Agenda
Ordinary Council Meeting
23 October 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 23
October 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
Louise Kerr
General Manager
Council
Meeting Procedures
The Council meeting is chaired by
the Mayor, Councillor Merri Southwood. Councillors are entitled to one vote on
a matter. If votes are equal, the Chairperson has a second or casting vote.
When a majority of Councillors vote in favour of a Motion it becomes a decision
of the Council. Minutes of Council and Committee meetings are published on
Council’s website www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au by 5.00 pm on the Tuesday following
the meeting.
The
Meeting is conducted in accordance with Council's Code of Meeting Practice. The
order of business is listed in the Agenda on the next page. That order will be
followed unless Council resolves to modify the order at the meeting. This may
occur for example where the members of the public in attendance are interested
in specific items on the agenda.
The Public Forum will hear
registered speakers from the Public Gallery as well as online using the web
platform Zoom. All speakers wishing to participate in
the public forum must register by using the online form no later than midnight, on the day
prior to the meeting (Wednesday, 22 October 2025) and
a Zoom meeting link will be emailed to the provided email address of those
registered as an online speaker. Please note that the time limit of three
minutes per address still applies, so please make sure your submission meets
this criteria. Alternatively, members of the public can still submit their
written address via email to service@lanecove.nsw.gov.au. Written addresses are to be received by Council no later
than midnight, on the day prior to the meeting. (500 words maximum).
Please note that meetings held in
the Council Chambers are webcasted, and recordings are made publicly available
on the Council's website. Should you require assistance to participate in the
meeting due to a disability; or wish to obtain further information in relation
to Council, please contact Council’s Director - Corporate Services and
Strategy on (02) 9911 3550.
Ordinary Council 23 October 2025
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
APOLOGIES
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO COUNTRY
MINUTE OF SILENCE FOR RELECTION OR PRAYER
NOTICE OF WEBCASTING OF MEETING
public forum
Members of the public may address
the Council Meeting on any issue for 3 minutes.
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
ORDINARY
COUNCIL MEETING - 18 SEPTEMBER 2025
Mayoral Minutes
1 Mayoral
Minute - Osborne Park Progress Association - Centenary Celebrations and
Commemorative Plaque................................................ 5
Notices of Motion
2 Notice
of Motion - Tackling the spread of Spanish Moss................... 7
3 Notice
of Motion - Design and construction of River Road crossing to allow safe
pedestrian access from the St Leonards South precinct to the south side of
River Road.................................................. 9
4 Notice
of Motion - Development consent conditions and other measures to monitor dust
and noise associated with construction sites and to address congestion caused
by worker parking adjacent to construction sites.................................................................. 13
5 Notice
of Motion - Acknowledgement of Council Staff for Lane Cove’s Liveability
Achievements – 2021 to 2025....................................... 16
6 Notice
of Motion - Reform of Principal Place of Residence Eligibility: Aligning NSW
Land Tax Exemptions with ATO Tax Residency Standards............................................................................................................... 18
7 Notice
of Motion - Abandoning Net Zero - A Call to the Federal and NSW Governments to
Protect Regional Communities........................ 21
8 Notice
of Motion - Electrification to heating of the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre...................................................................................................... 24
9 Notice
of Motion - Ongoing Failure and Unreliability of Vertical Transport at Lane
Cove Market Square.................................................. 27
10 Notice
of Motion - Advocacy on the proposed Environmental Planning and Assessment
Amendment (Planning System Reforms) Bill 2025..................................................................................................................... 29
Officer Reports
for Determination
11 General
Purpose Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2025.............................................................................................................................. 32
12 Audit,
Risk & Improvement Committee - Four Year Internal Audit Plan - 2025/26 to
2028/29................................................................................................... 36
13 Audit,
Risk & Improvement Committee Confirmed Minutes - 24 June 2025...................................................................................................................................... 38
14 Pecuniary
Interest Returns 2025.................................................................. 40
15 Local
Transport Forum - 16 September 2025........................................... 42
16 Road
naming proposal - St Leonards South........................................... 44
17 2025
Australian Liveability Census Results........................................... 47
18 Lane
Cove Aquatic Centre Operational Assessment......................... 50
19 Civic
Centre Concert Grand Piano Hire.................................................... 55
Officer Reports
for Information
20 Council
Snapshot September 2025............................................................... 58
Ordinary Council Meeting 23 October 2025
Mayoral Minute - Osborne
Park Progress Association - Centenary Celebrations and Commemorative Plaque
Item No: 1
Subject: Mayoral
Minute - Osborne Park Progress Association - Centenary Celebrations and
Commemorative Plaque
Record No: SU5381 - 73507/25
Division: Lane
Cove Council
Author(s): Councillor
Merri Southwood
Executive Summary
This Mayoral Minute acknowledges the centenary of the
Osborne Park Progress Association.
Background
This year marks the centenary of one of
Lane Cove’s most enduring and community-minded organisations – the
Osborne Park Progress Association (OPPA).
Formed in 1926, the Association was
established by local residents to improve access to the area and foster a sense
of community among the early settlers of Osborne Park. Through volunteerism,
fundraising and collaboration, members worked tirelessly to build the
facilities and social fabric that continue to serve the local community today.
Over the decades, the OPPA has played a
pivotal role in establishing and maintaining key local amenities, including the
Osborne Park Community Hall, Osborne Park Preschool, Scout Hall, and the
much-loved Osborne Park Tennis Court and clubhouse. These facilities have
hosted countless community events, family gatherings, and recreational
programs, reflecting the Association’s vision to create a welcoming and
active neighbourhood.
Discussion
The Osborne Park Progress
Association’s centenary represents a remarkable milestone in the history
of community life within Lane Cove. Few volunteer associations have
demonstrated such longevity, adaptability, and sustained contribution to local
life.
The Association continues to manage and
maintain the Osborne Park Tennis Court and liaise closely with Council to
ensure that the Osborne Park Recreation Area remains safe, accessible and
well-maintained. The group also keeps residents informed through newsletters
and community updates distributed to over 350 households, continuing a proud
tradition of civic engagement.
Council has enjoyed a long and productive
partnership with the Association. In recent years, this has included support
for facility upgrades through the NSW Community Building Partnership Program,
supplemented by Lane Cove Council funding, to deliver a modernised and
accessible tennis clubhouse.
To commemorate the Association’s 100
years of service, Council will present a commemorative plaque reflecting the
Osborne Park Progress Association’s outstanding contribution to community
development, civic life and the enhancement of local amenity. The plaque will
be installed at the Osborne Park Recreation Area and unveiled as part of the
centenary celebrations in November 2025.
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council ccongratulates the Osborne
Park Progress Association on its centenary and acknowledges the outstanding
contribution of generations of members to the life of the Lane Cove
community.
|
Councillor Merri Southwood
Councillor
ATTACHMENTS:
There are no supporting documents for this report.
Ordinary Council Meeting 23 October 2025
Notice of Motion -
Tackling the spread of Spanish Moss
Item No: 2
Subject: Notice
of Motion - Tackling the spread of Spanish Moss
Record No: SU699 - 73224/25
Division: Lane
Cove Council
Author(s): Councillor
Rochelle Flood
Executive Summary
A motion to investigate opportunities for increased
management of Spanish Moss within Lane Cove, and to advocate for federal
recognition of Spanish Moss as a priority weed.
Background
Spanish Moss (Tillandsi Usneoides) is an
invasive species of weed that has been increasingly identified in
Sydney’s North Shore region, including Lane Cove.
This weed is a problem because it can
smother the host tree, blocking natural light and preventing photosynthesis
eventually killing the tree. The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) warns
that in addition to smothering the tree, the added weight can damage branches,
resulting in limb loss and extensive damage to the health of the tree. It
thrives on many trees – magnolias, maples, lilly pillies and brushbox.
It’s especially dangerous to critically endangered bushland including the
Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest and Blue Gum High Forest (EPBC Act 1999;
NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016). Concerningly, the weed is also known
to disrupt entire ecosystems by altering water and nutrient cycles, changing
wildlife habitats and even altering fire behaviour.
This weed spreads rapidly – birds and
possums use it as nesting material, and human activity has also fuelled the
spread, with people using it as a decorative plant without realising it is an
invasive weed. DPI notes that it can spread easily and quickly given the seeds
are light and spread easily on the wind.
Discussion
As noted above, the prevalence of Spanish
Moss is on the rise in Sydney’s North Shore. Lane Cove Council has
identified the significant risk to local Turpentine-Ironbark Forest and Blue
Gum High Forest populations – which are key to local Endangered
Ecological Communities. Council has proactively introduced an education and
awareness program this year to increase understanding in the community about
the harm that Spanish Moss can cause. It’s also understood that in the
past, Council’s tree team did some ad-hoc work to remove clusters of
Spanish Moss on smothered street trees.
Recent site visits undertaken with the
Bushland Management Advisory Committee (BMAC) have identified a number of
street trees that adjoin significant pockets of local bushland that have been
covered with Spanish Moss. This includes street trees adjoining Lane Cove
Bushland Park. Furthermore, other sightings have been reported by individual
BMAC members – where the growth of Spanish Moss on street trees is
concerningly close to significant bushland. Given the ease with which the seeds
spread, this is cause for concern.
Neighbouring councils including Hunters
Hill Council, North Sydney Council, and Willoughby Council have likewise
identified the problems caused locally by the spread of Spanish Moss. Hunters
Hill Council has dedicated some funding towards the management of the weed in
this financial year.
It’s worth noting that this weed is a
garden weed in its early stages of spreading into local bushland. The Invasive
Species Council has proactively been advocating for all levels of government to
take stronger action to stem the spread of garden weeds, particularly those
like Spanish Moss that are in the earlier stages of becoming a more widespread
problem.
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council:
1. recognises and supports the existing work of council staff in
increasing the education and awareness within our community regarding the
risks associated with Spanish Moss;
2. re-confirms that Spanish Moss is a problem weed that particularly
threatens Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest and Blue Gum High Forest
populations – which are key to local Endangered Ecological Communities
in Lane Cove;
3. considers the availability of dedicated funding in the 2026-2027
financial year budget for:
a. identification and mapping of Spanish Moss festoons on street
trees that adjoin or are within close proximity to bushland within the Local
Government Area and develop a removal plan with indicative timeline and cost;
b. accelerated removal of Spanish Moss on street trees, with a
particular focus on street trees adjoining or in close proximity to bushland
- per plan in item 3(a);
4. writes to The Hon. Jerome Laxale Member for Bennelong, and The
Hon. Julie Collins MP, Minister for Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry, to
advocate for Spanish Moss to be classified as a priority weed to allow
enforcement under the Biosecurity Act 2015.
|
Councillor Rochelle Flood
Councillor
ATTACHMENTS:
There are no supporting documents for this report.
Ordinary Council Meeting 23 October 2025
Notice of Motion -
Design and construction of River Road crossing to allow safe pedestrian access
from the St Leonards South precinct to the south side of River Road
Item No: 3
Subject: Notice
of Motion - Design and construction of River Road crossing to allow safe
pedestrian access from the St Leonards South precinct to the south side of
River Road
Record No: SU5449 - 73337/25
Division: Lane
Cove Council
Author(s): Councillor
Merri Southwood; Councillor Helena Greenwell; Councillor Caleb Taylor
Executive Summary
Council’s Community Strategic Plan
includes 2.6 Community Priority
· To
prioritise walking, cycling and public transport as alternatives to driving
To achieve the above priority, the
Community Strategic Plan includes Strategy 2.6.1
· Facilitate
improvements to car, bicycle and pedestrian
Consistent with the above, this motion
seeks to ensure that the residents of the St Leonards South Precinct will have
safe passage across River Road to facilitate level and easily navigable access
to schools, rail links and recreation areas.
Background
By mid-2027 it is anticipated that
construction of several large residential developments in St Leonards South
(SLS) will be completed and thousands of residents will move into the precinct.
Many of these residents will need to cross
River Road to -
· access Wollstonecraft Station, which is a much shorter and easier
downhill walk from the southern portion of SLS than a walk up the hill to St
Leonards Station or the Crows Nest Metro
· access Greenwich Infants School via Smoothey Park which is a
quicker, shorter and more level route to school than going up to Greenwich Road
· access the bushland areas along Berrys Creek.
Currently the only traffic light controlled
pedestrian crossings on River Road are long steep, uphill walks to either
Shirley Road or Greenwich Road.
Council staff have advised as follows
–
“that the St Leonards South
– Cumulative Transport and Accessibility Study “recommended a
signalised pedestrian crossing at the Canberra Avenue/River Road intersection.
This recommendation was subsequently
included in the St Leonards/Crows Nest 2036 Plan and funding for this project
is expected to be collected by the State Government as part of their SIC. As
such the funding of these signals has not been included in Council’s St
Leonards South 7.11 plan”.
The modelling of traffic and transport in
the St Leonards/Crows Nest 2036 Plan is contained in the Cardno Future Year
Modelling Report – St Leonards and Crows Nest Station Precinct Traffic
and Transport Study 2020.
https://shared-drupal-s3fs.s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/master-test/fapub_pdf/000-SLCN/SL/Cardno+-+Future+Year+Traffic+Study.pdf
There are several upgrades named in Table
5-1 p 28 of the study that fall within the Lane Cove LGA and one of them
relates to the crossing of River Road.
2.
Intersection of Canberra Avenue and River Road
New signalised
intersection and crossing. - Signalised crossing implemented to facilitate a
north-south movement to the west of Canberra Avenue / River Road. East-west
movement south of the intersection would also be signalised
The Supplementary Transport Technical Note
for the Crows Nest Transport Oriented Development Precinct October 2024
https://shared-drupal-s3fs.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/master-test/fapub_pdf/NSW+Planning+Portal+Documents/Crows+Nest+Transport+Technical+Note+-+Nov+2024.pdf p 7 identified a pedestrian crossing at Canberra Avenue
/River Road as a Medium priority and designates its status (Responsible Agency)
as Planned (Council/TfNSW).
As construction in the SLS precinct has
progressed significantly since 2024, presumably this crossing has become more
of a priority.
Given the considerable time frame required
for design and construction of pedestrian infrastructure on regional roads such
as River Road, work must start soon to ensure that the infrastructure required
to ensure safe pedestrian movement across River Road is in place by mid- 2027.
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council:
1. notes that:
a) the only traffic light controlled pedestrian crossings on River
Road are at the intersections with Greenwich Road and with Shirley Road;
b) it is important to have in place for future St Leonards South
residents, and other community members, a pedestrian safe north-south
crossing of River Road to provide a level and easily accessible route to
Wollstonecraft Station, Greenwich Infants School and Smoothey Park;
c) it is expected that there will be several thousands of residents
in the St Leonards South precinct by mid-2027;
d) the Supplementary Transport Technical Note for the Crows Nest
Transport Oriented Development Precinct October 2024 identifies a pedestrian
crossing at Canberra Avenue /River Road as a Medium priority and designates
its status (Responsible Agency) as Planned (Council/TfNSW);
2. seeks urgent discussions with TfNSW and other relevant authorities
to progress the funding of the design and construction of a safe pedestrian
crossing of River Road; and
3. receives a report on the outcome of these discussions no later
than the February 2026 meeting of Council.
|
Councillor Merri Southwood
Councillor
Councillor Helena Greenwell
Councillor
Councillor Caleb Taylor
Councillor
ATTACHMENTS:
There are no supporting documents for this report.
Ordinary Council Meeting 23 October 2025
Notice of Motion -
Development consent conditions and other measures to monitor dust and noise
associated with construction sites and to address congestion caused by worker
parking adjacent to construction sites
Item No: 4
Subject: Notice
of Motion - Development consent conditions and other measures to monitor dust
and noise associated with construction sites and to address congestion caused
by worker parking adjacent to construction sites
Record No: SU1787 - 73336/25
Division: Lane
Cove Council
Author(s): Councillor
Merri Southwood; Councillor Helena Greenwell; Councillor Caleb Taylor
Executive Summary
Council’s Community Strategic Plan
includes 3.2 Community Priority – Community Health and Wellbeing
• To enhance the community’s health and
wellbeing.
This motion seeks to mitigate the risk to
community health and wellbeing from dust and noise from construction sites
through the inclusion, in development consent conditions, of requirements to
install monitoring devices to measure dust and noise impacts beyond development
site boundaries and to report the data derived from this monitoring.
It also seeks to address possible solutions
to the parking of construction workers’ vehicles in residential areas
adjacent to construction sites.
Background
The Lane Cove Local Government Areas (LGA)
is in the midst of a significant amount of large-scale demolition, excavation
and construction activity.
Given the demand for increased dwelling
numbers, this activity is likely to continue indefinitely.
The activities on construction sites, in
particular during demolition and excavation phases, often generate high levels
of dust and noise.
The accumulation of dust particles, in
particular, the smaller particles (less than 2.5 micrometres in aerodynamic
diameter or PM2.5) generated from activities such as bulk earthworks can become
a major health hazard, often causing irritation to the eyes, nose, throat and
potentially causing long-term respiratory and cardiovascular issues https://www.airmet.com.au/products/dust-and-aerosol-sampling/real-time-dust-monitors.
Exposure to hazardous noise at work is a
major cause of hearing loss for workers in a number of industry sectors across
NSW. For the period 2012 – 2015, the construction industry sector ranked
second highest, with workers lodging 17% of the total workers compensation
claims for Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/resource-library/construction/controlling-hazardous-noise-in-the-construction-industry.
Development consent conditions seek to
address the impact of noise and dust through the mandating of measures such as
Construction Environmental Management Plans.
The mitigation and management of dust and
noise impacts on workers on construction sites is ultimately the responsibility
of the employers and contractors on site.
However, dust and noise extend beyond the
boundaries of construction sites and may severely impact the amenity of people
who live or work adjacent to, or in the vicinity, of these sites.
Council compliance officers seek to enforce
consent conditions but, notwithstanding these efforts, people are frequently
exposed to noise and high dust levels coming from sites, sometimes some
distance away.
Noise and dust make it impossible for
people to use their outdoor living spaces and to open their windows or doors
and the exterior surfaces of their residences or workplaces are covered in
dust.
Of greatest concern is the potential health
impact of the dust generated by demolition and excavation, noting that the risk
of exposure to silica dust is well documented in SafeWork publications
https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/resource-library/hazardous-chemicals/crystalline-silica/crystalline-silica-general-fact-sheet, and in recent media coverage https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-25/new-cases-deadly-lung-disease-recorded-in-queensland/105800886.
There are many devices available on the
market that provide capacity to monitor dust and noise levels.
Monitoring of the level and composition of
dust and noise coming from construction sites and the reporting of this
information may, in many cases, provide reassurance as to the safety of
operations on a construction site.
In cases where monitoring identifies a
cause for concern, operators of sites and community members can take prompt
action to mitigate harm.
Given the increasing level of concern
within the community about exposure to dust and noise from construction sites,
it is appropriate that Council investigates:
(a) the use of dust and noise monitoring equipment for its own
compliance and public health purposes
(b) the development of consent conditions requiring the installation of
such equipment on the boundaries of construction sites and.
(c) the reporting of the data derived from this equipment.
Further to the above, the issue of parking
by construction workers is an ongoing problem for the amenity of residents near
construction sites. It is suggested that a Parking Plan be required to be
included with any Development Application for a major development where it is
considered that construction worker parking may impact the amenity of nearby
residents.
This plan, if suitable, could be endorsed
by a condition of consent.
|
RECOMMENDATION
1. That Council:
a) develops and implements a set of development consent conditions to
require the installation of dust and noise monitors at appropriate locations
on or adjacent to construction sites to record the levels of noise and the
levels and composition of dust coming from the sites and to require the
recording and reporting to Council and the community of data derived from
this monitoring
b) investigates the cost of acquiring equipment to monitor dust and
noise levels coming from construction sites and to report back to Council
with a view to inclusion of the cost of this equipment in the 2026/27 budget
c) subject to available funding, provides monitoring equipment to
compliance officers to assist in the monitoring of potential risks to public
health through the generation of dust and noise on construction sites, and
d) requires that a parking plan for construction workers be lodged
with any Development Application for a major development and that this be
endorsed by a suitable condition of consent.
2. That Council seeks to have similar conditions to the conditions
outlined in 1a) and 1d) included in any consent conditions for State
Significant Developments where such developments may generate dust and/or
noise and/or may impact the amenity of nearby residents through worker
parking.
|
Councillor Merri Southwood
Councillor
Councillor Helena Greenwell
Councillor
Councillor Caleb Taylor
Councillor
ATTACHMENTS:
There are no supporting documents for this report.
Ordinary Council Meeting 23 October 2025
Notice of Motion - Acknowledgement
of Council Staff for Lane Cove’s Liveability Achievements – 2021 to
2025
Item No: 5
Subject: Notice
of Motion - Acknowledgement of Council Staff for Lane Cove’s Liveability
Achievements – 2021 to 2025
Record No: SU8425 - 72853/25
Division: Lane
Cove Council
Author(s): Councillor
Scott Bennison
Executive Summary
This motion seeks Council’s support to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of all Council staff in
achieving Australia’s highest liveability ranking in 2025 and maintaining
top-tier performance since 2021
Background
The Australian
Liveability Census, conducted biennially by Place Score, measures resident
perceptions across key liveability indicators including access to green space,
local amenities, safety, character, and community connection. Over the past
five years, Lane Cove has consistently ranked among the highest in New South
Wales and nationally, demonstrating the cumulative effect of strategic
planning, infrastructure investment, and community-centred governance.
SUMMARY OF
RESULTS AND STAFF CONTRIBUTIONS
2021 –
Equal #1 Nationally (Score: 76/100)
Lane Cove
achieved an equal first place nationally (tied with Adelaide), outperforming
the national average by a significant margin. This reflected the foundation of
strong strategic planning, community engagement, and consistent delivery of
high-quality public services. Council acknowledges the efforts of staff in
parks, libraries, open space management, and community development who helped
build the foundations of this success.
2023 –
#1 in NSW / #2 Nationally (Score: 79/100)
Lane Cove
improved its score to 79/100 and achieved first in NSW, second nationally.
Residents rated the local natural environment, quality of open spaces, and
access to amenities among the best in the country. Council’s capital
works program—encompassing library upgrades, plaza improvements, pool
modernisation, community centres, and active transport links—was central
to this outcome. Council acknowledges staff across infrastructure, community
services, and project management for their professionalism and coordination in
delivering these outcomes while maintaining everyday service excellence.
2025 –
#1 Nationally (Score: 80/100)
In 2025, Lane
Cove was officially recognised as Australia’s Most Liveable Community
with a Place Experience score of 80, well above the national average (66). Lane
Cove improved or maintained performance across all nine liveability pillars
while national averages declined. Residents particularly highlighted personal
safety, access to green space, and local identity as key strengths. Council
commends the continued efforts of staff across all functions—planning,
infrastructure, open space, roads, community engagement, and
communications—for their innovation, collaboration, and responsiveness to
community needs.
Discussion
Lane
Cove’s sustained excellence over multiple Liveability Censuses is not an
accident, it is the result of long-term commitment by staff at every level. The
consistency of results across changing external conditions (pandemic recovery,
population growth, and evolving service expectations) demonstrates resilience
and adaptability.
Council
recognises that behind each infrastructure upgrade, service improvement, and
engagement initiative stands a dedicated workforce committed to making Lane
Cove a better place to live. These achievements enhance civic pride, strengthen
community trust, and position the Council as a benchmark for liveability
nationally.
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council acknowledges the outstanding
efforts of all Council staff in achieving Australia’s highest liveability
ranking in 2025 and maintaining top-tier performance since 2021.
|
Councillor Scott Bennison
Councillor
ATTACHMENTS:
There are no supporting documents for this report.
Ordinary Council Meeting 23 October 2025
Notice of Motion -
Reform of Principal Place of Residence Eligibility: Aligning NSW Land Tax
Exemptions with ATO Tax Residency Standards
Item No: 6
Subject: Notice
of Motion - Reform of Principal Place of Residence Eligibility: Aligning NSW
Land Tax Exemptions with ATO Tax Residency Standards
Record No: SU2244 - 69541/25
Division: Lane
Cove Council
Author(s): Councillor
Scott Bennison
Executive Summary
This motion seeks Council’s support
to advocate for urgent reform of the definition of “residency” as
it relates to land tax exemptions, including the Principal Place of Residence
(PPR) exemption and the application of foreign owner surcharge thresholds. It
also proposes that this matter be submitted as a Motion for consideration at
the 2025 Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Annual Conference.
Discussion
Under current NSW land tax law, the Principal Place of
Residence (PPR) exemption, as outlined in Schedule 1A of the Land Tax
Management Act 1956 (NSW), allows individuals to be exempt from land tax (and,
where applicable, the foreign owner surcharge under Schedule 2) if they occupy
a property as their principal place of residence as at 31 December of the
taxing year.
However, this framework does not currently require a
demonstration of genuine or habitual residence in New South Wales. As a result,
individuals including non-resident Australian citizens and foreign-based owners
may claim the exemption by briefly occupying a property around the taxing date,
even if they spend the majority of the year overseas and have minimal or no
ties to the state. This practice undermines the intent of the exemption and
allows for the avoidance of land tax and foreign owner surcharges.
Unlike Revenue NSW’s current approach, the Australian
Taxation Office (ATO) applies a comprehensive and principled framework to
determine tax residency under s6(1) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936
(Cth). This includes:
· The resides test,
assessing habitual living arrangements,
· The domicile test,
requiring a permanent home in Australia and no settled abode overseas,
· The 183-day
presence test, and
· Consideration of a
person’s behaviour, intent, and economic and social ties to Australia.
Adopting a similar residency framework for land tax purposes
would ensure that land tax exemptions reflect a genuine connection to the
community, rather than being based on strategically timed presence or
citizenship status.
Importantly, these reforms are not intended to remove the
existing six-year temporary absence concession under Clause 6 of Schedule 1A,
which remains a crucial safeguard for residents who:
· Initially occupied
the property as their principal place of residence,
· Temporarily
relocate for work, education, health, or family reasons, and
· Intend to return
and do not establish another principal residence elsewhere.
However, to preserve the
integrity of this concession, it is recommended that the following be
introduced:
· A requirement to
maintain Australian tax residency during the absence,
· An annual
declaration of intent to return, and
· A prohibition on
commercial or investment use of the property during the exemption period.
These reforms will ensure that
land tax relief is targeted, equitable, and reserved for those with a genuine,
long-term presence in New South Wales. They will close known avoidance pathways
and align NSW’s land tax residency framework with federal tax principles
and community expectations.
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council:
1. endorse
the submission of this matter as a Motion to be considered at the 2025 Local
Government NSW (LGNSW) Annual Conference.
2. write to the NSW Premier,
Treasurer, and Minister for Finance, calling for
urgent reform to the definition of "residency" for the purpose of
land tax exemptions, including the Principal Place of Residence (PPR)
exemption and application of foreign owner surcharge thresholds.
3. recommend that the NSW
Government adopt the Australian Taxation Office's (ATO) tax residency
assessment framework as the basis for determining land tax residency
eligibility, specifically incorporating:
a) the
"resides test" (habitual place of residence),
b) the
"domicile test" (intention to permanently reside),
c) the
183-day presence test, and
d) the
exclusion of individuals with a permanent place of abode outside Australia.
4. advocate
that access to the PPR exemption and related land tax thresholds be limited
to individuals who meet Australian tax residency criteria, rather than
eligibility based solely on citizenship, nominal ownership, or short-term,
strategically timed occupancy.
5. request that Revenue NSW
undertake a targeted review into potential misuse of the PPR exemption,
focusing on cases where individuals:
a) spend
the majority of the year living overseas,
b) maintain
no habitual residence or economic ties to NSW or Australia; and
c) briefly
occupy the property around the taxing date in an apparent attempt to claim
the exemption.
6. support
the development of a consistent, fair, and enforceable land tax residency
standard that:
a) prevents
avoidance by absentee and foreign-based owners,
b) aligns
NSW residency criteria with established federal ATO residency rules; and
c) ensures
land tax exemptions reflect a genuine and ongoing connection to the local
community.
7. confirm
that any proposed reform should not affect the existing six-year concession
under Clause 6 of Schedule 1A of the Land Tax Management Act 1956, but that
it recommends it be strengthened to include:
a) a
requirement to maintain Australian tax residency during the absence period,
b) an
annual declaration of intent to return,
c) a
prohibition on commercial use of the property during the exemption period;
and
d) measures to prevent its misuse by
long-term overseas residents with no real or continued connection to NSW.
|
Councillor Scott Bennison
Councillor
ATTACHMENTS:
There are no supporting documents for this report.
Ordinary Council Meeting 23 October 2025
Notice of Motion -
Abandoning Net Zero - A Call to the Federal and NSW Governments to Protect
Regional Communities
Item No: 7
Subject: Notice
of Motion - Abandoning Net Zero - A Call to the Federal and NSW Governments to
Protect Regional Communities
Record No: SU10235 - 73534/25
Division: Lane
Cove Council
Author(s): Councillor
Scott Bennison
Executive Summary
This motion raises the unintended consequences of net-zero
emissions targets and recommends that Council submit a Motion for consideration
at the 2025 Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Annual Conference.
Background
The Federal
Government and the NSW State Government have both legislated or committed to
achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
While these policies aim to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, they have resulted in the rapid expansion of
industrial-scale renewable energy projects across regional NSW —
including large solar farms, wind turbine developments, and extensive transmission
corridors. These projects are producing serious unintended consequences for
regional communities, including:
· Economic impacts through reduced agricultural productivity,
property value decline, and higher council infrastructure costs.
· Social and mental health impacts, including division,
distress, and loss of trust in government processes.
· Environmental degradation of prime farmland, bushland, and
native wildlife habitats.
Reports by NSW Parliamentary Committees,
independent think tanks, and major media outlets have all documented these
outcomes and the growing opposition within regional NSW.
Evidence and Regional Opposition
Community opposition has been recorded
across numerous NSW regions and Local Government Areas (LGAs), including:
· Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) –
Parliamentary inquiry found “significant mental health impacts” and
poor consultation (Daily Telegraph, 2024).
· Upper Lachlan & Yass Valley – Formal petitions and
objections to transmission line corridors.
· Binalong / Bowning – Local resistance to wind farm
proposals on agricultural land.
· Cabonne Shire – Concerns about the loss of farmland and
community amenity.
· Nundle & Hanging Rock – Long-standing opposition to
large turbines near heritage ridgelines.
· Muswellbrook / Upper Hunter – Protests against
industrial wind projects.
· Riverina / Wagga Wagga – Petitions opposing large solar
farms on irrigated land.
· Illawarra Coast – Strong backlash against the proposed
$10 billion offshore wind zone (News.com.au, 2024).
· Dubbo / Dunedoo / Sunny Corner / Burrinjuck / Woolgarlo
– Planning submissions, objections, and council resolutions opposing
renewable expansions.
Political momentum is shifting: in June
2025, the NSW Nationals voted to abandon the net-zero by 2050 target, citing
harm to regional communities (The Guardian, 2025).
Resolution
That Local Government NSW (LGNSW):
1. Formally
acknowledge the adverse economic, social, and environmental impacts caused by
large-scale solar and wind energy projects being driven by Federal and NSW
Government net-zero policies.
2. Call
on the Federal Government and the NSW State Government to abandon their
legislated and policy commitments to net-zero emissions by 2050, and to suspend
further approvals of large-scale renewable projects until a comprehensive,
independent review of their cumulative impacts is completed.
3. Request
both governments to establish a Regional Impact and Compensation Framework that
ensures proper consultation with councils, transparent land-use assessment, and
fair compensation to affected landholders and LGAs.
4. Support
regional councils’ rights to maintain full planning control and veto
powers over major renewable energy and transmission infrastructure projects
within their Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Supporting References
1. NSW
Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023, NSW Parliament –
https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/bills/Pages/bill-details.aspx?pk=18510
2. “Distrust
and anxiety in regional communities over renewables,” ABC News, 2
Feb 2024 –
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-02/distrust-anxiety-in-regional-communities-over-renewables/103419062
3. The
Faces of Net Zero: Real Stories on the Devastating Impact of Renewable Energy,
Institute of Public Affairs, 2024 –
https://ipa.org.au/research/climate-change-and-energy/the-faces-of-net-zero-real-stories-on-the-devastating-impact-of-renewable-energy
4. “Fury
over wind farm plan for the Illawarra,” News.com.au, 10 May 2024
–
https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/fury-over-wind-farm-plan-for-the-illawarra-nsw/news-story/45649029ae881e43a778b2595d29b36e
|
RECOMMENDATION
That given the scale of regional NSW
impacted by the Federal and NSW Governments’ net-zero policies —
including economic loss, environmental damage, and social division —
this motion should be formally debated at the LGNSW Annual Conference to
ensure all regional councils have an equal opportunity to represent their
communities and contribute to state-wide policy direction.
|
Councillor Scott Bennison
Councillor
ATTACHMENTS:
There are no supporting documents for this report.
Ordinary Council Meeting 23 October 2025
Notice of Motion -
Electrification to heating of the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre
Item No: 8
Subject: Notice
of Motion - Electrification to heating of the Lane Cove Aquatic
Centre
Record No: SU5184 - 73499/25
Division: Lane
Cove Council
Author(s): Councillor
Kathy Bryla; Councillor Merri Southwood; Councillor Rochelle Flood; Councillor
Helena Greenwell; Councillor Bridget Kennedy; Councillor Katie Little;
Councillor David Roenfeldt
Executive Summary
This motion recommends that further consideration be given
to the electrification of the heating of Lane Cove Aquatic Centre and that a workshop
occur regarding this matter in December 2025 or February 2026.
Background
Gas-heated public swimming pools are major
contributors to greenhouse gas emissions due to their reliance on natural gas.
These facilities are among the highest energy consumers in the local government
areas. Electrifying pool heating systems and transitioning to renewable energy
sources is an essential step in achieving Net Zero targets.
The Federal Government’s Community
Energy Upgrades Fund (CEUF) is a $100 million program that provides matched
funding to local governments for energy upgrades that lower emissions and
reduce costs. Eligible upgrades include:
• replacing gas heating in pools with heat pumps,
• installing energy-efficient lighting,
• adding battery storage systems.
Lane Cove Council applied unsuccessfully
for CEUF Round 1 funding in 2024, and has submitted a further application under
Round 2, with the outcome pending. Electrifying both the internal and external
pool heating systems at the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre aligns with Council's
adopted sustainability and climate commitments, including:
• Sustainability Action Plan 2022–2025 (p.13): Targets for reducing emissions and water use to support a Circular
Community by 2024.
• Climate Resilience Plan 2021–2026 (p.5): Goal to reduce community emissions by 80% by 2036.
• Community Strategic Plan (p.19): Commitments
to reduce energy, water use, and waste, with specific indicators including
energy use in Council buildings and progress toward Net Zero.
• Delivery Program and Operational Plan 2025–2029:
o 1.1.2.1: Identify and implement energy and water efficiency upgrades
across Council facilities.
o 2.1.3.9: Continue implementing initiatives to reduce community
emissions by 80% by 2036 and achieve net zero by 2040.
o 2.1.3: Prioritise infrastructure that
supports sustainable living and climate resilience.
Given the significance of emissions from
gas-heated facilities and the opportunity for matched funding, it is timely to
progress planning for the pool heating electrification at the Lane Cove Aquatic
Centre in time for inclusion in the next budget plan
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council:
1. notes the submission of a grant
application for the CEUF Round 2 funding to electrify the Lane Cove Aquatic
Centre;
2. notes that a report for
electrification of the pool was submitted to council in May 2024 which
outlined the hard work already undertaken by the council team;
3. notes that the current internal
pools and spa are heated by gas and that this equipment is nearing the
“end of operational life”;
4. requests that a workshop be
held in December 2025 or February 2026 with the governing body to present a
road map to electrification of the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre and to include,
but not limited to, the following information:
a) capital and operational cost implications,
for the electrification of the internal and external pool/s and spa;
b) the potential emission reductions and
alignment with Council’s strategic targets; c. A proposed timeline for
implementation; and
5. following the workshop,
information to be brought back to council for consideration of inclusion in
the 2026/2027 budget and Long Term Financial Plan updates.
|
Councillor Kathy Bryla
Councillor
Councillor Merri Southwood
Councillor
Councillor Rochelle Flood
Councillor
Councillor Helena Greenwell
Councillor
Councillor Bridget Kennedy
Councillor
Councillor Katie Little
Councillor
Councillor David Roenfeldt
Councillor
ATTACHMENTS:
There are no supporting documents for this report.
Ordinary Council Meeting 23 October 2025
Notice of Motion -
Ongoing Failure and Unreliability of Vertical Transport at Lane Cove Market
Square
Item No: 9
Subject: Notice
of Motion - Ongoing Failure and Unreliability of Vertical Transport at Lane
Cove Market Square
Record No: SU5079 - 73571/25
Division: Lane
Cove Council
Author(s): Councillor
Caleb Taylor; Councillor Scott Bennison
Executive Summary
This motion discusses the lifts, escalators,
and travelators at Lane Cove Market Square, and recommends that Council engage
with the head lessee and facilities manager on outages.
Background
The persistent unreliability of lifts, escalators, and travelators
at Lane Cove Market Square has become a significant concern for many residents.
Access to essential services, shops, and facilities should not be impeded by
poor infrastructure or delayed maintenance. It is time for Council to push for
transparency, accountability, and action to ensure this issue is properly
addressed for the benefit of the whole community.
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council:
1. notes
with concern the continued and consistent failures of vertical transport
infrastructure namely lifts, escalators, and travelators at Lane Cove Market
Square, which have caused significant disruption, reduced accessibility, and
raised safety concerns for community members, particularly older residents,
people with disabilities, and families with young children;
2. acknowledges
that this is a long-standing issue, with ongoing breakdowns and service
outages reported over an extended period, often with minimal communication
and delayed repairs, despite the importance of this infrastructure for access
to essential retail and services;
3. notes
that an audit of the vertical transport systems has recently been completed
by Frank Knight on behalf of Region Group (head lessee) and the Building
Management Committee (BMC), but that the results and subsequent action plans
have not been made available;
4.
calls on the Council General Manager to urgently engage with Region Group
and Knight Frank (building and facilities management), and any other relevant
senior stakeholders to:
a) Obtain
the audit findings.
b) Clarify
the causes of repeated failures and current maintenance procedures.
c) Request
a formal plan and timeline for improvements to ensure the reliability and
safety of all vertical transport systems at Market Square;
5. requests
that Councillors be updated on the outcomes of the discussions by the
December 2025 Council Meeting detailing:
a) the
outcomes of these discussions;
b) any
commitments made by Region Group, Knight Frank, or responsible parties
to address the ongoing issues;
c) recommendations
on further advocacy or action Council can take to ensure the issue is
resolved in the community’s interest;
6. further
requests that Council advocate for improved communication and signage during
outages at Lane Cove Market Square, including estimated repair times, points
of contact, and alternative access arrangements to reduce inconvenience and
frustration for the public.
|
Councillor Caleb Taylor
Councillor
Councillor Scott Bennison
Councillor
ATTACHMENTS:
There are no supporting documents for this report.
Ordinary Council Meeting 23 October 2025
Notice of Motion -
Advocacy on the proposed Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment
(Planning System Reforms) Bill 2025
Item No: 10
Subject: Notice
of Motion - Advocacy on the proposed Environmental Planning and Assessment
Amendment (Planning System Reforms) Bill 2025
Record No: SU10874 - 73591/25
Division: Lane
Cove Council
Author(s): Councillor
Rochelle Flood
Executive Summary
A motion to write to State
representatives and decision makers to advocate for increased community
consultation and significant changes to the proposed Environmental Planning and
Assessment Amendment (Planning System Reforms) Bill 2025.
Background
The Environmental Planning and
Assessment Amendment (Planning System Reforms) Bill 2025, while presented by
the government as a housing supply measure, makes sweeping changes to the
Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 which would impact all types of
development across NSW, including large-scale commercial, industrial and
infrastructure projects.
The Bill:
· Removes the requirement to consult with the Environment
Department before making an environmental planning instrument that would
adversely affect critical habitat or threatened species, populations or
ecological communities, or their habitats (by omitting s 3.25 of the EP&A
Act).
· Restricts assessment of cumulative and indirect impacts of
a development.
· Introduces a new streamlined assessment pathway
(“targeted development assessment”) that is unconstrained and
expressly prohibits consideration of environmental impacts, site suitability,
and public interest.
· Restricts community participation, cutting consultation
requirements and removing objects in the Act that emphasise community
involvement in environmental and planning decisions.
· Centralises planning powers and reduces the role of
councils, independent panels, and community consultation by legislating two new
authorities: the Development Coordination Authority (which is the Planning
Secretary) and the Housing Delivery Authority (comprising the Planning
Secretary and two members appointed by the Minister, with no requirements for
specific skills or experience).
· Creates a conflict of interest where the Development
Coordination Authority reviews its own decisions.
· Undermines safeguards recommended by the Independent
Commission Against Corruption regarding accountability, transparency and
probity in the planning system.
· Requires councils to assess variations to complying
developments within 10 days, or 20 days if the council is also assessing the
complying development certificate, after which time the variation will be
deemed to be approved.
· Removes provisions for mapping of bushfire prone land and
limits the independence of Rural Fire Service advice.
Discussion
The proposed reforms encompassed under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Planning
System Reforms) Bill 2025 represent the most significant overhaul of the NSW
planning system in decades. They override the
principles of local democracy, environmental stewardship, and place-based
planning, and risk further entrenching a planning regime that prioritises
short-term development outcomes over public trust, long-term sustainability,
and the public interest.
While it’s indisputable that we are
in the midst of a housing crisis, the reforms proposed by the NSW Government
will do little to meaningfully address the serious shortage of affordable
housing. On the other hand, these reforms will seriously undermine good
planning principles, potentially delivering poor planning outcomes, the impacts
of which could be felt for decades.
Experts have warned that the reforms could
have serious environmental consequences. The bill would remove legislative
requirements for specialised government agency advice on developments. For
example, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
(DCCEEW) would no longer need to be consulted about the impact of developments
on threatened species. For projects on the Targeted Assessment Development
(TAD) pathway, there is an express prohibition on considering environmental impacts, site suitability, and public
interest. Alarmingly, solicitors at the Environmental
Defenders Office have warned that while the government has framed this as a
housing bill, there’s no safeguards in place to stop large controversial
developments such as mines from being assessed through a TAD Pathway –
where environmental impacts, site suitability and public interest cannot be
considered.
Environmental sustainability is a core
focus within Lane Cove Council. We are incredibly fortunate to have access to
bushland and green space that our community values highly. These ecosystems
also hold inherent value and ought to be protected. We also know that our local
community is particularly engaged and active and they deserve a planning system
that enables them to make meaningful contributions to help shape the Lane Cove
of the future. It’s important Lane Cove Council advocates for a better,
more evidence-backed approach to planning reforms that protects the voices of
local communities.
Meaningful reform to improve our planning
system requires genuine consultation, rigorous environmental assessment, and
respect for local knowledge and governance. These reforms are too important to
rush – it’s vital the NSW Government takes the time to get them
right.
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council:
1. notes with concern that the Environmental Planning and
Assessment (Planning System Reforms) Bill 2025 reduces local planning control
and transparency, increases risk of corruption in planning processes, and
will decrease community input and confidence
in planning decisions;
2. notes concern about the expansion of Complying
Development that takes away the involvement of local communities in how their
areas are developed into the future;
3. seeks clarity in how developments will be determined with
the removal of the Regional Panels;
4. writes to the Premier, the Leader of the Opposition, the
Minister and Shadow Ministers for Planning and Public Spaces, and the Member
for Lane Cove the Hon. Anthony Roberts MP opposing the passage of the bill in
its current form and requesting the opportunity for formal public
consultation on these reforms; and
5. writes to the President of Local Government New South
Wales (LGNSW) to express our concern that the statement issued by LGNSW on 18
September[1]
welcoming these reforms is not consistent with the LGNSW policy platform[2].
|
Councillor Rochelle Flood
Councillor
ATTACHMENTS:
There are no supporting documents for this report.
Ordinary Council Meeting 23 October 2025
General Purpose
Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2025
Item No: 11
Subject: General
Purpose Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2025
Record No: SU10192 - 63226/25
Division: Corporate
Services and Strategy Division
Author(s): Don
Johnston
Executive Summary
Following completion of the annual external
audit, Council’s annual General Purpose Financial Statements for the year
ended 30 June 2025 (financial statements) are presented to Council for adoption
and subsequent lodgement with the Office of Local Government by 31 October 2025.
It is recommended that Council adopt the financial statements and invite
the Audit Office of NSW to attend the next Council meeting in November 2025 to
present the Auditor’s Reports.
Background
The audit of the financial statements has
been completed by Council’s Auditors, the Audit Office of NSW.
An audit clearance meeting was held between
the external auditors and Council senior staff on 24 September 2025. No major
issues were identified during the course of the audit or at the clearance
meeting. The 2025 draft financial statements were then presented to the Audit,
Risk and Improvement Committee on 30 September 2025. The Committee endorsed the
financial statements without modification.
The Auditor’s Reports will be
finalised and issued following Council’s adoption of the financial
statements and the signing of the ‘Statement by Councillors and
Management’. They will be lodged, together with the audited financial
statements, with the Office of Local Government by the due date of 31 October
2025.
It should be noted that Section 418 of the
Local Government Act 1993, requires that as soon as practicable after a council
receives a copy of the Auditor’s Reports:
a. it must fix a date for the meeting at which it
proposes to present its audited financial reports, together with the
auditor’s reports, to the public; and
b. it must give public notice of the date so fixed.
Notice will be given via Council’s
website of the intention to present the financial statements for the year ended
30 June 2025, together with the Auditor’s Reports, at the 20 November
2025 Council meeting and invite members of the public to make written
submissions, should they wish to do so.
Representatives from the Audit Office of
NSW will attend the 20 November 2025 meeting to present the Auditor’s
Reports and respond to any questions Councillors may have.
Discussion
Financial Result
Council’s overall financial result
for the year was an operating surplus of $6.9 million before capital grants and
contributions and $28.83 million including capital grants and contributions.
Council’s net assets exceed $1.16 billion.
Council has once again performed well
against all key performance measure benchmarks. Council recorded an
‘operating performance ratio’ of 5.58% (the benchmark is greater
than 0%) meaning it generated sufficient revenue to cover its
operational expenses, including depreciation.
Council also exceeded all other performance
measure benchmarks. While the benchmarks have been removed from the financial
statements for the year ended 30 June 2025 by the Office of Local Government,
the unaudited performance measures are provided below for
Council’s information.
Audit Findings
Council is anticipating being issued with
an unqualified audit opinion on its financial statements. The audit team have
assessed and evaluated a range of key issues and audit risks as part of their
audit scope including:
· Revaluation of assets
· Assessment of the fair value of assets
· Capital expenditure
· Information Technology general controls; and
· Cyber security
No significant matters have arisen from
those assessments and evaluations.
A copy of the draft financial statements
for the year ended 30 June 2025 is attached at AT-1.
Statement by Councillors and Management
In accordance with Section
413(2)(c) of the Local Government Act, 1993, Council is required to include
with the financial statements a ‘Statement by Councillors and
Management’ signed under resolution of Council by the Mayor, one other
Councillor (generally, the Deputy Mayor), the General Manager and the
Responsible Accounting Officer (Chief Financial Officer). The adoption of the
financial statements and signing of the Statement will enable the issue of the
Auditor’s Reports and allow Council to include them in its financial
statements and submit them to the OLG by 31 October 2025.
This statement is presented on
Page 4 of the General Purpose Financial Statements and is separately attached
as AT-2.
Conclusion
Council’s
financial position and performance for the period ending 30 June 2025 is
strong. There
are no
major audit findings which in turn indicates Council’s internal controls,
systems and
processes
are robust and working in an effective manner.
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council:
1. adopt
the General Purpose Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2025 (AT-1);
2. in
accordance with Section 413(2)(c) of the Local Government Act, 1993,
authorise the Mayor, one other
Councillor, the General Manager and the Responsible Accounting Officer
to sign the ‘Statement by Councillors and Management’ (AT-2)
for the General Purpose Financial Statements and lodge them, together with
the Auditor’s Reports, with the Office of Local Government by 31
October 2025;
3. note
that the General Purpose Financial Statements will be placed on
Council’s website for public comment; and
4. invite
the Audit Office of NSW to attend the Council meeting of 20 November 2025 to
present the Auditor’s Reports.
|
Steven Kludass
Director - Corporate Services and Strategy
Corporate Services and Strategy Division
ATTACHMENTS:
|
AT‑1 View
|
DRAFT - Annual Financial Statements - June 2025
|
|
Available Electronically
|
|
AT‑2 View
|
Statement by Councillors and Management - June 2025
|
|
Available Electronically
|
Ordinary Council Meeting 23 October 2025
Audit, Risk &
Improvement Committee - Four Year Internal Audit Plan - 2025/26 to 2028/29
Item No: 12
Subject: Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee - Four Year Internal Audit
Plan - 2025/26 to 2028/29
Record No: SU740 - 72764/25
Division: Corporate Services
and Strategy Division
Author(s): Steven
Kludass
Executive Summary
The purpose of this report is to seek Council adoption of the Audit, Risk
and Improvement Committee (ARIC) four-year Internal Audit Plan for the period 1
July 2025 to 30 June 2029.
Discussion
The ARIC provides a pivotal role providing Council with independent
assurance and advice in the areas of internal audit, financial management, risk
management, compliance and control, and organisational performance and
improvement, along with external accountability responsibilities.
One of key
deliverables of the ARIC is the preparation of a four-year Internal Audit Plan.
The four-year Internal Audit Plan is a rolling program of audits that can be
reviewed annually to consider the relevance and currency of the plan and
consider any new emerging risks that may require audit in the future.
The Office of
Local Government (OLG) issued Guidelines for Risk Management and Internal Audit
for Local Government (the Guidelines) in November 2023, with elements of the
Guidelines mandated under the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021
(Regulation) in July 2024.
The Guidelines
advise that the ARIC must develop a work plan every four years to ensure that
all matters listed in section 428A of the Act are reviewed by the ARIC and
considered by the internal audit function when developing their risk-based
program of internal audits.
The methodology
for the development of the four-year Internal Audit Plan included a facilitated
workshop with the General Manager and the Executive Leadership Team and uses
several inputs into the development of the plan, including:
· Council’s enterprise risk management register (using
‘inherent risk’ ratings);
· Audit Office NSW priorities and/or recommendations;
· a scan of state agency priorities and/or recommendations; and
· Council’s adopted four-year Delivery Program and Operational
Plan.
At the ARIC
meeting held on 24 June 2025 the four-Year Internal Audit Plan for the period 1
July 2025 to 30 June 2029 was endorsed and is now reported to Council for
adoption.
Lane Cove
Council’s Internal Audit function is part of a shared service arrangement
managed by NSROC. This arrangement entitles Council to 6 internal audit reviews
per annum or 24 audits over the four-year period.
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council adopt the Audit, Risk
and Improvement Committee four-year Internal Audit
Plan for 2025/26 to 2028/29 (inclusive), as attached to this report.
|
Steven Kludass
Director - Corporate Services and Strategy
Corporate Services and Strategy Division
ATTACHMENTS:
|
AT‑1 View
|
ARIC Endorsed 4 Year Internal Audit Plan
|
|
Available Electronically
|
Ordinary Council Meeting 23 October 2025
Audit, Risk &
Improvement Committee Confirmed Minutes - 24 June 2025
Item No: 13
Subject: Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee Confirmed Minutes - 24 June
2025
Record No: SU740 - 71931/25
Division: Corporate Services
and Strategy Division
Author(s): Steven
Kludass
Executive Summary
The purpose of this report is to provide
the confirmed minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC)
meeting held on 24 June 2025.
Discussion
The Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee
provides a pivotal role providing Council with independent assurance and advice
in the areas of internal audit, financial management, risk management,
compliance and control, and organisational performance and improvement, along
with external accountability responsibilities.
Amendments made to the Local Government
(General) Regulation 2021 commenced on 1 July 2024 and set out new requirements
for ARICs. The Office of Local Government’s Guidelines for Risk
Management and Internal Audit for Local Government support and guide the
operation of ARICs. Council adopted new ARIC Terms of Reference at the 18 July
2024 Council Meeting.
The minutes of each ARIC meeting are to be
reported to the governing body.
The minutes of the ARIC meeting held on 24
June 2025 and confirmed by ARIC at its meeting held on 30 September 2025 are
attached for noting by Council (AT-1).
The confirmed minutes of ARIC meetings are
presented to the governing body for noting each quarter. To further improve the
way in which the minutes are prepared, the Chair of ARIC will be asked to
include a brief description of the discussion points as part of the preparation
of the minutes, in addition to the existing Determinations of the Committee.
This practice commenced at the most recent ARIC meeting held on 30 September
2025 and these minutes will be endorsed at the next ARIC meeting on 9 December
2025.
|
RECOMMENDATION
That Council note:
1. the confirmed minutes of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee
meeting held on 24 June 2025; and
2. the minutes do not seek action from Council.
|
Steven Kludass
Director - Corporate Services and Strategy
Corporate Services and Strategy Division
ATTACHMENTS:
|
AT‑1 View
|
ARIC Minutes - 24 June 2025
|
|
Available Electronically
|
Ordinary Council Meeting 23 October 2025
Pecuniary Interest
Returns 2025
Item No: 14
Subject: Pecuniary Interest Returns 2025
Record No: SU2095 - 47610/25
Division: Lane Cove Council
Author(s): Stephen
Golding
Executive Summary
The purpose of
this report is to table the Annual Pecuniary Interest Returns of Designated
Staff and Councillors as required by the Local Government Act 1993. This report
recommends that Council notes the tabling of these returns.
Background
The disclosure
of interest returns, written declarations and the disclosure of pecuniary
interests at Council and Council committee meetings, supports community
confidence in local government and ensures staff act honestly and responsibly,
when carrying out Council functions.
Section
440AAB of the Local Government Act 1993
(“LG Act”) requires:
1. The General Manager must keep a register of returns
disclosing interests that are required to be lodged with the General Manager
under a code of conduct, and
2. Returns
required to be lodged with the General Manager must be tabled at a meeting of
the Council, being the first meeting held after the last day specified by the
code for lodgment, or if the code does not specify a day, as soon as
practicable after the return is lodged.
The Model Code
of Conduct for Local Councils in NSW requires that all Councillors must lodge a
written return of interests with the General Manager within three months of 30
June of each year (4.21).
Discussion
Council’s
Code of Conduct replicates the Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils in NSW
and supports the Local Government Act, that requires that Councillors and
designated persons to complete and lodge with the General Manager, a return
disclosing his or her pecuniary interests within three (3) months of:
• becoming a
Councillor or designated person;
• 30 June of
each year; and
• becoming
aware of a new interest that must be disclosed in the return.
A designated
person refers to:-
• the General
Manager and senior staff;
• a staff
member who holds a position as a designated person because it involves the
exercise of a function that could give rise to a conflict of interest; and,
• members of
Committees where the Committee is exercising a function that could give rise to
a conflict of interest.
All returns for
Councillors and Designated Staff in office as of 30 June 2025 have been lodged
by the 30 September 2025 deadline.
In addition to
being publicly available on request, returns are published on Council’s
website as soon as practicable, in line with the mandatory open access
requirements of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act)
and Information Access Guideline 1 - For Local Councils on the disclosure of
information (returns disclosing the interest of Councillors and designated
persons) September 2019.
In accordance
with the Local Government Act 1993 and sections 6(1) and 13 of the GIPA Act, a
public interest test determined that there is an overriding public interest
against the disclosure of Councillors’ and designated persons’
residential addresses and signatures.
Conclusion
Pecuniary Interest Returns for designated staff and
Councillors in office as of 30 June 2025,
covering the return period from 1 July 2024 to 30
June 2025, have been received.
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report and
tabling of Annual Pecuniary Interest Returns of Designated Staff and
Councillors for the return period 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025.
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Steven Kludass
Director - Corporate Services and Strategy
Corporate and Strategy Division
ATTACHMENTS:
There are no supporting documents for this report.
Ordinary Council Meeting 23 October 2025
Local Transport Forum -
16 September 2025
Item No: 15
Subject: Local Transport Forum - 16 September 2025
Record No: SU1326 - 72460/25
Division: Open Space and Infrastructure
Division
Author(s): Hasir
Suhaib
Executive Summary
The Lane Cove Local Transport Forum met in September 2025
and provided recommendations for Council’s consideration. The attached
Minutes include a summary of each item, and it is recommended the
September 2025 Minutes are adopted for implementation.
Background
The Lane Cove Local Transport Forum (formerly known as the
Local Traffic Committee) is a requirement of Transport for NSW and is primarily
a technical review forum which provides advice to Council on matters referred
to it by Council.
These matters must be related to prescribed traffic control
devices and traffic control facilities for which Council has delegated
authority.
The Forum has no decision-making powers, but rather makes
recommendations for the Council to consider, noting that Council is not bound
by its advice.
Discussion
The Lane Cove Local Transport Forum was held on Tuesday 16
September 2025. The agenda is included as AT-1, and Supplementary agenda
at AT-2.
The Local Transport Forum recommendations are shown in the
Minutes of the meeting, included as AT-3, which address:
1. Traffic Committee Meeting Confirmation of Minutes – 15 July
2025
2. Changes
to the Local Traffic Committee – introduction of the Local Transport
Forum
3. Proposed
truck zone at 22 Birdwood Avenue, Lane Cove
4. Rear
of 450 Pacific Highway, Lane Cove North - Proposed ‘no parking’
restriction on Helen Street
5. 670
Mowbray Road West, Lane Cove West - Proposed removal of 15-Minute parking
restrictions
6. Wilona
Avenue & Eastview Street, Greenwich - proposed no parking restriction
7. Sera
Street, Lane Cove – proposed stop control
8. Food
and Wine Festival by the River at Tambourine Bay Reserve 2025 - Traffic
Management Plan and Traffic Control Plan
9. Location
for new VAS signage – Mowbray Road West
10. 138
Burns Bay Road – Driveway issues
11. Physio
on Longueville Road – 237 Longueville Road, Lane Cove
12. River
Road Shared User Path.
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council adopt the
recommendations of the Lane Cove Local Transport Forum held on Tuesday 16
September 2025.
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Martin Terescenko
Director - Open Space and Infrastructure
Open Space and Infrastructure Division
ATTACHMENTS:
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AT‑1 View
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Agenda of Local Transport Forum - Tuesday, 16 September
2025
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Available Electronically
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AT‑2 View
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Agenda - Supplementary - Local Transport Forum - 16
September 2025
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Available Electronically
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AT‑3 View
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Minutes of Local Transport Forum - Tuesday, 16 September
2025
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Available Electronically
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Ordinary Council Meeting 23 October 2025
Road naming proposal -
St Leonards South
Item No: 16
Subject: Road naming proposal - St Leonards South
Record No: SU10859 - 69283/25
Division: Planning and
Sustainability Division
Author(s): Christopher
Pelcz
Executive Summary
The purpose of this report is to seek
Council approval to commence engagement with the community to gather ideas for
the name of a new road that is being constructed between Berry Road and Park
Road. The road is being delivered as part of the St Leonards South precinct.
Background
A new road is being delivered as part of
the St Leonards South precinct on sites known as Areas 22 and 23. The precinct
plan shows the delivery of a new public road connecting Berry Road and Park
Road.
The respective Development Application for
Sites 22 and 23 was approved on 3 August 2023 and construction of the
development is well advanced.
A request has been made by the developer
for Council to name the new road as shown in Figure 1 below.
Figure 1: Location of new road
Discussion
Construction of the development is well
advanced with key decisions needing to be made shortly on matters such as
street numbering and signage requirements, including the naming of the new
road.
The developer has approached council
seeking a name to be assigned to the new road and this report seeks to initiate
the naming process.
In the absence of a Council policy position
on names for roads, reserves and facilities it is proposed to seek ideas from
the community on suggested names for the new road. This is consistent with
recent engagement activities seeking ideas for names for community
infrastructure such as Galuwa Recreation Centre, The Canopy and Wadangarri
Park.
When seeking ideas from the community and
ultimately approving a new road name, Council should follow the guidelines set
down in the Geographical Names Board’s NSW Addressing Policy.
Some key criteria for the selection of road names would
include:
· Road
names are not to be duplicated, or be too similar to, existing names within a
10 km radius.
· The
GNB's Road Name Evaluation website can be used to check for eligibility.
· Road
names should have relevance to the local heritage, culture, environment or
industry.
· Road
names with a local Aboriginal dimension are encouraged but must be supported by
the local Aboriginal community.
· For
road names commemorating a person:
o The person
should have contributed significantly to the area.
o The person
must have been deceased for at least 12 months.
o An effort
should be made to gain consent from family members of the person.
To gather ideas from the community on a
name for the new road, it is proposed to engage with the community for a 6-week
period inviting name suggestions. Guidance material will be made available on
the council website during the exhibition period so that members of the public
are aware of the guidelines that exist for appropriate names by the Geographic
Names Board.
At the end of the engagement period, all
suggestions will be collated and reviewed against relevant naming requirements
and shortlisted for Councillor consideration.
Following endorsement of the final name by
Council, the proposed road name will be submitted to the Geographical Names
Board (GNB) for consideration and approval.
The Road Naming process is also subject to
requirements under the Roads Act 1993, Roads Regulation 2018 and the NSW
address Policy and User manual.
Conclusion
The provision of a new road between Berry
Road and Park Road requires a name to be assigned to the road.
This report seeks to commence engagement
with the community to gather ideas for a new name for the road which is being
delivered in the St Leonards South Precinct. A further report will be presented
to Council following the community engagement seeking approval of a road name.
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RECOMMENDATION
That:
1. Council seeks ideas from
the community to name a new road being delivered as part of the St Leonards
South Precinct (between Berry Road and Park Road) for a period of 6-weeks;
and
2. the outcome of the
community engagement be reported back to council.
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Mark Brisby
Director - Planning and Sustainability
Planning and Sustainability Division
ATTACHMENTS:
There are no supporting documents for this report.
Ordinary Council Meeting 23 October 2025
2025 Australian
Liveability Census Results
Item No: 17
Subject: 2025 Australian Liveability Census Results
Record No: SU8425 - 71995/25
Division: Community and
Culture Division
Author(s): Stephanie
Kelly
Executive Summary
Lane Cove Council has achieved first place
nationally in the 2025 Australian Liveability
Census, a comprehensive independent study conducted by Place Score measuring
community wellbeing, amenity, and satisfaction across Australian local
government areas (LGA).
The 2025 achievement reflects
Council’s sustained investment in quality infrastructure, environmental
sustainability, cultural vitality, and community engagement. The Census result
highlights Lane Cove’s reputation as one of Australia’s most
desirable and inclusive places to live, underpinned by strong local identity
and connectedness.
Background
The Australian
Liveability Census, conducted every two years by Place Score, is
Australia’s largest liveability survey. In 2025, more than 120,000
Australians participated, rating their local areas across 50 key attributes,
grouped into the following domains:
· Access
and connectivity
· Environment
and sustainability
· Safety
and belonging
· Housing
choice and affordability
· Community
facilities and open space
· Culture,
recreation and local character
· Governance
and community voice
Results are benchmarked nationally and reported at both
state and local government levels.
Lane Cove has consistently performed strongly in past years,
but the 2025 Census marks the second time since 2021 the Council has been
ranked No. 1 nationally, outperforming more than 530 local government areas
across Australia.
Discussion
Lane Cove received a
Place Experience (PX) score of 80/100 which is the highest of any LGA in the
country, and well above the national (66) and NSW (70) averages.
This marks the third
consecutive top-tier result, following similarly strong performances of joint
first in the 2021 and second nationally and first in New South Wales in the
2023 Liveability Census. Lane Cove is now consistently ranked in the top 2% nationally,
confirming our continued leadership in community outcomes and resident
satisfaction.
As well as achieving an
outstanding Place Experience (PX) Score of 80/100, Lane Cove also received an
exceptional Net Promoter Score of +67, reflecting strong community pride and
satisfaction. The 2025 National Liveability Census received 1,576 local responses,
including 585 community values, 545 place ratings, and 446 improvement ideas,
demonstrating a highly engaged community.
Notably, 91% of residents reported positive
mental health, which is 12% above the national average, underscoring the
area’s strong sense of wellbeing.
Consistent themes emerging from the Census
describe Lane Cove as a connected, green, inclusive and thriving neighbourhood,
confirming its position as one of Australia’s most liveable and
community-focused local government areas
Residents defined an ideal neighbourhood as green, safe,
welcoming and connected, with key drivers of liveability including:
· access
to amenities such as shops, cafes, and services (scored 8.7/10)
· natural
environment (8.8/10)
· personal
safety (8.7/10)
· neighbourhood
character and village atmosphere (8.6/10)
· local
businesses that meet daily needs (8.7/10)
· a
strong sense of belonging, inclusion and community identity.
In the official debrief
following the release of results, Place Score advised Council to focus on
maintaining and strengthening the attributes most highly valued by the
community, noting that these represent the features residents are most invested
in preserving and enhancing.
The 2025 Census
identified that the strongest predictors of liveability were residents feeling
that their community is “welcoming to all people” and that
“there are people like me”. These findings underscore the
importance of Council’s ongoing investment in social
infrastructure—programs, places and services that support inclusion,
connection and community participation. Continuing to strengthen these areas
will assist in maintaining Lane Cove’s high levels of liveability and
social cohesion across all age groups and community demographics.
This national recognition
strengthens Lane Cove’s profile as a leading example of local government
excellence. It supports Council’s broader strategic objectives,
attracting and retaining residents and local businesses, encouraging visitation,
and reinforcing civic pride and engagement.
Conclusion
This is a significant achievement for our community and
organisation. Lane Cove has once again been nationally recognised as a leading
example of local liveability.
Our focus now is to maintain that momentum: protect what we
love, respond where needed, and continue building a stronger, more inclusive
Lane Cove.
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council:
1. note the
results of the 2025 Australian Liveability Census, in which Lane Cove
achieved first place nationally; and
2. use insights from the Liveability Census to inform the
2026/27 Delivery Program and Operational Plan (DPOP).
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Stephanie Kelly
Director - Community and Culture
Community and Culture Division
ATTACHMENTS:
There are no supporting documents for this report.
Ordinary Council Meeting 23 October 2025
Lane Cove Aquatic Centre
Operational Assessment
Item No: 18
Subject: Lane Cove Aquatic Centre Operational Assessment
Record No: SU2191 - 70811/25
Division: Community and
Culture Division
Author(s): Stephanie
Kelly
Executive Summary
This report presents the findings of a
performance review of the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre operators’ performance
against obligations set out in the current lease agreement for the management
of the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre.
The purpose of the review was to inform a
recent decision to extend the lease with the current operator for a further
5-year term (as allowed under the lease agreement) on the basis that the
operator exceeded expectations across key performance areas.
The report is submitted for noting.
Background
The leasing arrangements for the Lane Cove
Aquatic Centre were originally established over 15 years ago, with 4 leases
executed simultaneously to support the funding for the facility’s
development. The current lease commenced in July 2021 and is due to expire in
July 2026. In accordance with the provisions of the lease, if Council was to
have exercised an option available to not renew the lease for a final 5-year
term, it needed to do so prior to 30 September 2025.
Over the past 5 years, the operator has
faced a series of significant external pressures that have influenced
operations, tested resilience, and shaped community expectations. The most
immediate challenge was the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in extended
closures, capacity limits, enhanced health protocols, and major disruption to
membership retention, staffing levels, and program delivery. Compounding these
pressures, the long-term closure of nearby facilities at Willoughby, North
Sydney, and Epping diverted significant additional demand to Lane Cove Aquatic
Centre, stretching infrastructure and staffing resources. Rising utility and
fuel costs have added a further financial burden, particularly in relation to
heating, ventilation, and water treatment. Sector-wide staff shortages,
particularly among lifeguards, swim instructors, and fitness professionals,
have made it difficult to consistently deliver programming and services to the
standards expected.
Community expectations have shifted
markedly due to the opening of the new outdoor facilities in 2021, and this has
raised expectations of quality and amenity which has created heightened
pressure on presentation, customer service, and service variety. The provision
of additional facilities has transformed the facility’s capacity to
deliver lap swimming, squads, and school programs which has enhanced community
use, raised service standards, and reinforced the centre’s role as a
major community asset.
Discussion
The approach to the
formal review of the contractor’s performance involved Council
undertaking an independent assessment in line with the lease obligation that services must be delivered to the ‘reasonable satisfaction of the
lessor (Council)’. The review drew upon available operational
performance data and was commissioned in response to legal advice recommending
an independent evaluation of the contractor’s performance prior to
considering lease renewal.
The
current lease agreement sets a clear expectation that the contractor is to provide
services to Council’s reasonable satisfaction. While it does not require
the disclosure of commercial or financial information, it does specify that the
operator should supply data relating to service delivery, maintenance, work
health and safety, compliance with safety requirements, and operational
performance, along with community feedback. This framework provided the
foundation for the scope of the review.
Independent Advice
Council
engaged Sport and Leisure Solutions, an experienced consultancy in the sport,
recreation, and aquatic sector, to conduct an independent review of the Aquatic
Centre operator’s performance. The consultant brought over 20 years of
specialist experience, including leading roles in the design and operation of
major aquatic facilities such as the Macquarie University Sport and Aquatic
Centre.
Established
in 2007, Sport and Leisure Solutions is recognised for delivering independent,
evidence-based advice to government and community organisations. Their
expertise spans aquatic and leisure facility operations, business planning, and
benchmarking, with a strong focus on aligning technical rigour with community
expectations.
For
this project, the consultant was engaged to assess the operator’s
performance against lease obligations. The review included benchmarking against
comparable metropolitan facilities, evaluation of contract compliance, and
analysis of Council audits and site observations. The final report provided
Council with independent assurance of strong overall operator performance,
while identifying targeted opportunities for improvement in asset presentation.
Scope
of the Review
The
review provided a consolidated and independent assessment of the
contractor’s performance across core operational areas. The assessment
focused on performance statistics, service delivery, compliance with
maintenance schedules, work health and safety standards, operational practices,
and community feedback. The approach aligns with recognised best practice in
contract performance auditing and ensured that Council’s decision-making
was grounded in objective, comprehensive, and relevant operational evidence.
The
review considered:
1. Contract
compliance - testing operator records against agreed specifications and prior
compliance reviews.
2. Qualitative
assessment - incorporating quarterly audits, site inspections, WHS data,
maintenance, customer satisfaction, and marketing activity.
3. Comparative
Performance Assessment - data benchmarking and comparing visitation,
memberships, and learn-to-swim enrolments.
Key
Findings
Performance
exceeds industry benchmarks in:
· Annual visitation approaching one million, far
higher than comparable centres.
· Membership penetration within a 3-kilometre radius
is at 4.1%, compared with the national average of 1.7%.
· Learn-to-swim enrolments 79% above average within
the catchment.
· Net Promoter Score of +37, compared with the
national benchmark of +10.
Community
satisfaction with the performance of the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre is very high,
and 95% satisfaction was recorded in Council’s annual survey. Strong
compliance was evidence of best practice in work health and safety planning,
emergency management, business continuity, and staff training. There was clear
evidence of proactive marketing, community engagement, and targeted investment
in programs designed to boost participation and inclusivity.
Contract
Compliance
As
part of the review, the operator was required to submit a suite of
documentation reflecting industry best practice for high-quality aquatic and
leisure operations. This included the Work Health and Safety Plan, Risk
Management Plan, Emergency Action Plan, Business Continuity Plan, Disaster
Recovery Plan, Staff Training Plan, Marketing Plan, and Environmental
Management Plan. All documents were provided in a timely manner, demonstrating
full compliance with contractual requirements and confirming that the operator
has ready access to its core operational frameworks. These plans provide a
sound operational basis for day-to-day operations and ensure compliance with
both Council and industry standards.
In
addition, Council’s assessment considered work health and safety
outcomes, compliance checks, capital improvements, water quality, and marketing
performance. Together, these demonstrate a comprehensive approach to risk
management, safety, customer service, and sustainability.
Qualitative
assessment
Independent
reviews confirmed that while the operator is meeting its obligations, there
remain areas for improvement in presentation and housekeeping.
Specific
issues include the storage of equipment in plant rooms and on the pool deck,
limited storage capacity within the original building, and inconsistent
follow-through on low-cost maintenance and cleanliness actions.
However,
audits found that some reported issues remained outstanding across subsequent
inspections, which affects customer perception and satisfaction. Several
maintenance and presentation issues also relate to the age of the facility
rather than operator neglect, such as corroded fixtures, marked flooring,
ceiling vents and signage.
To
address this, a stronger action plan process is required, focusing on timely
resolution of complaints, improved housekeeping, and more proactive
presentation standards. Council and the operator should jointly
implement bi-monthly reviews and targeted action plans to ensure recurring
low-cost issues are rectified quickly, while aligning capital planning and
asset renewal strategies to address ageing infrastructure.
Comparative
Performance Assessment
Benchmarking
against 3 comparable NSW metropolitan aquatic centres demonstrates the
operator’s strong performance across participation, membership, and
program delivery. Within the 3 kilometre catchment, Lane Cove Aquatic Centre
achieves 10 visits per capita, compared with a benchmark average of 3. This
represents a 234% uplift and highlights the centre’s value as a highly
used and accessible community facility.
Membership
penetration is also well above average, with 4.1% of the 20+ catchment
population enrolled as members, compared with 1.75% at other centres (a 134%
uplift). Learn-to-swim participation is similarly outstanding: 27% of the
0–9 age group is enrolled, compared with a sector average of 15%,
representing a 79% uplift. These results point to strong marketing, effective
retention strategies, and exceptional community engagement.
Financial
benchmarking suggests that income is approximately 12.6% below comparable
centres, indicating a lower yield per visitor. This may reflect pricing
structures, visit patterns, and a high proportion of concession and
learn-to-swim users. However, the exceptionally high levels of participation
demonstrate that the facility is fulfilling its role as a community asset and
delivering significant social value.
Conclusion
The
independent review confirmed that the current operator is not only compliant
with all contractual obligations but is also delivering performance that
exceeds industry benchmarks. With annual visitation nearing one million,
membership penetration more than double the national average, and learn-to-swim
enrolments surpassing those of comparable facilities, the Centre is achieving
exceptional community reach and impact. A Net Promoter Score of +37 also
demonstrates strong customer satisfaction and loyalty.
While
the review identified some areas for improvement, particularly around
presentation standards, housekeeping, and the ageing condition of certain
assets these are shared challenges with Council that reflect both operational
and infrastructure responsibilities. They also highlight the need for improved
follow-through on audit recommendations and a more proactive approach to asset
management.
Based
on these findings, it has been determined that the lease will continue with the
current operator for the remainder of the lease term. This decision is
supported by clear, independent evidence of strong operational performance,
effective community engagement, and sound contract compliance.
A collaborative
approach will be adopted to improve site presentation and cleanliness. In
parallel, consideration will need to be made into the future for additional
capital investment to support major works within the Centre, ensuring the
facility remains safe, functional, and aligned with community expectations into
the next phase of its operation.
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the
report
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Stephanie Kelly
Director - Community and Culture
Community and Culture Division
ATTACHMENTS:
There are no supporting documents for this report.
Ordinary Council Meeting 23 October 2025
Civic Centre Concert
Grand Piano Hire
Item No: 19
Subject: Civic Centre Concert Grand Piano Hire
Record No: SU1438 - 65631/25
Division: Community and
Culture Division
Author(s): Stephanie
Kelly
Executive Summary
This report proposes the introduction of a concert grand
piano for hire in the Civic Centre foyer during evenings (5pm to 9pm) and on
weekends (8am to 11pm) when the Cove Room is vacant. The initiative aims to
activate an underused space, broaden cultural offerings, and provide equitable
access to a high-quality instrument for local teachers, students, hobbyists,
and community members.
A fee structure is proposed to ensure affordability and
sustainability, with rates set at $40 per hour for commercial hire and $10.00
per hour for community hire.
Background
The piano located in the foyer of the Civic
Centre has been held by Council for many years but has not been in regular use.
There is potential interest from local music teachers, students and residents
living in nearby apartments and smaller dwellings who do not have space or
access to concert grade acoustic instruments. Public access to pianos and
‘pop-up’ pianos in public spaces is growing in popularity across
Australia, with similar programs successfully operating in neighbouring
councils, including the City of Ryde, where access to the library’s grand
piano has attracted strong community interest.
Discussion
The proposal offers an opportunity to
maximise use and community access to an existing Council asset, aligning with
Council’s broader focus on making full use of its facilities. It expands
Council’s cultural offerings and creates a new opportunity for music
teachers, students, hobbyists and community groups to access a high-quality
instrument in a professional setting. The proposal would activate an underused
space when the administrative office is closed and bring life and vibrancy to
the Civic Centre foyer during evenings and on weekends - times when it is
currently unused. It also supports more equitable access to music and provides
residents, especially those living in apartments or smaller dwellings, with
access to a grand piano they may not have space for or the means to own.
The proposal also acknowledges the
contribution of Judy Bailey OAM for whom the piano has now been named in honour
of. Judy’s life was dedicated to music, and she was instrumental in
creating the Lane Cove Festival to share culture with our local residents in
their own village centre. This project would recognise her long-standing
advocacy for maintaining and using the piano and adds a personal and symbolic
dimension to the space.
The hire scheme can generate modest revenue
where fees would contribute to the cost of tuning and maintenance of the
instrument and leverages investment already made in making the Cove Room a
space for hire. This initiative also reflects a broader trend of repurposing
civic spaces for cultural use, reinforcing Council’s role in fostering
vibrant community life.
While the risks are considered low, the
following controls are proposed:
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Risk
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Mitigation
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Vandalism:
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The foyer is already monitored by
CCTV, and access would be supervised through a booking system.
|
|
Misuse or damage from inexperienced
playing:
|
Users must be at a piano skill level
equivalent to AMEB Grade 5 or higher.
Bookings will require confirmation of
this experience level.
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Overuse or noise:
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The piano will only be available
during designated periods (evenings 5pm–9pm Monday to Friday and
8am-11pm weekends) to prevent disruption to other uses of the space.
The grand piano is not to be used for
practicing scales or repetitive technical drills, to preserve the instrument
and ensure it is used for performance-standard playing.
These measures will help preserve the
quality of the piano
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Conflicts with the Cove Room Hire.
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Block out bookings when The Cove room
is booked.
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Proposed fees:
· Commercial
hire: $40 per hour
· Community/individuals
hire: $10 per hour
These rates are modest and are expected to generate modest
revenue while remaining accessible to the community.
Community Consultation
Statement of Intent
The consultation is designed to confirm the
proposed fees and charges. Any comments received will be reviewed and
evaluated to determine whether or not to proceed with the proposed fees and the
new program.
Method
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Level of Participation
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Inform
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Inform
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Consult
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Form of Participation
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Open
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Targeted
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Open
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Target Audience
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Lane Cove Community and community
groups
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Shared with local music groups to
target musicians.
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Lane Cove Community
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Proposed Medium
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Advertisement and
eNewsletter
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Direct mail and
email.
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Public
Exhibition,
Website
Exhibition and Survey
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Indicative Timing
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Early November
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Early November
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Early November
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Conclusion
The proposed piano hire initiative represents a low-risk,
high-value opportunity to enhance cultural engagement, activate underused
space, and recognise Judy Baily’s legacy. It is recommended that Council
endorse the introduction of the program and the proposed fee structure.
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council:
1. adopt
the proposed fees and charges for piano hire, in accordance with Section 608
of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW), as follows:
· $40 per
hour - Commercial hire
· $10 per
hour – Community/Individual hire.
2. place
the proposed fees on public exhibition for a period of 28 days in accordance
with Section 610F of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW), and invite public
submissions during this period; and
3. receive
a further report following the public exhibition period to consider any
submissions received.
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Stephanie Kelly
Director - Community and Culture
Community and Culture Division
ATTACHMENTS:
There are no supporting documents for this report.
Ordinary Council Meeting 23 October 2025
Council Snapshot
September 2025
Item No: 20
Subject: Council Snapshot September 2025
Record No: SU220 - 72684/25
Division: Office of the
General Manager
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 September 2025 at AT-1.
Included at AT-2 is Council’s
Resolution Tracker showing the progress of Council’s resolutions.
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council receive and note the
report.
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Louise Kerr
General Manager
Office of the General Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
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AT‑1 View
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Council Snapshot - September 2025
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42 Pages
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Available Electronically
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AT‑2 View
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Resolution Tracker for Council meeting of 23 October 2025
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Available Electronically
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