My Councillor Update - Ordinary Council Meeting 12th December 2024

The next Ordinary Council Meeting of Lane Cove Council is this THURSDAY 12th December at 7.00 pm. It is important to note that the Public Gallery returns as part of the same meeting immediately prior to Council Business. It will be both in person and webcast via ZOOM from the Council Chambers. CLICK HERE for more information. 

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Below is a quick summary of the meeting agenda:

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING - 21 NOVEMBER 2024

1          Notices of Rescission

1.1       Notice of Rescission - Enclosed Dog Exercise Area at Bob Campbell Oval on C2 Land

This Notice of Rescission seeks to rescind the Resolution 228/2024 passed at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 21 November 2024 regarding the removal of the dog enclosure and fencing at Bob Campbell Oval.

1.2       Notice of Rescission - Dogs on Sportsfields

This Notice of Rescission is for Resolution 101/2024. Officer Report for Determination - ‘Dogs on Sportsfields’ at the Ordinary Meeting of Council 23 May 2024.

2          Notices of Motion

2.1       Notice of Motion - Retention of the Enclosed Dog Exercise Area at Bob Campbell Oval

In the event the Notice of Rescission, for Resolution 228/2024, at this meeting is carried, then this Notice of Motion is proposed.

2.2       Notice of Motion - Companion Animals in our community - working towards a respectful and harmonious solution

In the event the Notice of Rescission, for Resolution 101/2024, at this meeting is carried, then this Notice of Motion is proposed.

2.3       Notice of Motion - Climate Emergency Reporting Motion

This motion recognises the Lane Cove Council Sustainability Team's dedication and achievements in advancing environmental sustainability. It seeks to build on this success by fostering a stronger culture within the Council and Local Government Area (LGA) that prioritizes sustainability and addresses the declared Climate Emergency in all decision-making.

2.4       Notice of Motion - Plan for Water Sensitive Urban Design Principles and greater Water Reuse

This motion calls for the development of a comprehensive Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) and Water Reuse Policy and Strategy for Lane Cove, aimed at reducing stormwater damage to our waterways and maximising water reuse to enhance sustainability and environmental resilience.

2.5       Notice of Motion - Keeping Community informed as to Proposed Removal of Trees and Significant Vegetation by Council on Council Land

This motion recognises that community members care deeply about trees and significant vegetation on public land and seeks the development and implementation of policies to ensure that the community is advised as to the proposed removal of trees or significant vegetation, of the reasons for proposed removal and proposed replacement plantings or other works on the site of removed trees or significant vegetation.

2.6       Notice of Motion - Implement Smart Bin Community Earn and Return Bottles and Cans

This motion proposes the implementation of smart bin community earn-and-return system for bottles and cans at key high-traffic locations across the Lane Cove Local Government Area (LGA). This initiative aims to promote sustainable recycling practices, reduce landfill waste, and support local community groups and charities through fund raising.

2.7       Notice of Motion - Origin Destination Study: Karilla Avenue Lane Cove North

A motion to assign budget and to plan for an origin-destination traffic study in Karilla Avenue Lane Cove North, to assess whether the changes have reduced rat-running.

2.8       Notice of Motion - Central Ward Reduction of Speed - Traffic Study and Implementation.

This motion calls for a Traffic Study in Lane Cove Central Ward to improve the safety to both cars, bicycle users and pedestrians and to reduce the speed limit for motor vehicles to 40km/hour.

2.9       Notice of Motion - Report on Proposed Tender(s) - Sport and Recreation Facility Operation and Management

This motion seeks to ensure that Councillors will be fully briefed on the business and operational planning undertaken by Council in relation to the management/operation of the Sport and Recreation Facility before requests for tender are released. 

It also seeks review of request for tender documents by industry experts to ensure requests for tender conditions align with the commercial and community objectives set for the project.

3          Officer Reports for Determination

3.1       Completion of the Pottery Lane Performance Space

This report provides a final update to Council on the completion of the Pottery Lane Performance Space, outlining its features, the next steps for operational trials, community engagement, and the official opening. It is also to acknowledge the work of the Theatre Space Planning Reference Group for their work in helping create a new multifunctional performance space for Lane Cove.

3.2       Lane Cove Council Awarded Local Sustainability Award at LGNSW Excellence in the Environment Awards

i) Lane Cove Council was announced as the overall winner of the Local Sustainability Award at the  2024 Local Government NSW Excellence in the Environment Awards  at a special event held in Sydney on December 4th

ii) Held annually, the Excellence in the Environment Awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of NSW councils in their efforts to manage and protect the environment.

iii) Lane Cove Council was among 32 winners across a range of categories, with Lane Cove also accepting divisional awards for the Toward Net Zero Award, and the Innovation in Planning, Policies and Decision Making Award.

3.3       Update on support for local women's refuge and families in need

This report provides an update on the resolution of Council at its July meeting to provide support for women and families in need through community collaboration and identification of homes where temporary access could be provided.

3.4       Bob Campbell Oval Upgrade Progress

At the April 2024 Council meeting it was resolved to engage Landscape Solutions P/L for the implementation of the Bob Campbell Oval Masterplan.

Construction activities began in May 2024 and have been advancing according to the planned program, notwithstanding the recent rainfall. A significant milestone was reached in late November with the installation of the turf sprigs. It is anticipated that the turf will require around six months to fully establish.

The turf oval is expected to be available for public use by July 2025, however the completed elements of the reserve could be made available to the community early in the new year, when they can be safely accessed by the public.

3.5       Annual Community Satisfaction Survey Results

Each year Council undertakes a Community Satisfaction Survey which aims to understand and identify the trends in the community’s satisfaction with Council’s performance across various service delivery areas including planning and development, maintenance of roads and footpaths, parks and open space, and community services and facilities as well as the community’s level of satisfaction with Council’s overall performance.

In the 2024 survey, Council achieved an overall satisfaction rating of 88%, with 17% of residents stating they were very satisfied with Council’s overall performance. In addition to this, of the 20 service delivery areas surveyed, 15 received satisfaction ratings of more than 80%.  

This report includes a summary of the ratings received across the service areas surveyed and provides high level analysis on the top performing areas and the areas noted for improvement.

It is recommended that the report be received and noted, and the results of the survey be published on Council’s website.

3.6       Traffic Committee 19 November 2024

The Lane Cove Traffic Committee has met and provided recommendations for Council’s consideration. The attached Minutes include a summary of each item – it is recommended the November 2024 Minutes are adopted for implementation.

Agenda Items were as follows:

  1. Confirmation of the Minutes Traffic Committee meeting - 19 November 2024.
  2. Greenwich Road South of Chisholm Street, Greenwich - Extension of existing 'No Stopping' zone.
  3. Tambourine Bay Road - No Parking Opposite Sera Street.
  4. Greenwich Road Bus Zone south of River Road, Greenwich.
  5. Regulatory Signposting and Linemarking.
  6. 2025 Traffic Committee Meeting Dates.
  7. 640 Mowbray Road, Lane Cove North - Relocate 'No Stopping' sign.
  8. Petition from residents of The Baytree, Ulonga Avenue, Greenwich regarding traffic access issues along Innes Road – Update.
  9. Bus Stop on the East Side of Longueville Road, North of Central Avenue (Opposite Lil Lane Eatery), Lane Cove.
  10. 2 Kenneth Street, Longueville – Change to Parking Restrictions.

3.7       Hidden Disability Sunflower Program

Following a suggestion by Council’s Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee, Council has become a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. The Program provides a simple yet effective way for someone to communicate a non-visible disability. Staff have completed training in recent months signaling their ongoing support for members of the community living with disability. This report summaries Council’s involvement in the program ahead of its launch in Lane Cove on Tuesday 3 December which coincides with International Day of People with Disability.

3.8       Lane Cove's 12 Beetles of Christmas

Where have all the beetles gone? Lane Cove’s 12 Beetles of Christmas is a multi-faceted, cross-division program that encourages our local community to come together and consider the world around them this festive season. It is recommended that Council receive and note the report.

3.9       Councillor Training Attendance Request - Local Government NSW Executive Certificate for Elected Members

Local Government NSW offer an accredited and highly acclaimed ‘Executive Certificate for Elected Members’ training program for Councillors each year. Councillor Taylor, Councillor Little and Councillor Greenwell have expressed an interest in participating in this training program, offered in May and June 2025.

This report seeks Council’s endorsement for Councillor Taylor, Councillor Little and Councillor Greenwell to undertake the Local Government NSW Executive Certificate for Elected Members training program.

3.10     Delegation of Authority During Christmas and Ordinary Council Meeting Recess

The purpose of this report is to delegate authority to a Committee comprising of the Mayor and the General Manager to deal with urgent matters arising during the Christmas and Ordinary Council Meeting recess.

3.11     Schedule of Ordinary Council Meetings for 2025

Council is required to adopt its annual Ordinary Council Meeting Schedule. It is recommended that the meeting schedule outlined below be adopted.

With respect to the Schedule of Ordinary Council Meetings for 2025, the following dates are proposed:

Thursday 20 February 2025

  • Thursday 20 March 2025
  • Thursday 24 April 2025
  • Thursday 22 May 2025
  • Thursday 19 June 2025
  • Thursday 24 July 2025
  • Thursday 21 August 2025
  • Thursday 18 September 2025
  • Thursday 23 October 2025 
  • Thursday 20 November 2025
  • Thursday 11 December 2025

In preparing the proposed Schedule of Ordinary Council Meetings for 2025, regard was had for designated public holidays and the timing of the LGNSW Annual Conference (23 to 25 November 2025).

4          Officer Reports for Information

4.1       Council Snapshot November 2024

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 November 2024 at AT-1.

Given the earlier timing for the December Council meeting there may be some figures or detail unavailable for the full period.

Included at AT-2 is Council’s Resolution Tracker showing the progress of Council’s resolutions.