Traditional Owners

The original inhabitants of the Lane Cove area were the Cammeraygal Aboriginal people.

Settlement history

European settlement of the area dates from 1794 when the first land grants were made, although development was hampered by the rugged terrain. Land was used mainly for timber-getting, orchards, market gardens, dairies, farms and some lime burning. Growth occurred from the 1850s to the 1880s, following the gold rush era and the establishment of tanneries and cornflour mills in Lane Cove West. In 1901 the population of Lane Cove numbered 2,000 people. Some development occurred in the early 1900s, generally on the higher ridges near the river, aided by the establishment of the Shell Company at Greenwich in 1903. Subdivision occurred from the 1920s, mainly in the eastern area, spurred by the extension of the tramway in 1909 to the central Lane Cove area. The most significant development was in the post-war years, especially in the 1950s. Industrial growth took place in the 1960s in the Lane Cove West Industrial Area centred on Mars Road. The population grew slightly during the 1990s, from nearly 29,000 in 1991 to over 30,000 in 2001. The population has remained relatively stable between 2001 and 2006.

Land use

Lane Cove is predominantly a residential area, with some industrial and commercial areas. Significant parklands, reserves and bushland are located along the waterways and foreshores of the Lane Cove River and its tributaries.

Transport

The Council area is served by the Pacific Highway and the Lane Cove Tunnel.

Major features

• Major features of the Council area include the Lane Cove River,
• St Ignatius College,
• Greenwich Hospital,
• Lane Cove Shopping Centre,
• Lane Cove Aquatic Centre,
• Lane Cove Golf Course,
• Blackman Park,
• Gore Creek Reserve and Lane Cove Bushland Park.

Included areas