From a safer New Year's Eve to a new creative hub in the CBD, North Sydney Council made a series of decisions at its meeting on Monday 27 July that will shape everyday life across the area.
Cremorne Point to get safety overhaul for New Year's Eve
If you've spent recent New Year's Eves at Cremorne Point, expect a different experience this year. What was once an informal viewing spot will become a fully managed site, after emergency services advised that growing crowds had outgrown the site's existing safety arrangements.
Expect controlled entry points, increased security on the ground and new crowd management measures as Council responds to that advice.
Council also approved a new ticketed viewing area at Bradfield Park South, with ticket prices for paid sites rising from $50 to $65 to help cover increasing event safety costs. With the cost of managing New Year's Eve continuing to rise, Council will also once again seek funding from the NSW Government. If that support comes through, Council will review its ticketing arrangements.
Across the rest of North Sydney, there will still be plenty of ways to enjoy the fireworks for free, including the accessible viewing area at Milsons Point and a range of other vantage points around the area.
Crows Nest Fest gets a funding boost
If you've been to Crows Nest Fest before, you'll know it's one of North Sydney's biggest community celebrations. Council has approved a $20,000 funding boost for the festival. As more people call Crows Nest and St Leonards home, the festival will continue bringing neighbours together while supporting local businesses.
A new creative hub for North Sydney
Studio A, a leading supported studio for professional artists with intellectual disability, is moving into Level 1, James Place. The organisation helps artists build professional careers through exhibitions, sales and licensing opportunities, and its arrival will create a vibrant new creative hub in the heart of North Sydney.
Council has approved a five-year lease, with an option for a further five years, helping secure Studio A's long-term future in North Sydney.
Anzac Park Public School turns 10
The Cammeray school is marking its tenth anniversary, and Council is commemorating the occasion by planting a tree in Anzac Park.
Council entered into a long-term lease with the NSW Department of Education back in 2014, with the school opening in 2016 on the former Anzac Memorial Club site. Since then, it's become an important part of the local community.
Also on the agenda:
- Development assessment platform: Council is investing in a new development assessment platform with other NSW councils to help improve development assessment times for residents and businesses lodging applications.
- Keeping finances transparent: A new reserve will be established to separately track funds raised through the Special Rate Variation, alongside the endorsement of Council's June investment and loan report.
- Remembering Annie Connor OAM: Councillors paid tribute to Milsons Point resident Annie Connor OAM, recognising her lifelong contribution to protecting vulnerable children through Legal Aid and the Federal Circuit and Family Court. A memorial tree and plaque will commemorate her life.