The Ku-ring-gai Record

Ku-ring-gai Council will move ahead with a staged expansion of pickleball facilities after councillors unanimously supported an amended action plan. The decision clears the way for pickleball lines to be marked at five sites identified as being ready, with further planning and assessment to follow.

The item, listed as the Ku-ring-gai Pickleball Action Plan, was moved by Councillor Matt Devlin as an alternate motion. The amendment replaced the original two-point recommendation with four points, including noting the draft plan as the guiding framework for staged development and approving the marking of lines at five readiness sites.

The council then put the amended motion to the vote and it was carried unanimously.

Councillors also approved the Draft Night-time Economy Action Plan with an amendment moved by Councillor Indoo Balachandran. The plan endorses the draft action plan and provides $50,000 to commence actions, with pilots to be investigated and implemented in the town centres of Lindfield, Gordon and Turramurra in 2026.

The amendment also requires a progress report on the outcomes of year one of the action plan in November 2026. Councillor Alec Taylor said he was a fan of the expanded recommendations because they call for specific tangible action and allow the council to track progress.

In a separate decision, the council voted 8-2 to adopt the Ku-ring-gai Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme and amended Affordable Housing Policy. Councillors Balachandran, Ward, Taylor, Devlin, Ngai, Wheatley, Smith and Kay voted in favour, while Councillors Pettett and Spencer voted against.

The council also considered a planning proposal on dual occupancy floor space ratio standards. Councillor Balachandran asked why the DCP required a higher number of smaller trees rather than fewer larger trees, and the question was taken on notice.

The meeting closed at 8.01pm. The webcast will be available on the council website, and minutes will be published within the next two working days.