NSW · Lower North Shore (Sydney) · Local council, made simple
Willoughby City Council
A compact Lower North Shore council about 8 km north of the Sydney CBD — around 79,600 people across suburbs like Chatswood, Willoughby, Artarmon, Northbridge and Naremburn, anchored by the busy Chatswood commercial and retail centre. The council runs the local services you use every week — waste, roads, libraries, parks, development — and sets your rates. Here's the snapshot, then the stuff that affects your week.
Everyday essentials
The things people actually need from the council — fast.
Get to know your council
The basics, in one tap — open any card for key facts and a link to the official source.
This year's rate rise, how it compares across NSW, and why bills differ.
2025–26 rate peg: 3.8%
Open →Budget & financesHow financially healthy the council is, measured against official benchmarks.
Meets 7 of 9 OLG financial benchmarks
Open →Crime & safetyWilloughby's recorded crime rates, side by side with the NSW average.
All but two major offences below the NSW rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsWho represents you, by ward — and where to read their official profiles.
Mayor: Tanya Taylor (Independent)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, and how voting works.
Next election: Sat 9 Sep 2028
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council and report a problem.
Customer service: (02) 9777 1000
Open →City profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: ~79,600 (2023–24)
Open →What's happening
3 updatesRecent items from Willoughby City Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Development
Major Chatswood development on public exhibition
A State Significant Development Application for a ~$1.3 billion mixed-use project at 8 Wilson Street, Chatswood (two residential towers) was placed on public exhibition through the NSW Government's planning process, with a proposed voluntary planning agreement providing community infrastructure.
What this means for you: If you live or work near Chatswood, this is a NSW Government planning process (not a council decision); the state exhibition page and the council's public notices set out how to make a submission.
- Development
Willoughby Leisure Centre upgrade nearing completion
The council's upgrade of the Willoughby Leisure Centre — with a new pool hall, additional pools and accessibility and sustainability improvements — was nearing completion in early 2026, with the centre expected to open later in the year. The project budget was increased to $65 million.
What this means for you: If you use the Willoughby Leisure Centre, the upgraded facilities are expected to open in 2026; check the council's project page for the latest opening date and any service changes.
Source: Willoughby City Council — Willoughby Leisure Centre upgrade
- Policy
Tanya Taylor re-elected Mayor; new council term begins
Following the September 2024 local government election, Tanya Taylor was re-elected as the popularly-elected Mayor of Willoughby (declared 1 October 2024), and the new council of 13 members was sworn in, with Cr Angelo Rozos elected Deputy Mayor.
What this means for you: This is the elected council for the term to the September 2028 election; the Mayor and Deputy Mayor set meeting leadership while your ward councillors represent your area.
Source: Willoughby City Council — Mayor and Councillors sworn in
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