From the Mayor - 29 October 2025
With the NSW Government’s planning reform agenda continuing at pace, I have written to all residents this week providing a detailed update on what actions Mosman Council is taking to support local residents.
The update comes as the government’s Planning System Reforms Bill moves through Parliament. These reforms mark a significant overhaul of planning related legislation and represent further major reductions in local input and oversight of planning decisions. It’s a shift that could have serious consequences not just for Mosman, but for local councils and communities across the state.
With growing numbers of development applications being lodged in Mosman, either under the NSW Government’s Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy or via State Significant Development pathways, my latest letter to residents outlines the key features and differences between these two approaches, both of which are driving unprecedented interest from developers in our area.
Recently, the Premier stated that the Long Bay Correctional Centre site at Matraville would not be developed because the surrounding area is not serviced by a Metro. The lack of heavy rail, light rail, metro or a long-touted road tunnel under Spit Bridge means our regional transport infrastructure is woefully inadequate to take more and more density. I am currently organising, with neighbouring councils, to meet the Minister for Roads so that these legitimate and reasonable concerns can be urgently raised. I know this issue is of universal concern and I urge residents to sign a State Government petition on planning changes and traffic and transport infrastructure open until 20 November via the NSW Parliament website or bit.ly/planning-petition.
Whilst we await further legal advice in relation to contributing to the Pearson case, Council has undertaken a suite of actions and advocacy efforts, including bolstering our internal planning capacity by engaging specialist urban planners to evaluate and appraise new development proposals. Another action that has been adopted is to extend the notification area for development proposals so more residents will be made aware of developments being proposed close to their immediate neighbourhood.
Council is also preparing a new Developer Contributions Plan to include a potential 400% increase in developer levies, so density increases deliver corresponding investment in local infrastructure and public amenity. We must all pull together, so that we achieve the best possible outcomes for Mosman, both now and for future generations.
We’re in the midst of a very special community celebration as the biennial Festival of Mosman is now in full swing. The vibrant SpringFeast Night Market was a wonderful and vibrant launch event, with the HMAS Penguin Freedom of Entry parade another very special occasion of the festival so far.
This weekend we’re looking forward to a new event, Sunset, Songs & Stories at Headland Park, as well as perennial favourite Pet’s Day Out in Mosman Square and Village Green. With many more community and Council-led events yet to come, be sure to check the festival program at events.mosman.nsw.gov.au/fom.
I was so proud to attend the recent 2025 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government, where our very own Carolyn Corrigan won the metropolitan Elected Representative Award for outstanding accomplishments to advance the position of female elected representatives. As a serving Councillor and former Mayor, Carolyn is a passionate advocate for Women’s participation and leadership. Widely regarded as a role model for both women and men representing their local communities, Carolyn’s leadership is marked by integrity, dedication to public service and a commitment to encouraging and empowering others to realise their potential leadership qualities.
Congratulations Carolyn on a well-deserved award.