At its meeting on Monday 23 June, Council considered updates on Community Engagement, Pesticide Use Notifications, Policy reviews and Property Management as well as Financial Reports.
10.2. and 10.3 May 2025 Month-End Financial Report and Investment and Loan Borrowings Report
Council noted both reports which provide a snapshot of Council’s financial performance up to 31 May 2025.
Overall performance remains within budget parameters. Cost control efforts are ongoing, with expected savings in employee and contractor costs. Please note that the monthly report does not replace the Quarterly Budget Review for budget variation approvals.
Council investments are slightly underperforming compared to the benchmark (AusBond Bank Bill Index). However, investment returns exceeded the May year-to-date budget even with the investment income budget increase by $1.2million in the March Quarter Budget Review.
You can read the reports in detail here:
10.2 May 2025 Month-End Financial Report
10.3. Investment and Loan Borrowings Report as at 31 May 2025
10.4. Councillor and Mayoral annual fees
Council agreed to fix the annual councillor’s fee to $29,950 and the annual Mayoral fee to $74,480 in accordance with the Metropolitan Medium Councils allowable fee. This is determined by the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal for the 2025/26 year.
Councils are legally required to fix and pay annual fees based on the Tribunal’s determination.
See the paper here: 10.4 2025/26 Determination of the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal
10.5. Gamarada Place to be new name
Following the outcome of public consultation, Council adopted “Gamarada Place” as the new name for the lane between 39 and 41 McLaren Street, North Sydney.
Council will now formally gazette this via the Geographical Names Board of NSW. Following gazettal, Council will produce and install signage.
Find out more: 10.5 Naming of Lane between 39 and 41 McLaren Street, North Sydney - post-exhibition report
10.6. Community Engagement Strategy 2025-2029 adopted
Council endorsed the final version of the Community Engagement Strategy 2025–2029 (CES) following public exhibition and consultation. It will come into effect on 1st July 2025.
The CES outlines how Council will engage with the community in the development of plans, policies, programs, and key activities. It includes clear guidelines on engagement timing, methods, and target audiences.
The CES also incorporates the Community Participation Plan (CPP), which details engagement processes specific to Council’s planning functions.
Find out more here: 10.6. Community Engagement Strategy 2025-2029 - post-exhibition report
10.7. New Pesticide Use Notification Plan for community consultation
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) defines pesticides broadly to include substances such as herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, rodenticides, and repellents.
Under the NSW Pesticides Regulation, public authorities must prepare a Pesticide Use Notification Plan (PUNP) outlining how they will notify the community about pesticide use in public areas under their control.
Council approved the proposed amendments to the 2015 Pesticide Use Notification Plan (PUNP) which reflect updated practices and aim to enhance transparency and public safety.
The PUNP will now be publicly exhibited with a follow up report coming to Council following community consultation.
Review the amended PUNP here: 10.7. Pesticide Use Notification Plan
10.8 and 10.9 Policy reviews: Asset Accounting and Capitalisation Policy and Compliance and Enforcement Policy
Councillors agreed to adopt both updated policies as part of Council’s policy review program.
The Asset Accounting and Capitalisation Policy ensures accurate asset recognition and accounting, supports compliance with relevant standards, and promotes transparency, accountability, and sustainable financial management.
The amended Compliance and Enforcement Policy was updated to reflect current legislation and align with the NSW Ombudsman’s Compliance and Enforcement Guidelines.
Read the policies here:
10.8. Compliance and Enforcement Policy - post-exhibition report
10.9. Review of Asset Accounting and Capitalisation Policy
10.10 - 10.12. Property Management Updates
New lease on council property
Council agreed to enter into a new lease agreement for Shop 2, 190–192 Military Road, Neutral Bay. This supports Council’s commercial property strategy to generate income and diversify revenue streams.
3rd Quarterly Commercial Property Portfolio Report FY 2024/25
Council received a report on the performance of Council’s property portfolio for Q3 of the 2024/25 financial year, covering the period from 1 January to 31 March 2025. Key points:
- Income is 6% below budget; cash received is 24% below due to arrears.
- Vacancy rate has improved slightly but remains challenging due to difficulties leasing office space post-COVID.
- All financials are also now reported on a cash basis per Colliers’ reporting.
New Tender for Property Management Services
Council has agreed to accept the highest-ranked tenderer under Tender 26/2024. Colliers, the successful tenderer, will undertake property management services across Council’s property portfolio.
Read more:
- 10.10 New Lease on Council Property - Shop 2, 190-192 Military Road, Neutral Bay
- 10.11 3rd Quarterly Commercial Property Portfolio Report FY2024/25
- 10.12 Tender 26/2024 - Property Management Services
10.13. North Sydney Olympic Pool Redevelopment Project Update
Council noted that there has been a significant increase in onsite activity and resources over the last six weeks, which has resulted in substantial progress across many areas of the project.
The revised construction contract sum is currently $92.21m. The total project costs remain within the forecast costs to completion of $122m, however Council is aware of further variations worth approximately $5.1m that have not yet been submitted by Icon.
Icon has recently provided an updated program indicating a forecast date for Practical Completion of 31 October 2025.
Read the report here: 10.13. North Sydney Olympic Pool Redevelopment Project Update
Read all the Council reports and meeting minutes here: 23/06/2025 Council Meeting – North Sydney Council