At its meeting on Monday 28 April, North Sydney Council considered 11 reports focused on financial oversight, community wellbeing, urban planning, and operational improvements.
10.2. March 2025 Month-End Financial Report
Council noted the March 2025 financial results, which continue to track within budget parameters. The report compares budgeted versus actual figures and highlights year-to-date trends to support financial planning.
Cost control measures are ongoing, with further savings anticipated in employee and contractor expenses. The report provides greater transparency and complements the existing Quarterly Budget Review.
You can view the report here: March 2025 Month-End Financial Report
10.3. Draft 2025–29 Delivery Program and 2025–26 Operational Plan – Public Exhibition
Council endorsed the public exhibition of the draft Delivery Program 2025–2029 and Operational Plan and Budget 2025–2026, which outlines Council’s strategic priorities and projects for the next four years, with a focus on 2025–26.
The draft Plan integrates key actions from Council’s eight informing strategies. Highlights include upgraded bushland tracks, new EV charging stations, playground upgrades, and planning for major public space improvements across the LGA.
Public exhibition will run from 30 April to 29 May 2025 and will be available on our YourSay website.
10.4. Community Strategic Plan 2025–2035 – Endorsement
Council endorsed the Community Strategic Plan (CSP) 2025–2035. The CSP sets the long-term vision for the North Sydney local government area and will guide Council’s decision-making and resource allocation over the next decade, starting 1 July 2025. The draft CSP was publicly exhibited from 12 March to 9 April 2025, with 33 submissions received. Minor amendments were made to address feedback.
Read the Community Strategic Plan
10.5. Draft Fees and Charges Schedule 2025–26 – Public Exhibition
Council endorsed the Draft Fees and Charges Schedule 2025–26 for public exhibition. Fees and Charges represent approximately 21% of Council’s annual income. The draft schedule includes 50 new fees and the removal or restructuring of 112 existing fees, largely due to the streamlining of compliance certificates.
The proposed changes reflect a general 2.9% increase aligned with the Sydney CPI and comparable market rates.
Public exhibition will run from 30 April to 29 May 2025 and will be available on our YourSay website.
10.6. Investment and Loan Borrowings Report – March 2025
Council received the report on investments and loan borrowings as at 31 March 2025. Council’s investment portfolio performed in line with the AusBond Bank Bill Index, returning +0.35% for the month. The investment return exceeded the March year-to-date budget by $897,349.
You can view the report here: Investment and Loan Borrowings Report as at 31 March 2025
10.7. Service Review Framework
Council received the Service Review Framework, which has been developed in line with the Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) Guidelines issued by the Office of Local Government.
The Framework evaluates services through the Balanced Scorecard’s four dimensions—learning and growth, internal processes, customer experience, and financial perspective—along with sustainability. Three service areas—Governance, Tree Management, and Environmental Health and Building Compliance—have been nominated for review in 2025–2026. An evaluation report will be provided to Council annually.
You can view the framework here: Service Review Framework
10.8. Advertising on Council Infrastructure Contract
Council approved extending the existing advertising contract with JCDecaux, from 31 March 2031 to 31 March 2033.
The original contract, which commenced on 1 April 2023, covers advertising on selected Council infrastructure (e.g., bus stops and communication panels). While delays in approvals—due to Transport for NSW concurrence and heritage issues—have prevented the installation of digital infrastructure to date, JCDecaux has reviewed its development proposals to address prior concerns.
JCDecaux will move forward with installing digital panels, which are expected to deliver increased advertising revenue for Council.
Did you know you can apply to add an event listing to our website for free? Fill in the form here: Add event listing – North Sydney Council
10.9–10.11: Lease and Licence Agreements on Council Properties
Council approved three property agreements as part of its ongoing property management and revenue diversification strategy:
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Shop 4, 190–192 Military Road, Neutral Bay – Council resolved to enter into a new lease over the ground-floor retail unit. This property is part of a broader commercial and community complex.
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Lower Ground Floor, Neutral Bay Community Centre, 190–192 Military Road, Neutral Bay – Council also endorsed a new licence for the vacant lower ground floor, previously used by Mary’s House, a not-for-profit. The space is intended for continued community-oriented use.
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Suite 5.01, Level 5, 1 James Place, North Sydney – Council approved a new lease for this office suite, part of its income-generating commercial property portfolio. The lease includes a rental abatement to secure tenancy.
10.12: North Sydney Olympic Pool Redevelopment Project Update
Council received an update on the ongoing redevelopment of the North Sydney Olympic Pool, highlighting several key points regarding delays and cost implications:
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The projected completion date for the project has been extended. Originally set for 11 July 2024, the new forecasted practical completion date from ICON is 30 August 2025, due to continued program slippages.
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The total project costs remain within the forecast of $122 million, with the current revised construction contract sum at $91.8 million. However, variations and additional costs due to the delay, including extended consultant and insurance services, are at risk of exceeding the budget.
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Council is required to extend agreements with several service providers:
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APP Project Management (for project management services) until 30 August 2025
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Brewster Hjorth Architects Pty Ltd (for design services) until 30 August 2025
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CPM Pty Ltd (for programming services) until 30 August 2025
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Sparke Helmore Pty Ltd (for legal services) until 30 August 2025
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Council was also informed that Works Insurance for the project needs to be extended due to delays.
To keep up to date with the redevelopment – sign up to our e-newsletter here: Get the latest updates on North Sydney Olympic Pool