Agenda

Ordinary Council Meeting

24 April 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 24 April 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

Steven Kludass

Acting 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, 23 April 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 24 April 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 - 20 MARCH 2025

Notices of Motion

1 Notice of Motion - Review of traffic management concerns in the St Leonards Precinct................................................................................................ 5

2 Notice of Motion - Protecting bushland and local infrastructure during the development of Data Centres................................................. 9

3 Notice of Motion - Retain ownership of 4B Herbert Street St Leonards as Public Land.................................................................................. 12

Officer Reports for Determination

4 Proposed Voluntary Planning Agreement for 2-10 Finlayson St - Post Consultation report.............................................................................. 14

5 Planning Proposal 41 - 177-183 Greenwich Road, Greenwich........... 18

6 Status of the Dog Strategy 2021 Actions................................................ 31

7 Planning Proposal 40 - 2 Marshall Avenue, St Leonards................. 56

8 Revised Draft Community Strategic Plan 2035....................................... 66

9 2025/26 Draft Budget, Fees and Charges, Delivery Program and Operational Plan, Resourcing Strategy and associated Resource Plans........................................................................................................................ 132

10 Community Assistance Grants 2025-2026.................................................. 137

11 Draft Social Inclusion Strategy............................................................... 147

12 Traffic Committee - 18 March 2025............................................................... 151

13 Competitive Neutrality and Early Childhood Education in St Leonards................................................................................................................ 175

14 Councillor Meetings with Registered Lobbyists and Property Developers Policy............................................................................................. 180

15 Internal Audit Function - Shared Service Agreement..................... 183

16 Advisory Committees - Expression of Interest process for additional members.......................................................................................... 186

Officer Reports for Information

17 Council Snapshot March 2025...................................................................... 189

Ordinary Council Meeting 24 April 2025

Notice of Motion - Review of traffic management concerns in the St Leonards Precinct

Item No: 1

Subject: Notice of Motion - Review of traffic management concerns in the St Leonards Precinct

Record No: SU5449 - 25294/25

Division: Lane Cove Council

Author(s): Councillor Caleb Taylor; Councillor Merri Southwood

Executive Summary

A motion describing concerns related to increasing traffic movements in the developing St Leonards precinct, calling for the Transport for NSW, the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, and the St Leonards Crows Nest Working Group to be informed of these concerns, and that action be taken to address these concerns.

Background

The area bounded by Oxley Street, Pacific Highway, Christie Street, Christie Lane and Lithgow Street, St Leonards (the precinct) is within the Lane Cove Local Government Area (LGA).

The precinct is impacted and will continue to be impacted by increasing numbers of vehicle movements, namely cars, delivery trucks, construction vehicles, bicycles, motor bikes, scooters and e-bikes, associated with the high-density residential developments completed, under construction or proposed in the precinct.

Residents and those who frequent the precinct are exposed to dangerous traffic conditions, dangerous driver behaviour and increasing inconvenience and delay in navigating the roads and footpaths within the precinct and the access and egress points to and from the precinct.

With forthcoming developments in the precinct including but not limited to the construction of a 43 storey build to rent development (280 dwellings) on the corner of Pacific Highway and Christie Street, a 37 storey build to rent development (271 dwellings) at the corner of Christie Street and Nicholson Street and a 40 storey residential development at the corner of Pacific Highway and Oxley Street, vehicle movements in the precinct will increase and with that will come more gridlock and potentially more dangerous traffic conditions and poor driver behaviour.

The main concerns reported to Councillors relate to the following:

· no right-hand turn from Pacific Highway into either Christie Street or Oxley Street, resulting in vehicles having to access these roads via a left hand turn off the highway and returning back to cross the highway at Christie or Oxley Streets. Congestion at the Christie/Chandos roundabout at both morning and evening peaks can lead to wait times through 3-4 traffic light cycles and dangerous manoeuvres by frustrated drivers including right hand turns into Christie Street from Pacific Highway,

· no access to Pacific Highway from Christie Street thereby forcing all who wish to exit the precinct to use Oxley Street, with regular reports of drivers undertaking illegal left hand and right hand turns from Christie Street on to Pacific Highway,

· illegal parking and dangerous driver behaviour in and around the Christie Street and Nicholson Street intersection posing risk to other drivers and pedestrians including the students of Reddam ELS St Leonards, 80 Christie Street (400 families),

· long queues to turn right and left from Oxley Street on to Pacific Highway, being the only exit point from the precinct and made more complex by the location of pedestrian crossings adjacent to both corners of the intersection of Oxley Street and the highway. These queues extend into Nicholson Street, blocking exits from below ground resident parking in the developments that front the highway,

· risks of collision as vehicles turn left from Pacific Highway into Oxley Street due to parking of cars on Oxley Street,

· risk to pedestrians seeking to cross Nicholson Street near the intersection with Oxley Street,

· failure of drivers exiting Nicholson Street to observe the Give Way sign at the intersection with Oxley Street,

· failure of vehicles to keep to the correct side of the road in Oxley Street due to unclear line markings, and

· dangerous and presumably sometimes illegal behaviour of cyclists, including delivery cyclists, on roads and footpaths in the impacted area, including the accumulation of abandoned Lime bikes without regard to pedestrian safety.

In 2018 the NSW Department of Planning commissioned a Strategic Transport Study of the St Leonards Crows Nest precinct to inform the development of the St Leonards Crows Nest 2036 Plan (2036 Plan).

In July 2020 detailed modelling and analysis work was undertaken to validate the 2018 study and confirm the transport network approach outlined in the 2036 Plan. The reports (Precinct Traffic and Transport Study Base Model Report July 2020, and Precinct Traffic and Transport Study: Future Year Modelling Report July 2020) include future year scenarios (with proposed uplift) to properly understand impacts.

The Precinct Traffic and Transport Study: Future Year Modelling Report July 2020 endorsed most of the recommendations in the draft 2036 Plan. Some of these recommendations (not yet implemented) relate to the precinct:

· intersection of Oxley Street and Pacific Highway (RHT southbound into Oxley)

· intersection of Oxley Street and Nicholson Street Intersection upgrades for pedestrians and cyclists/midblock elevated speed humps)

Since the above studies were completed, the Department of Planning has designated the precinct as part of the Crows Nest Accelerated Precinct TOD with significant uplift in terms of residential dwellings over the scale of development envisaged in the 2036 Plan and with consequent increase in vehicle movements.

The Supplementary Transport Technical Note October 2024 Crows Nest TOD - Supplementary Transport Technical Note October 2024, that was released as part of the TOD package, does not include any modelling of the impact on projected vehicle movements arising from the significant increases in residential housing density under the TOD.

The Supplementary Transport Technical Note October 2024 does, however, support the RHT from Pacific Highway to Oxley Street as a Medium priority and recommends an enhanced pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Nicholson Street and Oxley Street as a High priority. It does not address the balance of concerns detailed above.

Given the significant amount of development and consequential increased vehicle movement in the precinct and the fact that further major construction works in the precinct are likely to commence soon, it is important that Council investigates the areas of concern about traffic impacts and safety raised by community members (or otherwise known to Council), that it assesses risks to public safety and that it explores traffic management options to address these concerns, with a view to minimising them.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. Council seeks an urgent meeting with appropriate officers in Transport for NSW and the Department of Planning, Housing and infrastructure to outline concerns about safety and traffic congestion in the area bounded by Oxley Street, Pacific Highway, Christie Street, Christie Lane and Lithgow Street, St Leonards (the precinct), such concerns including but not limited to the detailed concerns below, and to seek input as to how these concerns can be addressed:

a) no right hand turn access to the precinct from Pacific Highway from the southbound direction,

b) wait time to enter the precinct from an easterly direction via Christie Street and consequent poor driver behaviour,

c) illegal right hand turns into Christie Street by drivers travelling in a southerly direction on the highway,

d) illegal left hand turns from Christie Street on to the highway,

e) driver behaviour in the vicinity of the Christie Street and Nicholson Street intersection, posing risk to drivers and pedestrians including children attending early learning and day care centres in the vicinity,

f) risk of narrowing of entry to Oxley Street for vehicles entering from a southerly direction from Pacific Highway due to parking of vehicles in Oxley Street,

g) delays in exiting the precinct at the intersection of Oxley Street and Pacific Highway,

h) queuing of traffic in Nicholson Street waiting to enter Oxley Street and consequent risk to pedestrians seeking to cross at the Nicholson Street/Oxley Street intersection,

i) failure of drivers to give way to vehicles on Oxley Street when entering from Nicholson Street,

j) failure of drivers in Oxley Street to stay on the correct side of the road,

k) behaviour of cyclists and e-bike riders, including delivery cyclists, on roads and footpaths in the impacted area, including the abandonment of bicycles such as Lime bikes, and

l) other areas of concern identified by Council.

2. the above concerns be submitted as an item for consideration at the next meeting of the St Leonards Crows Nest Working Group with a view to working collaboratively with the North Sydney and Willoughby LGAs in respect of the impacts shared jointly by the three LGAs in the St Leonards Crows Nest area

3. a report be presented to Council no later than the August 2025 meeting of Council, that outlines:

a) the outcome of meetings with Transport for NSW and the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure and with the St Leonards Crows Nest Working Group,

b) actions that have been taken by Council to address the above concerns,

c) recommended further actions that can be undertaken by Council in its own right to address the above concerns,

d) recommended actions that will require approval(s) or consent(s) from other authorities and the processes involved in seeking such approval(s) or consent(s), and

e) proposed engagement strategies with residents of the precinct in relation to proposed changes to address the concerns detailed in 1 above and in relation to construction traffic management plans for future development of the sites in the precinct.

Councillor Caleb Taylor

Councillor

Councillor Merri Southwood

Councillor

ATTACHMENTS:

There are no supporting documents for this report.

Ordinary Council Meeting 24 April 2025

Notice of Motion - Protecting bushland and local infrastructure during the development of Data Centres

Item No: 2

Subject: Notice of Motion - Protecting bushland and local infrastructure during the development of Data Centres

Record No: SU1566 - 25580/25

Division: Lane Cove Council

Author(s): Councillor Rochelle Flood; Councillor Merri Southwood

Executive Summary

A motion to investigate avenues available to Council to ensure local infrastructure and bushland is protected during the development and ongoing operation of data centres.

Background

Lane Cove Local Government Area (LGA) and adjacent LGAs have seen a significant growth in data centres over recent years, and there’s more on the horizon. Local residents were recently notified of an additional newly proposed data centre for 12 Mars Road, Lane Cove West. There’s a second one proposed at 6-8 Julius Avenue, North Ryde, just 300 metres from residential development in Lane Cove North that includes the development along Mowbray Road.

Both projects will be assessed under the State Significant Development pathway.

Discussion

While data centres can bring economic investment to an area, they come with risks. Recent examples include the cabling works done for another data centre in Lane Cove that left local footpaths and even some private driveways with significant damage. It took months of work and advocacy from residents, local media, and MPs to see action taken to repair this damage. With more data centres potentially on the horizon, we need to make sure we’re not left in the same position again – where damage is done either during construction or operation of the centre, and locals are left to clean up the mess.

The construction and operation of data centres can also raise environmental and amenity concerns. The two new proposed centres adjoin or are close to residential areas and C2 bushland, raising concerns about potential noise and light pollution from the facilities.

They are also on large sites elevated above the Lane Cove River, with the potential for sediment runoff into waterways.

Under current State government laws, data centres are considered State Significant Developments and Councils are therefore cut out of the planning approval process. This makes it hard for us to ensure we get good outcomes for our community.

It’s important that Councils are not sidelined in the planning process.

As such, we need to investigate what options are available to Council to protect local infrastructure and to mitigate the risk of harm to adjacent residential areas, C2 bushland and waterways.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. write to the NSW Minister of Planning and Public Spaces advising of the increasing impacts of proposed Data Centres in the LGA and recommend that the NSW Government remove the requirement that they be State Significant Development Applications and require the submission of Development Applications to the Local Council.

2. include in the letter referenced in point 1, the request that the following requirements be addressed by any applicant for a Data Centre;

a) that applicants be required to engage with the Local Council when they are developing their design and that prior to the submission of the development application it is to be considered by the Council’s Design Review Panel,

b) that the applicant carry out a formal community engagement process including a public meeting in consultation with the Local Council prior to the submission of any Development Application, the results of which should be reflected in the design of the centre and documented in the Statement of Environmental Effects,

c) mandate that the applicant provide an element of Public Benefit to be negotiated and agreed with the Local Council prior to any determination of the development application,

d) require applicants to address the issue of the loss of employment lands due to the location of any Centre that reduces the potential for employment,

e) require any application for a data centre to address the resource use in particular water and electricity,

f) the storage of large amounts of fuel {diesel} be declared and the potential hazards identified and procedures to protect the local community from any such hazards,

g) that all local environmental factors being adequately addressed by the applicant – tree loss, bushland, view impacts, stormwater and noise.

3. write to the appropriate Minister in relation to the telecommunication / cabling contractors who install the cabling. That they be required to engage with the local Council, consider the impacts on street trees, public infrastructure and work within acceptable hours.

4. write to the appropriate Minister requesting updated information on the effects of Data Centres on human health in particular the electromagnetic emissions.

5. Table the issue of resource use by data centres for discussion at NSROC to see what impact the growth in data centres in the North Shore area is having on the supply of electricity to residential properties.

Councillor Rochelle Flood

Councillor

Councillor Merri Southwood

Councillor

ATTACHMENTS:

There are no supporting documents for this report.

Ordinary Council Meeting 24 April 2025

Notice of Motion - Retain ownership of 4B Herbert Street St Leonards as Public Land

Item No: 3

Subject: Notice of Motion - Retain ownership of 4B Herbert Street St Leonards as Public Land

Record No: SU9804 - 25602/25

Division: Lane Cove Council

Author(s): Councillor Rochelle Flood; Councillor Merri Southwood

Executive Summary

A motion calling on council to advocate to the State Government regarding the future of Lot 4B Herbert Street St Leonards.

Background

4B Herbert Street St Leonards is within Willoughby Local Government Area (LGA) but is right on the boundary of Lane Cove LGA. This site was formerly owned by the NSW Health Department and formed part off the Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH) grounds. It has now been transferred to the NSW Planning Department and was recently identified for rezoning as part of the Crows Nest TOD Precinct (TOD).

Under the TOD, 4B Herbert Street has been rezoned and is now classified for mixed-use. This will provide for the building of 448 new apartments, with 67 to be affordable dwellings for key workers.

Earlier this month, the NSW Government opened expressions of interest calling for interested buyers and developers to purchase or lease the site. The Expression of Interest closes on 15 May 2025.

Discussion

There are serious concerns with the proposed sell-off of publicly owned land at 4B Herbert Street. Whilst this site technically falls outside our LGA, given it is right on the border with the Lane Cove LGA and it is our local hospital, this carries significance for the Lane Cove community.

Hospital workers have raised concerns about the risks associated with selling hospital land that may be needed for the future. With our population expected to expand significantly in coming decades, they argue that we should preserve this land for future hospital expansion.

Currently, the TOD proposals do not address whether Lot 4B Herbert Street is truly surplus to Hospital requirements in light of projected future population growth and development within the hospital catchment. Until such time as modelling is available to determine whether the anticipated population growth will require RNSH to expand in its medical services in coming years, the land at 4B Herbert Street should not be dedicated for residential and commercial use.

In the event that modelling shows RNSH will have capacity to meet medical services demand without Lot 4B Herbert Street, the Government should ensure that the site is not sold to private developers but is kept in public ownership to deliver affordable key worker housing, including for medical professionals working at RNSH, and teachers at the nearby TAFE and local schools.

We are in the midst of a housing affordability crisis, and a proposal to sell off prime public land with just under 15% of the site earmarked for affordable housing is hard to reconcile with the NSW and federal government statements about a shortage of housing that key workers can afford.

Council’s concerns about the low level of affordable housing proposed for the site was reflected in Council’s submission on the TOD on 29 August 2024.

RECOMMENDATION

1. That Council writes to the NSW Department of Planning to:

a) support Willoughby Council’s request for modelling on the future demands for the RNSH catchment area, to determine whether Lot 4B will be required to meet future hospital services demand as our population grows, or if it is in fact surplus to requirements, and

b) ask that no commercial or residential development take place on this site until such time as modelling is available to evaluate future demand for hospital services.

2. In the event that modelling reveals that Lot 4B is surplus to hospital services requirements and won’t be required for future hospital expansions OR if the Department of Planning declines to obtain modelling and insists on developing residential dwellings on the site, Lane Cove Council:

a) notes that we are in a housing crisis, with many key workers priced out of our suburbs,

b) notes that Lot 4B is prime government owned land, right near fundamental services including public transport links, RNSH, schools and the local TAFE, and

c) writes to the Department of Planning and the Minister for Housing to express disappointment that Lot 4B is slated for just 15% affordable housing and asks that in the event that the site is developed for residential, that it should be used to deliver 100% public and affordable housing for key workers including nurses and teachers, as well as local families in need.

Councillor Rochelle Flood

Councillor

Councillor Merri Southwood

Councillor

ATTACHMENTS:

There are no supporting documents for this report.

Ordinary Council Meeting 24 April 2025

Proposed Voluntary Planning Agreement for 2-10 Finlayson St - Post Consultation report

Item No: 4

Subject: Proposed Voluntary Planning Agreement for 2-10 Finlayson St - Post Consultation report

Record No: SU6258 - 22295/25

Division: General Managers Unit

Author(s): David Stevens

Executive Summary

Council undertook community consultation on the proposed Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) for 2-10 Finlayson Street (Site) with submissions initially closing 13 March 2025 and then extended to 25 March 2025.

The proposed VPA (AT-1) is pursuant to s7.4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EPA Act) and provides that the Developer contribute to local community infrastructure through the delivery of an auditorium / hall plus circulation, amenities and break out spaces including access to public parking (Facility). The VPA shall be assessed on merit and distinct from the associated Development Application (DA) that commenced exhibition concurrently.

Background

The Anglican Church has entered into an agreement with the Developer to redevelop the site to provide new church facilities in exchange for allowing residential development above. The proposed development is for an 8-storey building over two basements.

The objective of the Voluntary Planning Agreement system is to extend how planning authorities such as Council, may obtain development contributions to provide public amenities, services and other public purposes

Subdivision 2, Division 7.1 of Part 7 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 sets out the system of planning agreements in NSW. Section 7.4 provides that:

“A planning agreement is a voluntary agreement or other arrangement under this Division between a planning authority (or 2 or more planning authorities) and a person (the developer):

(a) who has sought a change to an environmental planning instrument, or

(b) who has made, or proposes to make, a development application or application for a complying development certificate, or

(c) who has entered into an agreement with, or is otherwise associated with, a person to whom paragraph (a) or (b) applies,

under which the developer is required to dedicate land free of cost, pay a monetary contribution, or provide any other material public benefit, or any combination of them, to be used for or applied towards a public purpose”

In keeping with the definition of public purpose, the Developer is seeking to provide a 599sqm auditorium / hall (plus circulation, amenities and break out spaces including access to public parking) totalling circa 1,616sqm of community space, which will vastly improve access to a contemporary indoor performance space at a scale that is appropriate to accommodate the performance needs of local groups with its 400 seat capacity. The site is conveniently located within the centre of the Lane Cove village, opposite The Canopy and succeeds in improving community-based performance space.

Discussion

Operationally, the Facility will be managed by the LCM Parish with community use fee(s) consummate with Council’s community hire fee regime as published annually in the “Adopted fees and Charges”, and pursuant to Council’s agreement. The Parish will administer the bookings utilising an online platform (auditable by Council). The Parish will receive all revenue from third party bookings and pay for all operational and maintenance costs associated with the Facility. The auditorium / hall will be available for public bookings for approximately 70% of the total time (50% of peak times Friday and Saturdays), excluding:

1. Sundays and Christian holidays (55 days per year);

2. Friday nights during term (3:00pm – 12:00am, 40 days per year) noting Youth Group during school term is open to all the community;

3. Saturdays (11 per year);

4. Church Camp (3 days per year);

5. Monday Pupil-Free days (4 days per year);

6. Prayer and Praise (7:30pm – 9:00pm, 4 nights per year); and

7. Thursday Night Church Band Practice (52 days per year).

The Parish confirms that the above availability / block-out times will be reviewed regularly in consultation with Council.

VPA Agreement Detail

In return for provision of the Facility, the Developer is seeking for Council to offset s7.11 contributions payable for the development, estimated at ($1.144m) and offset the 599sqm auditorium space for 599sqm of additional residential floor space.

The additional floor space yield will necessitate a breach of the building height that will be assessed separately in terms of its environmental impact as part of the Development Application. It is noted the site is within 400m of the Lane Cove Town Centre and will benefit from the Draft Low to Midrise Housing SEPP amendments due to commence by the end of the year that provides for additional height up to 21m and Floor Space Ratio (FSR) of up to 3:1.

In relation to the s7.11 offset, to support the achievement of Action 9.2 in Council’s Cultural Plan, Council’s s7.11 Development Contributions Plan Works Schedule includes an amount of $4m for the delivery of a performance space. The delivery of the Facility is valued at $11.356m which is being delivered in return for Council waiving $1.144m that would ordinarily be payable by the development. Council has committed $1m of the $4m for the development of the Theatre in the Terrace Room (Lane Cove Community Hub – opened February 2025), leaving $3m within the works schedule for performance facilities. As this is an offset, there are no funds being withdrawn from the s7.11 funds Reserve.

Public access and use of the Facility is to be documented in a Licence Agreement (Licence) between the property owner and Council. Terms of the Licence will be finalised between the parties and will include (at a minimum) to secure:

· 70% community use in perpetuity excluding the days illustrated in “Background”;

· Parish will administer bookings and receive income;

· Hire fees directly linked to Council’s Adopted Fees and Charges as published annually;

· Management obligations in relation to the facility;

· Bi-lateral review of usage

A Deed of Guarantee (Deed) supports the Licence, both of which must be entered into two (2) weeks before the first Occupation Certificate is received. The Deed must include:

1. A mechanism for the repayment of s7.11 contributions which are offset under the VPA if the Facility is no longer available to the public; and

2. The repayment of such contributions will be on a pro-rata basis (payable by the Licensee), based on a 50-year term of the Facility.

Further, the Developer consents to the registration of a caveat on title to the land to record the caveatable title interest reflected in the Deed which shall remedy any breach of the Licence. The VPA will also be registered on the subject land titles, whilst the Deed is registered with NSW Land Registry Services.

Council received a total of 56 submissions specifically regarding the exhibited VPA, with 47 opposed and 9 in favour. Councillors have been provided with a copy of all submissions in a Confidential and Internal Memorandum for their review. Below is a selection of submissions, reflecting key themes, received in direct response to the VPA:

Ø a new and larger auditorium would not provide a significant additional community benefit as there are already a number of high-quality performance venues that meet the needs of the community in the Lane Cove area;

Ø the enforceability of the terms of the VPA when the Church, as a key stakeholder, is not a party to the VPA;

Ø the lack of certainty and clarity about the terms of the licence and management agreement under which the Church would manage the auditorium, including providing for public use;

Ø the waiver of the developer contributions of a material amount is not for the benefit of the broader community;

Ø the developer is not offering any additional benefits to the community and using this mechanism to gain additional building height and get payment from council.

Ø the members, families, volunteers and professional artists working with Lane Cove Youth Orchestra (LCYO) consider that the spaces proposed are a much-needed resource in this community and welcome the opportunity to use/rent them as designed; and

Ø as a Lane Cove resident these past 60 years I have much enjoyment in hearing the proposed renovation of Lane Cove Mowbray Anglican Church site will include a church/community auditorium plus parking spaces. Such a venue locally is long overdue.

An additional 176 submissions (received by Council in direct response to the exhibited DA) were also reviewed by Staff to ensure that any reference made to the VPA, was captured accordingly. Consequently, a further 20 submissions objected to the VPA versus 41 in support.

Conclusion

The proposed VPA will benefit the community and LGA more broadly, including current and future residents via the construction of a 599sqm auditorium / hall (plus circulation, amenities and break out spaces including access to public parking) totalling circa 1,616sqm of community space. Delivery of the Facility is valued at $11.356m which is being delivered in return for Council waiving $1.144m that would ordinarily be payable by the development. There are no funds being withdrawn from the s7.11 funds Reserve.

Community access of approximately 70% is assured in perpetuity under a Licence Agreement supported by the Deed of Guarantee and caveats registered on the subject land titles that reflect the caveatable interests arising.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. Receive and note the report;

2. Delegate authority to the Acting General Manager to negotiate and finalise the Licence and Deed of Agreement with the Parish to assure Community access to the Facility in perpetuity; and

3. Enter into a Voluntary Planning Agreement with the Developer in respect of the development at 2-10 Finlayson Street, Lane Cove.

Steven Kludass

Acting General Manager

General Managers Unit

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View

Final Draft VPA: 2-10 Finlayson Street Draft VPA for Public Exhibition

47 Pages

Available Electronically

Ordinary Council Meeting 24 April 2025

Planning Proposal 41 - 177-183 Greenwich Road, Greenwich

Item No: 5

Subject: Planning Proposal 41 - 177-183 Greenwich Road, Greenwich

Record No: SU10309 - 20436/25

Division: Planning and Sustainability Division

Author(s): Christopher Pelcz

Executive Summary

This report relates to the Planning Proposal (PP) 41 for the site at 177-183 Greenwich Road, Greenwich.

The PP prepared by Keylan Consulting seeks to amend the Lane Cove Local Environmental Plan 2009 (LCLEP2009) to rezone land located at 177-183 Greenwich Road, Greenwich.

The Proposal was reported (AT-1) to the Lane Cove Local Planning Panel (LCLPP) for advice on the 2 April 2025. In accordance with Section 9.1 of the EP & A Act, staff prepared an assessment report with recommendations in relation to the Planning Proposal including whether the proposal should be forwarded to the Minister for a Gateway Determination.

The Panel was requested to review, consider relevant issues proposed by the proponent along with the views and concerns raised in the staff report.

The LCLPP advised that Planning Proposal 41 is supported only with amendments and should proceed to the Gateway Determination (AT-2).

In relation to the advice of the Lane Cove Local Planning Panel, it is recommended that Planning Proposal 41 be supported with amendments and be forwarded to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for Gateway Determination.

Background

The property known as 177-183 Greenwich Road, Greenwich, comprises nine parcels of land which are zoned part R4 High Density Residential and part C2 Environmental Conservation and which have a total combined area of 4,325 square metres (m²) – see Figure 1 below.

Aerial view of a site area

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Figure 1: Location of site

This land has frontage of approximately 65m to Greenwich Road and a secondary frontage to the Lane Cove River of approximately 65m.

The site adjoins land zoned C2 Environmental Conservation, which is part of the broader land parcel and which extends to the foreshore of the Lane Cove River. Although densely vegetated, the vegetation currently is in poor condition with the majority of the area being dominated by exotic grasses and vines. There is also a boatshed partially located on Lot 1 DP 329254 and the Lane Cove River.

The Planning Proposal does not seek any amendments to the zoning or applicable controls of the C2 zoned land.

The site does not contain any heritage items or conservation areas.

Proposal

The proponent-led Planning Proposal seeks the following amendments to Lane Cove LEP 2009 for the subject site:-

· Retain the existing split zoning on the site (i.e. R4 High Density Residential/C2 Environmental Conservation zone),

· Increase the height of buildings (on the R4 zoned portion) from 12 metres to 21 metres, and

· Increase the floor space ratio (on the R4 zoned portion) from 0.8:1 to 1.7:1.

Overall, the proposed controls would result in a residential flat building of 5 storeys fronting Greenwich Road and potentially 8 storeys at the rear of the site.

Submissions

Previous comments received are discussed in AT-1.

Further information

The submissions made comment about the presence of a gas pipeline which runs to the adjoining Viva Energy terminal. Prior to the Panel meeting, the applicant submitted (in response) additional information (see AT-13) confirming that it complied with the relevant Ministerial Direction and no further studies were required for the rezoning stage.

However, further detailed studies would be required at the future Development Application (DA) stage.

Discussion

Referral to Local Planning Panel

Planning Proposal 41 for 177-183 Greenwich Road, Greenwich was referred for advice to the Lane Cove Local Planning Panel, under Section 9.1 of the EP&A Act 1979. The Panel was requested to review and consider issues and amendments proposed by the proponent along with the views and concerns raised in a staff report (AT-1).

The Report to the Panel examines the detailed provisions of the proponent’s Planning Proposal against the strategic and site-specific merit test as well as other relevant matters. The discussion is contained within that report (see AT-1).

At the meeting, Council staff provided an overview of Planning Proposal 41. The proponent addressed and provided a presentation to the Panel.

Following the meeting, the Panel deliberated and provided their considered advice in the form of recommendations and reasons for their decision.

Panel advice to Council

In providing their advice to Council (see AT-2), the Panel (LCLPP) unanimously supported the recommendation of the staff’s report, and agreed that the Proposal generally passes both the strategic and site-specific merit tests.

However, the Panel raised the following points:

a) The panel is not satisfied that sufficient justification has been provided by the applicant to support the proposed 21m height limit. Therefore the Panel has formed the opinion that the maximum building height should be set to the level shown at the top of the concept lift overrun as shown on the plan titled ‘section + height plane’.

Comment: Agreed. The height of the lift overrun shown in the plans is RL 48.85 metres. It is recommended that the Proposal be amended to remove the 21 metre height plane and replace it with an RL height of 48.85 metres.

b) Similarly the panel notes that the planning proposal refers to an indicative FSR of 1.68:1 in the Planning Proposal report prepared by Keylan Consulting which in the opinion of the Panel should be consistent with the reduced height referred to above.

Comment: Agreed. The Proposal is seeking a floor space ratio (FSR) of 1.7:1 but the concept scheme shows an FSR of 1.68:1. It is recommended to amend the Proposal to reduce the FSR down to 1.68:1.

c) Any Council referral to request a gateway determination should include a request that there be a requirement that the proposed planning agreement be entered into before the rezoning takes effect as referred to on page 32 of the planning proposal.

Comment: Noted. While this can’t be an official Gateway Determination request, the applicant would need to submit a separate draft Voluntary Planning Agreement, subject to Council supporting the Planning Proposal.

d) The planning agreement should also include agreed tree removal, weed control and revegetation of the C2 area by the developer before the council takes ownership of this land. Tree removals and weeds to be controlled should be in accordance with the species referred to in Version 2 of the Bushland Assessment report prepared by Habitat Solutions (dated November 2024). The revegetation should be with species referred to in Version 1 of the Bushland Assessment report prepared by Habitat Solutions (dated April 2024).

Comment: Noted. This and other relevant matters would be included separately as part of Council’s Voluntary Planning Agreement process.

e) The Panel notes that the vehicular access point in the concept plans is at the southern end of the site. The Panel is of the view that further investigation work on sight lines may be required if this location is pursued. Also, if any other access points considered this will have to be in conjunction with advice from the council about whether the council is likely to require preserving the established street trees along the Greenwich Road frontage including where further street trees may be required.

Comment: Noted. While this matter will be forwarded to the applicant, this can be addressed at the future Development Application stage.

Community Consultation

Statement of Intent

The consultation is designed to consult with the local community of the proposed rezoning of the site. Any comments received will be reviewed and evaluated to determine whether to proceed with the Planning Proposal.

Method

Level of Participation	Inform	Inform	Consult
Form of Participation	Open	Targeted	Open
Target Audience	Lane Cove Community and community groups	Surrounding Owners	Lane Cove Community
Proposed Medium	Advertisement and eNewsletter	Notification Letters	Public Exhibition, Website Exhibition
Indicative Timing	6 weeks	6 weeks	6 weeks

Conclusion

It is recommended that Council support the Planning Proposal with the amendments suggested by the Local Planning Panel.

The built form is not considered excessive given the site’s current zoning and surrounding developments. The original height control envisaged 4 storeys but the low floor space ratio prevented this from being achieved – indicating a mismatch between the original controls. Most of the proposed 5^th storey will be recessed and will be used for either communal open space or a lift overrun.

Any potential hazards have been addressed by the applicant at this stage and further studies are not recommended for the rezoning stage. However, further more detailed studies would be required if it progressed to the future Development Application stage.

On balance as the proposed development has achieved both strategic and site-specific merit, it is therefore recommended for approval (subject to amendments).

RECOMMENDATION

That having considered the advice of the Lane Cove Local Planning Panel meeting of 25 March 2025, Council:

1. Receive, note and endorse the advice provided by the Local Planning Panel.

2. Based on the advice, support the Planning Proposal only with the following amendments:

a) Reduce the height control from 21 metres to RL 48.85m, and

b) Reduce the floor space ratio from 1.7:1 to 1.68:1.

3. Forward the revised Proposal to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for a Gateway Determination.

4. Delegate authority to the General Manager for the Planning Proposal to finalise the amendments.

Mark Brisby

Director - Planning and Sustainability

Planning and Sustainability Division

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View	Local Planning Panel - REPORT	17 Pages	Available Electronically
AT‑2 View	Local Planning Panel - ADVICE	4 Pages
AT‑3 View	Planning Proposal 41	71 Pages	Available Electronically
AT‑4 View	Appendix 1 - Architectural Letter of Support	4 Pages	Available Electronically
AT‑5 View	Appendix 2 - Letter of Offer	2 Pages	Available Electronically
AT‑6 View	Appendix 3 - Concept Architectural Scheme	48 Pages	Available Electronically
AT‑7 View	Appendix 4 - Bushland Assessment	20 Pages	Available Electronically
AT‑8 View	Appendix 5 - Environmental Impact Assessment	67 Pages	Available Electronically
AT‑9 View	Appendix 6 - Traffic Impact Assessment	12 Pages	Available Electronically
AT‑10 View	Appendix 7 - Geotechnical Desktop Assessment	30 Pages	Available Electronically
AT‑11 View	Appendix 8 - Arboricultural Assessment	26 Pages	Available Electronically
AT‑12 View	Appendix 9 - Services Infrastructure Report	12 Pages	Available Electronically
AT‑13 View	Applicant's additional responses	3 Pages
AT‑14 View	Final minutes of the NSROC Design Review Panel	7 Pages	Available Electronically

Ordinary Council Meeting 24 April 2025

Status of the Dog Strategy 2021 Actions

Item No: 6

Subject: Status of the Dog Strategy 2021 Actions

Record No: SU9030 - 24041/25

Division: Open Space and Infrastructure Division

Author(s): Millie Allsopp

Executive Summary

At the February 2025 Meeting, Council resolved for a report to be provided regarding companion animals in the community and how Council is working towards responsible pet ownership. As resolved by Council, this report provides the status of recommendations 12 to 15 from the Dog Strategy 2021, recommendations to expand education to cat owners and financial details for companion animal education.

Background

At the February 2025 Council meeting, Council resolved that: -

1. “Council receive 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

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.

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

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.”

Discussion

1. Status of completed and future actions from the Dog Strategy

Dog Strategy Recommendation

Completed and proposed actions

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

a) A signage audit of all dog related signage at Council’s sports fields was undertaken in 2024. All sports fields were audited (except Bob Campbell Oval as it was closed for a major upgrade). The signage audit was presented to Councillors at the May 2024 Councillor Workshop for discussion. This presentation is included in attachment AT-1 and is summarised below:

· Blackman Park

- 35 signs contain information relating to dogs

§ 10 signs are park information and regulatory

§ 1 is a main park sign (with maps)

§ 9 are the A1 signs (with maps)

§ 12 signs to prevent dogs on Synthetic signs

§ 4 are written signs

§ 8 are symbol signs

§ 7 Welcome to our Sports field signs

§ 4 have recently been placed

§ 1 main park sign at Wood Street (with maps)

· Kingsford Smith Oval

- 23 signs are related to dogs

§ 17 are park information and regulatory signs

§ 7 are A1 signs (with maps)

§ 3 are medium park signs

§ 3 are “No Dog” signs

§ 4 are “Half field Cricket Net” signs

§ Signs with maps are located on all park entrances

§ 3 Welcome to our Sports field signs

§ Located at all park entrances

· Tantallon Oval

- 13 signs are related to dogs

§ 7 are park information and regulatory signs

§ 2 are medium park signs

§ 3 are A3 dogs prohibited signs

§ 2 are A3 pedestal signs

§ Signs with maps are located on all park entrances

§ 4 Welcome to our Sports field signs

· Pottery Green Oval

- 7 signs are related to dogs

§ 5 are park information and regulatory signs

§ 2 are medium park signs

§ 3 are A3 pedestal signs

§ Signs with maps are located on all park entrances

§ 2 Welcome to our Sports field signs

· Burns Bay Reserve

- 10 signs are related to dogs

§ 9 are park information and regulatory signs

§ 1 large park sign (with maps)

§ 6 are A1 signs (with maps)

§ 2 are medium park signs

§ Signs with maps are located on all park entrances.

b) A further audit of the remaining playgrounds and reserves in the LGA has been undertaken with one or multiple small to large entry signs, containing dog related information in the following playgrounds and reserves:

- 106 Tambourine Road

- Alder Ave Playground

- Amalfi Park

- Aquatic Park

- Batten Reserve

- Bayview Park

- Best Street Playground

- Birrahlee Reserve

- Blackman Tennis Courts

- Brickhill Park

- Bushland Park Reserve

- Cameraygal Park

- Carlotta Street

- Central Park

- Charlish Park

- Coronation Viewpoint

- Cox’s Lane Playground

- Cullen Street Playground

- Cunninghams Reach

- Djanaba Park

- Endeavour Playground

- Finlayson Playground

- Friedlander Place

- Gamma Road Reserve

- Gerrawai Lookout

- Goodlet Reserve

- Gore Creek Reserve

- Greendale Park

- Greenwich Baths

- Greenwich Park

- Griffith Park

- Hands Quarry Reserve

- Hartman Hill Reserve

- Helen Street Reserve

- Henley Playground

- Henningham Playground

- Hughes Park

- Kimberley Playground

- Leemon Reserve

- Linley Point Reserve

- Lloyd Rees Park

- Longueville Park

- Ludowici Reserve

- Majorie York Park

- Manns Point Park

- Mary Carlson Park

- Mindarie Park

- Newlands Park

- Nichols Reserve

- Norton Lane Tennis Court

- Osborne Park

- Penrose Street Park

- Propsting Playground

- Pumphouse Reserve

- Ronald Park

- Shaw Playground

- Shell Park

- St Vincents Road

- Stringybark Reserve

- Sydney Cowell Reserve

- Tambourine Park

- The Canopy

- Turrumburra Park

- Wadanggari Park

- Warraroon Reserve

- Woodford Bay Reserve

Park signage is regularly updated to be consistent with the use of the space. Parks and reserves in the LGA have a minimum of one small to large entry sign. Playgrounds and bushland entries frequently have additional dog related signage.

Park Entry signs contain dog-related prompts or symbols, with the following (phrasing and information is park specific):

· ‘Dog off-leash area: Dogs may be exercised in off-leash areas except:

- Within 10 metres of play equipment,

- Within 10 metres of picnic/ BBQ areas

- Dogs must be controlled at all times

- Please clean up after your dog’

· ‘Dogs On-Leash’

· ‘Dogs On-Leash: Dogs must be kept on a leash in all park and bushland areas

- Please look after this bushland

- Help protect native wildlife’

· ‘Dogs On-Leash

- In all bushland areas

- On the shared user path from 9am to 10pm (Mon – Fri and all other times including weekend’

· ‘Please share this park and respect other users. Dogs must be controlled at all times.

‘Please clean up after your dog. Penalties apply’

· ‘Penalties apply. By Order General Manager Lane Cove Council. Companion Animals Act 1998 Sections 13 & 14’

· ‘No dogs’

· ‘Dogs prohibited:

- Within 10 metres of play equipment,

- Within 10 metres of picnic/ BBQ areas

- Within wetlands and mangroves

- On synthetic sports grounds’

Additional signage, is located around playgrounds, dog poo bins and off leash dog areas which includes the following text:

· ‘Dogs are not permitted in this playground’

· ‘Keep Dogs on Leads’ (fixed to dog poo bag bins)

· ‘Dog Park Areas’

· Welcome to our Sports Field. This is a shared space. To help keep everyone safe please: Watch me play. No digging. Pick up poo. Take sticks home;

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.

a) Council has developed internal initiatives for Information, Education and Communications for responsible pet ownership, for example:

· Off-leash dog park brochures and posters

· ‘Pawsome Party’ in 2023 – Event at Blackman Park with local businesses and Council staff, informing dog owners about registration.

· Letters to local veterinary practices and Council website page to inform pet owners of the registration process

· Posters, brochures, website page and various medias about the Council’s Wildlife Protection Areas

· Revised information on the website within the “Discover your Neighbourhood” resource for new residents

b) A budget recommendation has been submitted for the 2025/26 financial year’s budget for Council to develop companion animal’s communications plan. If adopted this budget allocation will allow Council to develop a program for future events and educational activities.

c) The Companion Animal Advisory Committee will also be contributing and will make recommendations towards the Information, education and communications plan. For example, an insert is planned for the July 2025 rates notice.

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

a) Council has already developed various pages on the Website, including information about animal registration, The Companion Animals Act 1998 and Wildlife Protection Areas.

b) The use of the shortcut www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/dogs contains information on off-leash dog areas and rules for exercising dogs while www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/pets contains broader information of companion animal registration responsibilities, including cats. Council’s Communications Team is in the process of consolidating pages on the website into one section for companion animals.

c) Changes to the website will be discussed with the Companion Animal Advisory Committee at a similar timing to the consultation for the communications and educational activities.

a) There are already symbols and short descriptions at most bushwalk entries for considerations of owners walking dogs in bushland.

b) Council recently classified all bushland areas as Wildlife Protection Areas (WPA). These WPA’s have had an additional layer of messaging, on our website and social media platforms. The Bushland Team are developing signage and more messaging types to educate the community of these areas.

c) Additional interpretive signage for bushland areas can be explored during the development of the communications plan.

2. Recommendations to expand education of cat owners as to their legal responsibilities

Council’s Bushland Team continue to explore education and communication opportunities, aiming to increase community awareness to the importance of Wildlife Protection Areas and the prohibition of cats entering these areas. This included engagement activities at the annual Rotary Fair, such as craft activities to build recycled toys for cats as well as information signage to help engage residents in conversations about responsibly cat ownership.

Further education of cat owners is to be considered in the development of the communications plan. The Companion Animal Advisory Committee has been expanded to include cat owners. They will be involved in workshops, to explore various education opportunities for cat owners.

Additional information about cat ownership and legal responsibilities can be incorporated in the pet section of Council’s to increase the information available.

The Office of Local Government is seeking feedback to inform a review of the Companion Animals Act 1998 and regulations. As part of this review, Council staff are currently preparing a consolidated response and separately the Companion Animal Advisory Committee will provide their recommendations. This review includes factors of education and legal responsibilities of cat owners. The review has provided the opportunity to explore strategies or recommendations for the NSW State government to further support Council’s educational endeavours.

3. Council funding for companion animal education

This financial year (2024-25)

No funds were allocated. Activities did not require additional budget.

Next financial year (2025-26)

A budget submission has been included in the 2025/26 financial year’s proposed budget.

$12,000 has been requested to fund the development of future events and educational activities and the development of a communications plan.

Conclusion

Council continues to work with community on practicing responsible pet ownership, particularly in their interface with the public spaces in the LGA. Methods of education and communication will be informed by the existing Dog Strategy 2021, consultation with the Companion Animal Advisory Committee and through the development of a consultant supported communications plan.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council receive and note the report.

Martin Terescenko

Director - Open Space and Infrastructure

Open Space and Infrastructure Division

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View	Dog Signage Extract - Dogs on Sports fields Presentation May 2024	18 Pages

Ordinary Council Meeting 24 April 2025

Planning Proposal 40 - 2 Marshall Avenue, St Leonards

Item No: 7

Subject: Planning Proposal 40 - 2 Marshall Avenue, St Leonards

Record No: SU10206 - 20432/25

Division: Planning and Sustainability Division

Author(s): Christopher Pelcz

Executive Summary

This report relates to the Planning Proposal 40 for the site at 2 Marshall Avenue, St Leonards.

The PP prepared by Planning Ingenuity Pty Ltd seeks to amend the Lane Cove Local Environmental Plan 2009 (LCLEP2009) to rezone land located at 2 Marshall Avenue, St Leonards.

The Proposal was reported (AT-1) to the Lane Cove Local Planning Panel (LCLPP) for advice on the 25 March 2025. In accordance with Section 9.1 of the EP & A Act, staff prepared an assessment report with recommendations in relation to the Planning Proposal including whether the proposal should be forwarded to the Minister for a Gateway Determination.

The Panel was requested to review, consider relevant issues proposed by the proponent along with the views and concerns raised in the staff report.

The LCLPP advised that Planning Proposal 40 is not supported and should not proceed to the Gateway Determination (AT-2).

In relation to the advice of the Lane Cove Local Planning Panel, it is recommended that Planning Proposal 40 not be supported and not be forwarded to the Department of Planning, Infrastructure and Environment.

It is also recommended that Council consider the future use of this site (and surrounding ones) as part of its upcoming LEP review.

Background

The subject site is located on the southern side of Marshall Avenue and sits at the corner of Marshall Avenue and Canberra Avenue (see Figure 1). The site is relatively rectangular in shape and contains an area approximately 688 m².

The site has a primary northern frontage to Marshall Avenue measured at 15.6m, with a corner splay of approximately 4.4m, and a secondary eastern frontage to Canberra Avenue of 33.5m.

Aerial view of a city

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Figure 1: Location of site

Existing on the site is a single storey dwelling house with vehicle access provided from Canberra Avenue to a detached garage.

The immediate context of the site is dominated by high density residential buildings, either newly built or under construction, with building heights starting at 5 storeys and reaching more than 20 storeys in height.

To the north of the site is the Embassy Tower at No. 1-13 Marshall Avenue which sits on the opposite side of Marshall Avenue and reaches a height of 29 storeys.

The land directly adjoining the subject site to the east and south is currently under construction in accordance with the approval under DA79/2022. This DA was approved by Sydney North Planning Panel on 6 April 2023 for demolition of existing structures and constructions of three (3) residential flat buildings (ranging from 12 to 19 storeys) comprising a total of 232 apartments and basement parking for 348 vehicles.

Proposal

The proponent-led Planning Proposal seeks the following amendments to Lane Cove LEP 2009 for the subject site:-

· Maintain the existing R4 High Density Residential zone,

· Amendment of the St Leonards South LEP clauses (Part 7) to permit the development with consent while excluding itself from the requirements for bedroom mixes, affordable housing, and minimum public open space;

· Increase the Incentive height of buildings from 2.5 metres to 53 metres,

· Retain the Incentive floor space ratio of 3.85:1 and

· Provide a small open space.

Overall, the proposed controls would result in a co-living development of 19 storeys on a 680 m² site.

Further information

Following the Panel meeting, the applicant submitted revised documents in an attempt to respond to the Panel’s initial comments. These are contained in AT-3 to AT-8.

After review, they are relatively similar to what was submitted to the Panel originally and do not appear to fundamentally change the proposed level of development.

Submissions

Previous comments received are discussed in AT-1.

Discussion

Referral to Local Planning Panel

Planning Proposal 40 for 2 Marshall Avenue, St Leonards was referred for advice to the Lane Cove Local Planning Panel, under Section 9.1 of the EP&A Act 1979. The Panel was requested to review and consider issues and amendments proposed by the proponent along with the views and concerns raised in a staff report (AT-1).

At the meeting, Council staff provided an overview of Planning Proposal 40. The proponent addressed and provided a presentation to the Panel.

Following the meeting, the Panel deliberated and provided their considered advice in the form of recommendations and reasons for their decision.

Panel advice to Council

In providing their advice to Council (see AT-2), the Panel (LCLPP) unanimously supported the recommendation of the staff’s report but raised some matters for clarification – which are contained in AT-2 and discussed below.

The Panel notes the Officer’s Report above, however, makes the following points to correct and clarify certain statements in the Report:

a) The Report should acknowledge that the NSROC Design Review Panel (DRP) on 24 March 2024 considered a pre-DA for a co-living housing development prepared by a different architect, and not the PP currently being considered. The Panel considers that the PP should have been referred the DRP for comment on its site specific merit.

Comment: Prior to the Panel meeting, this matter was discussed with the Panel Chairperson and staff. It was agreed that the new plans were relatively similar to the previous submitted plans and no further review was required.

b) The Report should also acknowledge that the site is identified on the indicative map of low and mid-rise (LMR) housing areas and benefits from the uplift in FSR and height relevant to land in Zone R4 pursuant to Chapter 6 of the Housing SEPP). The LMR provisions are only a recent statutory planning change but provides future development alternatives for the subject site, subject to a merits assessment of the development application.

Comment: At the time of writing the Panel report, the Low and Mid rise reforms were not known to either staff or the applicant. The reforms came into effect on 28 February 2025. However, it is acknowledged that the reforms apply to this site and others due to the proximity of the St Leonards train station.

Overall, the Panel recommended that:

1. The Planning Proposal should not proceed to Gateway as it lacks both strategic and site specific merit.

2. The Council resolve to include the subject site in the current LEP review.

Conclusion

It is recommended that Council not support the Planning Proposal as suggested by the Local Planning Panel.

Further, it is recommended that Council consider the future use of this site and others in the precinct.as part of its upcoming LEP review.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. receives, notes and endorses the advice of the Local Planning Panel,

2. not support Planning Proposal 40 as it lacks strategic and site-specific merit, and

3. includes this site and others, indicated in Council’s planning documents, for the upcoming LEP review.

Mark Brisby

Director - Planning and Sustainability

Planning and Sustainability Division

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View	Local Planning Panel - REPORT	20 Pages	Available Electronically
AT‑2 View	Local Planning Panel - ADVICE	5 Pages
AT‑3 View	Additional Info - Cover letter	4 Pages	Available Electronically
AT‑4 View	Additional Info - Sample Basement Plan	1 Page	Available Electronically
AT‑5 View	Additional Info - Sample mid and upper level plan	1 Page	Available Electronically
AT‑6 View	Additional Info - Solar Access Analysis	1 Page	Available Electronically
AT‑7 View	Additional Info - Solar and Outlook Anaylsis	1 Page	Available Electronically
AT‑8 View	Additional Info - Letter of Offer	2 Pages	Available Electronically
AT‑9 View	Planning Proposal 40	65 Pages	Available Electronically
AT‑10 View	Concept Building Envelope	1 Page	Available Electronically
AT‑11 View	Solar Access Analysis	1 Page	Available Electronically
AT‑12 View	Flood Assessment	15 Pages	Available Electronically
AT‑13 View	Final minutes of the NSROC Design Review Panel	5 Pages	Available Electronically

Ordinary Council Meeting 24 April 2025

Revised Draft Community Strategic Plan 2035

Subject: Revised Draft Community Strategic Plan 2035

Record No: SU10323 - 17649/25

Division: General Managers Unit

Author(s): Steven Kludass

Executive Summary

The Revised Draft Community Strategic Plan has been the subject of extensive community consultation since February 2025.

This report presents a summary of the feedback received from the community in relation to the Community Strategic Plan. The Revised Draft Community Strategic Plan is submitted for Council’s consideration and adoption for the purposes of being placed on public exhibition for comment.

Background

The Community Strategic Plan (CSP) identifies the community’s vision, main priorities and aspirations for the future and must be reviewed by each incoming council by 30 June in the financial year they were elected. The CSP is a long-term plan (minimum horizon of 10 years) and was last reviewed and adopted by Council in 2022.

Discussion

Between 10 February and 25 March 2025, Council sought feedback from the community in relation to the CSP to determine whether it is still relevant and reflects the aspirations and priorities of our community. The community responded to a variety of consultation methods provided by Council during a six week consultation period. The extent of community feedback is summarised as follows:-

· A phone survey involving 400 randomly selected local residents of Lane Cove that mirror our demographic profile;

· The completion of 217 online surveys, mirroring the questions in the phone survey, by local residents of Lane Cove;

· Four (4) interactive community workshops with 37 local residents participating to share their local experiences and priorities for the future;

· Leveraged off special events held in February and March to promote the review of the CSP and receive feedback, with a guilded mirror used to capture more than 200 comments from local residents; and

· Free form submissions from five (5) local residents, sharing their local experiences and priorities for the future.

Phone Survey and Online Survey Results

Results from the phone survey and online survey revealed the following as the most loved aspects of living in Lane Cove:

· Green areas and open spaces;

· Access to good services, facilities, shops and restaurants;

· Central and convenient location; and

· Good sense of community.

Results from the phone survey and online survey revealed the following as the main priority issues for Lane Cove over the next 10 years:

· More and improved public transport;

· Managing overdevelopment;

· Traffic control / congestion; and

· Housing affordability / availability.

With respect to the objectives contained in the adopted CSP, the community feel they are still very relevant with the majority of objectives scoring an agreement rating of 80% or higher.

The phone survey results also indicated a great level of support for the CSP Vision “Lane Cove as a connected, inclusive, sustainable community” with over 96% of respondents stating they were either very supportive, supportive or somewhat supportive of the Vision.

The online survey results were similar to the phone survey results with almost identical results in terms of agreement with the CSP Vision and priorities over the next 10 years.

A copy of the phone survey results can be found at AT-1.

A copy of the on-line survey results can be found at AT-2.

Feedback from Community Workshop & Advisory Committee Workshop Sessions

A total of 37 residents attended one of four community workshop sessions conducted on 18, 19 and 25 March 2025. These sessions were particularly useful as they assisted Council’s understanding of issues that were identified in the phone survey results. Additionally, workshop attendees identified a range of issues they felt should be addressed, either through the Community Strategic Plan or Council’s Delivery Program and Operational Plan.

A copy of the feedback provided during the community workshop sessions is provided at AT-3.

Feedback from Pop Ups & Interactive Events

Council conducted a number of interactive pop-ups throughout the consultation period. During these sessions, the community were encouraged to take the online survey or share their thoughts with staff. Additionally, a large mirror was installed at the pop-ups to attract attention and stimulate interaction. The community was invited to reflect on what they see in Lane Cove today (2025) and what they want to see in ten years time (2035).

A copy of the feedback received from the pop-ups and interactive events is contained within Appendix B in AT-3.

Feedback from Free Form Submissions

A total of five (5) local residents furnished a free form submission with respect to the CSP review. The common theme in the majority of submissions centred around the importance of a healthy natural environment as a foundation to wellbeing and liveability, with a particular emphasis on our bushland and waterways.

Please note: A copy of the feedback provided via free form submissions has been distributed separately to Councillors (ie available via the HUB).

Community Strategic Plan (CSP) Review

The feedback received in relation to the CSP has been used to review the plan, noting that some of the necessary refinements translate to revised strategies or actions in Council’s Delivery Program and Operational Plan. The Revised Draft Community Strategic Plan ‘Liveable Lane Cove, 2035’ is attached at AT-4.

Particular emphasis (and therefore refinement) was given to the Our Local Economy and Our Culture themes where the phone survey results indicated a lower ‘agreement’ score than the other four (4) themes in the CSP. That said, Our Natural Environment and Built Environment themes attracted significant attention and therefore underwent some refinement to reflect the need for greater emphasis on protecting and preserving the environment.

The format and structure of the CSP has also been reviewed to incorporate integrated planning and reporting guidelines issued by the Office of Local Government.

Community Consultation

Consultation Statement of Intent

Following the initial community consultation undertaken during February and March 2025, the next consultation phase is designed to provide the community with the opportunity to comment on the Revised Draft Community Strategic Plan.

The methods of consultation proposed are outlined below:

Level of Participation	Inform	Consult
Form of Participation	Open	Open
Target Audience	Whole Community	Whole Community
Proposed Medium	Website Exhibitions / eNewsletter	Community Survey Community Forums Free form Submissions
Indicative Timing	Late April – Early June 2025	Late April – Early June 2025

RECOMMENDATION

That:-

1. Council adopt for the purpose of public exhibition, the Revised Draft Community Strategic Plan, Liveable Lane Cove 2035;

2. Council undertake community consultation between late April and early June 2025 as per the consultation plan outlined in the report; and

3. Following public exhibition, the Revised Draft Community Strategic Plan, together with a report on any submissions received, be considered at the June Ordinary Council Meeting.

Steven Kludass

Acting General Manager

General Managers Unit

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View	CSP Review - Phone Survey Presentation		Available Electronically
AT‑2 View	CSP Review - On-Line Survey Presentation		Available Electronically
AT‑3 View	CSP Review - Community Consultation Report		Available Electronically
AT‑4 View	Draft Revised Community Strategic Plan - April 2025	62 Pages

Ordinary Council Meeting 24 April 2025

2025/26 Draft Budget, Fees and Charges, Delivery Program and Operational Plan, Resourcing Strategy and associated Resource Plans

Subject: 2025/26 Draft Budget, Fees and Charges, Delivery Program and Operational Plan, Resourcing Strategy and associated Resource Plans

Record No: SU10128 - 17660/25

Division: General Managers Unit

Author(s): Steven Kludass; Don Johnston

Executive Summary

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

This report presents a summary of the Draft Delivery Program and the Operational Plan 2025/26, Draft 2025/26 Budget, Draft 2025/26 Schedule of Fees and Charges as part of the Draft Revenue Policy, and the Draft Resourcing Strategy including associated Resource Plans. The budget establishes the anticipated operating result for 2025/26 and provides information on key income and expenditure. This report recommends that the Draft Budget 2025/26, Delivery Program and Operational Plan 2025/26 and Fees and Charges 2025/26 be endorsed for public exhibition purposes.

Background

In October 2009, the NSW Government enacted the Local Government (Planning and Reporting) Amendment Act 2009, which set a new framework to integrate the various statutory planning and reporting processes as required by the Local Government Act 1993.

The Integrated Planning and Reporting framework requires a number of strategic planning and resourcing documents, with alignment to the term of the elected Council. The requirements include a long-term Community Strategic Plan, a Delivery Program for the term of the Council and an Operational Plan that sets out Council’s recurrent actions (activities) and new initiatives (projects) for the coming 12 months.

Draft 2025/26 Budget

Budget Summary

The Draft 2025/26 Budget (AT-1) includes the following key results and initiatives:

· The draft operating result for in the 2025/26 financial year is budgeted to be a deficit of $598k before capital grants and contributions.

· The Rates and Annual Charges for 2025/26 include a general rate increase of 3.9%, as determined by IPART. It is proposed to levy two (2) Ordinary Rates in 2025/26 in accordance with S.492 and S.497(a) of the Local Government Act.

a. An Ordinary Residential Rate of 0.082444 cents in the dollar, on the Land Value of all Rateable Land categorised as Residential in accordance with S.516 of the Local Government Act, (with the exception of heritage properties which are rated on their heritage value), with a Minimum Rate of $1,073.24, to yield $25,601,264.

b. An Ordinary Business Rate of 0.535278 cents in the dollar, on the Land Value of all Rateable Land categorised as Business in accordance with S.518 of the Local Government Act, with a Minimum Rate of $1,096.29 to yield $6,900,821.

· It is proposed to levy a Car Parking Special Rate on Business premises in the Lane Cove Village Commercial Area of 0.194273 cents in dollar with a minimum rate of $2 per assessment, to yield $203,450. This revenue will continue to offset the maintenance of car parking now available within the Village.

· Salary and Wages related expenditure totals $25.46m, which includes a Local Government (State) Award increase of 3.0% and other employee related expenses such as Employee Leave Entitlements and Superannuation.

· A full schedule of the user fees and charges proposed for the year is included in the Draft Revenue Policy. The proposed fees have been set in accordance with Council’s pricing policy, which requires consideration of a number of factors including community service obligations, the cost of service provision, whether the goods or services are provided on a commercial basis, and the capacity of the user to pay.

· The Draft 2025/26 Budget provides for the levying of a Domestic Waste Management Charge (under S.496 of the Act) of $637.65 for each 80 litre MGB and recycling service on all rateable and non-rateable residential properties and includes funding for the roll out of a food organics service to detached dwelling houses during the year. Charges for DWM services rendered to residential units above business premises, or extra DWM services rendered to other premises, are set out in the Schedule of Fees and Charges for 2025/26.

· It is proposed to levy a stormwater levy of $25 per residential or business property and $12.50 per residential strata unit. The levy is proposed to yield $334,500 and will assist in the funding of stormwater works required throughout the LGA.

· Council continues to support sustainability initiatives utilising funds from the Sustainability Levy. In addition to salaries associated with the coordination of sustainability initiatives, projects for 2025/26 include:

- Bike Plan Update

- Lane Cove on Stage: Enhancing the profiles of performance spaces in Lane Cove

- On the Verge Program

- Stringybark Creek Stormwater Infrastructure Upgrade

- Village Graffiti Reduction Program

- Sustainability Lane

- Lovetts Reserve Biodiversity Protection Project

- Business Support Program

- Rope Access Weed Control

- Sustainability Reporting

- Volunteer Bushcare Program

- Carbon Consultant – Climate Active Carbon Neutral Certification (First stage)

- Native Garden/Disability Support Program

- HarbourCare Program

- Community Nursery Upgrade Site Plan and Survey

- Powerful Owl Project

- Keeping Lane Cove Cool Program

- Warraroon Wetland Biodiversity Protection Project

- Climate Resilience Events and Communications

- Tree Plotter Project

- Resilient Sydney Membership

- Lane Cove West Saltmarsh Restoration

- Carbon Neutral Fleet

- Dunois Reserve Restoration Project

- Feral Animal Control

- Every Child a Bush Experience

- Sustainability Events

- Greener Apartments Program

- Bush Friends/On the Verge - Casual Supervision

- Sustainability Communication

- Greenwich Public School Bike Bus

- HomeCycle Canopy Trailer

- Streamwatch, National Waterbug Blitz including Bug Hunt

- LED Lighting Upgrade Lane Cove Library Stage 1

- Solar Panel Upgrade Program

- Greenwich Living Seawall Project

- First Nations Public Art Mural for Town Centre

- Smart Return and Earn Bins

- Sensory and Inclusive Community Collection

- Kindy Cove Vegetable Garden Project

Draft Delivery Program including the 2025/26 Operational Plan

The Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan (AT-2) is Council’s response to the aspirations contained in the Community Strategic Plan, Liveable Lane Cove 2035. The Delivery Program and Operational Plan describes Council’s commitment to the community during its term of office and, like the Community Strategic Plan, is presented in the form of the six Strategic Themes. Within each of the six Strategic Themes, community priorities are identified and include strategies, recurrent actions and new initiatives. Also included in the Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan is a budget allocated for each of the six strategic themes and Council’s Revenue Policy.

A range of New Initiatives are contained in the Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan, including:

· Complete the construction of the new Sport and Recreation Facility

· Facility Management Operator & Food & Beverage Operator for the new Sport & Recreation Facility

· Undertake an LEP (Sustainability) Review

· Transition the Climate Resilience Plan into a Climate Emergency Plan

· Review the Sustainability Action Plan

· Introduce a Food Organics service for detached dwelling houses

· St Leonards Early Education and Child Care Centre

· Stringybark Reserve Masterplan Implementation Works

· 14 Gay Street & 347 Burns Bay Road – demolition of buildings and associated works

· St Leonards South Property Acquisitions

· Playground Equipment Upgrades – Majorie York & Charlish Park

· Blackman Park – Fitness Equipment Replacement

· Kingsford Smith Oval – Part Fencing Replacement

· Innes Road Embankment Works

· Pedestrian Crossing Upgrade Works

· Various Capital Works from the Sustainability Levy (including LED lighting for the Library, Greenwich Living Seawall and Solar Panel Upgrades)

· Finalise construction of the Bicycle Path along Burns Bay Road (Linley Point)

· Ventemans Reach Boardwalk Works

· Finalise works associated with Lane Cove North Speed Reduction Program

· Finalise the ‘Towards Zero Safer Roads Program’

· Develop a Digital Engagement Strategy

· 12 foot Skiff Club Slipway upgrade plan

· Expand the community languages collection

· Expand sensory programming across the libraries

· First sculptures in St Leonards South launched

· Develop a new Reconciliation Action Plan

· First Nations Public Art Mural for Town Centre

· Gain metropolitan-wide recognition of Lane Cove performance spaces

· Develop an EV Policy

· Commence work to enable Council to achieve Climate Active Carbon Neutral Certification by 2028

Resourcing Strategy and Resource Plans

In order to develop a Delivery Program and Operational Plan, Council must consider the resources it has at its disposal. The Resourcing Strategy (AT-3) articulates how three primary resource plans work together to underpin the services we provide to the community. The three primary resource plans are:

1. Long Term Financial Plan (AT-4)

2. Strategic Asset Management Plan (AT-5)

3. Workforce Management Plan (AT-6)

Community Consultation

It is a statutory requirement that the Draft Budget 2025/26, Delivery Program and the Operational Plan 2025/26 and Fees and Charges 2025/26, following Council’s initial consideration, be placed on public exhibition for a period of not less than twenty-eight (28) days. Following this, Council must consider any public comments submitted before the Plans can be adopted.

It is proposed to exhibit these documents for a six week period from late April 2025 to early June 2025. A report will be prepared for Council’s consideration at the June 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting advising of the results of the community consultation and recommendations for final adoption. Until the Delivery Program and Operational Plan (including Budget) is adopted, Council is unable to levy rates and charges for the financial year for which the plan is prepared.

Consultation Statement of Intent

The consultation is designed to provide the community with the opportunity to comment on the proposed actions and initiatives over the next year. Council will consider feedback in determining to adopt the final plans and budget.

The methods of consultation proposed are outlined below.

Methods

Level of Participation	Inform	Consult
Form of Participation	Open	Open
Target Audience	Whole Community	Whole Community
Proposed Medium	Website Exhibition eNewsletter	Written Submissions
Indicative Timing	Late April – Early June 2025	Late April – Early June 2025

RECOMMENDATION

That:-

1. Council adopt, for the purpose of public exhibition, the Draft 2025/26 Budget, Draft 2025/26 Delivery Program and Operational Plan (includes Draft 2025/26 Fees and Charges), and the Draft Resourcing Strategy and associated Resource Plans;

2. Council undertake community consultation from late April 2025 until early June 2025 as per the consultation outlined in the report; and

3. Following public exhibition, the Draft 2025/26 Budget, Draft 2025/26 Delivery Program and Operational Plan (includes Draft 2025/26 Fees and Charges), and the Draft Resourcing Strategy and associated Resource Plans, together with a report on any submissions received, be considered at the Council meeting to be held in June 2025.

Steven Kludass

Acting General Manager

General Managers Unit

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View	Draft 2025-26 Budget Overview - April 2025	Available Electronically
AT‑2 View	Draft 2025-26 Delivery Program & Operational Plan - April 2025	Available Electronically
AT‑3 View	Draft Resourcing Strategy - April 2025	Available Electronically
AT‑4 View	Draft Long Term Financial Plan - April 2025	Available Electronically
AT‑5 View	Draft Strategic Asset Management Plan - April 2025	Available Electronically
AT‑6 View	Draft Workforce Management Plan - April 2025	Available Electronically

Ordinary Council Meeting 24 April 2025

Community Assistance Grants 2025-2026

Item No: 10

Subject: Community Assistance Grants 2025-2026

Record No: SU10122 - 22742/25

Division: Community and Culture Division

Author(s): Susan Heyne

Executive Summary

This report discusses the 2025-2026 financial assistance application process and recommends various grants. Under Section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993, Council may grant financial assistance to community organisations. Each year Council calls for applications for financial assistance from community groups either based in the Lane Cove local government area (LGA) or those whose assistance addresses the identified needs of people within the LGA.

Applications for the 2025-2026 Community Assistance Grants program opened 16 December 2024 and closed 3 March 2025. The funding program was promoted through Council’s website, eNewletters, and social media. Council received a total of 18 applications requesting funds to the value of $557,941.50.

The 20205-2026 budget includes funding for Community Assistance Grants, the Venue Hire Subsidy Grant Program and recurring commitments. This report covers all the allocations under this budget This report recommends recipients to be funded to the total value of $579,635.

Background

Community organisations play a critical role in providing vital community and recreational activities and keeping the community healthy and connected. Council’s approach to working with local community organisations is to work in partnership so that the local community can receive high quality services and participate in volunteering and community orientated activities improving their connectedness and ability to participate.

Community Grant Applications Received for 2025-2026

Currently Council’s Community Grants to community organisations fall into the following categories: -

· arts and cultural programs

· services for youth, children, and families

· community services for seniors and people with disability

· community development and social inclusion

· sporting programs

Applications are assessed against the criteria provided in the Guidelines attached as AT-1.

Applicants are required to show how their application meets the needs of Lane Cove local government area by referring to Council’s Plans. The application form also includes questions regarding inclusion to ensure people living with disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are considered and included in the projects. Copies of the applications are included in the separately circulated information to Councillors.

The commitment for Council based on the recommendations from the Council Selection

Committee of 14 April 2025 is $520,453. A copy of these recommendations has been circulated separately to Councillors.

Recurring commitments to community organisations total $57,071 and are listed in AT-2. The majority of these are longstanding commitments relating to Council’s contributions to rate payments, or the waiving of payments and other costs. This has been allocated within the Financial Assistance budget.

Recommendations from the Council Selection Committee of 14 April 2025 for the Cultural Venue Performance Hire Subsidy Funds for the 2025-2026 financial year is $2,111. Copies of applications are also included in the separately circulated information to Councillors. These recommendations are included in the separately circulated Confidential Memo to Councillors.

An amount of $18,000 has been set aside for Council to manage funds for the Lane Cove Art

Award and $2,000 has been allocated for the ANZAC Day Ceremony.

The total amount of the Financial Assistance Grants Program recommended in this report is $579,635.

Discussion

The funding recommendations were made with a focus on several areas including:

· support to longstanding and established organisations within the community, namely Sydney Community Services and Centrehouse.

· support to projects that can be successfully completed within the 2025-2026 financial year.

· support to new projects that have been identified as a need in the Lane Cove community, namely The Lane Cove Toy Library.

Sydney Community Services and Centrehouse

In the 2024/2025 round of financial assistance a 3-year Service Agreement was made with both Sydney Community Services and Centrehouse (trading as Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios). The 3-year agreements will provide funding security to the organisations whilst also allowing for flexibility if circumstances change for the organisations. These agreements end on 30 June 2027.

The Lane Cove Toy Library

At the Council meeting held 29 September 2022, it was resolved that Council enter into a funding and licence agreement with The Sydney Library of Things to operate a Toy Library, and to provide funding to cover initial establishment costs.

A 2-year service agreement was made with The Sydney Library of Things to operate The Lane Cove Toy Library. This agreement ends on 30 June 2026.

Managing Applicant expectations

In previous years, some applications for funding have asked that Council bear the full cost of the project. In 2021 Council resolved to require applicants to provide a co-contribution, either as funding or an in-kind contribution. Organisations who are unable to provide a co-contribution are required to provide an explanation as to why the organisation is unable to contribute to the program. The guidelines and application form for the 2025-2026 funding round clearly indicate Council’s expectations regarding co-contributions.

To ensure a range of services and programs are supported by the grants program, Council limited the maximum amount of funding available to groups to $10,000, unless prior approval by Council has been granted. The average amount of funding requested in 2025-2026 was $7,927.

Organisations with service agreements are exempted from this funding limit.

Financial Assistance Grants Comparisons with Other Areas

It is difficult to compare Council’s financial assistance program with other Council areas because:-

· each Council is different as there is a mix of community based and local government services;

· in some areas organisations apply for funds under the ClubGRANTS program;

· there is no consistent accounting procedure across councils which captures the value of

contributions that councils provide to local organisations; and

· some councils may support local groups out of separate line items as identified in their Delivery and Operational Plans and budgets.

Community Grants Presentation

Each year Council invites all funded groups to a presentation ceremony on the first Wednesday in August. This provides the opportunity for Council to showcase its Grants Program and for local groups to receive recognition for the work they do in a wider forum. It also offers community groups the opportunity to network and connect with other local organisations. It is suggested that the practice be continued, and the ceremony take place on Wednesday 6 August 2025. The presentation evening is funded out of the Community Assistance Grants budget.

Conclusion

Council’s Community Assistance Grants Program assists in the development of a range of

community based services which meet, and are responsive to, changes in the needs of people living and working in Lane Cove. It promotes equitable outcomes in terms of access to services and quality of life for all residents. Council uses its planning documents to assist in organisations’

understanding the needs of the community and in assessing the grant submissions.

In the 2025-2026 financial year it is proposed that 16 organisations will receive a total of $579,365 in funding.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. Approve the recommended Community Assistance Grants and Cultural Venue Performance Hire Subsidy Funds to Community Groups for 2025-2026.

2. Approve the recurring commitments to community organisations for 2025-2026.

3. Host the Community Assistance Grants presentation ceremony in August 2025.

Stephanie Kelly

Director - Community and Culture

Community and Culture Division

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View	Guidelines and Information for Applicants	5 Pages
AT‑2 View	Recurrent Payments	1 Page

Ordinary Council Meeting 24 April 2025

Draft Social Inclusion Strategy

Item No: 11

Subject: Draft Social Inclusion Strategy

Record No: SU10074 - 23611/25

Division: Community and Culture Division

Author(s): Susan Heyne

Executive Summary

Council recognises the value of social inclusion in creating a thriving community. Council understands the important role social inclusion has in fostering an inclusive and equitable environment that responds to the diverse needs of all community members.

Social inclusion means that all people have the best opportunities to enjoy life and do well in society, building trust, connections, access and a sense of belonging – making sure no one is left out or excluded.

This Social Inclusion Strategy (the strategy) has been developed to guide Council’s work in raising the bar for a more social just, resilient, connected, inclusive, liveable and engaged community where everyone can thrive.

This Strategy is the first of its kind for Lane Cove. It was developed in collaboration with a wide range of community partners including residents and service providers. The Social Inclusion Strategy is now recommended for public exhibition for six weeks.

Background

Research shows that communities with high social cohesion experience lower crime rates, better health outcomes, and higher levels of happiness. Conversely, a lack of cohesion can lead to division, alienation, and unrest.

Council aims to ensure that all individuals regardless of their background have equal opportunities to participate in civic life, access resources and feel valued and respected. Prioritising inclusivity and actively engaging with diverse populations will lead to a stronger, more resilient community that values and celebrates its diversity. Council considers the assessment of how socially inclusive we are as fundamental to the provision of appropriate and well thought out services and infrastructure.

It is recognised that certain groups are often targeted in social justice efforts. These groups include

· Women

· Children, young people and older people

· People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, immigrants and refugees

· Members of the LGBTQIA+ Community

· People with disability and carers

· First Nations People

· People with low incomes

Trends within the Lane Cove local government area indicate:

· An increasingly culturally diverse population

· An increase in the number of lone person and family households

· Increasing mental health issues

· Increasing levels of self-harm, deaths from suicide amongst women

· Increased domestic violence related assaults, stalking, harassment and sexual offences against women

· Increasing levels of mental illness within children and young people.

· Increasing levels of racism

· Cost of living, mental health issues in all targeted communities

The purpose of the Social Inclusion Strategy is to create a document to support Council to respond to relevant challenges and guide its decision-making for a strong and inclusive Lane Cove.

Discussion

Consultants Judy Harwood and Margaret Kay were appointed as consultants to develop the strategy. The consultation plan included partnering with the Community Strategic Plan (CSP) to include Social Inclusion questions in their phone and online surveys. This was supported by a targeted paper survey, interviews and meetings with over 100 people.

How we consulted

Surveys

Community Conversations

Council conversations

Community Strategic Plan phone surveys – 400 respondents

Community Strategic Plan online survey - 217 completed

Social Inclusion Targeted Survey – 46 Respondents

71 Individual interviews

7 group meetings (70+ individuals)

Aboriginal Heritage Office

Lower North Shore Multicultural Network

41 key staff in Council

4 Community Strategic Plan workshop with 37 local residents

7 individual staff interviews

1 Councillor workshop

The consultants also researched current local, national and global trends to identify barriers to social inclusion as well as relevant goals from the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to help inform the Strategy.

From this work, three (3) focus areas for the Strategy emerged:

1. The community is connected and cohesive

a. Diversity is respected

b. Everyone is a unique individual with unique needs and preferences who are values and respected for who they are

c. Connection is important between neighbours, work colleagues, businesses and Council

2. Places and services are inclusive, accessible and safe

a. People feel supported to be visible as their true selves

b. People can find places and services to allow them to live their best lives

3. Council is an effective leader, influencer and collaborator

a. People have a voice to shape the things around them

b. Relationships are important

c. People see the Council sharing the community’s values.

These focus areas have been brought together into a Social Inclusion Strategy Roadmap which shows how Council can strengthen its current achievements and address the barriers to social inclusion in the longer term. The roadmap includes strategies that have emerged from the consultation and from an evidence base on trends. These have been aligned with the Community Strategic Plan Priorities so that social inclusion can become part of Council’s daily work.

The Draft Social Inclusion Strategy will be used for consultation purposes. As the Community Strategic Plan (CSP) is now under review changes to the CSP priorities may lead to strategies from the Social Inclusion Plan being re-aligned to match new CSP Priorities.

After consultation amendments will be added to the Strategy. The final version of the Social Inclusion Strategy will be submitted to Council for consideration and adoption at the June meeting.

Community Consultation

Statement of Intent

The public exhibition of t Lane Cove’s Draft Social Inclusion Strategy is part of our commitment to transparency and community engagement. Any comments received will be reviewed and evaluated to determine how to proceed with their inclusion in the final Plan.

Method

Level of Participation	Inform	Consult
Form of Participation	Open	Open
Target Audience	Whole Community	Whole Community
Proposed Medium	Website exhibition and eNewsletter	Public Exhibition, Website Exhibition and Survey
Indicative Timing	Late April – Early June	Late April – Early June

Conclusion

It is envisaged that the implementation of the Draft Social Inclusion Strategy will support Council in fostering an inclusive and equitable environment that responds to the diverse needs of all community members.

Council now seeks feedback from the community on the draft Social Inclusion Strategy

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. adopt, for the purpose of public exhibition, the Draft Social Inclusion Strategy;

2. undertake a community consultation between late April and early June 2025 as per the consultation plan outlined in the report; and

3. following public exhibition, the Draft Social Inclusion Strategy, together with a report on any submissions received, be considered at the June Ordinary Council Meeting.

Stephanie Kelly

Director - Community and Culture

Community and Culture Division

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View

Draft Social Inclusion Strategy

48 Pages

Available Electronically

Ordinary Council Meeting 24 April 2025

Traffic Committee - 18 March 2025

Item No: 12

Subject: Traffic Committee - 18 March 2025

Record No: SU1326 - 24614/25

Division: Open Space and Infrastructure Division

Author(s): Hasir Suhaib

Executive Summary

The Lane Cove Traffic Committee has met and provided recommendations for Council’s consideration. The attached Minutes include a summary of each item – it is recommended the March 2025 Minutes are adopted for implementation.

Background

The Lane Cove Traffic Committee is a requirement of Transport for NSW and is primarily a technical review committee, which provides advice to Council on matters referred to it by Council.

These matters must be related to prescribed traffic control devices and traffic control facilities for which Council has delegated authority.

The Committee has no decision-making powers, it makes recommendations for the Council to consider, but Council is not bound by the advice.

Discussion

The Lane Cove Traffic Committee Meeting was held on Tuesday 18 March 2025. The Agenda is included as AT-1. The Traffic Committee recommendations are shown in the Minutes of the meeting, included as AT-2.

Agenda Items were as follows:

1. Confirmation of Minutes of Traffic Committee – Tuesday 18 March 2024

2. Dorritt Street Between Longueville Road and Phoenix Street, Lane Cove - Installation Of Speed Cushions

3. Wardrop Street at Greenwich Road, Greenwich - Installation Of Marked Pedestrian Crossing

4. Regulatory Signposting and Linemarking

5. Christie Street – Installation of ‘No Stopping Council Vehicles Excepted’

6. Mindarie Street – Extension of ‘No Stopping’ zone

7. Mowbray Road Bend (Ralston St – Roslyn St)– Safety Improvements

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. Adopt the recommendations of the Lane Cove Traffic Committee Meeting held on Tuesday 18 March 2025.

Martin Terescenko

Director - Open Space and Infrastructure

Open Space and Infrastructure Division

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View	Agenda of Traffic Committee - Tuesday, 18 March 2025
AT‑2 View	Minutes of Traffic Committee - Tuesday, 18 March 2025

Ordinary Council Meeting 24 April 2025

Competitive Neutrality and Early Childhood Education in St Leonards

Item No: 13

Subject: Competitive Neutrality and Early Childhood Education in St Leonards

Record No: SU140 - 23623/25

Division: Community and Culture Division

Author(s): Stephanie Kelly

Executive Summary

In response to a Council resolution at the 18 October 2024 meeting, this report presents legal advice regarding the applicability of competitive neutrality principles to the operation of early childhood education services in the Lane Cove Local Government Area.

Pending receipt of this advice, the release of tender documents for the proposed Early Childhood Education Centre at 13–19 Canberra Avenue, St Leonards was placed on hold. This pause also allowed Council to reconsider its previous resolution from April 2024, which supported an externally operated model for the new centres.

The legal opinion, provided by Clayton Utz, confirms the position previously presented to Council that competitive neutrality obligations do apply to any new Council-operated early childhood education and care services. In light of this advice, Council officers recommend maintaining the original position and proceeding with the tender process to appoint an external provider to operate the new centres in St Leonards.

Background

As part of the St Leonards South planning framework, developments delivering around 2,000 new dwellings will also provide new community facilities, including two Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) centres.

At its meeting on 23 September 2023 Council resolved to:

1. Develop an early childhood education policy that identifies why Lane Cove Council is providing early childhood education services, what benefits Council is seeking to confer to the community (e.g. quality of care, affordability and accessibility, better conditions for workers etc.), as well as how Council can best provide early childhood education services in a way that is financially viable and resource-efficient.

2. Facilitate two sessions at the corporate planning weekend in 2024, to discuss:

a) The development of the early childhood education policy for Lane Cove Council. This discussion should seek to identify what council’s reasons and strategic goals are in offering early childhood education, what the capacity of our LGA is to provide these services and how this can best be achieved, and;

b) The management model for two pending early childhood education facilities in St Leonards South - with the issue to return for determination at a council meeting before June 2024.

3. Prepare a report as each council-owned but privately operated early childhood education facility contract expires or comes up for renewal, evaluating the current operating model and comparing it to a council-run model, using key strategic objectives and metrics which will be included in the Council’s early childhood education policy as the basis for the comparative report.

4. These reports are to be brought to council for consideration before new contracts or lease arrangements are agreed.

5. Council undertakes a review of the rental subsidies available to large not-for-profit entities such as the Kindergarten Union.

Discussions were held at the Corporate Planning weekend in January 2024 including the models for management for the St Leonards facilities.

A follow up report was presented to Council in 18 April 2024 which recommended that Council:-

1. Commence work on a Children and Families Strategy to be presented for adoption in the 2024-25 financial year.

2. Prepare a tender for the operation of the Early Childhood Centre 13-19 Canberra Ave, St Leonards.

3. Receive a report on the outcomes of the tender process at the appropriate time.

A further resolution was passed in October 2024 to halt this process and seek advice on the applicability of competitive neutrality principles and whether it is applicable to Early Childhood Education and Care facilities. It resolved that Council:

1. Seek independent advice on the applicability of competitive neutrality principles to the operation of early childhood education facilities in the Lane Cove LGA, with a view to determining whether we are constrained by this principle, or if we have broader discretion.

2. Provide a report with this independent advice to a council workshop for further discussion on the capability of council to provide affordable childcare facilities for local families.

3. Table the independent advice at a council meeting for consideration.

4. Delay the release of the tender documents for the operation of the Early Childhood Centre at 13-19 Canberra Ave, St Leonards until points 1 - 3 have been completed.

Discussion

Council resolved to seek independent advice on the relevance of competitive neutrality principles to the operation of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services within the Local Government Area (LGA). The objective was to clarify whether Council is constrained by these principles or retains discretion to operate facilities with broader social intent. An opinion was received from Clayton Utz Partners Bruce Lloyd and Sian Ooi who have expertise and practice in this field.

In summary they concluded that:

“In our opinion, for the reasons explained below, competitive neutrality principles apply to the provision of ECE services within the Lane Cove LGA as the turnover from those activities exceeds $2m per annum. We recommend the Council resolves to adhere to the obligations imposed by the competitive neutrality principles in its provision and operation of ECE services. We expect that this will include establishing the competitively neutral price by identifying the costs of undertaking the activity and identifying and adjusting for any net advantages that arise from government ownership.”

Further, point three of the October 2024 resolution requested that the advice be tabled at a dedicated workshop for internal discussion which took place on 14 April 2025 and subsequently presented at a full Council meeting. The full legal opinion can be found in Attachment 1.

Three service delivery models were considered for the new facilities in St Leonards:

1. Tender to a Private Provider – This option would engage a commercial operator under lease, offering Council limited involvement in day-to-day operations.

2. Tender to a Not-for-Profit Organisation – This model allows for socially driven service provision, with potential access to additional grants and community programs.

3. Council-Operated Service – This would require direct management, additional staffing, and increased resourcing from Council. While offering the greatest control, it also presents the highest financial and operational risks.

A summary table exploring these models is included below.

Option	Contribution to Council	Costs to Council	Risk	Quality average	Benefits for the Child
Private Sector Provider	A private operator provides strong rental returns to Council. Based on valuations for similar sized centres, the return on two centres would likely exceed $334,185 per year. Improved sustainability due to adaptability to changes and market forces.	Zero, Revenue of $334,185 p.a. would be received	Low	Meeting	Child experience similar as quality and standards managed by government
Not-for-Profit Provider	The financial contribution paid is less than private/Council operator. Based on valuations for similar sized centres, the return would likely exceed $67,000 per year. Lower rental cost and so more reinvestment in the child. Improved sustainability due to adaptability to changes and market forces.	$267,348 (the 80% leases subsidy) lost in revenue and the opportunity cost	Low	Exceeding	Child experience similar as quality and standards managed by government. Statistically, they are more likely to exceed quality standards in Lane Cove.
Council run services	The cost must be contained to the centre. Rent will be $300,000pa to demonstrate competitive neutrality. Additional administrative burden to Council, estimated at 2 FTE per Centre.	Opportunity cost.	Medium	Meeting	Child experience similar as quality and standards managed by government

The cost to Council to provide a direct service Early Childhood Education Centre in St Leonards will be is higher than the cost of external management. This is primarily due to the need to support competitive neutrality principles by charging market rent for the new spacesand avoiding any Council subsidy of the service. This would be amplified by the higher staff costs attributable to the Local Government Award which is higher than the Federal Award. Council will need to increase the number of staff in the established administration to support an expanded Early Childhood Education Service, including a service manager, human resources, payroll/accounts staff and other related internal services. The projected fees will likely be in the upper quadrant of fees charged in the LGA. Although current Government subsidies are high and provide up to eighty percent of fees there are still disincentives and challenges for Council to charge excessively higher fees than the local competition.

It is recommended that Council pursue an external management model for the new St Leonards facility. Education is not a core competency of local government, and leveraging the expertise of qualified operators will ensure high-quality service delivery while minimising risk to Council.

Outsourcing operations via lease in St Leonards allows Council to:

· Draw on sector experience and responsiveness to changing regulations

· Avoid the financial and operational burdens of direct management

· Maintain a strong focus on quality through a well-designed tender process

· Redirect resources into broader community programs that benefit more families

Council would retain ownership of the facility and establish clear expectations through lease agreements.

To ensure public value and service quality are maintained, Council should assess potential leaseholders based on the following metrics:

· Achievement of ACECQA standards

· Quality ratings and compliance with staffing ratios

· Financial health and operational sustainability

· Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) compliance

· Community engagement and partnerships

· Parent feedback and satisfaction

· Robust lease conditions and performance review mechanisms

Council does not need to provide direct services to deliver benefits to local families. Opting for an external provider allows Council to prioritise support through play equipment and programs, specialist education through play, open space programs, libraries and bushcare. This strategic alignment ensures that services cater to the needs of all children within the community, not just those enrolled in council-provided care. Financially, this arrangement allows the Council to support a broad program of educational support for all children, enhancing community welfare.

External Early Childhood Education providers often have a single focus on early years education, allowing for greater efficiencies and expertise in children’s service provision. Partnering with external providers could elevate quality standards if Council select those specialising in early childhood education and prioritising quality results. Supporting the delivery of early childhood education facilities helps meet the demand for places and equitable access to quality childcare services regardless of who delivers the education, as the National Quality Standards and curriculum mean that the programs across providers are very similar. The not-for-profit sector in early education has a strong track record for providing exceeding quality care in the LGA and nationally. A private provider offers financial advantages for Council, with funding being returned to general revenue and low asset maintenance costs. Overall, selecting a private provider offers a cost-effective, efficient, and strategic approach to early childhood education service provision.

The next steps in the process would be for Council to call for tenders for an experienced operator. Given construction is currently underway for one of these centres the tender process should start as soon as possible to ensure that the centre is opened at the same time as the residential building in early 2026.

Conclusion

The development of two Early Childhood Education and Care facilities at St Leonards offers significant community value. However, for the initiative to be successful and sustainable, it is essential that Council choose a delivery model aligned with its capabilities and strategic priorities.

Leasing the facility to an experienced operator represents the most effective path forward—ensuring quality education, prudent financial management, and broad community benefit.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. Commence the tender process for the operation of the Early Childhood Centre at 13-19 Canberra Ave, St Leonards;

2. Receive a report on the outcomes of the tender process at the appropriate time;

3. Prepare a tender for the operation of the Early Childhood Education and Care Facility once this facility nears completion and report back to Council.

Stephanie Kelly

Director - Community and Culture

Community and Culture Division

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View

Letter to Lane Cove Council on Competitive Neutrality by Clayton Utz

5 Pages

Available Electronically

Ordinary Council Meeting 24 April 2025

Councillor Meetings with Registered Lobbyists and Property Developers Policy

Item No: 14

Subject: Councillor Meetings with Registered Lobbyists and Property Developers Policy

Record No: SU6840 - 19770/25

Division: Lane Cove Council

Author(s): Stephen Golding

Executive Summary

The purpose of this report is to present a draft Councillor Meetings with Registered Lobbyists and Property Developers Policy (AT-1) in accordance with Council Resolution 119/24 for Council’s consideration and adopting for the purpose of public exhibition.

Background

At the Ordinary Council Meeting of 20 June 2024, it was resolved, Resolution 119/24, that Council:

1. Develop a policy and procedure by which Lane Cove Councillors be required to publicly disclose and keep a record of their meetings with property developers and registered lobbyists on Council’s website, using the City of Sydney policy and procedure as a guide, that has regard to:

a) documenting meetings with proponents.

b) generally conducting meetings in official locations such as council premises.

c) having other people present during meetings.

d) inviting applicants who have approached them for a meeting to discuss a significant development to write to Council seeking a meeting with all Councillors and relevant staff.

e) providing copies of information presented during lobbying meetings to Council Officers for consideration and assessment (if required), distribution to other Councillors and filing as part of Council’s records.

f) asking people who have requested a meeting to put their arguments in writing.

g) making a declaration at a council meeting about lobbying activities they have been engaged in that are not part of Council’s formal processes.

h) including a process to formally record any formal Council process that involved a meeting with a developer or lobbyist.

i) official definitions of registered lobbyist and developer.

2. Report back with a draft policy and procedure for public consultation

Discussion

Council has prepared a draft Councillor Meetings with Registered Lobbyists and Property Developers Policy (AT-1) in accordance with the above resolution. This policy includes detailed procedures that outline general conduct, meeting documentation, training requirements, compliance obligations, roles and responsibilities, and the consultation process with the governing body and relevant staff.

A Councillor Record of Meeting Request with Registered Lobbyists and Property Developers Disclosure Form (AT-2) and a Councillor Quarterly Disclosure Report of Meetings with Registered Lobbyists and Property Developers Form (AT-3) have also been developed to support the policy’s reporting obligations

Whilst this policy does not apply to meetings organised by Council staff, disclosures of such meetings will also be published on Council’s website on a quarterly basis utilising the Quarterly Disclosure Report of Councillor attended Meetings with Registered Lobbyists and Property Developers arranged by Council Staff form.(AT-4)

Community Consultation

Statement of Intent

The consultation is designed to elicit any feedback members of our community may have on the matter and report that feedback back to Council for its consideration.

Method

Level of Participation	Inform	Consult
Form of Participation	Open	Open
Target Audience	Lane Cove Community and community groups	Lane Cove Community
Proposed Medium	eNewsletter	Public Exhibition and Website Exhibition
Indicative Timing	Late April to early June 2025	Late April to early June 2025

Conclusion

As resolved by Council it is recommended that the draft Councillor Meetings with Registered Lobbyists and Property Developers Policy undergo community consultation.

A report on the outcomes of community consultation will be provided to Council for consideration at a future Council meeting.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. endorses the Draft Policy for the purposes of public exhibition;

2. undertakes community consultation for a period of six (6) weeks as per the consultation

plan outlined in this report; and

3. following the public exhibition period, the Draft - Councillor Meetings with Registered Lobbyists and Property Developers Policy, together with a report on any submissions received and any proposed amendments, be considered at the Ordinary Council meeting to be held in July 2025.

Steven Kludass

Acting General Manager

General Managers Unit

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View	DRAFT - Policy-CS- 17 Councillor Meetings with Registered Lobbyists and Property Developers Policy	4 Pages	Available Electronically
AT‑2 View	Draft - Councillor Record of Meeting Request with Registered Lobbyists and Property Developers Disclosure Form	2 Pages	Available Electronically
AT‑3 View	Draft - Councillor Quarterly Disclosure Report of Meetings with Registered Lobbyists and Property Developers Form	1 Page	Available Electronically
AT‑4 View	Draft - Quarterly Disclosure Report of Councillor Attended Meetings with Registered Lobbyists and Property Developers arranged by Council Staff Form	1 Page	Available Electronically

Ordinary Council Meeting 24 April 2025

Internal Audit Function - Shared Service Agreement

Subject: Internal Audit Function - Shared Service Agreement

Record No: SU740 - 23923/25

Division: General Managers Unit

Author(s): Steven Kludass

Executive Summary

The purpose of this report is to note the existing Internal Audit Function - Shared Service Agreement is coming to an end and that a new Draft Agreement has been developed with input from member councils with a view that it will take effect 1 July 2025.

Background

The arrangement for a shared Internal Audit Function has been in place across Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (NSROC) since 2009. (Strathfield Council has been a member in this arrangement since 2018).

Under this agreement, member councils have a shared independent and objective internal audit function that provides internal audit services to each council in alignment with the requirements outlined under the Risk Management and Internal Audit Guidelines 2023.

The shared agreement enables the councils to leverage their combined purchasing power to gain efficiency and obtain shared learnings that contributes to improvements at each member council.

The shared internal audit function was hosted by Ku-ring-gai Council until mid-October 2023 and since then by NSROC.

Under the internal audit function shared service arrangement, an experienced Head of Internal audit (employed by NSROC) acts as the Head of Internal Audit for each member Council. The Head of Internal Audit works closely with stakeholders at each member Council and each member Council’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) to make sure that the internal audit services delivered are of high quality, meet each Council and its ARIC’s needs, complies with the requirements of the Office of Local Government (OLG) Risk Management and Internal Audit Guidelines (the Guidelines) and internal audit standards.

Member councils have agreed that each member Council except Hunter’s Hill Council is to have six audits each year under this arrangement. Hunter’s Hill Council has agreed that it will have four audits each year.

Costs of the internal audit shared service are shared proportionately by member councils in an agreed ratio tied to the number of agreed audits.

Under this arrangement, the delivery of internal audits is carried out, under oversight by the Head of Internal Audit, by a panel of outsourced service providers who are engaged by NSROC through a tender process that complies with local government rules and regulations. The provider panel is managed by the Head of Internal Audit. The Head of Internal Audit undertakes internal audit planning and all other ancillary activities for the internal audit function.

The General Managers of member councils meet at least annually to review how the shared service arrangement is operating.

Discussion

Council ARICs and senior stakeholders are satisfied with this agreement and the shared services internal audit function’s operations as indicated by the positive responses to the annual internal audit function survey carried out in July 2024 and as reinforced in the General Managers meeting with Internal Audit Shared Services in April 2025.

The operation of the agreement is reviewed by General Managers every five years and the agreement is updated if required. It was agreed that the agreement required updating to align with new risk management and internal audit guidelines and updated shared service hosting arrangements.

An updated draft agreement was reviewed and endorsed by General Managers at a meeting of General Managers of member councils on 2 April 2025.

This timing of this agreement update is also aligned with a procurement tender being undertaken by NSROC to refresh the panel of service providers as the current provider contracts expire on 30 June 2025.

The tender seeks to appoint a panel of firms for a three year period with an option to extend by a further two year period. The tender closed on 28 March 2025 and the evaluation panel will meet to assess the tender submission and make recommendations by the end of April 2025. Following agreed approval processes, NSROC will enter into panel contracts with the successful provider firms. The pricing across the life of the contract is expected to remain stable for each firm and allows for limited indexation.

A copy of the Draft Agreement has been distributed to Councillors separately.

Financial Implications

The cost contribution to the shared service internal audit function is within the annual budget and agreed each year with each member Council. The provisional internal audit budget for 2025/26 is up to $170K (catering for 6 internal audits per year) for each member Council, except for Hunter’s Hill Council whose provisional budget for 2025/26 (catering for 4 internal audits per year) is up to $102K.

Council has sufficient funds allocated in the Draft 2025/26 Budget for this purpose.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council receive and note this report and endorse the Draft Agreement – Internal Audit Shared Service Agreement.

Steven Kludass

Acting General Manager

General Managers Unit

ATTACHMENTS:

There are no supporting documents for this report.

Ordinary Council Meeting 24 April 2025

Advisory Committees - Expression of Interest process for additional members

Item No: 16

Subject: Advisory Committees - Expression of Interest process for additional members

Record No: SU827 - 23485/25

Division: Corporate and Strategy Division

Author(s): Lorie Parkinson

Executive Summary

Council operates various targeted advisory committees which facilitate Council and community engagement on specific topics on a regular basis. Community members for the 2024-2028 advisory committees were sought via a broad Expression of Interest (EOI) process in November and December 2024. Recently, during the preparation and conduct of initial committee meetings in March and April 2025, it has been identified that it would be beneficial to seek additional committee members for certain committees.

This report identifies the committees with vacancies and proposes that nominations be sought via another EOI process.

The report also recommends appointing four additional members to the Sporting Club Advisory Committee.

Background

At the Council meeting of 24 October 2024, Council determined the advisory committees for the 2024-2028 council term and resolved to conduct an expression of interest (EOI) process to identify community members to participate on these committees. The EOI process occurred for six weeks during November and December 2024, with 87 nominations being received for 10 committees.

At its meeting on 20 February 2025, Council resolved to accept the recommended nominees and make appointments to the various advisory committees.

Discussion

While planning and conducting the initial advisory committee meetings, it has been identified that it would be beneficial to fill the vacancies that either remained after the first EOI process or occurred due to non-acceptance or early resignations.

The table below shows the committee vacancies that are proposed to be filled, and the proposed process to do this.

Committee name	Details of vacancies	Proposed process to fill vacancies.
Access and Age-Friendly Advisory Committee	Up to two representatives from non-profit organisations providing services that improve access and inclusion to residents of the Lane Cove area	EOI for the identified vacancies
Bushland Management Advisory Committee	One community member One Lane Cove Bushcare group member	EOI for the identified vacancies
Companion Animal Advisory Committee	Cat owner from East Ward Dog owner from East or West Ward Veterinary professional Non animal owner	EOI for the identified vacancies
Festival Advisory Committee	The committee charter provides for five to twelve members - there are currently six.	EOI for the identified vacancies
Inclusive Communities Committee	Three representatives from non-profit organisations or service providers working with disadvantaged or under-represented communities in Lane Cove.	EOI for the identified vacancies
Public Art Advisory Committee	The committee charter provides for ten community members - there are currently three.	EOI for the identified vacancies
Sporting Club Advisory Committee	The committee charter provides for representation from clubs that use Council sporting fields. Nominations have been received from Greenwich Sports Club, Lane Cove Old Ignatians Rugby Football Club, Lane Cove Junior Rugby Union and Lane Cove West Football Club.	Appointment of Frank Hammersley (Greenwich SC), Graeme Priddy (Old Ignatians Rugby) as alternate Matthew Brownie (LC Junior Rugby) Cormac Begley (LC West Football)

It is proposed that the EOI process occur during May and June 2025, and be communicated via the following:

· Council’s website (on the Have Your Say and Committees pages),

· Council’s Facebook page,

· E-Newsletters to Council’s various newsletter subscribers; and

· Direct communication with relevant and/or interested parties.

Following the EOI process, Council’s Selection Committee will provide recommendations on committee appointments to the next Council meeting.

Conclusion

Council’s advisory committees provide a structured opportunity for interested and knowledgeable members of the local community to engage with Council and provide advice to assist Council planning and decision making.

During the recent preparation and conduct of initial advisory committee meetings for the new Council term, it has become apparent that it would be beneficial to try to fill the vacant committee positions. This report outlines the committees with current vacancies and recommends initiating an Expression of Interest (EOI) process to attract additional nominees. It also recommends the appointment of four new members to the Sporting Club Advisory Committee.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. Call for expressions of interest for members for the following advisory committees

a) Access and Age-Friendly Advisory Committee,

b) Bushland Management Advisory Committee,

c) Companion Animal Advisory Committee,

d) Festival Advisory Committee,

e) Inclusive Communities Committee,

f) Public Art Advisory Committee; and

2. Appoint Frank Hammersley, Graeme Priddy, Matthew Brownie and Cormac Begley to the Sporting Club Advisory Committee.

Stephen Golding

Acting Director - Corporate and Strategy

Lane Cove Council

ATTACHMENTS:

There are no supporting documents for this report.

AT‑1 View	Council Snapshot March 2025	40 Pages	Available Electronically
AT‑2 View	Council Resolution Tracker for April 2025 Council Meeting	25 Pages	Available Electronically