The Ku-ring-gai Record

Ku-ring-gai Council adopted its Climate Change Policy 2026 and changed the way potential heritage items are protected from complying development, after debating the order of notification and exhibition. The council also backed a motion on the Ryde to Pymble Pipeline Upgrade and resolved a confidential legal matter.

On the heritage item, officers proposed to change the sequence of steps so that owners are notified only when a planning proposal goes on formal exhibition. Previously owners could be told earlier, and could get a complying development certificate for demolition before the planning proposal was notified.

When the Mayor asked whether the change affected owners' time to respond, officers said owners would still have the same opportunity to comment and invite inspections during public exhibition. The change is only for that instance. The council then put the matter to the vote and it was unanimous.

The council also dealt with a notice of motion on the use of AI to improve road maintenance. Councillor Devlin moved an alternate motion, changing the wording from 'I' to 'we' and adding a requirement to report back to an ordinary meeting by December 2026 on how the road asset management system is integrated into a council-wide AI strategy.

Councillor Devlin said he had liaised on the timeframe with the General Manager and looked forward to more effective, efficient and proactive road maintenance across the LGA.

The motion on the Ryde to Pymble Pipeline Upgrade, titled 'delivering essential infrastructure while protecting Ku-ring-gai's environment', was moved by Councillor Devlin as printed and seconded by Councillor Pettett. It was put to the vote and was unanimous.

Earlier, the council moved into confidential session to consider legal advice. In confidential session, the council resolved that the action set out in a note signed by the Mayor during the meeting be implemented.

The meeting closed at 8.26pm. The Mayor said webcasts would be available on the council website and minutes would be published within the next two working days.