Latest news with #NorthernBeachesCouncil
Sky News AU
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Sky News AU
‘Extreme agenda': Northern Beaches Greens councillors caught obsessing over woke motions despite slugging ratepayers with massive tax hike
Greens councillors on the Northern Beaches have been caught out proposing a raft of woke motions about international conflicts, treaties and climate change while asking locals to pay 25 per cent more in rates. The Northern Beaches Council, which is dominated by the Teal affiliate group Your Northern Beaches, voted in favour of a 29 per cent rate hike in mid-June, drawing the ire of local residents. The four Northern Beaches Greens councillors who voted in support of the historic rate rise then opted to 'hijack' the same June 17 council meeting and advance a detailed motion titled "support for the Beaches Palestinian community and a ceasefire in Gaza." The motion, advanced by 21 year-old Greens councillor Ethan Hrnjak, lobbied for the council to call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and boycott companies linked to Israel. Despite raising rates to cover growing costs, the Mr Hrnjak also tried to push the council to write to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and seven other federal government ministers and MPs "advising them of council's position on the issue.' Instead of pushing back against the tax increase, which stands as the largest in the council's history, the Greens spent the majority of their designated speaking time during the meeting expressing solidarity with activist groups including the Australian Palestine Advocacy Network and Medical Aid for Palestinians. 'This council has a duty to speak out. While this may be symbolic, it matters to our community,' Mr Hrnjak said after voting to increase ratepayers annual council bills by $168. Independent councillor Vincent De Luca raised an amendment in response noting there 10,000 foreign conflicts and the local council was "not the appropriate jurisdiction to debate international matters such as international conflicts." The Greens have seperatly tabled a motion for the upcoming July 15 meeting to debate nuclear weapons and to urge the locality to adopt a raft of recommendations including flying the flag of the International Campaign to Abolish nuclear weapons. The motion also calls on Sophie Scamps and Zali Steggall, the two federal members for the Northern Beaches area, to raise the gesture with the federal government. Ms Scamps and Ms Steggall have already both signed a declaration to the federal government advocating for nuclear non-proliferation. The federal government banned nuclear power as an energy source in the 1990s, is a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and is a founding member of the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty. Instead of interrogating the council allocating $173 million - or 40 per cent of its budget - to fund the salaries of its employees, the Greens councillors put forward a notice of motion on 15 April titled "Clean, Green and Local NSW 2024 Policy Reform". The motion called on the council to "examine the 'Clean, Green and Local NSW 2024' policy platform of the Nature Conservation Council of NSW and prepare a high-level summary". The council is guided by the Draft Northern Beaches Environment Study. Councillor Hrnjak introduced another motion at the March 18 meeting named "Condemnation of Modern Slavery" which argued for council to receive a report on the implications of amending the Procurement and Contracts policy to ensure "modern slavery compliance". The vote resulted in an even split, with opposing councillors arguing that Australia has some of the strictest anti-modern slavery laws in the entire world. Mr De Luca railed against the Greens for discarding crucial local issues. He said were instead focused on their 'extreme agenda to dominate local council with international matters that have no concern for local people'. 'The main concern of our everyday citizen is the cost of living, decreasing rates at the Northern Beaches Council and all of the other works that need to be done such as the resealing of roads and yet the Greens are abusing time and resources at council meetings to push their own agenda," Mr De Luca told Mr De Luca, who stands as one of the last points of opposition to the Your Northern Beaches/Greens bloc, labelled the Greens performative stunts in council meetings as 'frustrating' and said they were 'misusing council as a political stepping stone'. Despite Northern Beaches council overseeing an expanding budget, Greens councillors have continued to flood notices of motions calling for repeated reviews into what Mr De Luca claims are secondary issues. Greens councillor Miranda Korzy has submitted a motion for the July 15 meeting lobbying for council to commission a complete review of plastic use in council infrastructure. Mr De Luca said the minor party's councillors were "insulting" Northern Beaches residents who primarily want council to minimise costs and rates. 'The Greens are out of touch with our local community, they voted for the 29 per cent rate increase. If they showed any compassion, they'd be voting against that, instead they are talking about Gaza and they're talking about nuclear weapons disarmament,' he said.
7NEWS
19-06-2025
- Business
- 7NEWS
Jamie Durie considers $30 million off-market offer for six-storey family home
Jamie Durie described it as the toughest project he had ever taken on. It took a decade of planning and a two-year build for the gardening guru to construct a lavish six-storey dream home for his family in Sydney's Northern Beaches. After facing "huge budget blowouts, rising interest rates, and massive construction costs", Durie and his fiancée, Ameka Jane, and their two young children, Beau and Nash, finally moved into the property earlier this year. Despite living in the home for less than six months, Durie is reportedly considering selling the ultra-luxe property after receiving an offer that could be too good to refuse. According to The Daily Telegraph, the landscaping expert and TV show host received an off-market offer in the range of $30 million for the sprawling Avalon mansion. "We've spent 10 years planning and building our family home, and we love it," Durie, 55, told the publication. "We received an unexpected offer in the mid $30 million and are now warming to the idea of spending some time on our hobby farm with the kids while they are young." The lucrative offer towers above the initial cost of the site, which he purchased in December 2015 for $2.275 million. The 1069 square-metre waterfront block had an existing 1970s four-bedroom beach house, with access to Pittwater and views across to West Head. It was demolished to make way for a sustainable "forever home " built at a reported cost of $3 million. The property is not on the market, but Durie told The Daily Telegraph he is toying with the idea of looking at other off-market offers. "We have not listed or advertised the home but have asked McGrath to manage any off-market offers moving forward, and we remain open-minded either way, as we love living here," he said. Described by Durie as "sympathetic and responsive to the topography of the site", the house takes in vast water views through floor-to-ceiling windows. The home features bespoke joinery with brass fixtures, high ceilings with opulent pendant lighting and a showstopping internal timber staircase in the living room. Wellness features include a home gym, cedar outdoor ice bath, a sauna and an infinity pool. Durie used his green thumb to create lush gardens across every level, with hanging plants cascading down the property's exterior. The project faced challenges throughout the process. An original development application (DA) was rejected over a proposal to remove 17 native trees, and sparked backlash with more than 50 objections to the Northern Beaches Council. This proposal was scaled back to 11 trees. The project was documented on the Channel 7 TV show Growing Home with Jamie Durie, which captured the ups and downs Durie and Ameka went through during the renovation. According to the official site, Durie intended to build the most sustainable and luxurious home for his family. "After 26 years making TV shows all over the world, this is the show I've always wanted to make, and if we're creating a show around sustainability, then my family and I need to do it first and practice what we preach," he said.
Sky News AU
17-06-2025
- Business
- Sky News AU
'Inappropriate spending': Northern Beaches locals fume as council hikes rates by 25 per cent as meeting dominated by Gaza debate
The Northern Beaches Council (NBC) has voted largely in favour to hit residents with a 25 per cent rate increase to ease its tightening budget while much of the meeting was dominated by debate over the conflict in the Middle East. On Tuesday night, the council held a meeting and voted 11-4 in favour of the rate rise which will inject $50 million into the budget over the next two years. The rate increase alone equated to an expected $168 extra ratepayers will have to fork out in the next financial year based on the recommended 12.1 per cent increase. An additional $13 waste charge increase was also recommended, with no increase to the storm water charge, bringing the total rate increase to $181 to be shouldered by the ratepayer. Dozens of angry locals protested outside the Dee Why council chambers in a last stand demonstration to sway councillors. However, the Northern Beaches People Voice's months-long dissent against the council was unsuccessful. Before the vote, Northern Beaches People Voice founder Stuart Gold demanded the council to 'eliminate costly non-essential services', to manage funds 'more efficiently' and to minimise 'inappropriate spending'. 'Why can't council find more ways to reduce costs? I think I can think of a few… executive salaries, 111 positions costing $25.8 million,' he said. 'Cut executive positions by one third and you save $8.5 million, throw in some executive cars and you save over $11 million straight off the bat.' The vote came six months after the Northern Beaches Council sought permission to jack up rates by close to 40 per cent. The council voted 8-7 in favour of the rate hike which would increase its budgets incrementally over the next three years by $57 million if the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) gives the green light. The IPART rejected the NBC's initial effort to increase rates by 39.7 per cent, instead allowing the council to vote on a 25 per cent increase over the next two years. The council said it needed extra income from the 'special rate variation' – which allows NSW councils to increase their general revenue above the standard rate peg – in order to sustainably pay for infrastructure and maintenance. The council also wanted to put funds towards its natural disasters fund, boost its storm water renewal program, as well as other infrastructure projects such as refurbishing the Warringah Aquatic Centre. If the rate increases did not pass, the council heard the community would face 'critical failures' of its infrastructure and further deterioration. The meeting included a public forum which was dominated by the conflict in Gaza and Israel. During the public forum, a proud Israeli made a contribution during which he strived to 'debunk everything' the critics of Israel had said during the hours-long meeting. On social media, locals blasted the council for entertaining debate about foreign conflicts with some arguing the focus should be on saving ratepayers' money.
The Age
09-06-2025
- Business
- The Age
Fury as Sydneysiders build their mansions, then ‘ask forgiveness later'
'Without resolution, the increasing complexities and number of BICs will perpetuate poor practice and undermine reforms aimed at improving building industry practices,' LGNSW's vice president, MidCoast Mayor Claire Pontin, told the Herald. The organisation is calling for a review of the framework for issuing BICs. 'It also effectively places an expectation on councils to provide tacit endorsement for works that may not comply, unfairly placing the liability on council rather than on those responsible for the works,' Pontin said. 'Let it go no further' In 2020, seeking to upsize, financial trader Erik Altmann and his wife Anita swapped their Bondi apartment for a $3.5 million clifftop property boasting 'headland to headland' ocean views across Sydney's Northern Beaches. The couple landed on Newport's Hillside Road, where the neighbourly relations were genial and the alumni high profile, including former Socceroos coach Graham Arnold and professional surfer Tom Carroll. In 2022, the Altmanns lodged an ambitious $765,000 development application for their new abode, which included the additions of a secondary dwelling, swimming pool, sauna, inclinator, cellar and gym. The scale of the plans rankled neighbours, with one submission to council warning the studio would 'introduce the urban canyon into Hillside Road'. Another neighbour, Nick Holcombe, told council: 'I object to every fibre of the cumulative train wreck effect of all the items. 'Everyone in the street that I have spoken to are incensed about the current demise of 65, please let it go no further.' Neighbours were mollified when the plans were changed to remove the proposed pool and secondary dwelling. Northern Beaches Council approved the refurbishments. But what happened next sparked fury. Workmen began demolishing the existing home, excavating on the steeply sloping block and erecting concrete walls. 'There's a mausoleum of concrete where the house used to stand,' Holcombe commented. Council inspectors were quickly dispatched to the site. In November 2023, they slapped the Altmanns with a stop work order. Council found works undertaken which were never approved, including the demolition of the original home's first and second floors, excavations of the slope and the construction of concrete block walls and a concrete slab. 'Northern Beaches Council has formed the opinion that building work or subdivision work has been carried out in contravention of the EP&A Act,' said the stop work order, seen by the Herald. 'It is in the public interest that this unsatisfactory state of affairs be remedied as soon as possible.' The private certifier, Yucel Haydar, who also goes by Yucel Haydardedeoglu, was copied in. Haydardedeoglu said he was unaware that parts of the original home that were meant to be retained had been demolished until receiving the stop work order. 'That was news to me,' he said. 'When I went out and did some inspections, a lot of the existing building was still there.' Haydardedeoglu said he didn't know what part of the site the council was referring to when it cited unauthorised excavation works. He noted that private certifiers could only issue a written direction notice if they discovered unauthorised work and they did not have the power to issue demolition orders like councils. Ceasefire The half-built house lay dormant for the best part of last year as the stop work order brought a ceasefire to hostilities. Just before Christmas, the Altmanns applied for a BIC to 'regularise' what had been built, acknowledging the extent of demolition and reconstruction was inconsistent with council approvals. Such certificates are typically the only option for building works carried out unlawfully, and guarantees council won't issue demolition or rectification orders, according to a NSW government practice note. The Altmanns also lodged a fresh development application for the works needed to finish the house, worth $1.65 million. It resurrected the thwarted plans for the pool and studio. The applications, which are yet to be determined, have landed like a lead balloon on Hillside Road. Several neighbours raised alarm about the precedent set by giving the certificate the green light. There were calls for the unauthorised works to be demolished, and the owners to be fined and referred to the Building Commission. 'Doing as you please and seeking forgiveness later should not be tolerated,' said a submission to council by neighbours Julian and Sarah Levy. 'This would set a very dangerous precedent allowing others to get DA approvals and then build whatever they want.' Neighbours John and Diane Nolan agreed, labelling the home a 'monumental sore thumb'. 'The approved DA plans were not just a suggestion,' they said. 'Council expected them to be adhered to. 'Northern Beaches Council should never become a part of this minefield.' The Nolans also raised concerns about unauthorised excavation on a street they said had a history of four landslips, and which council has deemed at risk of geotechnical hazards. Holcombe said his 2002 renovation project had to comply with strict council requirements. 'Is there no such thing as a simple right or wrong any more? They broke your rules intentionally and we are all being asked if that is ok?' he said. 'My response is, simply: 'No, it's not ok.' Architect Bill Tulloch wrote to council on behalf of three Hillside Road households, arguing the DA should be assessed under rules for a new build, since the original house no longer stood. 'Applicants cannot be allowed to 'game the system',' he said. '[Council] will be faced with a deluge of similar unacceptable outcomes.' Tulloch also argued that the scale of the development was excessive, after concessions were granted based on the site's steep gradient. The Altmanns' application argued that what they had built still achieved the 'outcome anticipated' by council's approval, in terms of building form, streetscape and residential amenity. Neighbour Peter Morris dubbed that argument bizarre and opportunistic in his submission. He compared it to substituting fireproof shutters for a tap and hose reel and arguing it satisfied the 'anticipated outcome' of providing fire protection. Council is yet to make a decision on the applications. When the Herald put detailed questions to Erik Altmann, he said it would be inappropriate to comment while the applications were under assessment. There have been striking similarities as the same story plays out elsewhere across the suburbs of Sydney. In 2020, a court ruled that a half-built mansion in Seaforth was not constructed in line with approvals. The parties brokered a truce, with a building information certificate issued protecting a retaining wall that was never authorised to be built. Loading 'As good as you can get' Building information certificates, or their equivalent, have existed for decades. Experts told the Herald they were historically introduced so prospective home buyers seeking a loan could satisfy the banks that a property was not going to be the subject of compliance action by council. But they are now rarely used to allay a bank's concerns about a ramshackle back deck. Council staff across the state have expressed frustration the certificates are increasingly being sought as a kind of quasi-approval for completely unauthorised building or renovation projects, or where substantial changes are made to council-approved plans without permission. In some cases, developers have even sought BICs for multi-storey towers built without the right paperwork. Roman Wereszczynski, the manager of Health, Building and Regulatory Services at Randwick City Council, said it was a longstanding problem that had become more common in recent years. He said some unscrupulous industry professionals were well aware the certificates were a route to bypass normal planning processes. 'Unfortunately, like anything else, if the legislation has some weaknesses, there are people out there who are going to exploit it for sure,' he said. The state government denies a BIC retrospectively approves or legitimises unauthorised works, but Wereszczynski argued that was the ultimate effect of granting one. Loading 'Other than councils, no one else is going to come along and issue an order to remove and rectify buildings,' he said. 'Under the current regime, a BIC is basically as good as you can get.' Wereszczynski said councils were placed in a precarious position when dealing with applications for BICs because they were obligated to approve them, unless they intended to issue an order to demolish the works or commence court proceedings. Councils were generally reluctant to issue demolition orders on people's homes or apartment buildings, he added. 'In reality, councils have to make a call, do they approve it, or refuse it and face a potential Land and Environment Court appeal which may cost up to $30,000 or $50,000 to defend and which may or may not be successful in the end?' Councils are concerned they could also face potential legal liability if works that receive a BIC are later found to be non-compliant with building codes, especially in relation to apartment towers. They have also complained the certificates add to council workloads and may be seen to absolve private certifiers of their responsibility for not effectively dealing with unapproved works. 'The assessment of BIC applications is resource intensive and council officers are often tied up dealing with these applications when they could be attending to other cases for their local community,' Wereszczynski said. He said the problem seemed to be consigned to the 'too hard basket' by industry and government working groups but action was becoming vital as applications surge. At a minimum, there needed to be appropriate penalties to deal with parties who did the wrong thing and the ability to impose conditions as part of granting a BIC, he said. Loading Pontin said councils' inability to charge suitable fees to cover the time and resources absorbed by dealing with the certificate applications was contributing to financial sustainability concerns. 'LGNSW seeks the introduction of a fee structure that provides for full-cost recovery by councils when issuing these certificates,' she said. Northern Beaches Council has also observed an uptick in BIC applications in recent years. It has previously written to the state government asking for additional assessment criteria, including amenity and impact considerations. It also called for mandatory notification to neighbours when a BIC relates to unauthorised works.
Sydney Morning Herald
09-06-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Fury as Sydneysiders build their mansions, then ‘ask forgiveness later'
'Without resolution, the increasing complexities and number of BICs will perpetuate poor practice and undermine reforms aimed at improving building industry practices,' LGNSW's vice president, MidCoast Mayor Claire Pontin, told the Herald. The organisation is calling for a review of the framework for issuing BICs. 'It also effectively places an expectation on councils to provide tacit endorsement for works that may not comply, unfairly placing the liability on council rather than on those responsible for the works,' Pontin said. 'Let it go no further' In 2020, seeking to upsize, financial trader Erik Altmann and his wife Anita swapped their Bondi apartment for a $3.5 million clifftop property boasting 'headland to headland' ocean views across Sydney's Northern Beaches. The couple landed on Newport's Hillside Road, where the neighbourly relations were genial and the alumni high profile, including former Socceroos coach Graham Arnold and professional surfer Tom Carroll. In 2022, the Altmanns lodged an ambitious $765,000 development application for their new abode, which included the additions of a secondary dwelling, swimming pool, sauna, inclinator, cellar and gym. The scale of the plans rankled neighbours, with one submission to council warning the studio would 'introduce the urban canyon into Hillside Road'. Another neighbour, Nick Holcombe, told council: 'I object to every fibre of the cumulative train wreck effect of all the items. 'Everyone in the street that I have spoken to are incensed about the current demise of 65, please let it go no further.' Neighbours were mollified when the plans were changed to remove the proposed pool and secondary dwelling. Northern Beaches Council approved the refurbishments. But what happened next sparked fury. Workmen began demolishing the existing home, excavating on the steeply sloping block and erecting concrete walls. 'There's a mausoleum of concrete where the house used to stand,' Holcombe commented. Council inspectors were quickly dispatched to the site. In November 2023, they slapped the Altmanns with a stop work order. Council found works undertaken which were never approved, including the demolition of the original home's first and second floors, excavations of the slope and the construction of concrete block walls and a concrete slab. 'Northern Beaches Council has formed the opinion that building work or subdivision work has been carried out in contravention of the EP&A Act,' said the stop work order, seen by the Herald. 'It is in the public interest that this unsatisfactory state of affairs be remedied as soon as possible.' The private certifier, Yucel Haydar, who also goes by Yucel Haydardedeoglu, was copied in. Haydardedeoglu said he was unaware that parts of the original home that were meant to be retained had been demolished until receiving the stop work order. 'That was news to me,' he said. 'When I went out and did some inspections, a lot of the existing building was still there.' Haydardedeoglu said he didn't know what part of the site the council was referring to when it cited unauthorised excavation works. He noted that private certifiers could only issue a written direction notice if they discovered unauthorised work and they did not have the power to issue demolition orders like councils. Ceasefire The half-built house lay dormant for the best part of last year as the stop work order brought a ceasefire to hostilities. Just before Christmas, the Altmanns applied for a BIC to 'regularise' what had been built, acknowledging the extent of demolition and reconstruction was inconsistent with council approvals. Such certificates are typically the only option for building works carried out unlawfully, and guarantees council won't issue demolition or rectification orders, according to a NSW government practice note. The Altmanns also lodged a fresh development application for the works needed to finish the house, worth $1.65 million. It resurrected the thwarted plans for the pool and studio. The applications, which are yet to be determined, have landed like a lead balloon on Hillside Road. Several neighbours raised alarm about the precedent set by giving the certificate the green light. There were calls for the unauthorised works to be demolished, and the owners to be fined and referred to the Building Commission. 'Doing as you please and seeking forgiveness later should not be tolerated,' said a submission to council by neighbours Julian and Sarah Levy. 'This would set a very dangerous precedent allowing others to get DA approvals and then build whatever they want.' Neighbours John and Diane Nolan agreed, labelling the home a 'monumental sore thumb'. 'The approved DA plans were not just a suggestion,' they said. 'Council expected them to be adhered to. 'Northern Beaches Council should never become a part of this minefield.' The Nolans also raised concerns about unauthorised excavation on a street they said had a history of four landslips, and which council has deemed at risk of geotechnical hazards. Holcombe said his 2002 renovation project had to comply with strict council requirements. 'Is there no such thing as a simple right or wrong any more? They broke your rules intentionally and we are all being asked if that is ok?' he said. 'My response is, simply: 'No, it's not ok.' Architect Bill Tulloch wrote to council on behalf of three Hillside Road households, arguing the DA should be assessed under rules for a new build, since the original house no longer stood. 'Applicants cannot be allowed to 'game the system',' he said. '[Council] will be faced with a deluge of similar unacceptable outcomes.' Tulloch also argued that the scale of the development was excessive, after concessions were granted based on the site's steep gradient. The Altmanns' application argued that what they had built still achieved the 'outcome anticipated' by council's approval, in terms of building form, streetscape and residential amenity. Neighbour Peter Morris dubbed that argument bizarre and opportunistic in his submission. He compared it to substituting fireproof shutters for a tap and hose reel and arguing it satisfied the 'anticipated outcome' of providing fire protection. Council is yet to make a decision on the applications. When the Herald put detailed questions to Erik Altmann, he said it would be inappropriate to comment while the applications were under assessment. There have been striking similarities as the same story plays out elsewhere across the suburbs of Sydney. In 2020, a court ruled that a half-built mansion in Seaforth was not constructed in line with approvals. The parties brokered a truce, with a building information certificate issued protecting a retaining wall that was never authorised to be built. Loading 'As good as you can get' Building information certificates, or their equivalent, have existed for decades. Experts told the Herald they were historically introduced so prospective home buyers seeking a loan could satisfy the banks that a property was not going to be the subject of compliance action by council. But they are now rarely used to allay a bank's concerns about a ramshackle back deck. Council staff across the state have expressed frustration the certificates are increasingly being sought as a kind of quasi-approval for completely unauthorised building or renovation projects, or where substantial changes are made to council-approved plans without permission. In some cases, developers have even sought BICs for multi-storey towers built without the right paperwork. Roman Wereszczynski, the manager of Health, Building and Regulatory Services at Randwick City Council, said it was a longstanding problem that had become more common in recent years. He said some unscrupulous industry professionals were well aware the certificates were a route to bypass normal planning processes. 'Unfortunately, like anything else, if the legislation has some weaknesses, there are people out there who are going to exploit it for sure,' he said. The state government denies a BIC retrospectively approves or legitimises unauthorised works, but Wereszczynski argued that was the ultimate effect of granting one. Loading 'Other than councils, no one else is going to come along and issue an order to remove and rectify buildings,' he said. 'Under the current regime, a BIC is basically as good as you can get.' Wereszczynski said councils were placed in a precarious position when dealing with applications for BICs because they were obligated to approve them, unless they intended to issue an order to demolish the works or commence court proceedings. Councils were generally reluctant to issue demolition orders on people's homes or apartment buildings, he added. 'In reality, councils have to make a call, do they approve it, or refuse it and face a potential Land and Environment Court appeal which may cost up to $30,000 or $50,000 to defend and which may or may not be successful in the end?' Councils are concerned they could also face potential legal liability if works that receive a BIC are later found to be non-compliant with building codes, especially in relation to apartment towers. They have also complained the certificates add to council workloads and may be seen to absolve private certifiers of their responsibility for not effectively dealing with unapproved works. 'The assessment of BIC applications is resource intensive and council officers are often tied up dealing with these applications when they could be attending to other cases for their local community,' Wereszczynski said. He said the problem seemed to be consigned to the 'too hard basket' by industry and government working groups but action was becoming vital as applications surge. At a minimum, there needed to be appropriate penalties to deal with parties who did the wrong thing and the ability to impose conditions as part of granting a BIC, he said. Loading Pontin said councils' inability to charge suitable fees to cover the time and resources absorbed by dealing with the certificate applications was contributing to financial sustainability concerns. 'LGNSW seeks the introduction of a fee structure that provides for full-cost recovery by councils when issuing these certificates,' she said. Northern Beaches Council has also observed an uptick in BIC applications in recent years. It has previously written to the state government asking for additional assessment criteria, including amenity and impact considerations. It also called for mandatory notification to neighbours when a BIC relates to unauthorised works.
