Councils on Sydney's North Shore want smart glasses banned from indoor public facilities such as pools, libraries and community centres. North Sydney and Mosman councils have asked for the ban and for signage to be installed. Willoughby Council will debate a similar motion on Monday evening. City of Sydney and Inner West Council already have such bans. Mosman has also asked staff to examine restricting use at beaches, parks and foreshore areas. Mayor Anne-Marie Kimber said enforcement may be difficult but the idea is worth examining as a deterrent.
Temporary weekend road closures will apply in Kirribilli from 31 October while jacaranda trees are in bloom. McDougall Street, between Clark Road and Willoughby Street, and part of Hipwood Street will be closed each Saturday and Sunday from 7am to 7pm for about six weeks. Traffic controllers will manage the closures, and only residents within the area can drive in. Visitors with visitor parking permits must park in surrounding streets. Drivers are asked to give way to pedestrians and slow to 10km/h.
Temporary weekend road closures will apply in Kirribilli from 31 October while jacaranda trees are in bloom. McDougall Street, between Clark Road and Willoughby Street, and part of Hipwood Street will be closed each Saturday and Sunday from 7am to 7pm for about six weeks. Traffic controllers will manage the closures, and only residents within the area can drive in. Visitors with visitor parking permits must park in surrounding streets. Drivers are asked to give way to pedestrians and slow to 10km/h.
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Under new NSW Government rules now in force, residents will no longer be told when a neighbour lodges plans for a home extension, swimming pool or demolition. Every council in the state, including Mosman, North Sydney and Willoughby, must follow a Community Participation Plan. The plan removes some development applications from public exhibition altogether.
Under new NSW Government rules now in force, residents will no longer be told when a neighbour lodges plans for a home extension, swimming pool or demolition. Every council in the state, including Mosman, North Sydney and Willoughby, must follow a Community Participation Plan. The plan removes some development applications from public exhibition altogether.
The City of Parramatta has appointed Steven Head as its new interim Chief Executive Officer for 12 months, starting on Monday, 26 October 2026. Head has held senior leadership roles at several NSW councils, including Hornsby Shire, Uralla Shire, Willoughby City and Ku-ring-gai, and has also worked with Transport for NSW. Lord Mayor Cameron MacLean said Head has the experience needed to guide the organisation as Parramatta grows. The appointment follows a recruitment process run by Council, and comes as the council advances major infrastructure and city development projects while strengthening its governance.
Sydney parents are paying up to $1.3 million more for homes in prestigious public school catchment areas. Research from property valuation firm Opteon shows homes in these areas sell at a 10 per cent premium. Anna Porter, a property valuer, says families are effectively buying access to these schools as part of the property package. The trend is also seen in Melbourne and Brisbane, with significant premiums for homes near high-performing schools.
The NSW Liberal Party has reshuffled its shadow ministry, promoting North Shore MP Felicity Wilson and Willoughby MP Tim James. Wilson, with nearly a decade in state parliament, has been appointed Shadow Minister for the Environment and Manager of Opposition Business. James takes on a new role as Shadow Special Minister of State, focusing on government scrutiny, while handing the Local Government portfolio to Adam Crouch.
Willoughby City Council has launched a community-driven initiative to enhance safety and accessibility in Chatswood South CBD. Funded by a $1 million NSW Government grant, the Her Way: Chatswood South Precinct project will involve local women, girls and gender diverse individuals in consultations and co-design. Mayor Tanya Taylor emphasised the importance of community input in creating a more secure and welcoming environment. The broader Safer Cities: Her Way 2 program aims to improve safety perceptions in public spaces and transport hubs for these groups. Further details are available on the program's website.
Steven Head has been appointed as the new interim CEO of Parramatta Council, replacing Gail Connolly, who left a year ago. Head has held leadership roles in several NSW councils and Transport for NSW. Lord Mayor Cameron MacLean said Head’s experience will guide the council through Parramatta’s growth. Head’s appointment follows a recruitment process and will last 12 months, starting October 26.
Crows Nest Fest returns on 18 October with 200 market stalls, live music, and entertainment. The event, organised by Crows Nest Mainstreet, spans the entire village and highlights local businesses. New features include Paws Avenue for animal lovers and a Kids Zone with pony rides and face painting. The festival aims to create a sense of discovery and celebrate the suburb's vibrant atmosphere.
