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.
Open for your feedback
See all →Things Willoughby City Council wants your say on right now. Your view counts for more before the deadline.
- Closes today
Exhibition – Artists in Resonance 2026
Have your say → - Open — see source for the closing date
Bicentennial Reserve playground renewal
Have your say → - Open — see source for the closing date
Proposed parking changes for Willoughby Leisure Centre Precinct
Have your say →
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
56 updatesAuto-collected from Willoughby City Council's public channels and drafted in plain language (pending review).
- Have your say
Edward St, proposed pedestrian/cycling/traffic calming works Stage 1b
Learn more Last updated: 4 Nov 2026 Edward St, proposed pedestrian/cycling/traffic calming works Stage 1b Edward St, Willoughby proposed pedestrian, cycling and traffic calming works Stage 1b Learn more
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Have Your Say Willoughby
- Event
Alive in the Landscape
04 Nov 2026 An exhibition of landscape paintings with glimpses of birds and animals by artist Geoffrey Adams.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Willoughby City Council — Events
- Election
Councillor Angelo Rozos re-elected Deputy Mayor of Willoughby
Last modified on 27 October 2026 Councillor Angelo Rozos has been re-elected Deputy Mayor of Willoughby for a two-year term following the Council meeting on Monday 26 October 2026.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Event
Business coffee catch-up networking
27 Oct 2026 Join Chatswood Chamber of Commerce monthly business coffee catch-up!
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Willoughby City Council — Events
- Have your say
Draft VPA - 224 Sydney St & 330-342 Penshurst St, North Willoughby
Have your say Last updated: 30 Oct 2026 Draft VPA - 224 Sydney St & 330-342 Penshurst St, North Willoughby Have your say on this Voluntary Planning Agreement until 25 November 2026 Have your say
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Have Your Say Willoughby
- Event
Energy bill check-up: one-on-one sessions
27 Oct 2026 Get help understanding your energy bill and identifying ways to reduce your household energy costs.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Willoughby City Council — Events
- Event
Birds of Willoughby guided bushwalk
24 Oct 2026 Enjoy a peaceful morning of birdwatching along the foreshore and discover the diverse bird life that frequents this part of Middle Harbour.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Willoughby City Council — Events
- Have your say
Exhibition – Artists in Resonance 2026
05 Nov 2026 An exhibition from ‘Artists in Resonance', a collective of local north shore creatives.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Willoughby City Council — Events
- Policy
Chatswood 2060 sets course to become Sydney’s most liveable city
Last modified on 22 October 2026 Willoughby City Council has launched Chatswood 2060, a long-term initiative to plan for the city’s growth and help shape its future to 2060 and beyond.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Event
Chatswood Markets featured artist Danielle Lamb
23 Oct 2026 Danielle Lamb is an independent Australian songwriter, with a voice of both power and fragility that can relax and elevate the soul.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Willoughby City Council — Events
- Event
Preschoolers Bush Scramble – Hollows and hiding spots
21 Oct 2026 Look up at the tall trees and peer down onto the forest floor in beautiful Blue Gum Reserve.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Willoughby City Council — Events
- Event
How to use AI to create content that actually wins clients
20 Oct 2026 Master AI content creation with copywriter expert. Learn to build trust and win clients as an agent, broker or adviser.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Willoughby City Council — Events
- Policy
Business Breakthrough – your 5-week success plan
19 Oct 2026 Turn your business goals into a clear, actionable plan and set yourself up for success.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Willoughby City Council — Events
- Have your say
Draft VPA - 2-6, Second Ave, Willoughby East (Former Tresillian Site)
Learn more Last updated: 15 Oct 2026 Draft VPA - 2-6, Second Ave, Willoughby East (Former Tresillian Site) Draft Voluntary Planning Agreement for 2-6 Second Avenue, Willoughby East (Former Tresillian Nursing Home) Learn
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Have Your Say Willoughby
- Event
Chatswood Markets featured artist: Kaye He
16 Oct 2026 Kaye is a dynamic and talented singer who blends various musical genres in her performances.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Willoughby City Council — Events
- Event
Willoughby Emerging Art Prize
28 Oct 2026 Celebrate the next generation of Australian artists at the Willoughby Emerging Art Prize 2026.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Willoughby City Council — Events
- Event
Balance bike lessons (Booked out)
08 Oct 2026 Lessons to help children aged 3 to 7 years learn how to ride using balance bikes.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Willoughby City Council — Events
- Policy
Statewide Community Participation Plan
Last modified on 06 October 2026 The NSW Government has introduced a new Statewide Community Participation Plan that changes how development applications are notified across NSW, including in the Willoughby local government area.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Event
ArtsNational Ku-ring-gai – The Art of State Ceremonial Music
07 Oct 2026 How does the military prepare for major events such as the State Opening of Parliament, state visits, a National Day of Remembrance, royal weddings or even a state funeral? Speaker: Graham Jones.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Willoughby City Council — Events
- Have your say
Streetscape upgrade for Fullers Road and Greville Street, Chatswood
Learn more Last updated: 4 Nov 2026 Streetscape upgrade for Fullers Road and Greville Street, Chatswood The engagement outcome report has been finalised Learn more
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Have Your Say Willoughby
- Event
2026 Monthly food crop swap
02 Oct 2026 Swap excess food crops grown from your garden with other gardeners and exchange garden tips for growing healthy food, while enjoying freshly house-made baked goods from Blend Café.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Willoughby City Council — Events
- Event
MOSAIC school holiday program – Friday 2 October 2026
02 Oct 2026 Enjoy a two-hour creative activity where kids will make a colourful spring-themed artwork and a funny Halloween talking pumpkin.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Willoughby City Council — Events
- Policy
Chatswood secures $1 million for safer, more welcoming spaces
Last modified on 30 September 2026 Local women, girls and gender diverse people will be invited to help identify issues that impact their perceptions of safety and shape improvements in Chatswood South CBD as part of a new $1 million project to help make the area feel safer, more welcoming and easier to move around.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Event
Hospitality and barista skills
01 Oct 2026 Two day hospitality training workshop for ages 14-17 Chatswood Youth Centre, Victor Street, Chatswood 2067 Tagged as: , Education, Youth
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Willoughby City Council — Events
- Waste
Exhibition – Sean Yang: A collection of interests
22 Oct 2026 Many of us define ourselves through images, ideas and cultural reference that capture our attention. These fragments of influence reveal parts of ourselves, collectively offering an intimate insight into our lives.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Willoughby City Council — Events
- Policy
Devonshire Street Children’s Centre wins garden award
Last modified on 25 September 2026 Willoughby City Council’s Devonshire Street Children’s Centre in Chatswood has been recognised nationally for its intergenerational vegetable garden, which brings children and grandparents together to grow, learn and share knowledge.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Event
Dementia Week talk: Living a brain-healthy lifestyle
25 Sep 2026 Discover simple strategies to support brain health, reduce the risk of cognitive decline and enhance our overall health and wellbeing.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Willoughby City Council — Events
- Event
Preschoolers bush scramble – Dinosaur adventure
23 Sep 2026 Join us on a prehistoric adventure to learn about megafauna and dinosaurs. O.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Willoughby City Council — Events
- Event
Chatswood business chats: Meet your Service NSW Concierge
20 Oct 2026 Book a free 1-on-1 session with a Service NSW Business Concierge in Chatswood to get personalised support on navigating government regulations, saving time and unlocking growth opportunities for your business.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Willoughby City Council — Events
- Event
Open Mic Night in Chatswood Mall Market
18 Sep 2026 Join us for a fun and vibrant Open Mic Night at Chatswood Mall Market.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Willoughby City Council — Events
- Event
Focus on fox control bushwalk
16 Sep 2026 A coastal bushwalk and discussion on wildlife management, focusing on red fox control strategies in Willoughby. Explosives Reserve, Cammaray Road, Meet at entrance opposite no.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Willoughby City Council — Events
- Event
Tax Help program 2026
26 Oct 2026 Need assistance completing your tax return? The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) can help.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Willoughby City Council — Events
- Policy
Family picnic and planting day
12 Sep 2026 Free family planting day at Northbridge Park! Learn gardening, beautify the park, grab a free hot drink and picnic together outdoors.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Willoughby City Council — Events
- Policy
Draft Willoughby City Council Cycling Strategy and Action Plan 2034
Learn more Last updated: 11 Sept 2026 Draft Willoughby City Council Cycling Strategy and Action Plan 2034 The strategy and action plan were adopted in June 2026 Learn more
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Have Your Say Willoughby
- Policy
Richmond Ave Reserve Action Plan
Learn more Last updated: 30 Oct 2026 Richmond Ave Reserve Action Plan This project is now finalised and the RAP updated Learn more
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Have Your Say Willoughby
- Policy
Willoughby Emerging Art Prize returns after 19-year hiatus
Last modified on 17 August 2026 The Willoughby Art Prize is back after a 19-year hiatus, relaunched as the Willoughby Emerging Art Prize with a $15,000 prize pool for emerging visual artists from across Australia.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
Exhibition – A humble exploration of the Sea of Ink
24 Sep 2026 The theme of this exhibition is 'Exploring the vast sea of ink' (墨海蠡测), reflecting the spirit of Chinese calligraphy.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Willoughby City Council — Events
- Policy
Council issues penalty notice over Castlecrag construction runoff
Last modified on 19 August 2026 Willoughby City Council has issued a penalty notice to the occupier of 100 Edinburgh Road in Castlecrag after a follow-up inspection found required pollution controls had not been put in place.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Event
Festive Flags Competition 2026
16 Oct 2026 Have your artwork displayed in Chatswood during the Christmas and New Years period.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Willoughby City Council — Events
- Policy
Planning begins for Chatswood's next chapter
Last modified on 25 August 2026 Willoughby City Council has begun work on the most significant planning project Chatswood has seen in a generation, with Chatswood 2060, a long-term vision and master plan that will shape the centre's growth, liveability and identity to 2060 and beyond.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Event
MOSAIC semester 2 2026
29 Oct 2026 Learn a new language or cultural activity in one of our 16 week courses commencing July 2026.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Willoughby City Council — Events
- Waste
Free support for local businesses as new food waste rules roll out
Last modified on 01 September 2026 Local food businesses can now access free support to prepare for new NSW Government Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) rules, which will require many cafés, restaurants, supermarkets, schools and hotels to separate food waste from general waste.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Willoughby Fauna Fair returns with new Nature Makers Market
Last modified on 09 September 2026 The Willoughby Fauna Fair is back at Willoughby Park on Sunday 20 September, with a new Nature Makers Market, alongside wildlife encounters, live music and hands-on activities for all ages.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
Re-exhibition: Reclassification of Council land, Northbridge Plaza
Learn more Last updated: 19 Oct 2026 Re-exhibition: Reclassification of Council land, Northbridge Plaza On 28 September 2026 Council endorsed the planning proposal to be submitted to the State Government for finalisation. This engagement is now completed.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Have Your Say Willoughby
- Policy
Draft Delivery Program 2025-2029 and Operational Plan 2026/27
Learn more Last updated: 20 July 2026 Draft Delivery Program 2025-2029 and Operational Plan 2026/27 Council adopted the documents at its meeting on 29 June 2026 Learn more
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Have Your Say Willoughby
- Have your say
Muston Park Activations - fitness station
Learn more Last updated: 2 Oct 2026 Muston Park Activations - fitness station The equipment has now been installed.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Have Your Say Willoughby
- Have your say
Proposed parking changes for Willoughby Leisure Centre Precinct
Learn more Last updated: 30 Oct 2026 Proposed parking changes for Willoughby Leisure Centre Precinct Council made a number of decisions about parking for the WLC Precinct at its meeting on 26 October 2026. View the resolution on this page.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Have Your Say Willoughby
- Have your say
Bicentennial Reserve playground renewal
Learn more Bicentennial Reserve playground renewal Thank you for your input to this engagement. It is now closed for evaluation and review.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Have Your Say Willoughby
- Development
Planning Proposal for 28 Beaconsfield Road, Chatswood
Learn more Planning Proposal for 28 Beaconsfield Road, Chatswood Thank you for your input to this engagement. It is now closed for evaluation and review.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Have Your Say Willoughby
- Have your say
Chatswood to St Leonards Active Way
Learn more Chatswood to St Leonards Active Way Thank you for your input into this engagement. Submissions are now being reviewed.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Have Your Say Willoughby
- Have your say
Car share space proposals
Learn more Car share space proposals Thank you for your input to this engagement. It is now closed for evaluation and review.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Have Your Say Willoughby
- Event
Chatswood Markets featured artist: Breakfast at Tiffany's Duo
11 Sep 2026 Deeply personal and poetic, this husband-wife duo have travelled the world performing together.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Willoughby City Council — Events
- Event
Home Grown: Surface Tension
04 Oct 2026 An exhibition exploring notions of visibility Art Space Gallery – The Concourse, 409 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood 2067 Tagged as: , Exhibition
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Willoughby City Council — Events
- 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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