At this week's meeting Council considered a number of topics including electric vehicle charging, Blues Point Foreshore Masterplan, financial statements, tenders and leases. Here’s what was decided:
Mayoral Minute
LED Street Lights – Warmer White Light
The Mayor recommended that Council advocate for the use of warmer white LED street lighting in future upgrades across the local government area. This follows community feedback expressing concern about the harshness of cool white lighting. The motion calls for correspondence to be sent to Ausgrid and relevant state agencies requesting a shift toward lighting that better supports residential amenity, environmental outcomes, and human health.
Audit, Risk, and Improvement Committee
Karen Taylor, Director of Financial Audit at the Audit Office of NSW, presented the results of the 2025 financial statement audit. Council received a clean audit opinion indicating no material misstatements. Council's operating result was marginally up on the previous year, though the overall trend remains downward. Importantly the Audit Office flagged that they were beginning to identify warning signs in council liquidity. In 2022, Council had 7.5 months of available cash to meet short-term obligations. By 2025, this had declined to 4.4 months, which is below the metro council average of 8 months.
Council endorsed the committee’s minutes, which included updates on internal audit findings, risk management strategies, and compliance monitoring.
Reports to Council
Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 June 2025
Council approved the draft Financial Statements which highlighted the 14.04% infrastructure asset backlog requiring an estimated $157 million to bring assets to the agreed service level. . Statements will be submitted to the Audit Office of NSW and placed on public exhibition for community feedback.
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interests
The annual Pecuniary Interest Returns for designated staff were tabled, confirming compliance with statutory obligations. Two officers on extended leave will submit their returns upon resuming duties.
Council Meeting Schedule Amendment (2025–26)
To accommodate the LGNSW Annual Conference, Council resolved to consolidate two November meetings into one, now scheduled for 17 November 2025.
Electric Vehicle Charging on Public Land Policy
Following public exhibition, Council adopted the revised EV charging policy. The policy supports the rollout of EV infrastructure while maintaining restrictions on advertising-enabled chargers to preserve public amenity.
Blues Point Foreshore Masterplan
Council considered a proposal to develop a comprehensive masterplan for the Blues Point foreshore. The masterplan will guide future improvements to public access, heritage conservation, landscaping, and recreational facilities. It will also address connectivity with adjacent precincts and consider community input. The estimated cost of $1M–$1.2M will be factored into the upcoming Long Term Financial Plan, with staged delivery options to be explored. Council resolved to proceed with scoping and community engagement as the first steps.
NSROC Tender – Road Surfacing and Patching
Council accepted the recommended panel of contractors for the NSROC 2027 contract and authorised the CEO to enter into agreements and negotiate rate adjustments if required.
Council leases
Council approved two new leases at 11 Ernest Place, Crows Nest and 56 Alfred Street, Milsons Point
Notices of Motion
Western Harbour Tunnel – High-Capacity Bus Service
Cr Welch proposed that Council advocate for a dedicated public bus service through the future Western Harbour Tunnel. Council will write to the Transport and Roads Ministers to support this initiative.
Traffic Matters – Spofforth Street/Rangers Road
Concerns were raised about traffic safety and congestion in this area. Council will investigate potential improvements and consult with the Traffic Committee.
Bydown Cottages – Heritage and Community Use
A motion was moved to explore options for preserving and repurposing the Bydown Cottages for community benefit, including potential adaptive reuse for cultural or social purposes.
Read all the Council reports here: 13/10/2025 Council Meeting – North Sydney Council