At its meeting on Monday 28 July 2025, Council considered a range of matters including masterplans, infrastructure upgrades, New Years Eve ticketing and a sale enquiry from Shore School for Edward St.
Mayoral Minutes
MM01 – ALGA National General Assembly and Australian Council of Local Government
Councillors attended the largest-ever National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA) in Canberra, followed by the Australian Council of Local Government. Council resolved to note the NGA 2025 Communique and Listening Session Report.
MM02 – Rate-exempt Schools and Educational Institutions
A resolution was passed to urge the NSW Government to review rate exemptions under the Local Government Act 1993. Another resolution was added to seek legal advice regarding voluntary contributions from rate-exempt schools. Council also supported refreshing the Memorandum of Understanding with Australian Catholic University, with a commitment to work together to support the local community.
MM03 – Blues Point Foreshore Masterplan
To ensure cohesive and high-quality public domain outcomes, the current DA for 1 Henry Lawson Avenue will be withdrawn. A masterplan for the Blues Point foreshore precinct will begin the planning process.
Committee Reports
9.1 – Traffic Committee Minutes (13 June 2025) and 9.2 – Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee Minutes (20 June 2025)
Council received the minutes and resolved to seek advice regarding concerns raised about Hayberry Lane.
Reports to Council
10.2 – Investment and Loan Borrowings Report as of 30 June 2025
The investment portfolio returned +3.87% p.a., slightly below the benchmark but still exceeding budget expectations by $282,744. All investments complied with legislative and policy requirements.
10.3 – 2025 LGNSW Annual Conference – Delegates and Motions
Five voting delegates were nominated for the November conference. Councillors were invited to submit motions by 10 September to help shape the sector’s advocacy agenda.
10.4 – Draft Community Engagement Plan: North Sydney – Towards a Sustainable Future
A two-stage engagement plan was endorsed to explore community expectations around service levels, infrastructure, and financial sustainability. Stage one runs from 1 to 29 August; stage two from 20 October to 24 November.
10.5 – Development Assessment Performance 2024/25
Average DA determination times improved to 126 days, down from a peak of 159 days in January. This reflects successful implementation of Council’s action plan and ongoing process improvements.
10.6 – North Sydney Development Control Plan Streamlining Project – Post-exhibition Report
Council adopted the North Sydney Development Control Plan (NSDCP) 2025 and repealed NSDCP 2013 following public exhibition. The restructure supports future integration with AI platforms and improves clarity and consistency. No public submissions were received.
10.7 – Sydney North Planning Panel – Membership Nomination 2025
With current community representatives’ tenure ending in September, Council will consider nominating Councillors or calling for expressions of interest from the community. Outgoing members were formally thanked.
10.8 – North Sydney Oval PA System Upgrade – Critical Safety Works
Aged and unreliable PA equipment will be replaced to ensure it can operate safely during events. Funding will be reallocated from the capital works budget, deferring the Blues Point seawall reconstruction.
10.9 – Electric Vehicle Charging on Public Land Policy
The draft policy was endorsed for public exhibition. It outlines requirements for establishing EV charging infrastructure, prioritising safety, accessibility, and sustainability.
10.10 – Draft Amended Swimming Pool Inspection Program
An updated inspection program was endorsed for public exhibition. It reflects current legislative requirements and operational practices, replacing the unchanged 2013 version.
10.11 – New Members of the Access and Inclusion Committee
Four new members were appointed following a recruitment process. Councillors were invited to attend the next meeting on 26 August to welcome them.
10.12 – New Year’s Eve – Introduction of Ticketing Managed Access
Ticketed access to Blues Point, one of North Sydney’s three vantage points, was endorsed for New Year’s Eve 2025/26. This aims to partially recover event costs while managing crowd safety and logistics. Council will seek NSW Government support and may reconsider ticketing if funding is provided.
10.13 – Edward Street, North Sydney – Part-closure and Sale Enquiry
Council authorised preliminary discussions with Shore School regarding the potential closure and sale of part of Edward Street, subject to investigations and community consultation, with a $20,000 bond to cover investigation costs.
10.14 – North Sydney Community Awards 2025
Award winners were endorsed following panel recommendations. Winners for each category will be announced in September.
10.15 – Brightmore Street Drainage Reserve – Draft Plan of Management and Lease Terms for 33A Benelong Rd, Cremorne
A new Plan of Management was proposed for public exhibition. The reserve provides the only access to the property, and a five-year licence agreement is under consideration.
10.16 – Parking Meter Fees – Response to Council Resolution
Legal advice confirmed that Council’s pay parking network complies with relevant regulations. The report was considered confidential due to legal privilege.
10.17 – North Sydney Olympic Pool Redevelopment Project Update
Practical completion is now forecast for 18 November 2025. Progress has accelerated, though further cost variations are anticipated.
Notices of Motion
Recognition of Luke Simmons
Council formally acknowledged Luke Simmons for his leadership and service to Norths Collective.
DV Safe Phone Initiative
Council resolved to partner with DV Safe Phone and consider collaboration with other organisations.
Read all the Council reports and meeting minutes here: 28/07/2025 Council Meeting – North Sydney Council