Agenda
Ordinary Council Meeting
24 July 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 July 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
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 July 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.
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 - 19 JUNE 2025
Notices of Motion
1 Notice of Motion - Canberra Avenue, St Leonards South.................. 5
2 Notice of Motion - Cost Shifting onto Local Government............... 13
3 Notice of Motion - Opportunities to Enhance Community Consultation in Lane Cove.............................................................................. 16
4 Notice of Motion - Dual Occupancy Subdivisions - Community Feedback.................................................................................................................. 19
5 Notice of Motion - Leadership in Child Safety - Working with Children Checks for Elected Councillors............................................ 22
Officer Reports for Determination
6 Lane Cove Sport and Recreation Centre - Facility Operation and Management (excluding food, beverage, and events) - Contract Negotiation Update............................................................................................. 25
7 Lane Cove Aquatic Centre improving access and equity................. 28
8 Community Consultation Results - Draft Pedestrian Plaza and Public Space Policy............................................................................................ 40
9 Proposed Land Sale - Anglo Road, St Leonards................................... 43
10 Proposed Voluntary Planning Agreement for 170 Pacific Highway, Greenwich................................................................................................................ 46
11 Rezoning Review - 2 Marshall Avenue, St Leonards............................ 48
12 LEP Review................................................................................................................ 50
13 Section 7.11 Plan review - St Leonards South........................................ 55
14 2025 Local Government NSW Conference Motions, Voting Delegates and Attendance.................................................................................................... 57
15 Delegation of Authority - Mayor and Deputy Mayor Policy........... 61
16 Advisory Committee Membership.................................................................. 67
17 Community Consultation Results - Draft - Payment of Expenses and Provision of Facilities to Councillors Policy...................................... 71
18 Draft Code of Meeting Practice................................................................... 73
19 Review of Council's Code of Conduct........................................................ 75
Officer Reports for Information
20 Successful Grant Funding Secured for Upcoming Projects........ 78
21 Council Snapshot June 2025............................................................................ 81
Ordinary Council Meeting 24 July 2025
Notice of Motion - Canberra Avenue, St Leonards South
Item No: 1
Subject: Notice of Motion - Canberra Avenue, St Leonards South
Record No: DA21/99-01 - 46610/25
Division: Lane Cove Council
Author(s): Councillor Helena Greenwell; Councillor Merri Southwood
Executive Summary
A motion for retention of Canberra Avenue in the network of roads in St Leonards South to address changes in the development profile of the St Leonards South precinct and the congestion of development around Marshall Avenue and Berry Road and for enhancement of Newlands Park as soon as practicable.
Background
Council resolutions
Resolution 68/2020 - On 20 May 2020 Council resolved to “commence the process to close Canberra Avenue, between River Road at its intersection with Duntroon Avenue to integrate the land into Newlands Park once the section 7.11 Plan funding has been confirmed”. (68/2020).
Resolution 23/2022 - On 22 February 2022 Council resolved unanimously that, inter alia, “no action will be taken by Council at this time to commence the process to close Canberra Avenue, between River Road and its intersection with Duntroon Avenue” and that “no action will be taken in respect of any future closure of Canberra Avenue without a further resolution of Council to commence the road closure process”. (23/2022).
This resolution remained in place until Council passed Resolution 200/2023 on 19 October 2023 - refer below.
On 2 March 2022 (a week after Council passed Resolution 23/2022) the Sydney North Planning Panel (SNPP) determined to approve DA 99/2021, being the development at 21 to 41 Canberra Avenue and 18-22 Holdsworth Avenue, St Leonards South (now known as Newlands).
The assessment report to the SNPP does not list the closure of part of Canberra Avenue (or the extension of Newlands Park) as required public domain works, nor do the DA consent conditions, as the part closure of Canberra Avenue was not the subject of the DA.
At the time of approval of DA 99/2021 there was in place no Section 7.11 Plan for the St Leonards South Precinct.
To ensure that Council captured the requirement for the developer to pay the Section 7.11 contributions in its draft Section 7.11 (or to deliver works to the value thereof) the consent conditions in the DA included the following Condition A.5
Planning agreement
Before the first construction certificate is issued the applicant and Council must enter into a Planning Agreement under section 7.7(3) of the EP&A Act in the terms of the Draft Voluntary Planning Agreement exhibited with the Development Application. The certifier is to receive written confirmation from Council that the Planning Agreement has been entered into prior to the issue of the first construction certificate.
Payment method: Payment must be in the form of a bank cheque. Personal cheques or bank transfers will not be accepted.
Reason: To ensure development contributions are paid to address the increased demand for public amenities and services resulting from the approved development. |
Resolution 77/2022 - On 19 April 2022 Council resolved that “All Construction Traffic Management Plans for developments in the St Leonards South Precinct not be permitted to include Duntroon Avenue for construction traffic movements.” (77/2022).
This resolution has been reflected in Construction Traffic Management Plans issued to date for the precinct although it is noted that construction traffic has accessed Duntroon Avenue from time to time. Council officers have sought to enforce the terms of Resolution 77/2022.
Resolution 90/2022 – on 19 April 2022 Council adopted the St Leonards South Section 7.11 Plan.
Included in the plan is a schedule of works titled Newlands Park Expansion which includes, among many items, the demolition of Canberra Avenue and removal of the road to its natural subgrade.
Council executed the Voluntary Planning Agreement with Silver Pond Investments Pty Ltd ATF Silver Pond Unit Trust (VPA) referenced in DA consent condition A.5 on 19 December 2022.
It is noted that Resolution 23/2022 was still in place.
The Newlands Park Expansion described in the St Leonards South Section 7.11 Plan forms the main part of the Canberra Scope of Works detailed in the VPA.
The value of the work to be carried out by the developer for the Canberra Scope of Works is
$1,795, 619. This amount is to be offset against the Section 7.11 contribution payable by the developer for the Newlands development.
Under Clause 9.5(a) of the VPA, Council may request additions or reductions to the scope of the Canberra Works and any adjustment derived from a reduction of scope may be applied to other Canberra Works.
Clause 9.7 of the VPA provides that the developer may elect not to complete the Canberra Works, in which case the sum of $1,795,619 will be added to the amount payable to Council pursuant to Clause 7 of the VPA.
Resolution 200/2023 - On 19 October 2023 Council resolved 4-4 (with the Mayor using a casting vote) as follows -
“1. Confirms its intention to formally close that part of Canberra Avenue between its intersection with Duntroon Avenue and its intersection with River Road and integrate the land into Newlands Park, with public vehicle access to be retained until at least 1 November 2025 and near completion of the adjacent development;
2. Refer the proposed closure and roundabout at the Canberra Avenue/Duntroon Avenue intersection to the Lane Cove Traffic Committee for comment; and
3. Develop Masterplan for the upgrade of Newlands Park to consider the possible widening of Duntroon Avenue to improve the access for two-way traffic”. (200/2023)
Resolution 255/2023 - On 7 December 2023 Council resolved 5-4 as follows -
“Formally resolves to close that part of Canberra Avenue between its intersection with Duntroon Avenue and its intersection with River Road and integrate the land into Newlands Park as Community Land, with public vehicle access to be retained until at least 1 November 2025 and near completion of the adjacent development”.
It is noted that construction on the Newlands site was well advanced by this time.
Works on the site continue and the Canberra Avenue roadway adjacent to the site is used to access these works.
No physical works have been undertaken towards the closure of the lower portion of Canberra Avenue and a notice of closure of this portion of Canberra Avenue has not been published in the Gazette.
Construction vehicle movements and congestion– current developments and future developments
With the exception of the JQZ site, all Construction Traffic Management Plans issued to date for demolition, excavation and construction require vehicles to enter and exit the precinct via the Berry Road/Pacific Highway intersection.
The Council report for Item 8 on 19 April 2022 stated that, in respect of the traffic flow in St Leonards South, an “overarching approach can be developed to minimise disruption to the local and Regional Road networks with an emphasis on communication and coordination between Council and project managers of concurrent development sites”. This is not the experience of those who use the road networks in St Leonards South.
Even with just four active sites using Berry Road for site access at present -
· Areas 7-11: 319 dwellings/372 car spaces (under construction)
· Area 5: 102 dwellings/102 car spaces (under construction)
· Areas 1, 2 and 4: 311 dwellings/325 car spaces (under construction)
· Areas 18-20: 207 dwellings/348 car spaces (excavation)
there are often long queues of construction vehicles at the traffic lights at the Berry Road/Pacific Highway intersection and at the roundabout at the Marshall Avenue/Berry Road intersection.
The Berry Road/Pacific Highway intersection (image overpage) is a challenging one unsuited to heavy vehicle movements, given the off-set of the traffic lights at Reserve Road and the frequent movement of emergency vehicles and buses to and from RNSH.
The left hand turn out of Berry Road on to Pacific Highway can be slow, given the need to wait for pedestrians to cross the pedestrian crossing on the western side of the intersection.
Marshall Avenue is becoming increasingly dangerous to navigate with congestion caused by queuing construction vehicles and the constant damage to the road surface caused by heavy vehicle movements.
It is also noted that Sydney Water is about to start extensive works in Marshall Avenue, Canberra Avenue, Holdsworth Avenue and Berry Road.
Congestion in and around Berry Road is likely to worsen over several years to come, as the number of active sites increases.
The following additional sites will require access to Berry Road -
· Area 12: 120 dwellings/146 car spaces (demolition under way)
· Area 13-15: 231 dwellings/345 car spaces (awaiting determination)
· Areas 16-17: 191 dwellings/180 car spaces (awaiting determination as an SSD)
· Area 3: no DA lodged
· Area 6: no DA lodged
· 58-64 Pacific Highway, St Leonards (cnr Berry Road): approved at 35 storeys under the Accelerated Precinct TOD and dwelling numbers unknown
· possible construction at 2 Marshall Avenue.
Given that the congestion and unsafe conditions on Marshall Avenue and Berry Road are likely to continue for several years, residents will look to alternative access and egress points to and from the precinct.
If Canberra Avenue is closed, the only access and egress point to and from River Road, for the foreseeable future, will be Duntroon Avenue, a road that is inappropriate for an increased volume of two-way traffic by virtue of its width and its awkward intersection with River Road.
The affordable housing provisions of the Housing SEPP and the Accelerated Precinct TOD have increased and will further increase dwelling and vehicle numbers in and adjacent to the St Leonards South precinct.
When DA 99/2021 was determined and the associated VPA was executed, the scale of development in the St Leonards South precinct was assessed with regard to the controls in the St Leonards South Master Plan approved by Council in May 2020.
Since then, the uptake by several developers in the precinct of the infill incentives for affordable housing now available under the Housing SEPP, together with uplift included in the Accelerated Precinct TOD, was not contemplated when traffic modelling for St Leonards South was conducted in 2022.
The number of additional dwellings that may be delivered with future development of Areas 3, 6 and 21 is unknown.
Also unknown are the dwelling numbers and car spaces at 58-64 Berry Road and 2 Marshall Avenue.
What is clear is that the total number of dwellings to be delivered in and immediately adjacent to the SLS precinct is likely to be over 2000, exceeding the number envisaged when the SLS Master Plan was approved in 2020.
This will, in turn, impact vehicle numbers and vehicles movements through the St Leonards South precinct road network.
Conclusion
It is acknowledged that the provision of open space for the community should be a priority of Council.
The St Leonards South Landscape Master Plan incorporates green spines within all developments. These green spines are not accessible to the public. Many of these spines include swimming pools, playgrounds, BBQs and passive recreation areas.
The Newlands development includes a generous amount of green space and infrastructure at the centre of the development.
In addition to the large park between Park and Berry Roads, there are extensive public open spaces in close proximity to the St Leonards South precinct namely Newlands Park, Wadanggari Park and Gore Hill Oval with its adjacent playground, water play area and basketball court.
But the focus on open space must be balanced against the other infrastructure needs of those who reside and will reside in the St Leonards South precinct.
With the prospect of congestion of construction vehicles in the Marshall Avenue/Berry Road area over several years and increased vehicles movements within and near the St Leonards South precinct for the long term, it has become clear that the provision of an adequate road network within the precinct that offers alternative access and egress points is vital to the amenity, safety and mental health of current and future residents.
The structure of the VPA provides Council with the flexibility to alter the scope of works to address the emerging infrastructure needs of the current and future residents of St Leonards South.
This can be done whilst preserving the overall financial benefits offered under the VPA.
It is appropriate that Council exercises its right to reduce the scope of the Canberra Works in the VPA by removing the demolition of Canberra Avenue and the removal of the road to its natural subgrade, thereby allowing for the balance of the Canberra Scope of Works, namely the enhancement of Newlands Park, to commence as soon as practicable whilst retaining for residents a safe alternative access and egress point on the southern boundary of the precinct.
That Council resolves: 1. not to close Canberra Avenue from its intersection with River Road to its intersection with Duntroon Avenue; 2. to maintain Canberra Avenue as a two-way road from River Road to Marshall Avenue; 3. to include infrastructure to facilitate safe pedestrian access across Canberra Avenue to Newlands Park; 4. to undertake works to enhance Newlands Park as soon as practicable; and 5. pursuant to Clause 9.5(a) of the Voluntary Planning Agreement executed by Council and Silver Pond Investments Pty Ltd ATF Silver Pond Unit Trust, to exercise its right to request a reduction to the Canberra Scope of Works to exclude the demolition of Canberra Avenue and the removal of the road to its natural subgrade.
|
Councillor Helena Greenwell
Councillor
Councillor Merri Southwood
Councillor
There are no supporting documents for this report.
Ordinary Council Meeting 24 July 2025
Notice of Motion - Cost Shifting onto Local Government
Item No: 2
Subject: Notice of Motion - Cost Shifting onto Local Government
Record No: SU896 - 46506/25
Division: Lane Cove Council
Author(s): Councillor Caleb Taylor; Councillor Merri Southwood; Councillor Bridget Kennedy; Councillor Helena Greenwell; Councillor David Roenfeldt; Councillor Scott Bennison; Councillor Rochelle Flood; Councillor Katie Little; Councillor Kathy Bryla
Executive Summary
This Notice of Motion discusses the Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Cost Shifting report for 2023/2024 and recommends that Council write to NSW Ministers seeking action to address cost shifting.
Background
The pressure on councils to maintain services of appropriate standard that meet the needs of our communities has reached unprecedented levels.
The unrelenting growth of cost shifting to councils, coupled with rate pegging and insufficient state and federal funding, is increasingly eroding the possibility of financially sustainable local government and risking the capacity of councils to deliver the essential infrastructure and services required by their communities.
The latest research commissioned by Local Government NSW (LGNSW) shows that the increase in cost shifting has continued unabated by various State and Federal Government policies.
The cost shifting report, produced by independent consultants Morrison Low for the 2023/2024 financial year, reveals that $1.5 billion of expense has been imposed on councils. This is an increase of approximately $140 million (10 per cent) since the last report for the 2021/22 financial year, when the total cost shift was estimated at $1.36 billion.
On average, this also now represents an inflated cost of $497.40 for each ratepayer, an increase of $36.72 from 2021/22. It is unfair to our communities that such a large portion of their rates are being diverted away from local priorities.
(The full report is available online at Cost Shifting | LGNSW).
Discussion
With councils having to fund this ongoing subsidy primarily for the State Government each and every year, it means our communities get less or go without. They go without safer roads. They go without parks. And they go without important community services that only councils provide, while their communities are effectively paying hidden taxes to other levels of government.
Our communities deserve better. The decades-long practice of cost shifting is continuing to undermine the financial sustainability of the local government sector. This must stop. The November 2024 report of the parliamentary inquiry into the ability of councils to fund infrastructure and services called for the NSW Government to identify opportunities to reduce cost shifting to local government. This call must be heard and acted upon.
It is essential to councils and communities that the NSW Government urgently seek to address cost shifting through a combination of regulatory reform and appropriate funding.
That Council: 1. note the findings of the LGNSW Cost Shifting report for the 2023/2024 financial year; 2. place a copy of the Cost Shifting report on Council’s website so that our communities can access it; and 3. write to the Premier, the NSW Treasurer and the NSW Minister for Local Government requesting that they urgently seek to address cost shifting through a combination of regulatory reform and appropriate funding.
|
Councillor Caleb Taylor
Councillor
Councillor Merri Southwood
Councillor
Councillor Bridget Kennedy
Councillor
Councillor Helena Greenwell
Councillor
Councillor David Roenfeldt
Councillor
Councillor Scott Bennison
Councillor
Councillor Rochelle Flood
Councillor
Councillor Katie Little
Councillor
Councillor Kathy Bryla
Councillor
There are no supporting documents for this report.
Ordinary Council Meeting 24 July 2025
Notice of Motion - Opportunities to Enhance Community Consultation in Lane Cove
Item No: 3
Subject: Notice of Motion - Opportunities to Enhance Community Consultation in Lane Cove
Record No: SU80 - 45898/25
Division: Lane Cove Council
Author(s): Councillor Rochelle Flood; Councillor Merri Southwood
Executive Summary
A motion to initiate a review of Lane Cove Council’s community consultation policies and strategies, to identify possible opportunities to enhance community engagement and consultation within our LGA.
Background
Lane Cove Council's current Community Engagement Strategy, adopted in February 2023, and the Community Engagement Policy (endorsed in 2023 following review of 2017 version as part of the development of the Community Engagement Strategy) provide a foundational framework for community consultation in Lane Cove.
As the Community Engagement Strategy is tabled for review every two years, we’re at the point in time when this document should be reviewed. This presents an opportunity to look at what other councils are doing and go back out to the community to see what opportunities are available to further enhance community consultation and engagement in Lane Cove. The aim is to ensure that the Community Engagement Strategy and the Community Engagement Policy are both put out for broader community consultation and input.
Discussion
We’re fortunate in Lane Cove to have an incredibly engaged community, with local residents who hold significant knowledge and insights on a range of key local issues. While considerable work has been done to date on community engagement, it’s an area where we should be striving for continuous improvement and looking at learnings and opportunities from other LGAs.
With the main strategy document due for review this year, the aim of this motion is to provide some strategic guidance on areas for possible improvement with our community engagement strategy and policy, and to ensure that the community is given the opportunity to provide input into the reviews of both documents.
Areas of opportunity include but are not limited to: increasing outreach and engagement with underrepresented groups (including via the use of new and emerging technology and communication channels). Opportunities for early engagement including with community groups, residents, advisory committees and relevant stakeholders including peak bodies earlier in the decision-making process - including via more informal pre-statutory consultation processes for major projects. It’s also worth investigating how we increase the profile of our advisory committees in the community, and how we benchmark and measure our performance in the community engagement space.
In addition, it’s worth looking at how we resource community engagement and if there are opportunities to provide more transparent feedback and information to the community that clearly shows how their feedback influenced the final outcome.
There are a range of Councils with policies that Lane Cove could potentially benefit from reviewing including City of Sydney which emphasises early and inclusive engagement, integrating community input into the decision-making process before statutory procedures commence. Their approach includes diverse methods such as workshops, community meetings, stakeholder roundtables, online consultations, and advisory panels.
That Council: 1. notes the existing work council staff have done to improve and strengthen community engagement and consultation in Lane Cove; 2. notes that the Community Engagement Strategy is due for review, and undertakes to commence this review with a focus including but not limited to: a) Improving early engagement: Looking at opportunities to bring residents, advisory committees, peak bodies and local community groups into bigger decision-making processes at the inception of a project. This includes looking for informal engagement opportunities on major projects, before the more formal statutory consultation period. b) Diverse Engagement Methods: Look at opportunities to improve the diversity of our outreach and engagement tools and look at opportunities to improve the identification of interested stakeholders in the community. c) Inclusivity and Accessibility: Look at emerging technology and communication channels that could enable us to better reach all members of the community including people living with a disability, non-English speakers and others from underrepresented groups. d) Raising the profile of advisory committees to help increase interest and participation among the broader community. e) Recording and reporting of stakeholder feedback and representation of that feedback to Councillors. f) Transparent Feedback Mechanisms: Look at new opportunities to improve how we communicate consultation outcomes to residents and make clear how community input has influenced decisions, building trust and demonstrating the value of participation. g) Benchmarking and reviewing our council’s performance on community engagement – how do we better measure success under these policies? How do we benchmark our performance on an ongoing basis? 3. undertakes to place both the Community Engagement Strategy and the Community Engagement Policy out for community feedback; 4. undertakes a review of other councils' community engagement strategies and policies, including but not limited to City of Sydney to see what learnings may be available to be implemented in Lane Cove; and 5. provides a report back to council on opportunities to enhance community engagement capacity and resourcing within Lane Cove Council. |
Councillor Rochelle Flood
Councillor
Councillor Merri Southwood
Councillor
There are no supporting documents for this report.
Ordinary Council Meeting 24 July 2025
Notice of Motion - Dual Occupancy Subdivisions - Community Feedback
Item No: 4
Subject: Notice of Motion - Dual Occupancy Subdivisions - Community Feedback
Record No: SU10729 - 46473/25
Division: Lane Cove Council
Author(s): Councillor David Roenfeldt; Councillor Katie Little
Executive Summary
All levels of government are navigating their way through the midst of the most significant housing crisis Australia has ever faced. In response the Federal Government have set the ambitious goal, via the National Housing Accord, to deliver 1.2 million new dwellings by 2030.
Council’s current subdivision controls have recently been questioned as to whether they still accurately reflect community values. The last review was undertaken in 2015 with the existing 1996 controls remaining unchanged.
There is a need for Council to understand in the context of the current housing environment whether community values regarding dual occupancy subdivision controls remains the status quo or whether there is a mood for change.
It is proposed that Council engage extensively with the community and collate their feedback to quantify that Council’s existing controls continue to accurately reflect community values and how to proceed if they do not.
Background
Council has permitted Dual Occupancies (DO) in the Local Government Area (LGA) for some time that are now different to many other Councils.
The controls that currently apply are:
1. The minimum lot size required is 750sqm for attached and 900sqm for detached DO’s. Council does not allow for subdivision of these DO’s.
2. There are two different lot sizes for DO’s (attached and detached) to ensure variety of housing stock while still allowing for things like setbacks, driveways, landscaping etc. For example, an attached DO would result in 2 dwellings on a 375 m2 site, while a detached DO would allow for 450 m2.
The subdivision prohibition (on DO’s only) comes from a long-standing Council policy which has been in effect since 1996. A review in 2015, stated the following reasons:
"Dual occupancies have not been permitted to be subdivided since May 1996, as their dual frontages, double garages were dominating the streetscape and detached dual occupancies in significant numbers by property developers were impacting on the orderly, leafy character of rear gardens, although they are useful as an alternative for joint households".
Analysis done at that time found that 10 years prior to the prohibition only 12 applications for dual occupancies were ever received. Years after the prohibition was introduced, the analysis showed that the same number of applications were received. In short, the prohibition has not impacted on the delivery of dual occupancies.
Overall, Council's controls are relatively similar to the State Government's reforms and would in fact be complementary to them and would deliver even greater diversity of housing stock. As stated above, the prohibition has not impacted on the supply of these properties and is not unnecessarily restrictive.
Council amended its Local Environment Plan (LEP) in 2022 to allow subdivision of certain existing DO’s with a definitive date. This does not apply to new approvals.
The NSW Governments Low and Mid-Rise Reforms permit DO’s in the designated centres with a smaller lot size and the ability to subdivide. This is a NSW Government initiative.
There is a general-purpose land subdivision whereby the resulting lots must be a minimum of 550sqm but do not relate to DO’s.
It is considered a good opportunity also to seek the communities’ views on this minimum lot size Clause of the LEP.
For reference purposes the following information relating to the adjoining Councils is provided. Please note these lot sizes apply to R2 lands.
· Willoughby City Council is 650 sqm
· North Sydney Council is 450 sqm
· Ryde Council is 580 sqm
Discussion
All levels of government are being asked to contribute to the building of more dwellings as increasing the housing supply is considered the largest factor in addressing the lack of affordable homes.
Perhaps by allowing DO subdivisions this will encourage owners, particularly retirees, to downsize by subdividing, thus creating more dwellings without the need to build vertical.
Under the current housing environment is there still consensus in the community that the current philosophies that underpin Council’s current DO subdivision controls still accurately represent community values or is there a mood to review the DO subdivision controls?
Conclusion
Community feedback via extensive consultation will help shape the future of Council’s DO subdivision controls and ascertain if community values have changed or not; and if so how next to proceed.
That Council: 1. conduct extensive consultation with the community to provide feedback regarding: a) whether the current Dual Occupancy (DO) subdivision controls still accurately reflect community values or not; b) whether the current minimum lot size of 550sqm is still considered suitable; and 2. prepare a report for the October Council Meeting with the results of the extensive consultation, including recommendations, if any on how to next proceed.
|
Councillor David Roenfeldt
Councillor
Councillor Katie Little
Councillor
There are no supporting documents for this report.
Ordinary Council Meeting 24 July 2025
Notice of Motion - Leadership in Child Safety - Working with Children Checks for Elected Councillors
Item No: 5
Subject: Notice of Motion - Leadership in Child Safety - Working with Children Checks for Elected Councillors
Record No: SU10579 - 46559/25
Division: Lane Cove Council
Author(s): Councillor Scott Bennison; Councillor Caleb Taylor
Introduction
Recent events involving serious child safety breaches in a Victorian childcare centre have deeply shaken public confidence in the systems designed to protect children. These incidents underscore the need for robust and transparent safeguards not just in frontline services, but also in civic leadership roles.
While elected councillors in NSW are not engaged in “child-related work” under the legal definition and are not responsible for the direct care or supervision of children, they do regularly interact with children and families — particularly through school visits, holiday activities, and other civic and community events.
This Notice of Motion does not equate the role of a councillor with that of a teacher or early childhood educator. However, it does recognise the increasing community expectation that all public officials should model leadership when it comes to child safety and integrity in public office.
In that spirit, this motion proposes a simple but meaningful reform: that councillors in New South Wales be required to hold a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC) before taking office. This proposal is not about overreach — it is about aligning standards across our sector, modernising existing legislation, and demonstrating that child protection is everyone’s responsibility, including those in elected office.
Background
The Working With Children Check (WWCC) is a child protection screening mechanism established under the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012, with the current system in place since 15 June 2013. It replaced the former police-check model with a continuously monitored clearance, administered by the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian.
The system was introduced following multiple inquiries into institutional child abuse, with a view to strengthening vetting processes across sectors such as education, sport, health, childcare, and community services.
Although Council staff and volunteers undertaking child-related work must hold a valid WWCC, elected councillors are not currently required to do so, as their roles are not classified as child-related work. However, councillors — especially the Mayor — often engage with children at school openings, citizenship ceremonies, library programs, youth events, and holiday activities.
Lane Cove Council also operates and supports a wide variety of services and events where children are present, including:
· Childcare centres and playgroups
· Library storytimes and youth programs
· School holiday activities and civic celebrations
· Major public events such as Bush Kids, Rotary Fair, Food and Wine by the River, and Carols by Candlelight
Despite this regular engagement, there is no requirement under current NSW Electoral Commission nomination rules for a candidate for local or state government — whether running independently or with party endorsement — to undergo a police check or obtain a WWCC.
While some major political parties (e.g., Liberal, Labor, Greens) may require police checks internally as part of their preselection processes, there is no formal requirement for WWCC clearance. For independent candidates, there is often no screening at all.
This inconsistency — between the strict requirements placed on staff and volunteers, and the absence of any checks on elected officials — undermines public trust in the system.
To address this gap, this motion proposes a dual approach:
· Council takes voluntary leadership now
· Council advocates for legislative reform so that WWCCs become a formal requirement for councillors and MPs in NSW, and ultimately for all levels of government nationally.
This motion also proposes that the matter be raised at the upcoming Local Government NSW Annual Conference, and includes correspondence with:
· The Hon. Chris Minns MP, Premier of New South Wales
· The Hon. Ron Hoenig MP, NSW Minister for Local Government
· The Hon. Kristy McBain MP, Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories.
Current Legislation and Proposed Amendment
Current Section 233A(1) – Local Government Act 1993 (NSW):
(1) A councillor must take an oath of office or make an affirmation of office at or before the first meeting of the council after the councillor is elected.
Proposed new Section 233A(1A):
(1A) Before taking the oath of office or making the affirmation of office under subsection (1), a councillor must provide the general manager with evidence of holding a current Working With Children Check (WWCC) clearance issued under the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012.
A councillor who does not comply with this subsection is not entitled to take
the oath or affirmation and must not exercise any functions of civic office
until the requirement is met.
Proposed Addition to the Model Code of Conduct
Councillors are required to maintain a current Working With Children Check (WWCC) clearance where their official duties may involve interaction with children, and must provide proof of such clearance to the General Manager as stipulated under Section 233A(1A) of the Local Government Act 1993.
That Council: 1. notes the importance of public confidence in the integrity and safety of civic leadership, and invites all current Councillors to consider voluntarily obtaining a Working With Children Check (WWCC) as a demonstration of leadership and good governance. The General Manager is requested to provide support and guidance to any Councillor choosing to undertake this process; 2. writes to the Hon. Ron Hoenig MP, NSW Minister for Local Government, and the Hon. Chris Minns MP, Premier of New South Wales, stating that Lane Cove Council supports legislative reform to the Local Government Act 1993 to introduce a requirement for councillors to hold a valid WWCC prior to taking office, and suggesting similar reforms be extended to Members of NSW Parliament; 3. writes to the Hon. Kristy McBain MP, Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, advocating for a nationally harmonised approach to child protection screening for elected representatives across all levels of government; and 4. submits the essence of this motion to the upcoming Local Government NSW Annual Conference, seeking sector-wide support for mandatory WWCCs for elected officials in NSW. |
Councillor Scott Bennison
Councillor
Councillor Caleb Taylor
Councillor
There are no supporting documents for this report.
Ordinary Council Meeting 24 July 2025
Lane Cove Sport and Recreation Centre - Facility Operation and Management (excluding food, beverage, and events) - Contract Negotiation Update
Item No: 6
Subject: Lane Cove Sport and Recreation Centre - Facility Operation and Management (excluding food, beverage, and events) - Contract Negotiation Update
Record No: SU10080 - 45619/25
Division: General Managers Unit
Author(s): David Stevens
Executive Summary
This report provides an update on contract negotiations between Council and Sydney Sports Management Group (SSMG) for Facility Operation and Management of the Lane Cove Sport and Recreation Centre (Galuwa Recreation Centre). Specifically, the Report attends to point 2 (a) and (b) from Resolution 127 passed at the June 2025 Meeting:
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.
Background
Council called for tenders in accordance with Council’s Tender and Quotation Procedure for the provision of Facility Operation and Management (the Services) at the Lane Cove Sport and Recreation Centre (LCSRC). The Open Request for Tender (RFT) to procure the Services was made via Vendor Panel on 4 February and closed on 1 April 2025 for which, Council received eight (8) conforming tender responses. The Services are to be provided under a five (5) year lease with Council’s option to renew for a period of five (5) years. A draft Agreement for Lease (AFL) and Lease were included in the Request for Tender documents. Council’s procurement process for the Services was overseen by Independent Probity Advisor, Noble Shore.
Council’s RFT for the Services, was formally titled “Tender for the Operation and Management of:
· Lane Cove Sport and Recreation Centre and/or
· Lane Cove Golf Course Management and Maintenance”
More definitively, and in recognition of prospective Facility Management Operator’s (FMO) not necessarily wishing, nor indeed having sufficient expertise to manage the golf component, single discipline (golf course) operator’s (GCO) were encouraged to tender a response.
The FMO and GCO “spaces” as described in the RFT were:
· Area 1, being the facility excluding golf course operations;
· Area 2, being the golf course operations only.
Discussion
Contractual terms and conditions have been agreed in-principle by Council and SSMG. In keeping with the framework as illustrated above from Council’s RFT, Area 1 (FMO) Operation and Management will be subject to a 5 year (plus 5 year option) lease, whilst Area 2 (GCO) Operation and Management will be governed by a licence for exclusive use (including maintenance) for the same term and incorporated into the Lease. This approach delivers consistency not only with the RFT process and documentation therein but indeed, recognises the historical approach Council has taken to golf course management.
The parties, including their respective lawyers, have convened formally to specifically address 2. (a) and (b) from Resolution 127 and have agreed upon the following:
1. SSMG will lodge a Bank Guarantee for the value of six (6) months rent for the term of the lease (5 years + 5 years);
2. Rent is agreed per the commercial terms offered in SSMG’s tender response and is payable under the lease;
3. KPI’s linked to themes in Council’s Community Strategic Plan (AT-1); and
4. A warning to termination regime (the Regime) that outlines consequences for failure to meet KPI’s, remedies including a third party to mediate (if required), specific timelines, and penalties that may include termination (AT-2).
The basis for agreement on the Regime, is to simultaneously ensure that SSMG meet key performance measures and maintain service levels for the life of the contract and, termination be a genuine last resort on the basis that it is in neither Party’s (nor the Community) interest. The KPI’s are linked to the following key themes drawn from Council’s Community Strategic Plan and include: Places for People; Community Connections; Governance & Civic Leadership; Local Economy; and, Environmental Sustainability.
The Lease provides for SSMG to prepare a suite of Annual Reporting Plans that include: Business; Maintenance and Replacement; Marketing; Cleaning; Human Resources; and Strategic Services and Programs. Said Plans (including budget) are to be approved by Council and adopted by the Parties and therein, provide the framework for Monthly performance monitoring meetings. Further, the parties have agreed that to add further integrity to KPI compliance, a suitably qualified and experienced Sport and Recreation Manager / Contract Administrator will be engaged at the “First Formal Warning” stage of the Regime. The “Expert” (if / when required) will be drawn from a Panel to be jointly approved by Council and SSMG no later than thirty (30) days after lease commencement.
Warning Notices pursuant to the Regime have been developed, and coupled with the specific language and relevant clauses were shared with Councillors at a closed Workshop held on 14 July 2025.
Under Section 47 of the Local Government Act 1993 (leases, licences, and other estates in respect of community land – terms greater than 5 years), Council is required to give public notice (including via the website) of the “proposal” that includes notification to adjoining property owners and occupiers of land in the vicinity of the community land.
Conclusion
Council and SSMG have substantively completed contract negotiations and stand ready to formally execute their satisfaction with the terms and conditions as agreed upon. SSMG were selected as the preferred tenderer after a robust procurement process and are the appropriate Facility Operator and Manager with whom Council and the community, can partner confidently for the long term. The integrity and transparency that underpin the key performance measures and overarching mechanism(s) to deliver service and contract performance, provide Council with absolute confidence that the community’s sport and recreation needs will be met.
That Council: 1. note and receive the report; 2. place the proposed Lease on Public Exhibition under Section 47 of the Local Government Act 1993; and 3. delegate authority to the General Manager to execute the Lease if no submissions are received and in the event of submissions being received a further report to Council be made prior to finalising the Lease. |
Steven Kludass
Acting General Manager
General Managers Unit
AT‑1 View |
GRC - KPI Scorecard (PDF Version for Lease) - FMO |
2 Pages |
Available Electronically |
AT‑2 View |
GRC - Warning to Termination Regime (PDF Version for Lease) - FMO |
1 Page |
Available Electronically |
Ordinary Council Meeting 24 July 2025
Lane Cove Aquatic Centre improving access and equity
Item No: 7
Subject: Lane Cove Aquatic Centre improving access and equity
Record No: SU2191 - 31164/25
Division: Community and Culture Division
Author(s): Stephanie Kelly; Diana Marder
Executive Summary
The purpose of this report is to explore potential improvements to access arrangements at the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre (LCAC), with a particular focus on the provision of lower cost, concessions and free access to better support community use. The report also considers extending access by opening the outdoor pool for full days during the winter season.
The main goal is to make the most of the facility while keeping it practical, beneficial for the community, and well-managed for risk. The recommendations focus on providing increased access while balancing the resources and responsibilities required to maintain a safe, inclusive, and sustainable service.
Background
There are currently two resolutions from Council seeking to improve access to the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre (LCAC). The first resolution is from the Council meeting of the 20 February 2025 (18/2025).
That Council:
1) provide a report outlining:
a) comparative pricing between Council’s aquatic facilities and sporting facilities (including the proposed or finalised pricing for the sport and recreation facility if such data is available when the report is undertaken) and facilities of a comparable size based on their offerings and visitation numbers, across NSW, including but not limited to: Inner West, City of Sydney, Tamworth, Snowy Valley, Bellingen and Hawkesbury,
b) a cost comparison of discount schemes and the eligibility requirements for these schemes across NSW,
c) the feasibility of implementing a discount scheme with a focus on single entry price points (or workarounds to ensure people aren’t outlaying significant costs upfront) across Lane Cove sporting and aquatic facilities (excluding those where fees are exclusively based on club membership). This should include discounts for aged pensioners, students (including tertiary students), single parents, the unemployed and those on low incomes (criteria to be determined following detailed comparisons),
2) investigate examples of free pool entry programs and report on options for a free pool entry trial in Lane Cove (with a view to any trial commencing after neighbouring pools including Willoughby re-open),
3) that a suite of discount options be presented to Council by the end of the 2025 calendar year including suggested models for implementation; and
4) consider including a budget in the 2025/26 financial year for the work outlined in points 1-3, to be undertaken by an external consultant if required.
The second Resolution from 22 May 2025 Council meeting (99/2025) requests:
1. Council staff liaise with Bluefit operation staff to investigate options to increase public recreational access to the outdoor pool for community members. For example, these could be; opening longer during the seasonal shoulder months of May and September, remaining open during daytime hours, and/or ensure conflicting priorities for indoor lanes booked by commercial swim classes are equitably managed to allow adequate public recreational space during periods when the outdoor pool cannot be utilised;
2. Council staff liaise with BlueFit to investigate the financial, operational, and contractual implications of increasing public access to the outdoor 50m pool during the winter and shoulder seasons (e.g. May and September), including
a) the impact on BlueFit’s revenue and contribution margins during extended opening hours; and
b) The effect on Council’s current lease income and any cost offsets or adjustments that may be required, such as changes to admission pricing, service reductions, or reduced rent or distributions to Council; and
3. a report be provided to Council before the September 2025 meeting outlining:
a) the results of the investigation;
b) a cost-benefit analysis (including any loss of income to Council); and
c) options for sustainable access expansion based on a balanced financial model.
The Lane Cove Aquatic Centre (LCAC) operates year-round as a multifunctional facility catering to a wide range of community needs. It includes a fitness centre, café, and both indoor and outdoor pools. The Centre is managed by BlueFit on behalf of Council. The indoor pool hall spans 2,400m² and features a 25m lap pool, program pool, leisure pool with interactive waterplay features, and a spa. In addition, the 50m outdoor lap pool operates throughout the year, supporting both recreational and training use.
In 2024, the centre attracted over one million visitors, hosted 35 different schools, enrolled over 3,500 learn-to-swim participants in three languages, and hosted over 15 community groups. Attendance data at the LCAC demonstrates that the number of visits to the Centre has steadily increased and almost doubled over the last four years.
Year |
Attendees |
2021 |
568,259 |
2022 |
631,514 |
2023 |
973,919 |
2024 |
1,1014,288 |
This increase is in part due to the closure of other north shore aquatic facilities at North Sydney, Willoughby, and Epping. The increased use of the Centre has placed considerable pressure on operations and management. Staffing, maintenance, and cleaning costs have risen in response to significantly higher visitation. Although only a relatively small number of complaints have been received, patrons have raised concerns about lane congestion, amenity in the change facilities, maintenance, and cleaning practices across the Centre. The complexity of meeting expectations is a challenge with groups wanting more pool access, casual swimmers wanting more space and some swimmers objecting to cleaning during swim times, while others believe more cleaning is needed to address higher usage. These operational impacts must remain central to any decisions about further expanding access, to ensure the Centre continues to provide a safe, clean, and well-managed environment for all users.
Despite these challenges, LCAC continues to enjoy strong community support and high satisfaction levels. A demographically representative survey conducted by Micromex Research Australia in 2024 on behalf of Council reported a 95% satisfaction rate with the Aquatic Centre. The operator, BlueFit, also undertakes regular customer satisfaction surveys and monitors the Centre’s Net Promoter Score (NPS), which consistently reflects strong performance and positive customer sentiment.
Discussion
This section breaks down the key considerations from the Council resolutions related to expanding access and affordability at the Centre. This report considers pricing structures, access options, operational risks, and seasonal extensions, with each proposal assessed for practicality and financial sustainability.
Comparative pricing
LCAC’s fees are among the highest across NSW councils; however, they remain comparable to neighbouring NSROC councils such as Mosman, Ryde, Hornsby, and Ku-ring-gai. This pricing structure reflects the relatively low level of social disadvantage in the Lane Cove Local Government Area and aligns with broader regional expectations. While other councils—particularly in regional or high-disadvantage areas—offer lower concession and child rates. LCAC’s current pricing has not posed a barrier to access, with the Centre welcoming over one million visits annually. This high usage indicates that the cost of swimming remains affordable for the community.
The following fees represent the casual entry charges for a one-off visit to comparable Council-operated swimming centres.
General Admission |
Child admission |
Concession rate |
Lane Cove Council |
$10.50 |
$9.20 |
$9.20 |
NSROC (currently open) |
|
|
|
City of Ryde |
$10.20 |
$7.90 |
$7.90 |
Hornsby Shire Council |
$9.00 |
$6.50 |
$6.50 |
Ku-ring-gai Council |
$9.00 |
$6.50 |
$6.50 |
Mosman Council |
$11.40 |
$9.10 |
$9.10 |
Inner West Council |
$10.20 |
$6.50 |
$5.70 |
City of Sydney |
$8.80 |
$5.60 |
$6.60 |
Tamworth Regional Council |
$5.00 |
$3.64 |
$3.64 |
Snowy Valley Council |
$5.00 |
$2.50 |
$2.50 |
Bellingen Shire Council |
$5.40 |
$4.30 |
$4.30 |
Hawkesbury City Council |
$7.10 |
$5.20 |
$5.20 |
Georges River Council |
$11 |
$9 |
$9 |
Sutherland Shire Council |
$9.50 |
$7.40 |
$7.40 |
The pricing model prioritises regular users, with significant discounts offered through multipasses (approximately 24%) and family passes (up to 66% off casual entry). These options ensure that the most frequent visitors receive the greatest value.
Larger discounts of 20% to 50% are offered to concession holders and children at other Council-operated aquatic centres. BlueFit acknowledged concerns regarding Lane Cove’s comparatively smaller concessions and noted they were previously unaware of the extent of this divergence, which has developed over time due to annual CPI-based increases and consistent rounding up. In response, the operator has agreed to develop a strategy to address the gap. BlueFit increases their fees annually in July and provide notice to Council and members about these increases. While they have requested that this year’s price increases remain in place, they have proposed a multi-year pricing approach. This would involve continuing to apply CPI-based increases annually, but with rounding up applied to general fees and rounding down for concession fees. This approach aims to gradually increase the difference between adult and concession rates in a fair and sustainable manner.
This strategy is particularly important given that concession entries make up over 40% of total visits to the Centre, and most users are not one-off casual visitors but regular attendees. Ensuring more meaningful discounts for this group aligns with both equity goals and usage patterns.
Concessions
Concessions are discounted entry fees offered to eligible groups such as children, seniors, students, people with disabilities, and concession card holders. They are important because they:
· Promote equity and inclusion by making aquatic facilities more affordable for people on lower incomes or with higher needs.
· Encourage participation in physical activity and community life among vulnerable or disadvantaged groups.
· Support public health goals by reducing financial barriers to swimming and recreation.
Concession entries account for a substantial 41% of total visits to LCAC, highlighting strong uptake and alignment with the community’s needs. This figure is consistent with broader patterns across in line with comparable centres and others, such as Mosman (38%) and below Hurstville Aquatic and Leisure Centre (50%), reflecting the local demographics and a commitment to inclusivity. While Lane Cove’s concession pricing is around 13% below the adult casual entry fee, this discount is more modest than what is offered by other councils. However, the high proportion of concession users indicates that the Centre remains accessible and well-utilised by community eligible for discounted entry. The number of concession users has remained relatively consistent over the past eight years outside of the COVID period with the level of regular concession users consistently higher than casual concession users as demonstrated in the table below.
|
2024/25 |
2023/24 |
2022/23 |
2021/22 |
2020/21 |
2019/20 |
2018/19 |
2017/18 |
Adult Casual |
59% |
62% |
61% |
58% |
52% |
48% |
60% |
55% |
Concession Casual |
41% |
38% |
39% |
42% |
48% |
52% |
40% |
45% |
|
||||||||
Adult Visit Pass |
38% |
41% |
41% |
43% |
37% |
42% |
39% |
48% |
Concession Visit Pass |
62% |
59% |
59% |
57% |
63% |
58% |
61% |
52% |
Covid Affected |
Data provided by BlueFit.
Other concession factors to consider are that BlueFit accepts both Active Kids vouchers for school-aged children and First Lap vouchers for children aged 3–6 who have not yet started school. These vouchers provide $100 towards the cost of swimming lessons and are promoted on BlueFit’s website.
The analysis of concession eligibility criteria across several Sydney councils reveals significant variation in both clarity and breadth of accepted concessions. LCAC’s current concession structure aligns with baseline standards—recognising full-time students, pensioners, carers, and holders of Commonwealth concession cards—but may be narrower in scope compared to more expansive models. For instance, the City of Sydney explicitly includes a wide array of health care card types (e.g., foster child, ex-carer allowance, low-income) and recognises ImmiCards and job seeker entitlements.
Currently, at Lane Cove Aquatic Centre the following cards are accepted:
· Full-time students (with a valid Australian student card)
· Centrelink Pensioner Concession Cardholders
· Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Pensioner Concession Cardholders
· Carer Cardholders
· Commonwealth Seniors Health Cardholders
· NSW Seniors Cardholders
· All Health Care Card types (including low-income and foster child-related cards)
· NSW Seniors Card (beyond Commonwealth Seniors Health Card)
· Companion Card, issued by the State Government for individuals with a permanent and significant disability who require a support person to access community activities is also accepted. This is for free access for the support person when assisting someone with a disability.
· Children Under 5 years are admitted free with a paying adult.
Further concession for families has been created to increase accessibility. Family pool entry (max four people, including one adult) is $18.80 and an extra family member with Family Pool Entry is $3.75. There are multipass reductions for children with 20 x Visit Passes, priced at $8.05 per visit. Improving public communication, particularly through online channels, is recommended to enhance transparency and community understanding of concession entitlements.
Feasibility of offering further discounts
To enhance equity and accessibility, LCAC could expand its recognised concession categories to:
· Include ImmiCards and job seeker concession cards
· Provide free passes to Women and Children First who manage the local shelter and accommodation for families escaping Domestic Violence
· Extend the hardship support for members who experience a sudden shock and cannot fund ongoing access to the pool or squad program.
A review of concession pricing and free access initiatives by other councils reveals a variety of approaches, each offering valuable lessons for Lane Cove. These include structured affordability programs and short-term free-entry events targeted at specific groups. However, implementation must be tailored to the operational scale and community profile of LCAC.
Some councils—such as Inner West and City of Sydney—have introduced structured, low-cost access programs aimed at supporting vulnerable groups. These initiatives demonstrate that increased access can be achieved, but also highlight the need for careful management to address operational and financial risks. The City of Sydney’s Access Card is one example of a well-managed approach. It limits use to off-peak periods and requires eligibility assessments by dedicated staff, helping to control demand and reduce risk. However, the cost of implementing a concession manager model, like the City of Sydney, is not feasible at a single-site facility without increasing costs for general users.
Tamworth and Muswellbrook have taken a different approach by offering free entry on designated days, providing increased access while maintaining oversight. Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre offers free entry for seniors and pensioners on Tuesdays. These models focus on increasing community participation without requiring long-term structural pricing changes.
However, not all trials have been successful. The Snowy Valleys Council initially offered unrestricted free access but later reversed the policy due to increased incidents of anti-social behaviour and safety concerns. This example highlights the importance of robust planning and management when considering any expanded access model. The centres also experienced use by transient and vulnerable individuals, including those experiencing homelessness, who may access amenities such as showers and change rooms. While this reflects the Centre’s role as a welcoming community space, it can at times impact the experience of paying users, particularly during peak periods. These dynamics need to be considered when planning for facility access, amenity maintenance, and user expectations.
Options for free pool access
Before introducing new initiatives, Council and the operator must assess the pool’s capacity to manage increased visitation. Program rollouts may need to be postponed until nearby North Shore pools reopen. Staffing and supervision levels will require adjustment during promotional or fee-free periods, and clear communication and signage will be critical to manage expectations and encourage respectful pool use.
Any consideration of free or significantly reduced entry at Lane Cove’s aquatic facilities must be informed by a clear understanding of the associated risks. These include financial impacts—such as lost revenue and higher costs for staffing, maintenance, and utilities—as well as potential contractual obligations to compensate BlueFit under the existing management agreement. Operational pressures are also expected to rise, particularly with nearby pool closures potentially drawing increased numbers from outside the LGA. This may overwhelm infrastructure, diminish the customer experience due to crowding, and place additional strain on safety supervision, especially where lifeguard availability or funding is limited.
BlueFit has advised that any general fee-free model would likely trigger a short-term surge in attendance (estimated at 30%), placing pressure on amenities, staffing, and customer satisfaction. Given this, broad fee-free access is not recommended at this time. If Lane Cove were to consider a free-entry initiative, it should be time-limited, well-supervised, and potentially aligned with specific community celebrations or equity-focused programming. Free access could be trialled during low-demand periods to limit strain, paired with data collection to evaluate behavioural, financial, and operational impacts.
To support equitable access while preserving operational sustainability, the following targeted and time-limited initiatives are recommended:
1) Maintain and introduce designated free entry days/periods linked to community events
i) International Women’s Day - free entry for women all day.
ii) Youth Week - free access for young people during low demand periods (a Friday night swim or Saturday afternoon)
iii) International Day of Persons with Disabilities- free entry for people with disability all day
iv) Seniors Week -free entry for seniors between 10am–3pm on nominated days between Monday to Friday
v) NAIDOC week - free entry for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for the whole week.
vi) Immicard holders during Refugee Week between 10am–3pm on nominated days between Monday to Friday
vii) On a nominated day during Men’s Health Month free entry for men
2) Ongoing Free Access Categories
i) New Citizens: Issue free pool vouchers as part of citizenship ceremonies
3) Other Free experiences
i) Rate Voucher for all residents every July. Provides a free pool experience for residents in the LGA as part of the rate notice
ii) Continue to provide an inclusive open day for families where free swimming is offered and includes fun activities, inflatables and information about swimming in late Spring.
These initiatives would be incorporated into an expanded BlueFit Community Engagement Plan.
Implementation of any fee-free model is dependent on successful negotiations with BlueFit, as changes to the current lease agreement must be mutually agreed upon. Sufficient time must be allowed for BlueFit to conduct due diligence, including a risk assessment in line with Royal Life Saving’s Guidelines for Safe Pool Operations (GSPO), the national standard for aquatic safety. Their review would also need to assess staffing capacity to manage increased attendance and potential anti-social behaviour—challenges exacerbated by the ongoing lifeguard shortage across the aquatic industry since COVID-19.
Under a scenario where all pool entry fees are waived, the operator anticipates a 30% increase in patronage. In addition to the loss of entry fee income, the operator would face up to a 30% increase in costs associated with staffing (including lifeguards, cleaners, and administrative personnel), utilities, waste management, pool chemicals, and cleaning and maintenance. These additional costs could become Council’s responsibility based upon compensation for both lost revenue and increased operational expenses.
As previously discussed, rather than universal fee free programming, Council should explore time-limited or off-peak discounted access models, supported by strong eligibility criteria, risk mitigation planning, and clear communication. A pilot program may help assess demand and operational impacts before any long-term changes are adopted.
Reducing or removing pool fees is unlikely to be offset by increased kiosk or shop revenue, as these outlets do not break even and underperform relative to peers even during peak periods. The pool already operates at capacity in peak season, and increased access for concession users is not expected to improve commercial returns. Strong competition from Lane Cove village food operators nearby remains a key factor.
Regardless of the model pursued, several critical risks must be addressed. Introducing free or significantly reduced entry at LCAC carries several risks that must be carefully considered. Operational pressures are likely to intensify due to increased visitation. Residents have already raised concerns about lane and changeroom congestion during peak times, particularly given the temporary closure of nearby aquatic centres. There are also safety risks, as higher patron numbers could exceed lifeguard availability and supervision capacity. The ageing infrastructure would be further strained by increased use, with greater wear and tear driving up maintenance and utility costs and increasing the likelihood of equipment failures. Behavioural issues are another concern, as demonstrated in other regions such as Snowy Valleys Council during fee-free trials. Customer dissatisfaction may grow if crowding worsens or if Council is forced to cap entry numbers to maintain safety.
Council must also consider its legal and contractual obligations, including the impact on lease terms with BlueFit. Lastly, competitive neutrality must be upheld. There is a clear financial impact, including loss of revenue and the potential requirement to compensate BlueFit under the current lease agreement. In line with recent legal advice regarding early childhood education and other services, Council must ensure that learn-to-swim programs are excluded from any fee reduction scheme to avoid adversely affecting nearby private operators.
Increased Access to the Outdoor 50 Metre Pool
Since assuming operations in 2007, BlueFit has progressively expanded winter access to the outdoor 50-metre pool. Previously drained during colder months for maintenance, the pool now operates year-round on a reduced schedule to support cost-effective and environmentally conscious operations. Winter use is targeted toward squad training in the early mornings and evenings, where usage is consistent, and participation is guaranteed. During the hours the outdoor pool is closed, lap swimmers continue to have access to the indoor 25-metre pool. Four of the eight indoor lanes are reserved daily for lap swimming during the outdoor pool closure period. This reduces to two lanes between 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm to accommodate learn-to-swim and aqua classes. However, during this time, four lanes remain available in the outdoor pool.
The current winter hours at the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre's 50m pool are applied from 28 April 2025 to late September and the times operated are:
Weekday Hours (Monday – Friday):
Open |
05:30 AM – 10:00 AM |
Closed |
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
Open |
03:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
Weekend Hours (Saturday and Sunday):
Open |
6:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
Closed |
3:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
The shift in operations of the outdoor from a seasonal to a year-round facility, with winter access maintained during mornings and evenings for squad training and lap swimming. While this increased availability supports some user groups, it comes with notable costs. Staffing is required despite low patronage during colder months, and the energy required to maintain water temperature in winter is considerable. During summer, heating needs are minimal; however, in winter, maintaining the set temperature demands substantial energy. At times, the system struggles to keep pace—especially in the afternoons— which can result in reduced usability on colder days.
Gas usage has risen significantly during the term of BlueFit’s contract, both in volume and cost. The Centre remains the single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Council’s operations. This trend has continued despite the 2020 installation of a high-efficiency condensing boiler that operates at 92% efficiency by reusing heat from the flue. These emissions directly contradict Council’s adopted emissions reduction targets and climate emergency declaration. Council’s broader electrification strategy aims to address this challenge and improve operational sustainability.
Year |
Annual Gas cost |
Explanatory comments |
2010 |
$67,732 |
|
2011 |
$63,531 |
|
2012 |
$77,197 |
|
2013 |
$94,308 |
|
2014 |
$95,021 |
|
2015 |
$75,843 |
|
2016 |
$75,930 |
|
2017 |
$75,843 |
|
2018 |
$75,843 |
|
2019 |
$160,361 |
|
2020 |
$234,103 |
|
2021 |
$252,698 |
New 50m pool opened in September 2020 |
2022 |
$305,413 |
|
2023 |
$482,647 |
Winter trial held |
2024 |
$347,869 |
to March 2024 |
A trial in May 2023 tested the viability of extending pool hours throughout the day. Despite joint promotional efforts by BlueFit and Council, usage dropped 36% compared to March and 10% compared to April. Operational challenges also emerged: keeping the pool uncovered for longer periods made it difficult to maintain water temperature in the afternoons, disrupting squad training and impacting user experience. Squad participation, which remains significantly higher than casual use during winter, continues to guide the current winter operating model.
Lane access and congestion issues
BlueFit ensures that a minimum number of lanes remain available each day in both the indoor and outdoor pools to support casual lap and recreational swimming. The indoor pool is accessible to the public from 5:30am to 9:00pm daily. However, lane availability is restricted by high demand from various user groups, including schools, swim clubs, learn-to-swim programs, aquafit sessions, squads, scuba training, NDIS providers, and other specialist programs. During school carnivals, the entire outdoor pool is closed to the public to meet child safety and competition requirements. Despite these operational demands, the operator actively manages scheduling to maintain access for casual swimmers throughout the day, although preferred lane availability may be limited during peak periods.
Proposed Seasonal Extension
In response to Council’s request, BlueFit has agreed to operate the outdoor pool for the month of September at no additional cost to Council. In return, it is proposed that Council fund any environmental offsets required during this period.
The current winter operating model provides approximately 10 hours of access per day, with early morning and late afternoon sessions aligned to squad and club usage patterns. The proposed extension would increase daily operations to 15 hours, adding an additional five hours between 10:00am and 3:00pm in the month of September. However, there is currently no consistent patronage during this midday period, and demand remains uncertain. BlueFit has advised that a sustained 15-hour daily operating schedule during winter may not be feasible under current demand conditions. Should the additional hours demonstrate strong community uptake, minimal disruption to existing programs, and effective temperature control, further seasonal extension could be considered in the future.
Staffing remains the primary cost driver for extended hours. To offset this, BlueFit will leverage savings from a new metering and monitoring system, installed in June 2025, that tracks real-time energy and water use. This system—part-funded by a matched grant from the NSW Government—enables more efficient and responsive operations without compromising service delivery. These efficiencies are expected to support modest service expansion within current budget parameters, offering a balanced and risk-aware approach to improving access.
Community Engagement and Communications
To support the success of this initiative, Council will undertake a coordinated communications campaign. Promotions will highlight concession offers and new access opportunities, using both Council and BlueFit platforms to maximise community awareness and encourage participation.
Financial Implications
The financial implication of this extended access program to Council is $3,293 and funding for this will need to come from general revenue.
Item Description |
Estimated Cost |
Carbon offset – September |
$293.85 |
Marketing – Vouchers in rates, social boosts, etc. |
$3,000.00 |
Total Estimated Cost |
$3,293.85 |
The cost to the operator is significantly more. The detailed costs associated with extending pool operations have been provided to Councillors in a confidential memo, due to the commercially sensitive nature of the operator’s financial modelling It is important to note that it is unlikely that there would be any significant increase in revenue to offset these costs should a decision be made to extend the opening hours of the 50m pool.
Conclusion
The LCAC plays a vital role in supporting the health, wellbeing, and social inclusion of the local community. With visitation reaching record levels and further increases expected due to the temporary closure of nearby facilities, it is critical that Council take a balanced approach to improving access while preserving operational and financial sustainability. Overall, Lane Cove’s pricing structure provides meaningful access for a wide cross-section of the community, while maintaining the financial sustainability needed to deliver high-quality aquatic services now and into the future.
This report recommends a targeted and staged strategy to fees including:
· Widening the gap between general admissions and concession fees.
· Expanding concession eligibility and improved promotion of existing discounts.
· Introducing time-limited free-entry initiatives aligned with community events and equity goals.
· Avoiding a blanket fee-free model due to significant operational, financial, and safety risks.
These recommendations support extending the outdoor pool season. The proposed change is to extend opening hours during September, combined with robust monitoring and a coordinated communications campaign, which will allow Council to assess community demand and operational impacts before considering any further changes to the operating times. This strategy prioritises inclusion and service improvement without compromising the Centre’s financial viability or user experience. Ongoing evaluation of attendance, energy use, staff capacity, and customer satisfaction will be essential to inform any future changes.
That Council: 1. collaborate with the operator to expand concession access at the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre to include additional groups, such ImmiCard holders, and further concession card holders; 2. provide Lane Cove ratepayers with a free swim voucher with their annual rates notice in July, with funding provided for design, printing, and promotion; 3. accept the operator’s offer to provide additional concessions support including providing: a) all new citizens with a free swim to be distributed at Citizenship Ceremonies b) vouchers throughout the year to support Domestic and Family Violence charities servicing the community c) extend the BlueFit Hardship fund which supports local swimmers experiencing a shock or challenges and needing support to exercise or access the pool; 4. support a program of free pool access for targeted community groups during off-peak periods throughout the year, including but not limited to: a) International Women’s Day b) Youth Week c) International Day of Persons with Disabilities d) Seniors Week e) NAIDOC Week (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members) f) Refugee Week g) Men’s Health month activation; 5. partner with the operator to open the outdoor pool for full-day access during September, at the operator’s cost. Use this pilot to assess whether September usage supports continued or expanded winter operations which may need to be funded by Council. Evaluation Criteria will include attendance levels in September comparable to those recorded in October and financial and operational viability; 6. organise and fund the carbon offset for the additional opening hours for September opening; 7. support the success of these increased accessibility initiatives through a coordinated communications campaign to raise awareness across the community, delivered in partnership with the operator; and 8. Thank the operator, BlueFit, for its collaborative approach in supporting this review of access and equity at the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre, including its commitment to provide an extended winter opening and to deliver expanded community benefits. |
Stephanie Kelly
Director - Community and Culture
Community and Culture Division
There are no supporting documents for this report.
Ordinary Council Meeting 24 July 2025
Community Consultation Results - Draft Pedestrian Plaza and Public Space Policy
Item No: 8
Subject: Community Consultation Results - Draft Pedestrian Plaza and Public Space Policy
Record No: SU6840 - 43333/25
Division: Community and Culture Division
Author(s): Stephanie Kelly
Executive Summary
This report provides feedback on the exhibition of the Draft Pedestrian Plaza and Public Space Policy and recommends that is formally adopted.
Background
Council sought community feedback on a revised draft policy governing the use of public pedestrian spaces, including footpaths and plazas, for outdoor dining, stalls, performances, and displays.
The updated policy consolidated existing procedures and introduced clearer guidelines to improve safety, accessibility, and equitable use of these spaces. Key changes addressed child safety, political advertising, noise controls, and accessibility, while supporting vibrant public activation. The policy aimed to balance activation with amenity and streamline Council’s management of competing uses.
At its meeting on the 22 June 2025, Council resolved that it:
1. endorses the Draft Pedestrian Plaza and Public Space 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. provide a further report to Council following the public exhibition period
Discussion
The draft policy was promoted through Council’s website, social media platforms and e-newsletters. The draft policy was also presented and discussed at the Access and Age Friendly Advisory Committee.
Following the exhibition period, a total of 11 survey responses were received. Two detailed written submissions were made, Paul Bennet of the Live Music Zone met with Council staff to discuss the policy and a discussion was had with the Access and Age Friendly Advisory Committee who provided comments. Copies of all submissions has been circulated separately to Councillors.
The consultation process revealed strong overall support for the proposed Use of Public Spaces Policy principles, with 90% of survey respondents endorsing Council’s prioritisation approach. Public use of space for activities such as performance, outdoor dining, fitness classes, and markets was widely supported (10 out of 11 respondents), and the majority agreed the proposed time slots were appropriate.
However, views on the proposed noise limits were mixed, with several respondents either opposed or unsure—largely due to uncertainty about what the decibel levels represent in practice. The proposed limits are drawn from NSW Government guidelines for ambient and performance noise. These benchmarks provide a clear basis for managing and regulating sound levels in public spaces if needed.
The indication from the survey is that the respondents valued Council’s management of the space and wanted to see the area protected requiring users to leave spaces clean and undamaged.
It reinforced the expectation that community and not-for-profit use is prioritised and supported with minimal or no cost, while commercial operators contribute fees and are limited in frequency.
Community suggestions and broader issues raised during the consultation highlighted the importance of ensuring public spaces are inclusive and accessible to all. There was a strong call to improve access for people with mobility challenges, with specific feedback noting the need for safe, separated cycling infrastructure, wider footpaths free of obstructions, and accessible seating—particularly in quiet areas like The Canopy.
Participants emphasised the value of maintaining free or low-cost access for not-for-profit groups and individuals, alongside improved monitoring of how spaces are used and clearer communication of upcoming events. In addition, there was support for programming that includes a diversity of musical styles and multicultural performances to reflect the community’s richness and vibrancy.
Some matters raised during the consultation fall outside the immediate scope of this policy but warrant broader consideration. These include access-related infrastructure such as paving, gradients, and separated cycling lanes, as well as the need for more equitable public realm design.
Council will continue to invest in improvements that support accessibility, safety, and inclusion across public spaces. These issues will be considered and will help inform updates to Lane Cove’s Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP) a strategic document used to plan for improved pedestrian infrastructure and safety.
Enforcement of designated dining areas will be strengthened and the potential to introduce more accessible, user-friendly seating in The Canopy will be explored.
A summary of matters raised in the submissions which have been incorporated into the policy are provided in the table below:
Original area of policy |
Amendment |
Political parties (2. Scope) |
Added - however, political stalls are permitted in the Plaza outside of official Council events, in line with Council’s Public Spaces Policy. |
A frame signs (4.2 4.2 Stalls in public pedestrian thoroughfares- casual use
|
Not permissible if unattended in Council’s Development Control Plan {DCP} |
“tuneful” (Section 4.2.3) |
Performances must be of a recognisable musical standard, with instruments and vocals generally in tune and rhythmically coherent. |
‘a complaint’ (Section 4.2.3) |
Council will respond if several complaints are received and not just one complaint. |
4.2 Live Music Zone Timing |
Timing for the Live Music Zone will be maintained as is current practise: · 9:30am - 12:30pm Monday to Saturday (current practise) · 2:00pm -5:00pm by arrangement at The Canopy on Saturday
Proposed to add 4:00pm-6:00pm in the Live Music Zone on Tuesdays and Thursdays for young people after school
No performances permitted in the Live Music Zone on Sundays |
Access by people with mobility issue (4.7 Accessibility and Safety Requirements for Temporary Uses) |
A minimum 1.8-metre-wide clear pedestrian path along the building line must be maintained at all times. |
Conclusion
The consultation process revealed strong overall support for the proposed Use of Public Spaces Policy principles.
Following consideration of the matters raised during the public exhibition period, it is recommended that Council adopt the Draft Pedestrian Plaza and Public Space Policy (as attached to this report (AT-1) and publish it on Council’s website.
That Council adopt the Draft Pedestrian Plaza and Public Space Policy
|
Stephanie Kelly
Director - Community and Culture
Community and Culture Division
AT‑1 View |
Revised Draft of the Use of Public Pedestrian Thoroughfares Policy |
8 Pages |
Available Electronically |
Ordinary Council Meeting 24 July 2025
Proposed Land Sale - Anglo Road, St Leonards
Item No: 9
Subject: Proposed Land Sale - Anglo Road, St Leonards
Record No: SU262 - 43998/25
Division: General Managers Unit
Author(s): David Stevens
Executive Summary
This Report advises Council of an offer to purchase that portion of Anglo Road (Subject Road), Greenwich that operates as a cul-de-sac and is a local public road that lies between 126 Pacific Highway (Lot 100 / DP 59491) and 130-134 Pacific Highway (SP20585). The objective of the purchase is to consolidate the area with the two adjoining properties to facilitate a Seniors Living Development.
This report does not predispose approval for any subsequent Development Application (DA).
Discussion
The proposed development for Seniors Living is not a permissible use under the Lane Cove LEP.
The applicant is reliant upon the SEPP (Housing) 2021 (the SEPP) for the proposed use which also prescribes a minimum lot size of 1,500 sqm. The amalgamated subject site (the Site) will be approximately 3,468m2 (Figure 1).
Figure 1 (Aerial image identifying the subject sites):
Figure 2 (Google Street view of the cul-de-sac):
This section of road only services the two adjoining properties known as 126 and 130-134 Pacific Highway Greenwich (Figure 2).
The applicant has control of the two properties on either side of this cul-de-sac and wishes to develop them as a Seniors Living Complex. The proposed development includes the upgrade and embellishment of the Council land and they would maintain the public access from Anglo Road through to the Pacific Highway. This would require a right of way or easement in favour of Council.
Currently they do not have the minimum site area required under the SEPP and this proposal consolidates the developable land into a contiguous (one) lot.
An important consideration for Council in its decision-making process, is to ensure that the Council is entitled to close the road having regard for the criteria set out in s38A under Division 3 of Part 4 of the Roads Act 1993, which provides that the Council may close the road if it is satisfied that the road is not reasonably required as a road for public use (whether for present or future needs; the road is not required to provide continuity for an existing road network; and if the road provides vehicular access to a particular land, another public road provides lawful and reasonably practicable vehicular access to that land). These criteria are noted as being satisfied in this instance.
Conclusion
The applicant has control of the two properties on either side of this cul-de-sac and wishes to develop them as a Seniors Living Complex. The proposed development includes the upgrade and embellishment of the Council land and they would maintain the public access from Anglo Road through to the Pacific Highway. This would require a right of way or easement in favour of Council.
Currently they do not have the minimum site area required under the SEPP and this proposal consolidates the developable land into one lot.
There are no legal or planning impediments to the consideration of the offer to purchase. If Council was of the mind to further pursue the offer, a formal road closure process under the Roads Act would need to be undertaken. This includes mandatory public consultation and further reports to Council.
Council would receive a further report on the outcome of the Community Consultation pertaining to road closure prior to finalising any sale.
That Council: 1. receive and note the Report, 2. advise its position regarding the offer to purchase, 3. subject to items 1 & 2, delegate authority to the General Manager to commence the negotiation of sale and the Road Closure process under the Roads Act; and 4. receive a further report on the outcome of the Community Consultation pertaining to road closure for its consideration prior to finalising any sale. |
Steven Kludass
Acting General Manager
General Managers Unit
There are no supporting documents for this report.
Ordinary Council Meeting 24 July 2025
Proposed Voluntary Planning Agreement for 170 Pacific Highway, Greenwich
Item No: 10
Subject: Proposed Voluntary Planning Agreement for 170 Pacific Highway, Greenwich
Record No: SU6258 - 43999/25
Division: General Managers Unit
Author(s): David Stevens
Executive Summary
This report outlines a proposed Voluntary Planning Agreement (AT-1) with Realside 170 Pac Pty Ltd (the Proponent) for a proposed Seniors’ Living development at 170 Pacific Highway, Greenwich (the site) which is legally described as Lot 1 in DP 716649. The proponent is offering a monetary contribution to ongoing maintenance of Wadanggari Park, St Leonards and is in addition to any other applicable development contributions payable under S7.11 of the EP&A Act.
The report recommends that Council give notice of its intention to enter into a Voluntary Planning Agreement and place it on public exhibition for 28 days when the Development Application is advertised.
Background
Council has received a Letter of Public Benefit Offer (AT-2) from Keylan on behalf of the Proponent to enter into a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) for the site. The Public Benefit offer relates to a Development Application (DA) for the proposed mixed-use development (including Seniors Housing) at the site, comprising:
· Partial demolition and adaptive reuse of the existing five (5) storey commercial building and basement;
· Construction of five (5) additional stories (totalling 10) which will accommodate 48 Independent Living Units (ILU’s) and rooftop communal space;
· Ground floor residential amenities including a pool and gym;
· Ground floor commercial;
· Car parking spaces across the basement and at-grade;
· Associated landscaping works.
Seniors’ Living is not a permitted use under the Lane Cove Environmental Plan 2009 (LEP). As such, the proponent is reliant upon the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 which permits Seniors’ Living development within the E2 Zone.
Discussion
The proponent offers a one-off monetary contribution of $281,375 being the equivalent of $250,000 indexed at 3% over five (5) years payable upon issue of the Construction Certificate (CC).
The contribution is offered in addition to any other applicable development contributions under
S7.11 of the EP&A Act for maintenance of Wadanggari Park and represents a significant source of medium-term funding for operational expenditure at this important community asset.
The Monetary Contribution payment timing (CC) provides Council an additional income stream on the unspent funds via interest received during the 5 year term.
Community Consultation
Statement of Intent
The consultation is designed to obtain feedback on the proposed VPA for the delivery of Public Benefit as described. Any comments received will be reviewed and evaluated to assist in preparing a report back to Council which will determine whether or not to proceed with the VPA.
Method
Level of Participation |
Inform |
Inform |
Consult |
Form of Participation |
Open |
Targeted |
Open |
Target Audience |
Lane Cove Community and community groups |
Properties in the vicinity. Local community associations. |
Lane Cove Community |
Proposed Medium |
Advertisement and eNewsletter
|
Notification Letters
|
Public Exhibition, Website Exhibition and Survey |
Indicative Timing |
In conjunction with the Development Application Notification |
Conclusion
The Monetary Contribution offered for the medium-term maintenance of Wadanggari Park represents a considerable public benefit. Further, it provides flexibility to Council for the re-deployment of financial resources to other unfunded and / or partially funded projects and services in the Lane Cove LGA.
That Council: 1. receive and note the report; 2. give notice of its intention to enter into a Voluntary Planning Agreement as outlined in the report with Realside 170 Pac Pty Ltd in accordance with the consultation strategy outlined in the report; 3. undertake the consultation for the VPA concurrently with the DA; and 4. receive a further report following community consultation. |
Steven Kludass
Acting General Manager
General Managers Unit
AT‑1 View |
Draft VPA - Realside 170 Pac Pty Ltd |
48 Pages |
Available Electronically |
AT‑2 View |
Letter of Public Benefit Offer - 170 Pacific Highway Greenwich |
3 Pages |
Available Electronically |
Ordinary Council Meeting 24 July 2025
Rezoning Review - 2 Marshall Avenue, St Leonards
Item No: 11
Subject: Rezoning Review - 2 Marshall Avenue, St Leonards
Record No: SU10206 - 40920/25
Division: Planning and Sustainability Division
Author(s): Christopher Pelcz
Executive Summary
The purpose of this report is to advise that the applicant for 2 Marshall Avenue has lodged a rezoning review with the Department of Planning, Housing & Infrastructure [DPHI].
If the review proceeds it will be conducted by the Sydney North Planning Panel [SNPP].
Background
A rezoning proposal was submitted for the property known as 2 Marshall Avenue, St Leonards.
It was referred to the Local Planning Panel [LPP] (AT-1) where the advice of the Panel (AT-2) was that it had no strategic or site-specific merit.
The Planning Proposal including the LPP advice was considered by Council at its Ordinary meeting 24 April 2025 (AT-3), where it was resolved (AT-4) to not support it.
Discussion
The applicant has lodged a Request for Review with the DPHI.
Council received notification on 24 June 2025 from the DPHI providing it with the opportunity to comment on the applicant’s Request for Review. The comments were due by 15 July 2025 but Council was granted an extension until 28 July 2025.
Conclusion
It is recommended that Council receive and note this report.
That Council receive and note this report. |
Mark Brisby
Director - Planning and Sustainability
Planning and Sustainability Division
ATTACHMENTS:
AT‑1 View |
Local Planning Panel - REPORT - 2 Marshall Avenue |
20 Pages |
Available Electronically |
AT‑2 View |
Local Planning Panel - ADVICE - 2 Marshall Avenue |
5 Pages |
Available Electronically |
AT‑3 View |
Council REPORT - 2 Marshall Avenue |
5 Pages |
Available Electronically |
AT‑4 View |
Council MINUTE - 2 Marshall Avenue |
1 Page |
Available Electronically |
Ordinary Council Meeting 24 July 2025
LEP Review
Item No: 12
Subject: LEP Review
Record No: SU10242 - 40918/25
Division: Planning and Sustainability Division
Author(s): Golrokh Heydarian; Christopher Pelcz
Executive Summary
The purpose of this report is to provide Council’s Local Planning Panel advice on its Local Environmental Plan review.
The Proposal was reported (AT-1) to the Lane Cove Local Planning Panel (LCLPP) for advice on the 9 July 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 and consider the amendments proposed by the Council in its review of the LEP.
The LCLPP advised that the Planning Proposal is supported with suggested 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 be supported with amendments and be forwarded to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for Gateway Determination.
Background
On 21 November 2024, Council resolved to undertake an LEP review with a Sustainability focus.
It should be noted this included in Council’s Delivery Program which was approved on 19 June 2025.
The proposal also includes several housekeeping items which require amendments in the LEP.
The Proposal
The Council-led Planning Proposal seeks the following amendments to Lane Cove LEP 2009:-
· Updates the aims of the LEP to better align with Council’s Sustainability goals,
· New Sustainability clauses on Urban Heat, Stormwater Management, Water Sensitive Urban Design and Waste Minimisation,
· Updates existing LEP clauses –
o to ensure that Council’s existing subdivision patterns remains relatively consistent,
o to better protect riparian and environmental lands,
o to include landscaping as part of design excellence in St Leonards South,
· Introduces new LGA wide clauses for Design Excellence and Affordable Housing,
· Introduces a new site-specific clause to permit subdivision of an existing dual occupancy in Henley Street and Barwon Road,
· De-list 82 Kenneth Street as a heritage item
· Amend the Heritage listing of the nominated items
· Rezone the following Council owned properties –
Property |
Legal Description |
Rezoning |
Along Epping Road, Lane Cove West |
Lot 101 DP 1204603 |
From E4 General Industrial to C2 Environmental Conservation |
14 Gay Street, Lane Cove North |
Lot A DP 360196 |
From R2 Low Density Residential to C2 Environmental Conservation |
Along Stevenson Street and River Road, Lane Cove |
· Lots 1, 2, 4 & 6 in DP 20230, · Lots 1-5 in DP 3886 · Part of Lots 6-12 in DP 21129 |
From RE1 Public Recreation to C2 Environmental Conservation |
Submissions
The subject Planning Proposal is Council-led and as such did not require public notification at this stage. Any Gateway Determination will be subject to extensive formal public exhibition requirements.
Discussion
Referral to Local Planning Panel
The Planning Proposal for the LEP Review 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 along with the views and concerns raised in a staff assessment report (AT-1).
The report to the Panel outlines the provisions of the Planning Proposal against all relevant strategic planning documents. Please refer to the LPP report (see AT-1).
The Lane Cove Local Planning Panel advice
The recommendation (see AT-2) from the Panel (LCLPP) supported the staffs assessment and agreed that the Proposal is generally consistent with State and Council’s Strategic Plans.
The Panel did not support the inclusion of 94 Northwood Road as they felt that the heritage study did not address the fact that the items’ significance was related to the group listing.
This item will not be included in this LEP Amendment.
Amendments
Following feedback from staff and the LPP, the following amendments have been made to the Planning Proposal;
· Aims
o New aim – (f) to ensure that development does not result in any net loss of dwellings.
o Amend housing aim to – in relation to housing, to increase the number of affordable dwellings in Lane Cove and to promote diversity of housing.
· 6.4 Environmental protection land
o Include a new objective to read – the objective of this clause is to ensure that development does not adversely impact on environmental protection land.
· 6.15 Affordable housing
o Change subclause (1)(b) to read – affordable housing must be leased to tenants in accordance with the provisions of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021.
o Change subclause (1)(e) to read – affordable housing must consist of dwellings constructed to a standard that, in the opinion of the consent authority, is consistent with the same standard of dwellings forming part of the proposed development that are not intended to be used as affordable housing, particularly in relation to internal fittings and finishes, solar access and privacy.
o New subclause (1)(f) – Any development should not result in any net loss of dwellings.
o Amend subclause (2) to include build-to-rent housing.
o Remove references throughout the clause to ‘contribution’ or ‘monetary contribution’.
o New subclause (8) – For Council-owned affordable housing dwellings, they must be leased to tenants at rents that do not exceed a benchmark of 30% of actual household income.
· Schedule 5 Environmental heritage
o Remove 94 Northwood Road from the amendments and pursue separately to address the Panel’s comments.
· Amend the area of Stevenson Street to be rezoned to C2 as per Figure 1.
In terms of the Lane Cove North Neighborhood shops (see AT-4), a formal strategic study to be completed to identify opportunities for future sites and required planning provisions. This study to be commenced immediately and to be included in the response to any Gateway determination.
These amended clauses are included in AT-3.
Figure 1: Amended Stevenson Street C2 rezoning
Community Consultation
It is envisaged that following a Gateway Determination extensive public consultation will be carried out.
Conclusion
The proposal is consistent with both State and Local Government Strategic Plans. It is therefore recommended for approval (subject to the amendments suggested by the Local Planning Panel and this report).
That having considered the advice of the Lane Cove Local Planning Panel meeting of 9 July 2025, Council: 1. receive, note and the advice provided by the Local Planning Panel. 2. support the Planning Proposal with the amendments suggested in this report. 3. include the strategic study to identify the opportunities for the provision of a neighbourhood shop/centre and request this be included in the Gateway determination. 4. forward the Planning Proposal to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure requesting a Gateway Determination. |
Mark Brisby
Director - Planning and Sustainability
Planning and Sustainability Division
AT‑1 View |
REPORT - Local Planning Panel - 9 July 2025 |
89 Pages |
Available Electronically |
AT‑2 View |
ADVICE - Local Planning Panel - 9 July 2025 |
6 Pages |
Available Electronically |
AT‑3 View |
Revised LEP clauses |
18 Pages |
Available Electronically |
AT‑4 View |
MINUTES - Lane Cove North Neighbourhood shops |
1 Page |
Available Electronically |
Ordinary Council Meeting 24 July 2025
Section 7.11 Plan review - St Leonards South
Item No: 13
Subject: Section 7.11 Plan review - St Leonards South
Record No: SU10575 - 40919/25
Division: Planning and Sustainability Division
Author(s): Golrokh Heydarian
Executive Summary
The purpose of this report is to advise the outcome of the Public Exhibition of the St Leonards South (SLS) Precinct Section 7.11 Development Contributions Plan.
The Contributions Plan has been amended to reflect changes in infrastructure costs and includes updated land acquisition rates for open space areas based on 2025 figures. It also responds to IPART’s recommendation to update the plan within 3 years. Council previously resolved to report any amendments to the plan back to Council before submitting to IPART.
Now that the public exhibition of the revised Contributions Plan has been completed it is recommended to grant the General Manager delegation to submit this Plan to IPART for assessment.
Background
Council’s original application to NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for assessment of its SLS Section 7.11 Plan was lodged in June 2021 and completed in December 2021.
Council adopted the plan on 19 April 2022, and it became active on 20 April 2022.This Plan was due for review in 2025. In November 2024 Council resolved that:
3. amendments to the plan (if any) be tabled for the approval of Council before submission of the amended plan to IPART
Council updated the Contributions Plan in June 2025 to reflect revised information on planning assumptions, scope and cost of land and works included in the Plan.
Staff have sought advice from the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) and IPART. They both confirmed that any amendments to the contribution rates must be publicly exhibited prior to lodgment with IPART.
Discussion
In the three years since the adoption of the Plan, development approvals have been granted, and construction has commenced at development sites throughout the precinct.
During this 3-year period, the scheduled installation of a new stormwater system in Canberra Avenue, Holdsworth Avenue, Berry Road and Park Road has now been completed.
Council commenced acquiring properties for the Local Park and has now settled on four of the ten lots (up to June 2025) for the new local park at the previous rate mentioned in the plan. As part of the review, Council commissioned a revised property report which includes updated land valuations. These updated land valuations inform the revised S 7.11 Plan.
It is important to note that most of the other works will be completed once construction in the precinct is finished.
The updated Draft Plan was publicly exhibited on Council’s website from 21 June to 18 July 2025.
No submissions had been received at the time of writing this report.
Conclusion
Overall, the Draft Plan has been updated to reflect works completed to date, as well as revised land acquisition costs for the remaining properties, based on independent analysis.
It is recommended that Council submit the revised 7.11 Contributions Plan to IPART for review.
That Council: 1. note the outcome of the public exhibition; 2. delegate to the General Manager authority to submit this Plan to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for consideration. |
Mark Brisby
Director - Planning and Sustainability
Planning and Sustainability Division
AT‑1 View |
Draft Contributions Plan |
44 Pages |
Available Electronically |
Ordinary Council Meeting 24 July 2025
2025 Local Government NSW Conference Motions, Voting Delegates and Attendance
Item No: 14
Subject: 2025 Local Government NSW Conference Motions, Voting Delegates and Attendance
Record No: SU10698 - 42876/25
Division: Lane Cove Council
Author(s): Stephen Golding
Executive Summary
Council has received correspondence from Local Government NSW concerning their 2025 Annual Conference. In preparation for their Conference, Local Government NSW have asked all councils to consider the key issues affecting their communities. These issues will be discussed and debated during the business sessions of the Conference.
This report recommends that Council consider the primary issues affecting the Lane Cove community, submit motions for debate and endorse the delegates including the three (3) voting delegates for the motions at the Conference.
Background
The Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Annual Conference is the supreme policy-making body of LGNSW and an opportunity for Councillors to come together to share ideas and debate issues that shape the way LGNSW is governed and advocates on behalf of the local government sector.
The Annual Conference of Local Government NSW (LGNSW) will be held from Sunday 23 to Tuesday 25 November 2025 at Panthers Penrith and Western Sydney Conference Centre, Penrith NSW.
Registration and motion submissions are now open, with discounted early bird rates ending on Tuesday 30 September 2025.
A Program for the Conference is available on the Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Annual Conference website via https://lgnswconference.org.au/program/, with Registration and Conference FAQs via https://lgnswconference.org.au/faqs/.
Under LGNSW rules and the formula for calculating voting entitlements, Council will be entitled to nominate three (3) voting delegates for voting on motions considered at the Conference and positions in the Board elections.
Council must advise LGNSW of the names of their nominated voting delegates (for voting on motions and, where applicable, for voting in the Board election) by 5.00pm AEDT on Friday 7 November 2025.
Council is invited to submit motions for possible debate at the conference to advance the sector wide policy agenda. LGNSW encourages Council to submit motions by 30 September 2025.
Further details of the requirements and criteria for submission of motions to be considered at the Conference are outlined below.
Discussion
Requests for Councillors to attend the Conference, dinner and ALGWA breakfast.
The Conference costs are as follows (all-inclusive of GST):
· Member Early Bird Registration: $1,250 per person
· Member Standard Registration: $1,550 per person
· Conference Dinner (not included in registration): $245 per person
· Optional Workshops (Sessions A and B): $100 per person
· ALGWA Members-Only Breakfast: $92.50 per person
Meals (not covered by the conference) and allowances would be based on Council’s Policy on Payment of Expenses and Provision of Facilities to Councillors, Section 4.3.4 Out of Pocket expenses. This is capped at $150 per Councillor per day.
Local accommodation starts from $196, depending on availability and time of booking.
Travel cost as per the policy is to use the most economical option, such as economy airfare, rail, Council vehicle, or private vehicle at the ATO kilometer rate, including parking and tolls. Considering that travel to Penrith takes approximately 60 minutes by car from Lane Cove, Council may opt to use its fleet pool vehicles and/or the electric fleet pool vehicle to help reduce travel costs and/or the carbon footprint of the trip.
Under the LGNSW Rules, the latest date motions can be accepted for inclusion in the business paper is 12 midnight (AEDT) on Sunday 26 October 2025. Members are however encouraged to submit motions by 30 September 2025.
Councillors are encouraged to be mindful that each Annual Conference can only reasonably consider and debate around 100 motions in the available time. With the number of LGNSW members including councils and related entities (such as ROCs and JOs), LGNSW requests that members only submit motions that relate to their highest priorities.
The LGNSW Board has resolved that motions will be included in the Business Paper for the Conference only where they fit in with the following criteria.
Criteria for motions
To be included in the Business Paper, motions must:
1. Be consistent with the objects of the LGNSW Rules (Rule 4)
2. Demonstrate that the issue concerns or is likely to concern a substantial number of local governments in NSW
3. Seek to establish or change a policy position of LGNSW and/or improve governance of the association (noting that the LGNSW Board is responsible for any decisions around resourcing and campaigns or operational activities, and any necessary resource allocations will be subject to the LGNSW budgetary process)
4. Be strategic
5. Be concise, clearly worded and unambiguous
6. Not be focused on just a small specific part of NSW
7. Not encourage violation of prevailing laws
8. Not seek to advantage one or several members at the expense of other members.
Motions of a similar objective:
9. May be consolidated by LGNSW as a single item.
Motions reflecting existing LGNSW policy:
10. Remain part of LGNSW’s Policy Platform but will not be included for debate as they have already been considered by Conference.
Before submitting motions for this year’s Annual Conference, Councillors are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the LGNSW Policy Platform (AT-1) to ensure the proposed motion wording does not reflect existing policy positions.
Suggested Motion
At present there is one suggested motion that addresses a key issue affecting the Lane Cove community. It is recommended that this motion be submitted for inclusion in Local Government NSW Conference Agenda for discussion and debate.
Motion 1
Motion Title
Electoral Campaign Reform for Local Governments:
Motion
That LGNSW requests that the Federal and State Electoral Commissioners to liaise with Councils 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 that is consistent across all levels of government.
Background note.
During the 2025 Federal election campaign, the conduct of some political participants fell short of the standards of integrity, fairness, and adherence to local government rules. This behaviour poses a risk to the integrity and goodwill of democratic processes and placed significant strain on Council resources. Political materials were mass-produced and widely distributed, with many illegally installed on public land and infrastructure.
Council staff worked diligently to remove these items, particularly plastic signage and digital trailers to ensure public safety, accessibility, and amenity. Numerous community complaints were received, diverting rangers from their core duties.
Conclusion
For Council to participate fully in the LGNSW Annual Conference, it is recommended that Council consider the primary issues affecting the Lane Cove community, including the suggested Motion outlined in this report, and submit the Motion/s for consideration by LGNSW for inclusion on the Conference Agenda.
It is further recommended that Council authorise Councillor attendance at the Annual Conference, dinner and ALGWA breakfast and nominate three (3) voting delegates.
That Council: 1. authorise all available Councillors to attend the LGNSW Annual Conference, dinner and ALGWA Breakfast 2. nominate Council’s three (3) voting delegates for motions put before the LGNSW Annual Conference 3. give consideration to the motion outlined in this report and other primary issues affecting the Lane Cove community and submit same for debate at the LGNSW Annual Conference; and 4. grant delegated authority to the Mayor to request the General Manager to submit any further proposed motions, after consulting with Councillors, prior to the deadline for submitting motions. |
Steven Kludass
Acting General Manager
General Managers Unit
AT‑1 View |
LGNSW Policy Platform 2025 |
40 Pages |
Available Electronically |
Ordinary Council Meeting 24 July 2025
Delegation of Authority - Mayor and Deputy Mayor Policy
Item No: 15
Subject: Delegation of Authority - Mayor and Deputy Mayor Policy
Record No: SU6840 - 34293/25
Division: Lane Cove Council
Author(s): Stephen Golding
Executive Summary
Section 380 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) requires Council to review its delegations and make any changes considered appropriate within 12 months after each ordinary election.
It is recommended Council endorse the existing delegations to the Mayor and Deputy Mayor
Background
The purpose of this policy is to provide the Mayor with sufficient delegated authority to ensure the smooth running of the Council between meetings; and provide the Deputy Mayor with sufficient delegated authority to ensure the smooth running of the Council between meetings during the absence of the Mayor.
The Delegation of Authority – Mayor and Deputy Mayor Policy was adopted at the Ordinary Council Meeting 17 July 2017, as part of the report titled Policy Review - Phase 1, Council Resolution 115/17.
Discussion
Authority delegated to the Mayor under the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) is outlined in Section 226 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW).
Below is a summary of what the Act states regarding the role of the Mayor:
Section 226 – The Role of the Mayor
The role of the Mayor is:
· To lead the Council in performing its civic functions.
· To exercise, in cases of necessity, the policy-making functions of the governing body of the Council between meetings of the Council.
· To preside at meetings of the Council.
· To carry out the civic and ceremonial functions.
· To exercise such other functions as the Council determines.
· To represent the Council on official occasions.
In addition to the statutory roles listed in Section 226, Councils can delegate further authority to the Mayor under Section 377 of the Act, which allows the Council to delegate many of its functions (with some exceptions). These limitations are outlined in Section 377(1) of the Act.
This delegation has been in place under the current wording dating back decades with Section 4.1 of the Mayoral Delegation stating: “The authority delegated by Council in the past to the Mayor shall apply to each new Mayor taking office.” and Section 4.2, “The authority delegated by Council in the past to the Deputy Mayor shall apply to each new Deputy Mayor taking office.”
The draft Delegation of Authority – Mayor and Deputy Mayor Policy proposes changes to Section 4.1 and 4.2 to remove the ongoing reference to past delegations by revoking all previous delegations and clearly defining Council’s new delegations to the Mayor and Deputy Mayor under the Act.
In accordance with and subject to Section 377 of the Act, it is recommended that Council delegates to the Mayor the following functions, as outlined in (AT-1)
Powers or duties under the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW)
• Powers and Duties under other Legislation
• Sign and Execute Documents
• Expenditure (Authorise urgent works up to $5,000)
• Represent Council – Government and Other Forums
• Issue Media Releases
• Manage the General Manager’s Contract
• General Authority of Council during Recess
• Emergency Provisions
Conclusion
It is recommended that Council adopt the draft Delegation of Authority – Mayor and Deputy Mayor Policy.
That: 1. any previous delegation to the Mayor and Deputy Mayor be revoked, 2. Council delegate to the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor the delegations within the "draft Delegation of Authority - Mayor and Deputy Mayor Policy " (AT-1) and 3. Council adopts the “Delegation of Authority - Mayor and Deputy Mayor Policy (AT-1): |
Steven Kludass
Acting General Manager
General Managers Unit
AT‑1 View |
Draft Policy-GMU-03 Delegation of Authority - Mayor and Deputy Mayor |
4 Pages |
|
Ordinary Council Meeting 24 July 2025
Advisory Committee Membership
Item No: 16
Subject: Advisory Committee Membership
Record No: SU827 - 44511/25
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.
However, during the preparation and conduct of initial committee meetings in March and April 2025, it was identified that it would be beneficial to seek additional committee members for certain committees.
This report discusses the most recent EOI process and makes recommendations for additional members to the committees.
This report also recommends a minor addition to the Advisory Committee Charter template to enable committee meetings to continue should members be absent.
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.
At its meeting on 24 April 2025, Council determined that additional members would be beneficial for some committees, and thus a further EOI process would be implemented for the committees listed below.
Details of vacancies |
|
Up to two representatives from non-profit organisations providing services that improve access and inclusion to residents of the Lane Cove area |
|
Bushland Management Advisory Committee |
One community member One Lane Cove Bushcare group member |
Companion Animal Advisory Committee |
Cat owner from East Ward Dog owner from East or West Ward Veterinary professional Non animal owner |
Festival Advisory Committee |
The committee charter provides for five to twelve members - there are currently six. |
Inclusive Communities Committee |
Three representatives from non-profit organisations or service providers working with disadvantaged or under-represented communities in Lane Cove. |
Public Art Advisory Committee |
The committee charter provides for ten community members - there are currently three. |
Discussion
The Expression of Interest process commenced on 12 May 2025 and ran for six weeks until 22 June 2025. During this period information was placed on Council’s website (on the Have Your Say and Committees’ pages), E-Newsletters were sent to Council’s various newsletter subscribers, and Facebook posts were published.
Council received 16 nominations from community members to join these Advisory Committees, and the Council Selection Committee met on 14 July 2025 to consider these nominations.
Access and Age-Friendly Advisory Committee
Three (3) nominations were received and following a review of the Committee charter and vacancies, only one met the criteria of being a representative from non-profit organisation providing services that improve access and inclusion to residents of the Lane Cove area. The Council Selection Committee recommends the following nominee be appointed to the Access and Age-Friendly Advisory Committee:
· Susan Parker |
Bushland Management Advisory Committee
Three (3) nominations were received for two vacancies and following a review of the Committee charter and vacancies, and each applicant’s skills, experience and interests, the Council Selection Committee recommends the following nominees be appointed to the Bushland Management Advisory Committee:
· Vickie Lee |
· Melissa Shadforth |
Companion Animal Advisory Committee
Two (2) nominations were received and following a review of the Committee charter and vacancies, and each applicant’s skills, experience and interests, the Council Selection Committee recommends the following nominee be appointed to the Companion Animal Advisory Committee:
· Natalie Panzarino |
Festival Advisory Committee
Three (3) nominations were received and following a review of the Committee charter and vacancies, and each applicant’s skills, experience and interests, the Council Selection Committee recommends the following nominees be appointed to the Festival Advisory Committee:
· Amanda Whitney |
· Ajaratu AJ Thomas |
· Scott Sullivan |
Inclusive Communities Committee
Two (2) nominations were received and following a review of the Committee charter and vacancies, and each applicant’s skills, experience and interests, the Council Selection Committee recommends the following nominees be appointed to the Inclusive Communities Committee:
· Ajaratu AJ Thomas |
Public Art Advisory Committee
Three (3) nominations were received and following a review of the Committee charter and vacancies, and each applicant’s skills, experience and interests, the Council Selection Committee recommends the following nominees be appointed to the Public Art Advisory Committee:
· Amanda Whitney |
· Shaunagh Ashby |
· Orlagh Sa-Cordeiro |
Addition to Advisory Committee Charter template
At Council’s meeting of 24 October 2024, Council adopted a standard template for the Advisory Committee Charters. A minor amendment is now proposed to confirm that if there is no meeting quorum, the Advisory Committee meeting may still proceed.
The proposed addition is to be inserted into Section 7 – Meeting Procedure and will say “Should there not be a quorum, the meeting may still proceed. This lack of quorum is to be noted in the meeting minutes.”
Following adoption, the template and each Advisory Committee Charter will be updated.
Conclusion
The addition of the proposed nominees to these committees will provide a larger range of participants to assist in meeting their objectives of facilitating engagement and information sharing between community members and Council.
A minor amendment to the Advisory Committee Charter template is also proposed to enable each meeting to proceed when there is no quorum.
That: 1. the Advisory Committee Charter template be amended to enable each meeting to proceed when there is no quorum 2. Council accepts the following nominations for Council’s Advisory Committees: a) Susan Paker be appointed to the Access and Age-Friendly Advisory Committee; b) Vickie Lee and Melissa Shadforth be appointed to the Bushland Management Advisory Committee; c) Natalie Panzarino be appointed to the Companion Animal Advisory Committee; d) Amanda Whitney, Scott Sullivan and Ajaratu AJ Thomas be appointed to the Festival Advisory Committee; e) Amanda Whitney, Shaunagh Ashby and Orlagh Sa-Cordeiro be appointed to the Public Art Advisory Committee; and f) Ajaratu AJ Thomas be appointed to the Inclusive Communities Committee; and 3. all nominees be advised of Council’s decision. |
Stephen Golding
Acting Director - Corporate and Strategy
Lane Cove Council
There are no supporting documents for this report.
Ordinary Council Meeting 24 July 2025
Community Consultation Results - Draft - Payment of Expenses and Provision of Facilities to Councillors Policy
Item No: 17
Subject: Community Consultation Results - Draft - Payment of Expenses and Provision of Facilities to Councillors Policy
Record No: SU834 - 44011/25
Division: Lane Cove Council
Author(s): Stephen Golding
Executive Summary
At the 22 May 2025 Ordinary Council meeting, Council resolved to consult with the community on its Draft - Payment of Expenses and Provision of Facilities to Councillors Policy, Council. Resolution 114/25.
This report advises that following the 28 day public consultation period, Council received no written submissions.
It recommends that the Draft - Payment of Expenses and Provision of Facilities to Councillors Policy be adopted by Council, as attached to this report (AT-1)
Background
At the Ordinary Council Meeting of 22 May 2025, it was resolved, Resolution 114/25, that Council:
1. amends the policy to specify that all air travel is to be at ‘economy’ class;
2. endorses the Draft Policy for the purposes of public exhibition;
3. undertakes community consultation for a period of six (6) weeks as per the consultation plan outlined in this report; and
4. following the public exhibition period, the Draft Policy on Payment of Expenses and Facilities to Councillors, 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
Following the 22 May 2025 Ordinary Council meeting, Council placed the Draft - Payment of Expenses and Provision of Facilities to Councillors Policy on exhibition from 23 May to 4 July 2025.
Consultation methods utilised included Website Exhibition and an eNewsletter.
Discussion
Council received no submissions in response to the public consultation of Council’s Draft - Payment of Expenses and Provision of Facilities to Councillors Policy (AT-1). Whilst no submissions were received, it is noted there was a total of 31 visits, with 8 visitors downloading the document.
Conclusion
As no submissions were received it is recommended that Council adopt the Draft - Payment of Expenses and Provision of Facilities to Councillors Policy and publish it on Council’s website
That Council adopt the Draft - Payment of Expenses and Provision of Facilities to Councillors Policy and publish it on Council’s website. |
Steven Kludass
Acting General Manager
General Managers Unit
AT‑1 View |
Draft - Payment of Expenses and Provision of Facilities to Councillors (Policy CS-15) |
12 Pages |
Available Electronically |
Ordinary Council Meeting 24 July 2025
Draft Code of Meeting Practice
Item No: 18
Subject: Draft Code of Meeting Practice
Record No: SU837 - 38875/25
Division: Lane Cove Council
Author(s): Stephen Golding
Executive Summary
Under s360 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) Council must adopt a code of meeting practice that incorporates the mandatory provisions of the Model Code of Meeting Practice for Local Councils in NSW (Model Meeting Code) prescribed by the Regulation within 12 months of the elections.
This report recommends no changes to Council’s current Code of Meeting Practice and that community consultation related to this Code be undertaken for a period of six weeks.
Background
The current Model Code of Meeting Practice was adopted at the 20 June 2024 Ordinary Council Meeting.
Council received correspondence from the Minister for Local Government on 17 December 2024 advising that a new Draft Model Code of Meeting Practice (Model Meeting Code) had been drafted and was seeking written submissions from interested stakeholders by 28 February 2025.
At the 20 February 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting, it was resolved (Resolution 40) to lodge a submission with the Office of Local Government (OLG).
Whilst the OLG anticipated that the new Model Meeting Code Practice will be prescribed in early 2025, this has not occurred to date.
Discussion
The attached Draft Code of Meeting Practice 2025 (AT-1) is based on Council’s currently adopted Code of Meeting Practice, with the only change being the updated date on the front cover.
While the Office of Local Government (OLG) is preparing to release a new Model Code of Meeting Practice, it is recommended that no changes be made to Council’s current Code at this time.
Council is still required to meet its regulatory obligations. Accordingly, Council officers consider that no amendments to the adopted Code are necessary at this stage.
It is also important to note that Council may review and propose amendments to its adopted Code of Meeting Practice at any time during the Council term.
Once the OLG releases the new Model Code, it is recommended that a review of Council’s Code of Meeting Practice be undertaken and reported to Council for consideration.
Community Consultation
Statement of Intent
The consultation is designed to ascertain the community’s views on the Draft Code of Meeting Practice. Any comments received will be reviewed and evaluated to determine whether to incorporate any amendments or additional supplementary provisions
Method
Level of Participation |
Inform |
Consult |
Form of Participation |
Open |
Open |
Target Audience |
Lane Cove Community |
Lane Cove Community |
Proposed Medium |
e-Newsletter |
Website Exhibition “Have Your Say” |
Indicative Timing |
25 July 2025 |
04 September 2025 |
Conclusion
Following a review of the Code of Meeting Practice and with the pending release of a new model Code of Meeting Practice by the OLG it is determined that no amendments are necessary at this time, except for the administrative date of the Code from June 2022 to July 2025.
That: 1. Council adopts, for the purpose of public exhibition, the Draft Code of Meeting Practice 2025 which includes both mandatory and non-mandatory provisions, consistent with the Office of Local Government’s Model Code of Meeting Practice; 2. Council 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 Code of Meeting Practice, together with a report on any submissions received and any proposed amendments, be considered at the Council meeting to be held 18 September 2025. |
Steven Kludass
Acting General Manager
General Managers Unit
AT‑1 View |
Draft - Code of Meeting Practice - July 2025 |
54 Pages |
Available Electronically |
Ordinary Council Meeting 24 July 2025
Review of Council's Code of Conduct
Item No: 19
Subject: Review of Council's Code of Conduct
Record No: SU836 - 38765/25
Division: Lane Cove Council
Author(s): Stephen Golding
Executive Summary
In accordance with section 440 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW), Council is required to review its adopted Code of Conduct within 12 months following each ordinary election and make any adjustments it considers appropriate, provided they are consistent with the Model Code of Conduct.
Council must adopt a Code of Conduct that incorporates the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct issued by the Office of Local Government (OLG). A Code of Conduct has no effect to the extent that it is inconsistent with the Model Code of Conduct in force at the time.
All Councillors and staff are required to comply with the applicable provisions of the adopted Code of Conduct.
This report recommends no changes to Council’s current Code of Conduct and that community consultation related to this Code be undertaken for a period of six weeks.
Background
Council revised and adopted the Code of Conduct at the 8 December 2022 Ordinary Council Meeting, Resolution 172, in accordance with the Model Code of Conduct for NSW Councils 2020.
The Model Code of Conduct is prescribed to Council by the Office of Local Government in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) and Council is required to implement the Model Code of Conduct.
Discussion
The attached Code of Conduct (AT-1) was adopted by Council on 8 December 2022 in response to changes made by the OLG at the time. Since that time there have been no further changes
proposed by the Office of Local Government with respect to the Model Code of Conduct.
Council should be aware that the Office of Local Government (OLG), released a ‘Councillor conduct and meeting practices – a discussion paper’, Circular 24-17/ 05 September 2024 / A913035 advising the Councillor Conduct Framework is under review.
Even though the OLG are reviewing the Councillor Conduct Framework, Council is still required to meet its Regulatory obligation. Thus, Council officers consider that no amendments to the adopted Code are necessary at this time. The current Code of Conduct continues to effectively support Council by reinforcing expectations around general conduct, conflicts of interest, gifts and benefits, access to information, and the appropriate use of Council resources. As one of Council’s key policy documents, the Code plays an integral role in induction programs and corporate orientation sessions for Councillors, staff, volunteers, and advisory committee members.
Should Councillors determine that the current adopted Code of Conduct requires amendment, any proposed changes would need to be assessed against the statutory provisions of the Model Code of Conduct. If the amendments are deemed consistent with the Model Code, they would then be subject to community consultation, in accordance with the Statement of Intent outlined in the following section.
It is also important to note that Council may review and propose amendments to the adopted Code of Conduct at any time during its term.
Community Consultation
Statement of Intent
The consultation is designed to provide the community with an opportunity to provide input into Council’s adopted Code of Conduct (December 2022) and any proposed amendments of same.
The consultation would take place for a period of six (6) weeks and any comments received would be reviewed and evaluated to determine whether any revisions would be necessary to the Code of Conduct (December 2022).
Method
Level of Participation |
Inform |
Consult |
Form of Participation |
Open |
Open |
Target Audience |
Lane Cove Community |
Lane Cove Community |
Proposed Medium |
e-Newsletter |
Website Exhibition “Have Your Say” |
Indicative Timing |
25 July 2025 |
04 September 2025 |
Conclusion
The Office of Local Government has not issued any proposed amendments to the Model Code of Conduct since Council adopted its current Code in December 2022.
Following a review of the adopted Code of Conduct (December 2022), Council officers have determined that no amendments are necessary at this time. It is suggested that community consultation be undertaken on the existing Code prior to a report being presented back to Council.
That: 1. Council adopts for the purpose of public exhibition, the Code of Conduct (December 2022); 2. Council undertakes community consultation between late July and early September 2025, as per the consultation plan outlined in the report; and 3. following public exhibition, the Code of Conduct, together with a report on any submissions received, be considered at the 18 September 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting. |
Steven Kludass
Acting General Manager
General Managers Unit
AT‑1 View |
Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils in NSW 2020 - Revised and Adopted - October 2020 (Reviewed an Endorsed December 2022) |
40 Pages |
Available Electronically |
Ordinary Council Meeting 24 July 2025
Successful Grant Funding Secured for Upcoming Projects
Item No: 20
Subject: Successful Grant Funding Secured for Upcoming Projects
Record No: SU9207 - 42746/25
Division: General Managers Unit
Author(s): Corinne Hitchenson
Executive Summary
This report highlights Council’s recent success in securing a number of significant Commonwealth and NSW government grants valued in excess of $630,000 ex GST.
The five projects span the areas of heritage, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure as well as cultural activation with delivery commencing in the 2025/26 financial year.
Background
Each year Council staff identify and apply for funding which provides full or part-funding for projects which help meet the objectives of our Delivery Program and Operational Plan.
In recent months Council has been successful in securing a number of grants which complement existing grant activities as well as key deliverables funded through Council’s budget.
Discussion
Successful projects recently confirmed with Council include:
Works to Lane Cove Cenotaph including lighting and installation of backing wall
$10,000 ex GST
Source: Saluting Their Service Commemorations
Department of Veteran Affairs
Council will also provide funding for this project which commemorates the service and sacrifice of Australia’s service personnel in wars, conflicts and peace operations, and their families.
Various Works at Carisbrook House**
$22,780 ex GST
Source: 2025-27 Caring for State Heritage
Proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Lane Cove Council
Council will also provide funding for the various works to Carisbrook House including the replacement of the northern verandah roof and the repair and painting of the western boundary fence.
Dorritt Street, Lane Cove - Raised Pedestrian Crossing
$130,375.50 ex GST
Source: 2025/26 Get NSW Active
Proudly funded by the NSW Government
The Dorritt Street raised pedestrian crossing in Lane Cove improves safety by slowing vehicles and offering a clear crossing, especially for school children. Located near a park and nature reserve, it connects Lane Cove Centre with nearby facilities, enhancing accessibility for residents and accommodating high foot traffic.
Design for Stage 1 of the River Road Cycleway
$163,735 ex GST (inclusive of Council nominated contingency $68,700)
Source: 2025/26 Get NSW Active
Proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Lane Cove Council
Council will also contribute to the design for Stage 1 of the River Road Cycleway will provide a safe, direct Shared User Path from Greenwich Public School to the Sports and Recreation Centre. Benefiting school children, commuters, and cyclists, the project will improve active transport, safety along cliff areas, and connectivity, encouraging healthier lifestyles and reducing traffic congestion.
St Leonards Lunar Laneways
$331,500 ex GST
Source: Transport for NSW Open Streets Program 2025–2028
Proudly funded by the NSW Government
Set to debut in early 2026, St Leonards Lunar Laneways is a free, vibrant twilight street party celebrating Lunar New Year and the rich cultural diversity of the St Leonards community. The festival will transform the Canberra Avenue laneways beneath Wadanggari Park into an illuminated cultural hub filled with hanging lanterns, immersive artworks, live performances, and traditional games.
This major funding injection will enable Council to bring the precinct to life with a program that celebrates Asian-Australian traditions and heritage, including Chinese Spring Festival, Korean Seollal, and Vietnamese Tết. The event will run annually for three years and aims to become a signature celebration for the St Leonards area, supporting the local evening economy and promoting social connection in one of Sydney’s fastest-growing multicultural neighbourhoods.
Council will work with the relevant agencies for the abovementioned projects to ensure appropriate recognition and celebration of the project milestones as required in the individual funding agreements.
Conclusion
Council staff continue to produce successful grant applications which secure alternate funding for projects of benefit the Lane Cove community. This most recent example demonstrates a collective effort worth more than $630,000 ex GST.
That Council receive and note the report. |
Steven Kludass
Acting General Manager
General Managers Unit
Ordinary Council Meeting 24 July 2025
Council Snapshot June 2025
Item No: 21
Subject: Council Snapshot June 2025
Record No: SU220 - 46344/25
Division: General Managers Unit
Author(s): Corinne Hitchenson
Attached for the information of Councillors is a review of Council’s recent activities.
This Snapshot report provides a summary of the operations of each Division within Council for June 2025 at AT-1.
Included at AT-2 is Council’s Resolution Tracker showing the progress of Council’s resolutions. This includes an update on the revised timing for the report on the 2-10 Finlayson Street VPA which was otherwise due in June 2025.
That Council receive and note the report. |
Steven Kludass
Acting General Manager
General Managers Unit
AT‑1 View |
Council Snapshot June 2025 |
42 Pages |
Available Electronically |
AT‑2 View |
Council Resolution Tracker for 24 July Meeting |
34 Pages |
Available Electronically |