Minutes
Ordinary Council Meeting
24 April 2025, 7:00 PM
All minutes are subject to confirmation at a subsequent
meeting and may be amended by resolution at that meeting.
Minutes
Ordinary Council Meeting
24 April 2025, 7:00 PM
All minutes are subject to confirmation at a subsequent
meeting and may be amended by resolution at that meeting.
PRESENT: Councillor Southwood (Mayor), Councillor Bennison, Councillor Bryla, Councillor Flood, Councillor Greenwell, Councillor Kennedy (online), Councillor Little (online), Councillor Roenfeldt and Councillor Taylor.
ALSO PRESENT: Acting General Manager, Acting Director - Corporate Services and Strategy, Director - Planning and Sustainability, Director - Community and Culture, Director - Open Spaces and Infrastructure, Executive Officer to the General Manager and Minute Taker.
Apologies
Nil
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:
Councillor Kennedy declared a significant non-pecuniary interest in Item 10 – Community Assistance Grants 2025-2026, as she is a co-founder and on the board of the Sydney Library of Things Inc. Councillor Kennedy will leave the meeting and not debate or vote on this item.
Councillor Southwood declared an interest in Item 5 – Planning Proposal 41, 177-183 Greenwich Road, Greenwich. On 3 November 2024, she purchased an art work from an artist exhibiting works as part of the Greenwich Art Trail. The artist may have a financial interest in the above development. Councillor Southwood does not have a pecuniary interest in the matter under consideration and does not have a close friendship or business relationship with the artist referred to above. For this reason Councillor Southwood considers that she has a less than significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 5 and will debate and vote on this item.
Councillor Taylor declared a less than significant, non-pecuniary conflict of interest in Item 1 – Notice of Motion – Review of Traffic Management concerns in the St Leonards precinct and Item 13 – Competitive Neutrality and Early Childhood Education in St Leonards as he is employed by a large early learning school in St Leonards. He will remain in the Chambers and vote on both items.
Councillor Bryla declared a significant, non-pecuniary interest in Item 10 – Community Assistance Grants 2025-2026, as she is a Director on the Lane Cove Retirement Village Board and she will leave the Chambers and not vote on this item.
Councillor Greenwell declared a less than significant, non-pecuniary conflict of interest in Item 6 – Status of the Dog Strategy 2021 Actions, as she owns a pet care business. Councillor Greenwell will remain in the Chamber and vote on this item.
Councillor Roenfeldt declared a significant, non-pecuniary conflict of interest in Item 10 – Community Assistance Grants 2025-2026, as he is a Director on the Lane Cove Retirement Village Board and he will leave the Chamber and not vote on this item.
Councillor Bennison declared a significant, pecuniary conflict of interest in Item 10 – Community Assistance Grants 2025-2026, as he is an auditor of the Longueville Sporting Club. He will leave the Chamber and not vote on this Item.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
The Mayor gave an acknowledgement of Country.
Minute of Silence for Reflection or Prayer
The Mayor gave notice of a minute of silence for reflection or prayer.
WEBCASTING OF COUNCIL MEETING
The Mayor advised those present that the Meeting was being webcast.
PUBLIC FORUM
Online
1. Simon Rowe of Greenwich, in relation to Item 5 – Planning Proposal 41 – 177-183 Greenwich Road, Greenwich,
2. Megan Harper of Yarraville, Victoria, in relation to Item 4 – Proposed VPA for 2-10 Finlayson Street, Lane Cove,
In Person
3. Gordon Dingwell of Lane Cove, in relation to proposed development on 8 Finlayson Street, Lane Cove – DA 152/2024,
4. Priscilla Tran, on behalf of Sydney Anglican Property, in relation to Item 4 – Proposed VPA for 2-10 Finlayson Street, Lane Cove,
5. Tom Goode of Traders in Purple in relation to Item 4 – Proposed VPA for 2-10 Finlayson Street, Lane Cove,
6. Dr Margaret Harper of Lane Cove, in relation to Item 4 – Proposed VPA for 2-10 Finlayson Street, Lane Cove,
7. Warren Cox of Lane Cove, in relation to Item 4 – Proposed VPA for 2-10 Finlayson Street, Lane Cove,
8. Dan Keary of Keylan Consulting, in relation to Item 5 – Planning Proposal 41 – 177-183 Greenwich Road, Greenwich,
9. Dr Timothy Brighton of Lane Cove, in relation to Item 4 – Proposed VPA for 2-10 Finlayson Street, Lane Cove,
10. Stephen Curley, of Northwood, secretary of Northwood Action Group, in relation to Bob Campbell Oval,
11. Deborah Hart of St Leonard, in relation to Item 7 – Planning Proposal 40 – 2 Marshall Ave, St Leonards,
12. Richard Muller of Greenwich, in relation to council facilities and Item 5 – 177-183 Greenwich Road, Greenwich,
13. Jyotsna Field of Greenwich, in relation to Item 5 – Planning Proposal 41 – 177-183 Greenwich Road, Greenwich
14. Randi Lapham of Lane Cove, in relation to Item 4 – Proposed VPA for 2-10 Finlayson Street, Lane Cove,
15. David Cook of Northwood, representing the LCM Churches, in relation to Item 4 – Proposed VPA for 2-10 Finlayson Street, Lane Cove,
16. Peter Schofield on behalf of St Andrews Church (LCM Churches), in relation to Item 4 – Proposed VPA for 2-10 Finlayson Street, Lane Cove,
17. Michelle Casiglia, President of Lane Cove Concert Band, in relation to Item 4 – Proposed VPA for 2-10 Finlayson Street, Lane Cove,
18. Philip Arnold representing Lane Cove Youth Orchestra, in relation to Item 4 – Proposed VPA for 2-10 Finlayson Street, Lane Cove, particularly the proposed Auditorium/ Performance space,
19. Cathy Chien of Greenwich, representing the 171-175 Greenwich Road, Greenwich Owners Corporation in relation to Item 5 – Planning Proposal 41, 177-183 Greenwich Road, Greenwich,
20. Emma Ellis of Traders in Purple, in relation to Item 4 – Proposed VPA for 2-10 Finlayson Street, Lane Cove,
21. Tom Lawson of Greenwich, in relation to Item 5 – Planning Proposal 41 – 177-183 Greenwich Road, Greenwich,
22. Don Murchison of Greenwich, in relation to River Road and Sports & Recreation Centre, and prioritising safe access as per the Community Strategic Plan,
23. Jacky Barker of Lane Cove, in relation to Item 2 – Protecting Bushland and Local Infrastructure during the development of Data Centres, and Item 10 – Community Assistance Grants 2025-2026,
24. Craig Hendricks of St Leonards, in relation to property purchases and development in St Leonards,
25. Ann (surname not provided) of Lane Cove, in relation to Item 4 – Proposed VPA for 2-10 Finlayson Street, Lane Cove,
26. Anita Thommesen of Lane Cove, in relation to Item 4 – Proposed VPA for 2-10 Finlayson Street, Lane Cove,
27. Mary Edwards of Lane Cove, in relation to Item 4 – Proposed VPA for 2-10 Finlayson Street, Lane Cove,
28. Rebecca Chan of Lane Cove, in relation to Item 4 – Proposed VPA for 2-10 Finlayson Street, Lane Cove, and
29. Donald Halter of Lane Cove, in relation to Item 4 – Proposed VPA for 2-10 Finlayson Street, Lane Cove.
Written Submissions
1. Chris Butters, President Lane Cove Music, in relation to Item 4 – Proposed VPA for 2-10 Finlayson Street, Lane Cove and DA 152/2024, 2-10 Finlayson Street, Lane Cove,
2. Shauna Forrest on behalf of Lane Cove Bushland and Conservation Society, in relation to Item 2 – Notice of Motion, Protecting Bushland and Local Infrastructure during the development of Data Centres, and Item 5 – Planning Proposal 41 – 177-183 Greenwich Road, Greenwich,
3. Lynne McLoughlin of Lane Cove in relation to Item 2 – Notice of Motion, Protecting Bushland and Local Infrastructure during the development of Data Centres, and Item 5 – Planning Proposal 41 – 177-183 Greenwich Road, Greenwich,
4. Jennifer Schneller of Northwood, in relation to Item 5 – Planning Proposal 41 – 177-183 Greenwich Road, Greenwich, and
5. David and Cathy Chien of Greenwich, in relation to Item 5 – Planning Proposal 41 – 177-183 Greenwich Road, Greenwich.
Councillor Bennison left the meeting, the time being 07:58 PM
Councillor Bennison returned to the meeting, the time being 08:02 PM
Councillor Taylor left the meeting, the time being 08:10 PM
Councillor Taylor returned to the meeting, the time being 08:13 PM
Councillor Bryla left the meeting, the time being 08:21 PM
Councillor Bryla returned to the meeting, the time being 08:22 PM
Councillor Flood left the meeting, the time being 08:24 PM
Councillor Flood returned to the meeting, the time being 08:28 PM
Councillor Bennison foreshadowed a Motion for Item 4 – Proposed VPA for 2-10 Finlayson St – Post Consultation Report.
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Item 4 Proposed Voluntary Planning Agreement for 2-10 Finlayson St - Post Consultation report |
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Foreshadowed Motion |
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Councillor Bennison put forward the following Foreshadowed Motion which was seconded by Councillor Roenfeldt. That Council : 1. reject the VPA on the grounds that it is not a good deal for Lane Cove. 2. that the acting General Manager be authorised to speak with the applicant asking for a better deal that would include 50% of total available times for Thursday, Friday and Saturday 3. that as part of the discussion, the acting General Manager offers our Synergy venue to accommodate their Youth Group on Saturdays, and suggest that their band practice be moved to Tuesday. 4. that the acting GM report back to the May 2025 Council meeting on the success or not on negotiations. |
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Foreshadowed Motion |
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Councillor Southwood put forward the following Foreshadowed Motion. That Council : 1. receives and notes the report, and 2. does not enter into a Voluntary Planning Agreement with the Developer in respect of the development at 2-10 Finlayson Street, Lane Cove. |
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This Foreshadowed Motion was not considered as Council agreed on Councillor Bennison’s Foreshadowed Motion with amendments. |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Bennison and seconded by Councillor Roenfeldt that Council: 1. reject the VPA on the grounds that it is not a good deal for Lane Cove, 2. authorise the acting General Manager to speak with the applicant asking for a better deal that would include: 50% of total available times for Thursday, Friday and Saturday; that the parking allocated to the auditorium be consistent with the requirements of Council’s Development Control Plan; that there be an option of a shuttle bus to and from the performance space; and that Council determine the nature of performances and community group access during Council’s time, 3. that as part of the discussion, the acting General Manager offers our Synergy venue to accommodate Youth Group on Saturdays, and suggests that band practice be moved to Tuesday; and 4. that the acting General Manager report back to the June 2025 Council meeting on the success or otherwise in relation to the negotiations. |
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For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9). Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0). |
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Item 5 Planning Proposal 41 - 177-183 Greenwich Road, Greenwich |
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Councillor Bennison put forward the following Motion which was seconded by Councillor Roenfeldt 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 |
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Foreshadowed Motion |
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Councillor Southwood put forward the following Foreshadowed Motion. That having considered the advice of the Lane Cove Local Planning Panel meeting of 25 March 2025, Council: 1. receives and notes the advice provided by the Local Planning Panel; and 2. defers a decision on the Planning Proposal pending; a) submission to Council of a proposed Voluntary Planning Agreement in respect of the ongoing management of the C2 land proposed to be transferred to Council and, and if so resolved by Council after submission of the Voluntary Planning Agreement, community consultation about the Voluntary Planning Agreement followed by a report to Council on the community consultation; b) provision to Council of a full length cross section of the potential building envelope on existing topography; and c) clarification of whether the disconnect between height and FSR in the LEP could have been addressed by way of a housekeeping amendment. |
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This Foreshadowed Motion was not considered as Council agreed on the Motion with amendments.
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Bennison and seconded by Councillor Roenfeldt 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; and 5. use the letter of offer as the basis of a VPA which will be returned to Council for discussion and agreement prior to gazettal of the LEP amendment. |
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For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9). Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0). |
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Item 1 Notice of Motion - Review of traffic management concerns in the St Leonards Precinct |
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The following Motion was proposed by Councillor Taylor and seconded by Councillor Southwood. 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) unsafe 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; and 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. |
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AMENDMENT An amended motion was moved by Councillor Roenfeldt and seconded by Councillor Little. That: 2. 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 the need for safer integration of active transport users including cyclists and e-bike riders through appropriate infrastructure and management of shared bikes to ensure safety for all road users, l) other areas of concern identified by Council; and m) opportunities to enhance sustainable transport infrastructure in the precinct, including safer intersections, improved footpaths and crossing, separated cycle paths, and better connections to public transport, in alignment with Council's Community Strategic Plan, 3. 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; and 4. 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. |
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Upon being put to the Meeting the Amendment was declared lost. For the Motion were Councillors Kennedy, Little and Roenfeldt (Total 3). Against the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell and Taylor (Total 6). |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Taylor and seconded by Councillor Southwood 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) unsafe 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. |
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For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9). Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0). |
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Item 2 Notice of Motion - Protecting bushland and local infrastructure during the development of Data Centres |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Flood and seconded by Councillor Bryla 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, noting that their State Significant Development designation was intended to be interim when introduced in June of 2021 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 and environment from any such hazards, g) that all local environmental factors being adequately addressed by the applicant – tree loss, bushland, view impacts, stormwater and noise, h) applicants submit a lighting impact assessment or light spill report that evaluates the impact of a building's lighting on surrounding areas, specifically focusing on light spill. The assessment should analyse how artificial lighting from the building affects nearby properties, sensitive environments, and the night sky, i) to mitigate the damage to Council / resident property caused by applicant works, that Council has a legal right to recover from the applicant for any damage caused. 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; and 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. |
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For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9). Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0). |
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Item 3 Notice of Motion - Retain ownership of 4B Herbert Street St Leonards as Public Land |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Flood and seconded by Councillor Bryla: 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 the amendment passed at Council Meeting 22 August 2024 should be complied with, which stipulates that; “Any Government owned sites in the TOD precinct should include the requirement that all residential development deliver 100% social or affordable housing. At a bare minimum, the government must keep their commitment to deliver 30% social, affordable and universal housing on surplus government land”, with particular consideration for proximity of RNS hospital and TAFE for key workers. |
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For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9). Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0). |
Officer Reports for Determination
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Item 7 Planning Proposal 40 - 2 Marshall Avenue, St Leonards |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Bryla and seconded by Councillor Flood that Council: 1. receives, notes and endorses the advice of the Local Planning Panel; and 2. not support Planning Proposal 40 as it lacks strategic and site-specific merit. |
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For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 8). Against the Motion was Councillor Bryla (Total 1). |
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Item 6 Status of the Dog Strategy 2021 Actions |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Southwood and seconded by Councillor Greenwell that Council receive and note the report. |
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For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9). Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0). |
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Item 9 2025/26 Draft Budget, Fees and Charges, Delivery Program and Operational Plan, Resourcing Strategy and associated Resource Plans |
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The following Motion was proposed by Councillor Bennison and seconded by Councillor Roenfeldt. 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. |
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AMENDMENT An Amendment was proposed by Councillor Kennedy and seconded by Councillor Southwood. 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; 3. during the public exhibition period, Council staff revisit the draft budget and explore alternate ways in which further savings could be made or additional funding sources identified to reduce the forecast deficit and report back to Council with findings prior to the adoption of the 2025/2026 Budget. 4. for transparency, to itemise separately, and also in any future budgets, externally managed council revenue and revenue required to be so itemised for compliance purposes. 5. noting that Council has previously responded to the LGNSW Cost Shifting Report, published November 2023 (https://lgnsw.org.au/Public/Public/Advocacy/Cost-shifting.aspx) and more recently in February 2025 in relation to the LGNSW 2023/24 Cost Shifting Survey, that letters be sent to relevant government bodies highlighting the financial challenges to local government caused by cost shifting, rate-pegging and cost increases, and, once again, highlight that the State Emergency Levy should be fully funded by State Govt; 6. in the interest of accountability in the expenditure of Council funds, that Ward Funds be allocated to an internal reserve for unfunded minor capital works and that moving forward, Councillors request the utilisation of these funds through the transparent process of a Notice of Motion. |
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Parts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 were accepted by Councillor Bennison and included in the Motion. |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Kennedy and seconded by Councillor Southwood that Parts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 be considered together and part 6 be considered separately. |
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For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9). Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0). |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Bennison and seconded by Councillor Roenfeldt 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. that during the public exhibition period, Council staff revisit the draft budget and explore alternate ways in which further savings could be made or additional funding sources identified to reduce the forecast deficit and report back to Council with findings prior to the adoption of the 2025/2026 Budget. 4. that for transparency, to itemise separately, and also in any future budgets, externally managed council revenue and revenue required to be so itemised for compliance purposes. 5. noting that Council has previously responded to the LGNSW Cost Shifting Report, published November 2023 (https://lgnsw.org.au/Public/Public/Advocacy/Cost-shifting.aspx) and more recently in February 2025 in relation to the LGNSW 2023/24 Cost Shifting Survey, that letters be sent to relevant government bodies highlighting the financial challenges to local government caused by cost shifting, rate-pegging and cost increases, and, once again, highlight that the State Emergency Levy should be fully funded by State Govt; |
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For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9). Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0). |
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Motion moved by Councillor Kennedy and seconded by Councillor Southwood regarding the inclusion of Part 6 below. That: 6. in the interest of accountability in the expenditure of Council funds, that Ward Funds be allocated to an internal reserve for unfunded minor capital works and that moving forward, Councillors request the utilisation of these funds through the transparent process of a Notice of Motion. |
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Upon being put to the Meeting the Motion was declared lost. For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bryla, Flood and Kennedy (Total 4). Against the Motion were Councillors Bennison, Greenwell, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 5). |
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RECOMMENDATION That Council: 1. approve the recommended Community Assistance Grants for 2025-2026 to Community Groups, those being; a) Centrehouse Inc (Gallery Lane Cove) - Placemaking b) Empowering Parents In Crisis (EPIC) c) Hughes Park Community Garden d) Lane Cove Community Bands e) Lane Cove District Music Club f) Lane Cove Swimming Club g) Lane Cove Youth Orchestra h) StreetWork Australia i) Sydney Community Services - Contract j) Taldumande k) Women and Children First 2. approve the recommended Cultural Venue Performance Hire Subsidy Funds to Community Groups for 2025-2026, those being; a) Lane Cove Community Bands b) Lane Cove Youth Orchestra 3. Approve the recommended Community Assistance Grant Funds for 2025-2026 to The Sydney Library of Things (Lane Cove Toy Library), 4. Approve the recurring commitments to community organisations for 2025-2026, and 5. Host the Community Assistance Grants presentation ceremony in August 2025. |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Taylor and seconded by Councillor Greenwell that Council: 1. approve the recommended Community Assistance Grants for 2025-2026 to Community Groups, those being; a) Centrehouse Inc (Gallery Lane Cove) - Placemaking b) Empowering Parents In Crisis (EPIC) c) Hughes Park Community Garden d) Lane Cove Community Bands e) Lane Cove District Music Club f) Lane Cove Swimming Club g) Lane Cove Youth Orchestra h) StreetWork Australia i) Sydney Community Services - Contract j) Taldumande k) Women and Children First 2. approve the recommended Cultural Venue Performance Hire Subsidy Funds to Community Groups for 2025-2026, those being; c) Lane Cove Community Bands d) Lane Cove Youth Orchestra. |
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For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9). Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0). |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Taylor and seconded by Councillor Greenwell that Council: 3. approve the recommended Community Assistance Grant Funds for 2025-2026 to the Sydney Library of Things (Lane Cove Toy Library). |
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For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 8). Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0). Councillor Kennedy was absent (Total 1) |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Taylor and seconded by Councillor Greenwell that Council: 4. approve the recurring commitments to community organisations for 2025 – 2026. |
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For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little and Taylor (Total 6). Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0). Councillors Bryla, Roenfeldt and Bennison were absent (Total 3) |
Councillor Kennedy left the meeting, the time being 10:46 PM
Councillor Kennedy returned to the meeting, the time being 10:47 PM
Councillor Bryla left the meeting, the time being 10:47 PM
Councillor Bryla returned to the meeting, the time being 10:48 PM
Councillor Roenfeldt left the meeting, the time being 10:47 PM
Councillor Roenfeldt returned to the meeting, the time being 10:48 PM
Councillor Bennison left the meeting, the time being 10:47 PM
Councillor Bennison returned to the meeting, the time being 10:48 PM
Councillor Greenwell left the meeting, the time being 10:48 PM
Councillor Greenwell returned to the meeting, the time being 10:50 PM
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Item 11 Draft Social Inclusion Strategy |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Bryla and seconded by Councillor Kennedy 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. |
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For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9). Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0). |
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Item 14 Councillor Meetings with Registered Lobbyists and Property Developers Policy |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Bryla and seconded by Councillor Kennedy 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, receives the Draft - Councillor Meetings with Registered Lobbyists and Property Developers Policy, together with a report on any submissions received and any proposed amendments, for consideration at the Ordinary Council meeting to be held in July 2025. |
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For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9). Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0). |
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Item 16 Advisory Committees - Expression of Interest process for additional members |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Bryla and seconded by Councillor Kennedy 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. |
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For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9). Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0). |
Officer Reports for Information
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Item 17 Council Snapshot March 2025 |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Bryla and seconded by Councillor Kennedy that Council receive and note the report. |
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For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9). Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0). |
The meeting closed at 11:29 PM
Confirmed at the Ordinary Council Meeting of 22 May 2025, at which meeting the signature herein is subscribed.
MAYOR
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