Councillor Robert Samuel - Willoughby

16/06/2026

In the budget before Council Monday week is proposed funding for a public toilet near the playground at Beauchamp Park. It is part of a broader push by me and others on Council to place more toilets where people need them with the functionality people need.

We have at least 30 years of feedback from community of the need for a toilet at this location, so we know it’s desired. Looks like we will get one in Greville St West Chatswood as well.

With a Willoughby City Council strategy in place now , each year we should see new toilets each year. In the last year or so we have seen new ones pop up near the playground and community garden as well as at the shops at Artarmon as well as all-abilities end-of-trip facilities at Chatswood at the Dougherty Centre.

We still need an operating model that keeps toilets in good nick. That is an even bigger challenge.

Attached is an interesting article on a public toilet strategy for a regional area in NSW that might have some lessons for us here in Willoughby.

https://citychangers.org/midcoast-public-toilets-strategy/

Willoughby Living

15/06/2026

A State issue but vital for our neighbourhood.

Bus route changes include a more frequent 194 bus from St Ives down EVW to the city. However, perhaps ominously, also changes to the Castle Cove to Chatswood route “to improve reliability”. I am hoping that is not code for a reduced service. Timetable changes will be out two weeks before they come into effect.

In principal good to see attempts to recognise changed travel patterns as a result of the metro and shift bus routes. Addressing the capacity issues for buses in and out of Chatswood remains in the too hard basket for now it seems.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/bus-routes-axed-new-ones-added-under-sweeping-changes-to-sydney-network-20260612-p606dg.html

Thank you Marjorie O’Neill Parl Sec for Transport for giving it a go.

03/06/2026

This is a so very sad to see. It embeds extra risk and cost into every playground Council chooses to build. Here at Willoughby City Council it has been over 100 years since we have established a new children’s playground in the Chatswood CBD. These stories make changing this that much harder 😞.

North Shore Mums Willoughby Living North Shore Lorikeet

This is so sad... children's playgrounds should be safe spaces for all 😢

Lane Cove Council is responding to repeated vandalism at Wadanggari Playground, with recent damage affecting the yellow enclosed section of the play structure. The damaged area has been cordoned off while repairs are planned. Council’s investigation found that the enclosed design creates a surveillance blind spot despite existing CCTV and lighting, and it is considering removing some opaque wall panels to improve visibility.

The latest vandalism incident occurred around the same time emergency services were responding to a fire at the playground. Police reported that a marked police vehicle travelling to the fire scene struck a nine-year-old boy on the Pacific Highway in St Leonards. The child was treated at the scene before being taken to Sydney Children’s Hospital in a stable condition. Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the collision.

Council is also working with local authorities, investigating preventative measures, and will provide updates on repair timelines and any design changes once investigations are complete.
Image: Lane Cove Council

30/05/2026

Great to see Castlecrag going off! Thank you to the community and businesses who worked with Willoughby City Council to give real meaning to Mayor Tanya Taylor’s push to bring community life to our suburbs in partnership with businesses. Similar “activations” have occurred in other shopping strips and with the ongoing support of community , local businesses and fellow Councillors I am looking forward to being part of the next one.

28/05/2026

The ABC is covering Public Toilets. I am backing new public toilets to be funded both in next year’s budget and beyond. No fun being caught short at a public park.

20/05/2026

Dr Marjorie O’Neill Parlt Secretary for Transport announcing a plan for eliminating phantom buses. Also concession opal cards will shift onto mobile phones. I will not miss filling in those forms to get a new School Opal Card. Our kids lose Opal Cards but not their phones !

Send a message to learn more

13/05/2026

The draft budget for next year is out for consultation. What has been missed ? What proposed doesn’t seem to stack up? This is the last opportunity for changes to the 26/27 budget before the year starts. The plan shows modest surpluses as cover for the unexpected. In a high inflationary environment this is an important precaution that I support despite many unfunded needed infrastructure items still in the shelf. More work to do.

08/05/2026

Northbridge Golf Club Castle Cove Golf Club

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/may/08/australia-golf-course-re-zoning

Golf Australia is preparing to defend the country’s public courses, even as participation growth skews towards non-traditional venues