traffic & Transport consultants

- $13K for St Leonards car park maintenance

- $12K for Epping Road verge maintenance

- a further $54K in net increases in expenditure across Council

Capital Expenditure

The Review includes a $652K net reduction in capital expenditure made up of:-

- $50K in Roads to Recovery expenditure arising from additional grant funds

- $26K for Stringybark Reserve arising from additional LSCA grant funding

- ($200K) reduction in Bus Shelters expenditure which has been returned to the Capital Works Reserve

- ($540K) reduction in the Mowbray / Centennial traffic signals project which is not proceeding and has been returned to the s7.11 Contributions Reserve

- $12K in net increases across other capital projects

Reserve Movements

The table below summarises the Reserve movements proposed in the Second Quarter Review.

Operating Budget
*Transfers to Reserves:*
S7.11 Contributions Reserve – additional contributions forecast	$6,987K
Capital Works Reserve – a reduction in the funding of Facilities Management, offset by a reduction in the transfer to Reserve	($585K)
Domestic Waste Management Reserve – additional income forecast	$25K
Kindy Cove Reserve – transfer to Reserve reduced to offset additional cleaning expenses	($21)K
Net Operating Budget transfer to Reserves	$6,406K
Capital Budget
*Transfers from Reserves:*
S7.11 Contributions Reserve – a reduction in the transfer from Reserve arising from the Mowbray / Centennial traffic signals project not proceeding	$540K
Capital Works Reserve – a reduction in the transfer from Reserve for Bus Shelters	$200K
Capital Works Reserve – a reduction in the funding of Facilities Management, offset by a reduction in the transfer to Reserve	$585K
Net Capital Budget transfer from Reserves	$1,325K

Conclusion

The variations recommended in the Second Quarter Review see the projected 2024/25 operating result before capital grants and contributions forecast to be a surplus of $105K. The overall operating result has increased to a revised surplus of $21,352K, with the inclusion of capital grants and contributions. Capital expenditure has been reduced by $652K. When transfers to and from Reserves are taken into account, the net result of the review is effectively balanced.

The following statement by the Responsible Accounting Officer is made in accordance with Clause 203(2) of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021.

It is my opinion that the 2024/25 Quarterly Budget Review Statement for Lane Cove Council for the quarter ended 31 December 2024 indicates that Council's projected financial position will be satisfactory at year end 30 June 2025, having regard to the projected estimates of income and expenditure and the original budgets for income and expenditure.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:-

1. Adopt the Second Quarter adjustments, as follows:-

	Original Budget (000’s)	Rollovers (000’s)	First Quarter Review (000’s)	Second Quarter Review ($’000)	Third Quarter Review ($’000)	Revised Budget (000’s)
Income from continuing operations	77,405	703	2,345	7,400		87,853
Expenses from continuing operations	(64,836)	(358)	(986)	(349)		(66,529)
Surplus/(Deficit)	12,569	345	1,359	7,051		21,324
Surplus/ (Deficit) before Capital Grants/Contributions	109	(69)	88	(24)		105
Operating Budget Reserve movements:
Net transfer from/(to) Reserves	(5,806)	94	197	(4)		(5,159)
Non-cash items – depreciation, leave entitlements accrual, book value of assets disposed	12,463	-	-	28		12,491
Loan principal repayments	(870)	-	-	-		(870)
Capital Expenditure	(55,921)	(13,417)	(8,482)	652		(77,169)
Funded by:
Transfers from Reserves	41,101	12,979	6,927	(740)		60,266
Grants and Contributions	8,829	413	1,270	88		10,601
Internal Plant Hire	96	-	-	-		96
Program Budget Result - Surplus	-	-	-	-		1

Steven Kludass

Director - Corporate and Strategy

Corporate and Strategy Division

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View

Quarterly Budget Review Statement - December 2024

Available Electronically

Ordinary Council Meeting 20 February 2025

Bushfire Risk Management Plan Adoption

Item No: 13

Subject: Bushfire Risk Management Plan Adoption

Record No: SU4906 - 7049/25

Division: Open Space and Infrastructure Division

Author(s): Jeff Culleton

Executive Summary

In 2022/23, the Hunters Hill, Lane Cove, Parramatta, Ryde, Bushfire Management Committee (BFMC) developed the Bushfire Risk Management Plan (BFRMP) 2024. At the Ordinary Council meeting of 18 May 2023, Bushfire Risk Management Plan (BFRMP) 2024 was endorsed for community consultation as per the requirements of the NSW Bushfire Coordinating Committee (BFCC). The consultation period was open from 23 May 2023 - 18 July 2023 for an eight (8) week public consultation period.

A total of seven (7) submissions were received for the BFRMP with one (1) submission received for the Lane Cove Local Government Area (LGA). These submissions were reviewed by the BFMC in conjunction with member councils, land holders and the NSW BCC for determination of recommendations before final approval and endorsement of the plan.

In January 2025 Council was notified that the plan officially adopted by the NSW BCC. The BFRMP is now being presented to Council for formal adoption.

Background

The current BFRMP was adopted by Council in 2020. Under the Rural Fires Act 1997 this plan must be reviewed and updated within each successive five-year period following the constitution of the Bushfire Management Committee (BFMC).

A Bush Fire Risk Management Plan (BFRMP) provides information on the bush fire risks within the area. It also outlines how land managers along with fire authorities are going to effectively

manage those risks through implementing various treatment strategies.

The objectives of this BFRMP are to:

1. Reduce the number of human induced bush fire ignitions and their potential to cause damage to life, property, infrastructure and environmental, economic, cultural, agricultural and community assets.

2. Manage fuel to reduce the rate of spread, intensity and impact of bush fires on life and assets while minimising damage to environmental and cultural values.

3. Increase the community's resilience to bush fires by improving its preparedness, response and recovery.

4. Provide advice and strategies to plan, prepare and implement activities to effectively contain fires with the potential to cause damage to life, property, infrastructure and environmental, economic, cultural, agricultural and community assets.

Discussion

The development of the Bushfire Risk Management Plan (BFRMP) was managed by the Rural Fire Service (RFS) with each member council and land holder to carry out its own community consultation in relation to this plan. Council carried out advertisements for the BFRMP in The Weekly Times, Council website via Have your say and Council’s Facebook page.

The consultation period for Council ran for 8 weeks from 23 May 2023 - 18 July 2023. During the consultation period seven (7) submissions were received with one (1) submission relating Lane Cove LGA.

Comments were submitted directly on the RFS website via the survey link. All submissions were presented to the BFMC and BFCC for consideration to be included in the BFRMP and the plan was updated as required.

Conclusion

The BFCC has reviewed and considered all comments from the consultation and has finalised the BFRMP for adoption. As of 19 December 2024, the HHLCPR BFRMP has been adopted by the BFCC. It is recommended that Council adopt the HHLCPR BFRMP 2024 included as AT-1.

RECOMMENDATION

That the Bushfire Risk Management Plan 2024 be adopted.

Martin Terescenko

Director - Open Space and Infrastructure

Open Space and Infrastructure Division

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View

Bush Fire Risk Management Plan 2024

41 Pages

Available Electronically

AT‑1 View	Council Snapshot December 2024 January 2025		Available Electronically
AT‑2 View	Council Resolution Tracker for February 2025 Council Meeting		Available Electronically