From the Mayor - 30 July 2025
Welcome back if you’ve been away over the winter break. I’m pleased to share key updates across our community, including major planning issues and exciting arts events.
Housing and development remain key concerns, with the first Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy (LMR) Development Application now received, and more expected. A separate State Significant Development proposing 107 units has been lodged directly with the state government, bypassing Council altogether. These planning reforms significantly reduce Council’s authority, allowing developers to bypass Council and seek direct approval from the state government, even when proposals disregard long-established, community-driven planning controls.
The pressure of large-scale development on our schools, health services, traffic flow, green spaces and stormwater infrastructure, which aren’t equipped to accommodate such rapid change, is extremely concerning, as is the proposal to halve the public consultation period from 28 to just 14 days.
While these changes are largely beyond our control, we’ll continue to make strong representations to the State Government and advocate for the Mosman community.
In the meantime, Council has produced an explainer video to clarify what we know so far about the LMR.
Over the next month, we will embrace the chance to celebrate the successes of our arts and cultural communities, both experienced and emerging.
The Mosman Art Prize opens on 22 August, with the finalists for exhibition to be selected from a record field of more than 1700 entries. It speaks to the prize’s stellar reputation across the country, built throughout its 78-year history. With the exhibition running at Mosman Art Gallery until 2 November, there will be plenty of opportunities to visit and enjoy the show.
Some of our youngest creative talent will also shine through the Mosman Youth Awards in Literature. In a new event this year at Barry O’Keefe Library, winning entrants to the annual short story and poetry competition for primary and secondary school students, will bring stories to life at a Live Readings Night on 27 August, 6.30-8pm. You can find out more about this and other upcoming activities at events.mosman.nsw.gov.au.
Council’s biennial phone survey is underway, helping us understand community priorities and satisfaction. If you’re contacted, I encourage you to participate. Your input helps guide our planning and decision-making.
Thank you for your ongoing engagement. With your support, we’ll continue to build a strong, vibrant Mosman.