
Minutes
Ordinary Council Meeting
20 November 2025, 7:00 PM
All minutes are subject to confirmation at a subsequent
meeting and may be amended by resolution at that meeting.
PRESENT: Councillor Southwood (Mayor), Councillor Bennison, Councillor Bryla, Councillor Flood, Councillor Greenwell (online), Councillor Kennedy, Councillor Little, Councillor Roenfeldt and Councillor Taylor.
ALSO PRESENT: General Manager, Director - Corporate Services and Strategy, Director - Planning and Sustainability, Director - Community and Culture, Acting Director - Open Spaces and Infrastructure, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Officer to the GM and Minute Taker.
Apologies
Nil
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:
Councillor Kennedy declared a non-pecuniary, less than significant conflict of interest in relation to item 15 – Schedule of Ordinary Council Meetings for 2026. Councillor Kennedy will remain in the Chamber and debate and vote on this item.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
The Mayor gave an acknowledgement of Country.
Minute of Silence for Reflection or Prayer
The Mayor gave notice of a minute of silence for reflection or prayer.
WEBCASTING OF COUNCIL MEETING
The Mayor advised those present that the Meeting was being webcast.
Online
1. Darvan Sinnetamby of Lane Cove, in relation to Item 10 – Presentation of Audited Annual Financial Statements – year ended 30 June 2025;
In Person
2. Cristina Hawkins of Riverview, in relation to Item 2 – Notice of Motion – Promoting community safety and stronger sentencing for violent crime;
3. Barry Johnston of Riverview, in relation to Item 2 – Notice of Motion – Promoting community safety and stronger sentencing for violent crime
4. Tom Goode of Sydney, representing Central Element, in relation to Item 18 – Planning Proposal 44 – 126 and 130-134 Pacific Hwy, Greenwich;
5. Dan Keary of Manly, representing Keylan Consulting (town planner) on behalf of Realside Property (landowner and applicant), in relation to Item 17 – Planning Proposal 45 - 170 Pacific Highway, Greenwich;
6. Dr Liz Gill of Greenwich, in relation to Item 22 – Council Snapshot, specifically the Viva Pipeline, Shell Park and the EPA Audit.
Written Submissions
No written submissions were received.
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Item 1 Mayoral Minute - Significant boost to Council's plans to electrify the Aquatic Centre operations |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Southwood that Council: 1) notes the approval of a $1,114,500 grant from the federal Community Energy Upgrades Fund to be applied to electrification works at the Aquatic Centre; 2) notes that these funds will be matched by $749,000 already budgeted by Council and by the sum of $400,000 from BlueFit; 3) applies the funds detailed above to carry out works to the Aquatic Centre to replace selected gas boilers and to upgrade the efficiency of others, significantly reducing overall gas consumption; 4) notes that the grant will provide a significant boost towards helping Council to transition to Net Zero emissions; and 5) congratulates Council officers for the development of a compelling grants application and for their commitment Council’s Net Zero objective. |
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For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 8). Against the Motion was Councillor Bennison (Total 1). |
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Item 1 Petition Requesting Accessible Parking in Sera Street Car Park |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Southwood and seconded by Councillor Flood that Council: 1. receives and notes this report and proposed actions; 2. will undertake the following works to improve pedestrian safety: (a) refresh the pedestrian crossing line marking in Sera Street car park (b) undertake a street lighting assessment in Sera Street to determine the lighting levels and if required, upgrade the lighting as per Australian Standards (c) increase cleaning regime for the path adjacent to the centre; (d) investigate replacing the existing handrail on the path from Sera Street car park to the Luz All Abilities, and 3. receives a report on the current scheme available to businesses for leasing arrangements that encompass timed parking nearby their premises for discussion at a later date. |
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For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9). Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0). |
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Item 2 Notice of Motion - Installation of Solar Panels on Galuwa Recreation Centre for maximising clean energy generation |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Bryla and seconded by Councillor Kennedy that Council: 1. undertakes a Study to assess the viability of installing a large-scale solar PV system, with optional battery storage, maximising the roof capacity at the Galuwa Sport and Recreation building, for the purpose of generating and exporting electricity to the community or other council facilities to provide a cost-effective solution to support our local government area towards a renewable energy future; 2. as part of the Study, prepares a report that includes (but is not limited to): a) a technical assessment of available roof space and solar generation capacity; b) an evaluation of implementation and operational models that maximise environmental and community benefit while minimising cost and risk to Council, for example; • Grid-connected microgrids; • Stand-Alone Power Systems (SAPS); • Community battery, Virtual Energy Networks; • Community energy investment options; or • energy supply for community buildings (such as the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre); c) an outline of (additional) battery storage benefits and opportunities. d) estimated capital costs, potential partnership models (including third-party funding arrangements),and projected payback periods; e) opportunities to access state and federal grants, or other funding streams; f) analysis of local energy system benefits such as grid support, demand reduction, and increased local energy resilience; g) opportunities to increase access to affordable renewable energy for renters and those in apartments; 3. writes to our Federal and State Members of Parliament requesting financial support for the project; and 4 includes funding for the consultant work to undertake this study for consideration to be included in the 2026/2027 budget, with work to commence in July 2026. The consultant study is to be reported to Council in February 2027 to enable consideration in the preparation of the 2027/28 budget if the project is to proceed. |
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For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9). Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0). |
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Item 3 Notice of Motion - Promoting Community Safety and Stronger Sentencing for Violent Crime |
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MOTION moved by Councillor Bennison and seconded by Councillor Tayor that Council: 1. requests that the General Manager, at her discretion, utilise Council’s communication channels — including social media, newsletters, and signage — to provide clear, practical and evidence-based safety reminders to residents and businesses during periods where property and parcel theft typically increase, such as the Christmas and New Year season, and educational opportunities on safety enhancement options that can be activated, such as neighbourhood watch groups 2. requests that the General Manager provide, as a matter of course, a brief report to Council following each North Shore Police Area Command (PAC) – Community Safety Precinct Committee meeting, outlining any emerging local crime trends and recommended community safety initiatives relevant for the Lane Cove LGA; and 3. calls on the NSW Premier, the Minister for Police and Counter Terrorism, and the Attorney General to introduce legislation that aligns New South Wales with Queensland and Victoria by adopting an “Adult Crime – Adult Time” framework. a) such legislation should establish mandatory minimum custodial sentences for violent and repeat offences and limit judicial discretion in cases involving serious harm to persons or property, ensuring that sentencing outcomes reflect the gravity of the offences committed and the expectations of the wider community. |
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For the Motion were Councillors Bennison and Taylor (Total 2). Against the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little and Roenfeldt (Total 7). The Motion was declared lost. |
Councillor Flood left the meeting, the time being 08:56 PM
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Item 4 Notice of Motion - Strengthening Accountability and Oversight of Strata Managing Agents |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Bennison and seconded by Councillor Taylor that: 1. consideration of this item be deferred to a later meeting of Council to allow Council time to determine if the reforms in the Strata Schemes Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2025 being introduced to the NSW Parliament address the Proposed Reforms detailed in the background information to this item 2. the item return to Council no later than the March 2026 meeting of Council for review of legislative amendments against the Proposed Reforms. |
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For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 8). Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0). |
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Item 5 Notice of Motion - Protecting Vulnerable Families from Housing Exploitation in NSW |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Bennison and seconded by Councillor Southwood that Item 5 be deferred until the March 2026 Council meeting. |
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For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 8). Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0). |
Councillor Flood returned to the meeting, the time being 09:21 PM
Officer Reports for Determination
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Item 7 Galuwa Recreation Centre - Operation and Management of Food, Beverage, and Events Options |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Kennedy and seconded by Councillor Roenfeldt that Council: 1. note and receive the Report; 2. accept SSMG’s Letter of Intent dated 10 November 2025 ; 3. endorse Lusso Kitchen as the preferred FB&E Operator; and 4. vary the GRC Facility Operation and Management lease to 7 + 5 years and publicly exhibit for 28 days pursuant to s47 of the Local Government Act 1993; 5. publicly exhibit the FB&E Services Operation and Management lease for 28 days pursuant to s47 of the Local Government Act 1993 (at the appropriate time); 6. if no submissions are received in response to both the public exhibition of the variation to the GRC Facility Operation and Management lease and FB&E Services Operation and Management lease, delegate authority to the General Manager to execute the variation to the GRC Facility Operation and Management lease and FB&E Services Operation and Management lease; and 7. in the event of submissions being received in respect of one or both of the agreements referred to in 6, a further report to Council be made prior to finalising the agreements. |
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For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9). Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0). |
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Item 11 Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee - 2024/25 Annual Report |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Bennison and seconded by Councillor Taylor that Council: receive and note the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Annual Report for year ended 30 June 2025. |
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For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9). Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0). |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Bennison and seconded by Councillor Taylor that Council:- 1. note the First Quarterly Budget Review Statement; and 2. approve changes to the current forecast in the First Quarterly Budget Review statement as shown below:
3. rescind Point 2 of Resolution 97 adopted at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 22 June 2023 ‘Notice of Motion - Address Need For Increased Funds For Maintenance And Enhancement Of Bushland And Tracks’:
Should the 2023/2024 and following annual budgets be approved, the allocation of any surplus at the end of each financial quarter (for the upcoming financial year) be considered after Council has considered each quarterly budget with a view to prioritising allocation of the surplus to supplement the bushland budget, and that these allocations be reported to council. |
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For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9). Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0). |
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Item 13 Delivery Program and Operational Plan - 2025/26 First Quarter Review |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Bennison and seconded by Councillor Taylor that Council note the First Quarter Review of the 2025/26 Delivery Program and Operational Plan. |
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For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9). Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0). |
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Item 16 Public Exhibition - Draft Children and Families Strategy |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Kennedy and seconded by Councillor Bryla that the draft Children and Families Strategy be placed on public exhibition for six (6) weeks (as per the consultation plan) with the outcome of the public exhibition reported to Council. |
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For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9). Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0). |
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Item 17 Planning Proposal 45 - 170 Pacific Highway, Greenwich |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Bennison and seconded by Councillor Taylor that Council does not support the Planning Proposal proceeding to a Gateway Determination. |
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For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9). Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0). |
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Item 18 Planning Proposal 44 - 126 and 130-134 Pacific Highway, Greenwich |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Bennison and seconded by Councillor Taylor that Council does not support the Planning Proposal proceeding to a Gateway Determination. |
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For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9). Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0). |
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Item 20 Public Exhibition - Draft Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Bennison and seconded by Councillor Taylor that the draft 2025 Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan be placed on public exhibition for six (6) weeks (as outlined in the consultation plan) with the outcome of the public exhibition reported to Council. |
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For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9). Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0). |
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Item 21 New Years Eve - Traffic Management Plan & Traffic Control Plan |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Bennison and seconded by Councillor Taylor that Council approve the proposed TMP and associated TCP for the 2025 New Year’s Eve Road closures in the Greenwich Peninsula, as shown in Attachments 1 and 2. |
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For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9). Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0). |
Officer Reports for Information
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Item 22 Council Snapshot October 2025 |
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RESOLVED on the motion moved by Councillor Bennison and seconded by Councillor Taylor that Council receive and note the report. |
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For the Motion were Councillors Southwood, Bennison, Bryla, Flood, Greenwell, Kennedy, Little, Roenfeldt and Taylor (Total 9). Against the Motion was Nil (Total 0). |
The meeting closed at 10.00pm
Confirmed at the Ordinary Council Meeting of 11 December 2025, at which meeting the signature herein is subscribed.
MAYOR
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