Minutes
Ordinary Council Meeting
19 June 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
19 June 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, 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, Manager – Commercial Operations, Executive Officer to the GM and Minute Taker.
Apologies
Nil
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Initially, there were no declarations of interest.
However during the meeting (7.36pm) Councillor Bennison declared a significant, pecuniary conflict of interest in Item 8 – Community Consultation Results – Draft Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy as he is an auditor of a local club that has poker machines. He will leave the Chamber and not vote on the 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.
Online
Nil
In Person
1. Sue Robinson of Greenwich, in relation to Item 11 – Local Planning Panel expert panel member,
2. Michelle Casiglia of Longueville, in relation to Item 5 – Community Consultation Results – Revised Draft Community Strategic Plan 2035,
3. Richard Muller of Greenwich, in relation to Budget integrity,
4. Robyn McElvenny of Longueville, representing Lane Cove Golf Club, in relation to Item 2 – Sport & Recreation Centre Facility Operation and Management (excluding Food, Beverage & Events),
5. Matthew Norton of Lane Cove, in relation to Item 8 – Community Consultation Results – Draft Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy, and Item 1 - Notice of Motion on Electoral Campaign Reform;
6. Shauna Forrest of Longueville, in relation to Item 8 – Community Consultation Results – Draft Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy,
7. Kate Moppett on behalf of Lane Cove Bushland & Conservation Society, in relation to Item 5 – Community Consultation Results - Revised Draft Community Strategic Plan 2035 - and the notification process for removal of trees,
8. Jacky Barker of Lane Cove in relation to Item 1 – Notice of Motion – Electoral Campaign, Item 8 – Community Consultation Results – Draft Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy, and increasing promotion of Council tender opportunities,
9. Jenny Schneller of Northwood, in relation to Traffic Committee matters and decisions.
Written Submissions
Nine (9) written submissions were received, those being from:
1. Sue Robinson of Greenwich, in relation to Governance review of Lane Cove Council Advisory Committees;
2. Sue Robinson of Greenwich, in relation to Item 11 - Local Planning Panel Expert Panel Member, and a request for a governance review of the Lane Cove Local Planning Panel;
3. Darvan Sinnetamby of Lane Cove, in relation to Item 6 - Community Consultation Results - Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan;
4. Darvan Sinnetamby of Lane Cove, further submission in relation to Item 6 - Community Consultation Results - Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan;
5. Miriam Cohen of Lane Cove, in relation to Item 6 - Community Consultation Results - Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan;
6. Ianthe Pietersz of Lane Cove, in relation to Item 6 - Community Consultation Results - Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan;
7. Amanda Robbie of Northwood, in relation to Item 6 - Community Consultation Results - Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan;
8. Diana Gedeon of Longueville, in relation to Item 6 - Community Consultation Results - Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan;
9. Jane Leighton of Riverview, in relation to Item 5 – Revised Draft Community Strategic Plan – Purpose Built Performing Arts Facility.
The Mayor congratulated the following Lane Cove community members on receiving King’s Birthday honour awards.
Appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
Dr Michael David STEINER Northwood NSW 2066 for significant service to medicine in the field of ophthalmology as a surgeon, and to professional associations.
Awarded the Public Service Medal (PSM)
Ms Fiona TOWERS Lane Cove NSW 2066 for outstanding public service to economic regulatory reform in NSW.
Mayoral Minutes
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Item M1 Mayoral Minute - Appointment of General Manager - Grant of Power of Attorney to General Manager |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Southwood that Council: 1. note the appointment of Louise Kerr as General Manager with effect from 21 July 2025 and welcomes her appointment; 2. revoke the Power of Register Book 4637 No. 811, registered on 05 September 2012; 3. affix the Common Seal of Council to the Revocation Power of Attorney (AT-1); 4. resolves to affix the Common Seal of Council to the new Power of Attorney (AT-2); 5. attend the registration of the Revocation of the Power of Register Book 4637 No. 811 and the new Power of Attorney to Ms. Louise Kerr; and 6. thank Steven Kludass for serving as Acting General Manager. |
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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 - Electoral Campaign Reform for Local Governments: Review and Response to the Conduct of the 2025 Federal Election |
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A Motion was moved by Councillor Roenfeldt and seconded by Councillor Little that Council: 1. endorse its current policy of ‘zero tolerance’ in relation to electoral material displayed in and/or on public land that contravenes Council policies; 2. staff
prepare a report for consideration at a Council workshop in relation to the
conduct of campaigning during the recent Federal election · number of complaints received, nature of complaints and warnings given, · estimates of the amount of illegally placed political material during the recent Federal Election, · advise of the impacts on the day-to-day functions of the Council regulatory team in dealing with these issues, · explore promoting the use of sustainable election materials (such as Oppboga board) and recycling options · banning the use of plastic roll signage, · limiting the quantity of signage allowed per candidate at polling booths, · provides advice in regard to what enforcement actions and penalties are available to Council, · investigates the recent South Australian electoral reforms and how they apply to local government, · write to the State and Federal Ministers responsible for Elections expressing the need for electoral campaigning reform, including consistent campaign rules governing the erection of signage on public property for all Australian Councils, 4. write to the Federal and State Electoral Commissioners requesting that they liaise with Council to review current rules and regulations governing electoral campaigning and in particular campaign rules around the erection of signage on public property and at polling booths; 5. write to the Mayors of City of Parramatta, City of Ryde, North Sydney, Hunters Hill and Willoughby seeking their support for electoral campaigning material reform; 6. include a motion at LGNSW Conference requesting more consistent regulation regarding the rules permitting election campaign signage; and 7. make a submission to the Federal Standing Committee on Electoral Matters regarding the challenges faced by Lane Cove Council and other Electoral Campaign Reform recommendations for the Committee’s consideration. |
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Councillor Bryla left the meeting, the time being 08:23 PM
Councillor Bryla returned to the meeting, the time being 08:26 PM
Officer Reports for Determination
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Bennison and seconded by Councillor Roenfeldt that the Supplementary Report on the Lane Cove Sport and Recreation Centre be considered as the first item of the Officer Reports for Determination. |
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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 Roenfeldt and seconded by Councillor Bennison 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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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Flood and seconded by Councillor Bryla that Council: 1. accepts the Tender Evaluation Panel recommendation of Sydney Sports Management Group Pty Ltd (SSMG) for the provision of LCSRC Facility Operation and Management as the preferred tenderer, and notes the supporting documents that have been provided to Councillors on a confidential basis; 2. delegates authority to the General Manager to enter into negotiations with SSMG for the Services detailed in this report to Council and in Council’s Tender and Quotation Procedure for the provision of Facility Operation and Management, (the Services) with a view to finalising a contract to include the following: (a) measures to secure the ongoing capacity of SSMG to meet its obligations under the contract including but not limited to a performance bond or bank guarantee (b) a schedule of KPIs or service levels to be met by SSMG that incorporate the themes in Council’s Community Strategic Plan and include specific consequences for failure to meet such KPIs or service levels such as financial penalties, contract and lease termination and other remedies, 3. receives a report in its July workshop on the outcome of the negotiations, including the items listed in 2; and 4. receives a report and recommendation at its July 2025 meeting on the proposed terms of a contract with SSMG for the provision of LCSRC Facility Operation and Management. |
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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). |
Councillor Bennison left the meeting, the time being 08:43 PM
Councillor Bennison returned to the meeting, the time being 08:46 PM
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Item 3 Lane Cove Sport and Recreation Centre - Request for Tender - Operation and Management of Food, Beverage, and Events |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Bryla and seconded by Councillor Flood that Council: 1. pursuant to Section 178(1)(b) of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 (Regulations), declines to accept all tender submissions to the Selective Request for Tender for the Operation and Management for Food, Beverage, and Events at the Lane Cove Sport and Recreation Centre; 2. pursuant to Section 178(3)(a) of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 (Regulations, postpones the proposal for the contract; 3. receives a presentation at a Councillor workshop on 11 August 2025 (or earlier, as appropriate) on options for the operation and management of Food, Beverage, and Events services at the Lane Cove Sport and Recreation Centre; and 4. receives a report at the 21 August 2025 meeting of Council (or at an extraordinary meeting of Council before that date) outlining the options explored for operation and management of the Food, Beverage, and Events services at the Lane Cove Sport and Recreation Centre together with a recommendation on the preferred option, including the preferred service operator (if identified). |
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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 4 St Leonards South - Review of Section 7.11 Contributions |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Southwood and seconded by Councillor Bryla that Council: 1. receive and note the report; 2. place the Draft Works schedule (AT-1) and contribution rates (AT-2) from the Section 7.11 Contributions Plan on public exhibition for a period of 28 days; and 3. staff report the findings of the public exhibition to a meeting of Council for endorsement by Council prior to lodgement with IPART. |
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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 Community Consultation Results - Revised Draft Community Strategic Plan 2035 |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Kennedy and seconded by Councillor Bryla that Council: 1. note the submissions received and the draft Council responses prepared in relation to the revised Draft Community Strategic Plan, Liveable Lane Cove 2035; 2. write to each of the individuals and organisations who made comment on the revised Draft Community Strategic Plan, thanking them for their input and providing responses to the issues raised in their submissions; and 3. adopt the revised Draft Community Strategic Plan, Liveable Lane Cove 2035. 4. consider including a proposed vision that reads ‘Lane Cove as a connected, inclusive and sustainable community and environment’, the next time the Community Strategic Plan is reviewed. |
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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 6 Community Consultation Results - Draft 2025/26 Budget, Draft Fees and Charges, Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan, Draft Resourcing Strategy and Associated Resource Plans |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Southwood and seconded by Councillor Bennison that Council: 1. receive and note the submissions received from the community, together with Council’s draft responses to the matters raised in the submissions as outlined in this report; 2. where identifiable, write to each of the members of the community and organisations who provided input into the Draft Plans, thanking them for their input and providing responses to the issues raised in their submissions; 3. adopt the Draft 2025/26 Budget, Draft 2025/26 Delivery Program and Operational Plan (which includes the Draft 2025/26 Fees and Charges), and the Revised Draft Resourcing Strategy and associated Resource Plans contained within AT-1, AT-2, AT-3, AT-4, AT-5 and AT-6; 4. make and levy the following Rates and Annual Charges for 2025/26: a) Rates (i) 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 $25,660,093; (ii) 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 $6,917,265; and (iii) Council being of the opinion that works related to the construction and maintenance of car parking facilities will be of benefit to the Lane Cove Village Commercial Area, (as defined by the meet’s and bounds description advertised in the North Shore Times on 13 June, 1979), that a Parking Special Rate of 0.194273 cents in the dollar be made for 2025/26 on the Land Value of all rateable land within that part, in accordance with S.538 of the Local Government Act 1993, with a Minimum Rate of $2.00, to yield $203,450. b) Domestic Waste Management Charges (i) In accordance with S.496 of the Local Government Act 1993, that an annual charge of $637.65 per annum be made for the year 2025/26, for domestic waste management services rendered to all properties categorised residential or non-rateable residential, for each once weekly 80 litre MGB (or equivalent) service; (ii) In accordance with S.496 of the Local Government Act 1993, that an annual charge of $144.95 per annum be made for the year 2025/26, for Domestic Waste Management Services for residential vacant land and service availability; c) Stormwater Management Service Charges: In accordance with clauses 125A and 125AA of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 and Section 496A of the Local Government Act 1993, annual charges for the year 2024/25 for Stormwater Management Services be made and levied as follows: - All parcels of vacant land - Nil $ charge - All Residential Strata Units - $12.50 per unit - All Residential Non-Strata Properties - $25.00 per property - All Business Strata Units and Properties - $25.00 per unit or property d) Interest on Overdue Rates and Charges: In accordance with the provisions of S.566(3) of the Local Government Act 1993, Council hereby resolves that the interest rate to apply for the period 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026 to all outstanding rates and charges be calculated at the interest rate of 9.0%, noting that the maximum interest rate specified by the Office of Local Government is 10.5%. 5. adopt the draft fees below, exhibit them for 28 days and, subject to no adverse submissions being received, incorporate them into the 2025/26 Schedule of Fees & Charges:
6. consider the funding of a working group for a Plan of Management for Hygrocybeae and littoral rainforest in Lane Cove Bushland Park as foreshadowed in Resolution 188/2024, if surplus funds become available from the Sustainability Levy. 7. consider including in future Long Term Financial Plans (LTFP) and Strategic Asset Management Plans (SAMP) extra information, such as two years of actual figures and the current year budgeted figures for indicators that are currently available in Annual reports to allow ease of reviewing of information; 8. staff investigate CPI rates that other Sydney Metro Councils use in their LTFP for consistency of reporting; and 9. consider including graphs showing actual movements of critical performance measures in future SAMPS. |
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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 7 Community Consultation Results - Draft Social Inclusion Strategy |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Bennison and seconded by Councillor Roenfeldt that Council: 1. receive and note the details of the report; and 2. adopt the Social Inclusion Strategy. |
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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). |
Councillor Bennison left the meeting, the time being 09:03 PM
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Item 8 Community Consultation Results - Draft Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Flood and seconded by Councillor Greenwell that Council: 1. note the submissions received during the public exhibition of the Draft Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy; 2. engage directly with licensed venues in the Local Government Area, including to explore collaborative harm minimisation and education initiatives under Principle 7; 3. engage directly with affected venues in the Local Government Area, to explore how best to support a transition away from Electronic Gaming Machines which could involve helping the Clubs diversify revenue through increased programming, venue hire, and food and beverage offerings; and 4. adopt the policy and communicate to relevant stakeholders. |
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For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 8). Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0). |
Councillor Bennison returned to the meeting, the time being 09:06 PM
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Bryla and seconded by Councillor Southwood that Council: adopt the Draft Councillor Meetings with Registered Lobbyists and Property Developers Policy and publish it on Council’s website. |
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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 10 Proposed Notification Process for Removal of Trees and Significant Vegetation on Council Land |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Southwood and seconded by Councillor Greenwell that Council: 1. receives and notes the report; 2. endorses the recommendation to amend Clause 4.3 of Council’s Landscaping Street Trees and Tree Preservation Policy to include: a) installation of a tree removal notice for the period of 28 days prior to removal on all public trees and significant vegetation located on all land owned or managed by Council (including Crown land when such is under the control or care of Council), b) installation of emergency tree works signage within the proximity of a tree that is to be removed on the grounds of public health and safety; 3. develops a dedicated webpage for the removal of trees and significant vegetation on public land. |
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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 Bennison that Items 11 to 16 be considered without debate. |
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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 Bennison that Council: 1. notes the resignation of Mr Stephen Kerr as an independent expert member of Lane Cove Council’s Local Planning Panel (LCLPP) and writes to him thanking him for his contribution to the LCLPP; 2. appoint Ms Judith Clark as an independent expert member of Lane Cove Council’s Local Planning Panel; and 3. advises the Department of Planning, Housing & Infrastructure of the changes to the LCLPP. |
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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 12 Policy Update - Councillor and Staff Interaction Policy |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Taylor and seconded by Councillor Bennison that Council: 1. adopt the revised Councillor and Staff Interaction Policy; 2. note the upcoming development of Councillor and Staff Interaction Guidelines; and 3. note the proposed KPIs and their inclusion in the Council Snapshot every six months. |
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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 Bennison that Council: 1. endorse the revised Car Share Policy for public exhibition for a period of 6 weeks; and 2. receive a further report following the public exhibition period detailing the outcomes of the community consultation and presenting the final Policy for adoption. |
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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 Bennison that Council: 1. endorse the revised Events Management Policy for public exhibition; and 2. receive a further report following the public exhibition period detailing the outcomes of the community consultation. |
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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 Bennison that Council adopt the recommendations of the Lane Cove Traffic Committee Meeting held on Tuesday 20 May 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). |
Officer Reports for Information
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Item 16 Council Snapshot May 2025 |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Taylor and seconded by Councillor Bennison 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 9.11pm
Confirmed at the Ordinary Council Meeting of 24 July 2025, at which meeting the signature herein is subscribed.
MAYOR
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