A Labor councillor in Lane Cove has proposed using ratepayers’ funds to back drag queen entertainment in the suburb, a move that will be debated by the Lane Cove Council on Thursday night. Councillor Katie Little, who is the daughter of late entertainer Jeannie Little, said the plan would help “jazz up” Pride Month next June and put Lane Cove on the map as a cosmopolitan and culturally diverse precinct on Sydney’s lower north shore. The motion comes as Lane Cove, traditionally seen as an upscale residential area, currently has no dedicated queer venues and relies on nearby districts for LGBTQIA+ nightlife.
Little’s proposal calls for a $5,000 one-off community grant program to support local hospitality venues in hosting drag shows and other LGBTQIA+ entertainment. The grant would come from an existing fund that supports non-profit groups, with Little arguing that the money would not require new spending or divert funds from other council programs. The motion frames the effort as more than a frivolous event; it says the funding would bolster local business, align with the council’s social inclusion strategy, and reinforce Lane Cove’s commitment to diversity, while reminding residents that “Lane Cove is the place to visit where everyone belongs.”
The proposal is expected to polarize councillors when they vote on Thursday night. Independent and former mayor Scott Bennison criticized the plan as a misuse of ratepayers’ money, arguing that Lane Cove residents aren’t interested in funding “profitable” entertainment ventures and that funds should support those in need during the cost-of-living crisis. Bennison told 2GB host Ben Fordham that local businesses and residents had expressed little enthusiasm for redirecting rates toward drag events, and that if individuals or organizations want such programming, they should fund it privately.
Little pushed back against the criticism, saying the motion would not drain existing resources and would not add to the council’s budget. She described the measure as “two birds with one stone”—providing a cultural boost while supporting local hospitality during what she characterized as a financially challenging period. She acknowledged public attention to the proposal but maintained there is community support for greater inclusivity and a visible queer presence within Lane Cove itself, rather than requiring residents to travel to nearby areas such as Kings Cross, Darlinghurst, or Marrickville to access LGBTQIA+ entertainment.
Public reaction online has been divided. Some residents and commenters invoked typical budget priorities, suggesting roads, security, or essential services should take precedence over entertainment grants. Others argued that cultural offerings and inclusive programming can stimulate foot traffic and local commerce, especially in a suburb that prides itself on cosmopolitanism but currently lacks dedicated queer venues. The discourse also touched on broader debates about how ratepayers’ money should be used during inflationary pressures and whether local councils should take on what some perceive as social-policy risks.
The motion’s author contends that the initiative would not divert funds from existing programs or add new costs to the council. Instead, she says it would leverage an existing grant stream to empower non-profit groups and hospitality venues to host events that celebrate diversity and generate economic activity. Proponents emphasize that Pride Month programming can draw visitors to Lane Cove, potentially benefiting surrounding businesses, while supporters frame the measure as a matter of social equity and civic pride for a community that seeks to be welcoming to all residents and visitors.
Lane Cove’s status as a cosmopolitan—but largely residential—district has framed the debate. Councillor Little notes that a targeted grant for LGBTQIA+ entertainment would help Lane Cove “stand out” as an inclusive suburb and reduce the need for residents to travel to other parts of the city for queer-focused events. Critics, however, warn against allocating ratepayers’ funds to entertainment ventures that could be perceived as non-essential in tight budgetary times, stressing the importance of core services and value-for-money for taxpayers.
The council briefing paper for Thursday’s meeting reiterates the goal of supporting local businesses while embracing social inclusion. It underscores Lane Cove’s stated priorities, including fostering a diverse and vibrant community and ensuring that cultural programming reflects the needs of residents across age groups and backgrounds. The debate on the motion is likely to touch on broader questions about the role of local government in supporting the arts and LGBTQIA+ life, as well as how best to balance cultural initiatives with essential municipal services.
As the date of the vote approaches, Lane Cove residents will be watching closely to see whether the council endorses a measure that could redefine the suburb’s cultural landscape. The outcome could shape how similar communities weigh the trade-offs between funding programming that reflects evolving social norms and prioritizing traditional municipal services during a period of rising cost pressures. The decision will also determine whether Lane Cove becomes a more visible stage for queer entertainment, or whether the funds should remain allocated to existing programs that supporters say are essential to the community’s well-being.