From the Mayor - 27 August 2025
Our neighbourhoods are beginning to feel the impact of the State Government’s latest planning reforms, with new development applications now being lodged under the Low and Mid-Rise (LMR) density controls. I recently wrote to all Mosman households to provide some clarity and share an update on how Council is responding to these new reforms.
It was encouraging to see more than 200 people at our August Council meeting, where Councillors unanimously agreed to continue lobbying for a pause in the application of planning reforms once Mosman’s housing target of 500 new homes is met, allowing time to assess and address the additional infrastructure we require.
This matter will remain a key priority for Council throughout this term, with our full focus and strong advocacy. You can find out more about the timeline of our advocacy and read the letter in full here.
Also of concern in our neighbourhoods is the emergence of tobacconist stores. Like many communities across NSW, we welcomed the parliamentary inquiry into the illegal tobacco trade and made a submission ahead of the mid-August deadline. We expect our voice will join many others in highlighting issues with enforcement, public health and safety, as well as impacts on small businesses and the character of our village neighbourhoods.
With the significant deluge of rain during August, it is timely that we are seeking your views on a draft Flood Study, which analyses various rain events and how they may affect parts of Mosman. The study is quite technical, however Council has produced a range of resources to support residents’ and property owners’ review of the information, including interactive mapping, FAQs, flyers and letters. Council staff are also available to meet with you at Barry O’Keefe Library at selected times on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 18 September, and will be at Mosman Market on 6 September. Find out more at yourvoicemosman.com.au.
On a more festive note, a new night of nights is coming to Mosman with an inaugural Art Gala dinner. Mosman Art Gallery is hosting the evening on Friday 31 October, 6pm-10pm, and the black-tie function will feature live music, dance and art to support exhibition works and inspiring community programs. Keep an eye out for more details to come but be sure to get in quickly before tickets sell out!