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Remembering Gerry Nolan: A Lifetime of Community Service in North Sydney

Photo Credit: Facebook / Swami Ganga Mata

In the heart of North Sydney, few individuals have left as profound a mark on local community life as Gerry Nolan, who passed away on January 31, 2025, at the age of 84. A former mayor, community activist, and multifaceted individual, Nolan’s legacy is a testament to the power of grassroots engagement and passionate civic leadership.

Early Life and Diverse Career

Born in Whyalla, South Australia, in 1940, Gerry Nolan’s journey was anything but conventional. Growing up in rural South Australia with his parents and four brothers, he learned early about self-sufficiency and resourcefulness. Despite leaving school at 14, Nolan’s career would span an impressive array of professions: electronics technician, sailor, pilot, instructor, geophysicist, adventurer, author, editor, publisher, philosopher, lecturer, and mentor.

His professional path was as varied as his interests. From working at the Post Office to serving in the Navy’s Fleet Air Arm, from being a Qantas flight simulator technician to establishing his own pilot training school, Nolan embodied versatility and resilience.

Gerry volunteer working on the restoration of the Independent Theatre – circa 1995.
Photo Credit: Facebook / Mark McCann

Community Activism and Political Leadership

Nolan’s most significant contributions were to the North Sydney community. In 1972, he became a pivotal figure in establishing the North Sydney Creative Leisure Centre, responding to the challenge of “latchkey children”. This centre, now known as the North Sydney Community Centre, became a beacon of creativity and freedom for local children, featuring innovative play spaces like the memorable “flying fox” built by Nolan himself.

Photo Credit: North Sydney Community Centre

His community activism reached new heights when he successfully campaigned against a proposed high-rise development that threatened the civic precinct. His “Give North Sydney a Heart” campaign became a rallying cry that preserved crucial community spaces like Ted Mack Civic Park and the North Sydney Community Centre.

Mayoral Years and Progressive Vision

Encouraged by Ted Mack, Nolan ran for mayor in 1991 and was directly elected—a remarkable achievement for someone who had never served on the council. During his tenure from 1991 to 1995, he introduced groundbreaking initiatives. He was instrumental in creating the Neutral Bay Bus Interchange and advocating for the first 50 km/h zones in the state.

Nolan was ahead of his time in many ways. He wrote about flexible working arrangements in 1993, urged support for international landmine ban movements, and even raised the possibility of electric cars for North Sydney Council in 1991.

Personal Achievements and Philosophy

Later in life, Nolan pursued academic aspirations, earning a BA Hons in Philosophy from UNSW at 65. His approach to community engagement was beautifully summarised in his own words: “You can create all the right environments, all the right procedures, the protocols you like, for open government, but at the end of the day, people are going to have to get off their bums themselves and do something.”

Legacy and Commemoration

North Sydney Council has honoured Nolan’s memory by planning to plant a commemorative tree and rename the children’s playground at the North Sydney Community Centre as the ‘Gerald Nolan Adventure Playground’.

Current Mayor Zoe Baker perhaps best captured Nolan’s impact: “Gerry lived a large life marked by energy, charm, and generosity. His legacy shaped much of what we hold dear in this community—the spaces and places for people, particularly children.”

Photo Credit: Facebook / Florence Florence

Gerry Nolan is survived by his daughters Sarah, Emma, and Kay, leaving behind a rich legacy of community service, creativity, and commitment to local governance.

Published 28-February-2025

Frustration Grows Over North Sydney Lime Bikes and Public Safety

Photo Credit: Mosman Collective/Facebook

North Sydney Lime Bikes are drawing backlash from residents, with complaints of abandoned e-bikes blocking footpaths and raising safety concerns.

North Sydney Lime Bikes Spark Safety Concerns as Residents Call for Change

North Sydney residents are growing frustrated with Lime Bikes, citing safety risks and public space concerns. They report that dockless e-bikes frequently block footpaths, creating hazards for pedestrians by being left in dangerous locations across the district.

Although designed to offer a convenient and eco-friendly transport option, the program has sparked controversy, with residents demanding stricter regulations or alternative solutions.

Residents Say Footpaths Are No Longer Safe

Locals describe North Sydney Lime Bikes as a growing safety hazard. Without designated parking spaces, cyclists tend to leave bikes halfway across footpaths, outside stores, or even on the streets dumped. Parents, senior citizens, and disabled people protest that they are now forced to navigate around dumped bikes, and risk trips and injuries.

*Photo Credit: Mosman Collective/Facebook*

Some of the residents objected that pedestrians no longer have access to safe pathways. Others have demanded attention by calling for stricter car parking regulations or the implementation of docking bays to address the issue.

Calls for Regulation Grow as Incidents Increase

Safety concerns extend beyond just footpath clutter. A recent e-bike crash involving three teenagers in Manly has reignited controversy over the risks of dockless e-bikes. Riding together on a single e-bike, the teenagers collided with a car and suffered injuries. The crash has sparked renewed debate over whether the system adequately promotes responsible riding.

Recognizing these issues, North Sydney Council and Transport for NSW are exploring solutions, including restrictions on where and how e-bikes can be parked. Some residents have proposed that North Sydney adopt measures used in European cities, such as mandatory docking stations and fines for improper parking.

Lime Defends Its Program

Lime representatives claim that the e-bike service has been well-received and that thousands of people have used the system since it became operational in North Sydney.

They argue that the benefit of cost-effective and sustainable transport outweighs the current issues and that their team is taking a proactive stance in harassing illegally parked bikes with 24/7 maintenance and monitoring.

But frustrated residents say it’s not enough. Complaints are still coming in about abandoned bikes, and demands for more regulation and enforcement are growing.

What’s Next for North Sydney Lime Bikes?

As community concerns grow, discussions about the future of Lime Bikes in North Sydney will continue. While some residents call for a ban, others support keeping the bikes as long as the program improves its management. Council officials are collaborating with Lime and Transport for NSW to maintain the service while ensuring public safety.

For now, North Sydney residents are waiting to see whether officials will make their streets more accessible or if they will continue dodging bikes left in their path.

Published 27-Feb-2025

North Sydney Olympic Pool Redevelopment in Milsons Point Delayed Amid Cost Disputes

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

The completion of the North Sydney Olympic Pool redevelopment in Milsons Point has been pushed back to June 2025, with ongoing disputes over cost variations.

Initially scheduled for completion in mid-2024, the project continues to face delays, primarily due to issues surrounding the structural steel roof over the 25-metre indoor pool.

Project Background and Delays

The North Sydney Olympic Pool, a historic swimming facility located at Milsons Point, has been undergoing redevelopment since March 2021. Originally set to reopen in 2023, the project has faced multiple setbacks, with its timeline now extending 11 months beyond the revised July 2024 completion target.

The latest delay is attributed to complications involving the structural steel roof over the 25-metre indoor pool, which has been a point of contention between the NSC and contractor Icon. Cost disputes related to rectification work on the roof have resulted in mediation and adjudication, with some claims being ruled against.

Since December 2024, Icon has submitted four new Extension of Time (EoT) claims, of which three were rejected by the authorities, while the fourth remains under assessment.

Financial Impact and Cost Variations

The total forecast cost for the redevelopment remains at $122 million. However, as the project nears completion, additional variation claims are expected.

The revised construction contract sum is $91.74 million, with $173,000 in newly approved variations. Confidential discussions are ongoing regarding further cost adjustments, as authorities continue to evaluate the financial implications of unresolved claims.

Olympic Pool redevelopment in Milsons Point — *Photo Credit: Martin Harrison/Google Maps*

Construction Progress and Current Status

Despite the delays, several key milestones have been reached:

Structural Steel Ramp Completion: The Eastern Stair Tower ramp is now in place, improving accessibility for wheelchair users and prams.
Gelato Bar & Sundeck: The Level 2 gelato bar and sundeck structure are nearing completion, with the final paving set to be installed.
Amenities & Tiling: Underfloor heating and tiling in Level 1 changerooms are finished, and waterproofing has been completed for Level 1 amenities. Level 3 is next in line for similar work.
Internet Cabling: The facility’s internet infrastructure has been connected, preparing the site for operational readiness.

Community Sentiment and Next Steps

Local officials have emphasised that their priority remains delivering a high-quality facility. However, ongoing construction delays and cost disputes have drawn criticism from residents and stakeholders.

Once construction is complete, an additional three months will be required for commissioning and site preparation before the facility officially opens. Authorities have stated they will continue monitoring project developments and providing regular updates.

Published 26-Feb-2025

Sydney Trains to Trial Track Lubrication to Reduce Screeching Noise

Photo Credit: T Xymox /Google Photos

Sydney Trains will trial a new track lubrication method to tackle the screeching noise that has frustrated Waverton and Wollstonecraft residents for years.

The sharp 200-metre rail curve in the area creates intense friction between train wheels and tracks, generating noise levels that often exceed 80 decibels.

After years of complaints, Sydney Trains has sourced a specialised noise-reducing lubricant through a global search and will begin testing it in the coming months.

Locals Struggle with Constant Noise

Many residents say the noise disrupts their daily lives, starting as early as 4:30 a.m. and continuing until 2 a.m. Wollstonecraft resident Brian McGlynn said the sound makes it impossible to escape, even indoors.

“It’s louder than a vacuum cleaner,” he said.

He explained that weather conditions affect the intensity of the noise, with particularly hot days making it even worse. Even homes with double glazing struggle to keep the high-pitched screeching at bay.

McGlynn said some neighbours had moved away because they couldn’t handle the constant disruption.

Sydney Trains Takes Action

Sydney Trains acknowledged the issue and said it is working on a long-term solution. A spokeswoman explained that tight curves naturally produce noise as steel wheels rub against steel tracks. However, the organisation is committed to reducing the impact on residents.

The new lubrication method was chosen after an extensive global search and tender process to find a more effective solution for reducing noise.

She said that Sydney Trains is working with suppliers to test the concept before launching the trial in the coming months.

The transport body has already tried track grinding, re-railing, track layout adjustments but these efforts have not provided lasting relief.

Regulators and Global Solutions

In 2021, the NSW Environment Protection Authority fined Sydney Trains $15,000, citing poor track maintenance as a key factor in excessive noise pollution.

Other countries, including Austria, Slovenia, and Switzerland, successfully use track lubrication to reduce rail noise. If the trial works, Sydney Trains may roll out the technology to other noisy sections of the network.

Published 17-Feb-2025

Growing Calls to Reassess Sydney’s Heritage Listings Amid Housing Shortage

Sydney’s urban landscape is at the centre of an ongoing debate between heritage conservation and the pressing need for more housing. Some heritage listings have sparked discussions about whether the protections are being used to safeguard the city’s history or inadvertently restricting much-needed development.

Read: Heritage-Listed MLC Building in North Sydney Set for $365M Transformation

Sydney YIMBY, a community group advocating for increased housing supply, has raised concerns that some councils are using heritage listings as a means to slow or prevent new developments. Co-founder Melissa Neighbour believes heritage protections should be applied selectively to truly unique sites rather than entire streets, particularly in areas close to the city where housing is in high demand.

Photo credit: CC-BY-SA-4.0/ColonelLight/Wikimedia Commons

One prominent case is the MLC building in North Sydney, a 14-storey high-rise completed in 1957. The building, despite being recognised for its innovative design as Australia’s first large-scale commercial office development with a decorative curtain wall, faced multiple proposals for demolition and redevelopment into a new high-rise commercial structure.

Initially listed only on the local heritage register when demolition was first proposed in 2020, it was reinstated on the state heritage register in December 2023 after years of deliberation. While some residents support its preservation for its architectural and historical significance, others argue that it is an outdated structure taking up valuable space that could be repurposed for modern use.

Sydney YIMBY has expressed concerns that councils should focus on addressing current housing needs rather than prioritising heritage listings that may result in areas becoming inaccessible to lower-income residents.

NSW has also weighed in on the issue. NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully has urged councils to balance heritage protection with housing targets assigned to each local government area. He emphasised that if one area is designated for heritage protection, councils must find alternative locations within their jurisdiction to meet housing demands.

On the other side of the discussion, heritage advocates argue that protecting Sydney’s historical and architectural legacy is essential. Cheryl Bates, Sydney branch president of the National Trust, stated that heritage conservation is vital to maintaining the city’s cultural identity.

Property Council of Australia NSW executive director Katie Stevenson also acknowledged the need for balance. Stevenson emphasised the importance of protecting high-quality buildings but cautioned that extensive heritage conservation listings could limit housing availability, potentially excluding parts of the community from access to necessary housing.

Read: North Sydney Council Backs Shocking 87% Rate Hike

In the past five years, the City of Sydney has led the way in new heritage listings, adding 47 sites, followed by Inner West with 23, Woollahra with 18, Canterbury-Bankstown with 15, and Ku-ring-gai with seven. While some listings have been widely supported, others have drawn criticism, with concerns that excessive heritage designations could further limit housing availability.

As Sydney continues to grow, the challenge remains in finding a middle ground between preserving its rich history and accommodating future housing needs. The debate is unlikely to subside anytime soon, as both sides push for solutions that align with their vision for the city’s future.

Published 10-February-2025

North Sydney Council Backs Shocking 87% Rate Hike

Photo Credit: Sydney Tourism

North Sydney Council plans to increase rates by 87% over two years, even though only 5% of residents support the move.

The proposal, known as Option 2A, will face a final council vote on 10 February. If approved, council will apply to the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for permission to exceed the state-mandated rate cap. If IPART grants approval, the increase will take effect from July 2025.

Rate Hike Will Affect Residents and Businesses

The plan includes two major rate increases:

2025/26: A 45% increase in levies.
2026/27: A 29% increase in rates.
Residential Rates: The minimum charge will jump from $715 to $1,200.
Business Rates: The minimum charge will rise from $715 to $1,400.

Council claims that without these increases, it will struggle to fund essential services and infrastructure projects.

How Council Chose This Option

Council considered four rate hike options, with cumulative increases ranging from 65% to 111% over three years.

Despite strong public opposition, council chose Option 2A. The decision followed a 7-2 vote at a November 25 meeting, which allowed public consultation from 27 November to 10 January.

Olympic Pool Redevelopment Blows Out to $122 Million

Council says the rate increase is necessary due to serious financial challenges, largely caused by the North Sydney Olympic Pool redevelopment.

The 88-year-old heritage-listed pool, located beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge, has been closed since early 2021. Its reopening has been delayed multiple times, while project costs have spiralled to $122 million.

Rate Hike Slammed by Residents and Local Leaders Slam the Plan

The rate hike has triggered widespread backlash, with residents arguing that it is unfair during a cost-of-living crisis. Many believe council should find alternative funding solutions instead of placing the burden on ratepayers.

Local MP Tim James has called the proposal “disgraceful”, blaming poor financial management. Councillor Jessica Keen has also raised concerns, warning that the increase will hit first-home buyers and retirees the hardest.

Community groups have announced protests before the 10 February vote, demanding greater transparency and accountability.

What Happens Next?

Council will vote on the proposal on 10 February . If approved, it will submit a special rates variation application to IPART for final approval.

With protests expected and pressure mounting, residents now wait to see if the council will reconsider—or push ahead with one of North Sydney’s biggest rate hikes.

Published 7-Feb-2025

Newport Backyard Burn Fire Sparks Emergency Response

Photo Credit: Pexels

A backyard burn in Newport quickly turned into a bushfire, prompting an urgent response from Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW).

The fire started shortly before 1:30 pm at Bush Rangers Hill. The resident lost control of the backyard burn, allowing flames to spread into the adjacent bushland.

Fire Crews Battle the Blaze

Fire crews from Mona Vale, Avalon, and Narrabeen stations rushed to the scene and saw white smoke rising from the trees atop the steep hill. With no direct street access, firefighters navigated through private properties to reach the fire.

A previous hazard reduction burn conducted by FRNSW in the past year helped limit the fire’s intensity. Firefighters contained the blaze around 30 minutes, preventing further spread.

Backyard burn — Photo Credit: *NSW RFS/Facebook*

The fire burned approximately 150 square metres of bushland before crews brought it under control.

Before emergency crews arrived, the resident tried to put out the flames using a garden hose. Firefighters fully extinguished the fire and secured the area by 2:45 pm. Fortunately, no injuries or property damage occurred.

Regulations Around Backyard Burns

Newport and the wider Northern Beaches area enforce strict regulations on backyard burning. Under NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) rules, open burning remains prohibited unless residents obtain a permit from the local council or NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS).

More information on backyard burn regulations is available on the NSW RFS and EPA websites.

Firefighters Highlight Hazard Reduction Benefits

Fire crews credit the previous hazard reduction burn for minimising fuel loads, reducing the fire’s speed and intensity. Without these efforts, the situation could have been much worse.

With fire season in full swing, responsible fire management remains essential to protecting homes, bushland, and local communities.

Published 30-Jan-2025

New Community Battery Lowers Energy Costs in Cammeray

Photo Credit: Ausgrid/Linkedin

A new community battery in Cammeray is set to bring cheaper, cleaner energy to local households, helping around 350 residents cut an average of $200 in annual energy costs.

The 200kW / 284kWh battery, owned and operated by Ausgrid, will store excess rooftop solar energy during the day and release it during peak demand. By reducing strain on the grid, it will also help lower electricity costs for the wider community.

How the Cammeray Community Battery Will Benefit Locals

The Cammeray community battery is part of the Albanese Government’s Community Batteries for Household Solar program, aimed at making renewable energy more accessible—especially for renters, apartment dwellers, and social housing residents who may not have the option to install solar panels.

The Federal Government highlighted the growing shift towards renewable energy, noting that while one in three Australian households have embraced solar, only around one in 40 households have battery storage. Community batteries help bridge this gap by allowing more people to benefit from energy storage without the high upfront costs of installing a home battery.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the initiative helps ensure renewable energy is affordable and reliable for all Australians.

“The rain doesn’t always fall, but we always have water on tap because we store it for when we need it – batteries like the one in will do the same thing with reliable and affordable renewable energy,” he said.

Residents can sign up for Ausgrid’s Energy Storage as a Service (ESaaS) program to access the battery’s benefits.

The Cammeray Community Battery: A Smart Energy Solution

Senator for New South Wales Tony Sheldon said the Cammeray community battery demonstrates Labor’s commitment to cutting energy costs and strengthening Australia’s energy independence.

“This battery is proof that renewables can cut bills, ease cost-of-living pressures, and provide real energy security. Unlike unrealistic nuclear schemes, this is delivering savings right now,” he said.

Community Batteries and the Future of Renewable Energy

The initiative is backed by expert advice from CSIRO and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), who have identified solar, wind, and battery storage as the most affordable and reliable way to power Australian homes.

For Cammeray residents, the new community battery is more than just an energy project—it’s a step towards lower energy costs, a cleaner environment, and a more sustainable future.

Published 29-Jan-2025

Luxury Lavender Bay Apartment with Harbour Views Hit The Market

Photo Credit: adrianbridges.com.au

In one of the most significant North Shore property listings of 2025, a stunning Lavender Bay apartment once owned by the late championship horse owner Fergus Doyle has hit the market with a $14 million price guide.

The four-bedroom duplex-style residence, which Doyle purchased for $11 million in 2020, offers what listing agent Adrian Bridges of Atlas Lower North Shore describes as “the best view in the world” — sweeping vistas of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House visible from throughout the property, including one of its three bathrooms.

“It is the best view in the world, there are no common walls, and the duplex has more than 400 sqm of accommodation of old-world glam,” Bridges said.

The property features numerous luxury appointments, including polished marble floors, a marble kitchen with high-end Gaggenau appliances, multiple living areas, and four balconies. Practical amenities include double garaging with internal access. Its hilltop location provides convenient level walking access to local cafés and shops.

The property has already generated significant interest from overseas buyers and downsizers seeking spacious, low-maintenance luxury living with iconic views.

Doyle, well-respected in horse racing circles where he was known as ‘Chairman,’ made his fortune in construction before becoming a prominent horse owner and breeder. He was part of the influential James Harron Bloodstock syndicate that produced 2014 Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist and 2016 Golden Slipper champion Capitalist.

The apartment at 2/9-11 Waiwera St, Lavender Bay is scheduled for auction on Saturday, February 22.

Add the auction to your calendar!

Bridges predicts market changes in 2025, including an interest rate cut, a change of government, and increased foreign investment driven by a weaker Australian dollar.

Published 24-January-2025

Heritage-Listed MLC Building in North Sydney Set for $365M Transformation

Photo Credit: DA/10.2024.00000387.001

A $365 million transformation plan has been submitted for the heritage-listed MLC Building in North Sydney, aiming to revitalise the iconic site by preserving its historic Miller Street wing while introducing a modern 22-storey commercial tower on Denison Street.

Originally designed by Bates Smart & McCutcheon and completed in 1957, the MLC Building was the first high-rise office tower in North Sydney and a significant architectural milestone in Australia.

MLC Building North Sydney — *Photo Credit: DA/10.2024.00000387.001*

However, its future has been the subject of extensive debate since 2020, when Investa first proposed its demolition. Following years of legal challenges and heritage assessments, the building was reinstated on the State Heritage Register in December 2023 after being briefly delisted.

MLC Building North Sydney adaptive reuse proposal — *Photo Credit: DA/10.2024.00000387.001*

Transformation Plan

The ambitious redevelopment project (DA/10.2024.00000387.001) seeks to honour the building’s heritage while introducing contemporary functionality and sustainability. Key aspects of the proposed transformation include:

Preservation of the Miller Street Wing: The existing façade, including its iconic glass curtain wall and terracotta tiles, will be fully restored to its original aesthetic.
Flood Mitigation Measures: Raising the ground floor to address recurring flooding issues from the Miller Street forecourt.
Modernised Interiors: The addition of a double-height lobby with integrated retail spaces to enhance tenant experience and street appeal.
Retail Activation: A new colonnade along Miller Street will host fine-grain retail spaces, while Denison Street will include additional retail offerings.

The redevelopment will introduce a 22-storey sustainable office tower in place of the Denison Street wing, designed to incorporate energy-efficient systems and meet NABERS sustainability benchmarks.

Restoration of MLC Building — *Photo Credit: DA/10.2024.00000387.001*

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the proposed upgrades, several challenges must be addressed, including:

Infrastructure Compliance: The building requires significant upgrades to meet contemporary fire and seismic safety standards.
Flooding Concerns: Existing drainage issues in the lower ground and basement levels remain a major challenge.
Public Engagement: The inactive façades facing Brett Whiteley Place need activation to better engage with the surrounding urban environment.
Traffic and Pedestrian Conflicts: The current vehicle access on Denison Street poses safety challenges due to its proximity to the new Metro station.

Stakeholder Collaboration

Investa has engaged with key stakeholders, including the Heritage Council of NSW, the North Sydney Council, and the North Sydney Design Excellence Panel.

These consultations have resulted in in-principle support for the transformation plan, with commitments to improving public access and ensuring the development aligns with heritage values.

Proposed upgrades — *Photo Credit: DA/10.2024.00000387.001*

Looking Ahead

North Sydney Council is now assessing the development application. If approved, the project promises to reinvigorate the MLC Building, enhancing the public domain, improving pedestrian safety, and positioning the site as a sustainable and commercially viable landmark.

Published 23-Jan-2025