Our Council – Autumn 2024

Mayor’s Message

Welcome to the Autumn edition of ‘Our Council’

Update on Major Projects

Safer walking and cycling along the Pacific Highway

Housing REFORMS

Council responds to the NSW Government’s proposed housing reforms

Active Transport

Discover a new cycling path to try in Hornsby Shire

In

More

Coronation StrEet

A

Your

Message Mayor’s

WELCOME TO ‘OUR COUNCIL’, OUR QUARTERLY PUBLICATION, BRINGING YOU NEWS OF WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING ACROSS HORNSBY SHIRE.

Greetings and a warm welcome to the third edition of Our Council, your quarterly insight into the latest projects and initiatives in the Hornsby Shire. As we delve into this edition, I’d like to reassure you that we have been advocating for you, our community, around the NSW Government’s housing reforms, particularly concerning low and mid-rise housing, which many of you will have read about in the media.

In response to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s “Explanation of Intended Effect: Changes to create low and mid-rise housing”, we have made a submission on the proposal, outlining our thoughts and recommendations.

Our submission highlights our concerns that the density of development proposed under the state-wide approach to deliver housing will impact the character of the Shire’s suburbs, heritage, environment, tree canopy and infrastructure. It will also risk over-development in areas prone to floods, bushfires and parts of the Shire without adequate supply of wastewater infrastructure or on escarpments.

We have requested an exemption from the proposed changes to progress our own local medium density housing strategy. As your Mayor, I am committed to ensuring that we achieve our housing targets appropriately, and I hope the state government works with us so this can be achieved. Read more about this on page 3.

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AS YOUR MAYOR, I AM COMMITTED TO ENSURING THAT WE ACHIEVE OUR HOUSING TARGETS APPROPRIATELY, AND I HOPE THE STATE GOVERNMENT WORKS WITH US SO THIS CAN BE ACHIEVED.

“

Of course, we have many other projects occurring simultaneously. Our major project upgrading the streetscape between Asquith and Mount Colah is making progress – read more about this on page 2. It’s also important that our community can move around our Shire in alternative ways to driving. There are substantial health and environmental benefits to active transport. Turn to page 4 for details on how you can get out and enjoy the shared paths recently completed.

At our recent Council meeting in February, Councillor Nathan Tilbury was elected as the new Deputy Mayor for the remaining seven months of this term of Council. I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate Councillor Tilbury and thank Councillor Warren Waddell for his service as Deputy Mayor over the previous twelve months. For information on your local councillors please visit page 13.

Philip Ruddock AO Mayor, Hornsby Shire Council

major projects Update on

ENCHANCING THE STREETSCAPE FROM ASQUITH TO MOUNT COLAH

The area along the Pacific Highway between Asquith and Mount Colah is soon to get a fresh new look. Largely funded by Development Contributions, the upgrades will provide aesthetic, functional and environmental improvements to enhance the community experience of the area.

Stage One of the upgrades will focus on paths on the western side of the Pacific Highway between Amor Street in Asquith and Yirra Road in Mount Colah, and includes wider footpaths, landscaping and accessible amenities. Old paths will be widened to cater for higher levels of use by groups, wheelchairs and prams.

LANDSCAPING AND AMENITIES

We will upgrade the roadside verges with street trees and other planting works, as well as new furniture at rest locations or bus stops.

In the retail area between Willarong Road and Yirra Road, new paving, furniture and street trees are proposed that will make the setting more attractive and provide accessible amenities such as seating, a drinking fountain and bike racks.

SHARED PATHS

Making it safer and more enjoyable to walk and cycle to shops is one of our current priorities. We’re widening and line marking a section of pavement between Willarong Road and Yirra Road to create a shared path for people to walk or cycle to the shops, with a safe connection also provided to Asquith Park.

Artist impression

DID YOU KNOW?

Stage One of the upgrade is due to commence in mid 2024.

To find out about other projects in motion, scan the QR code or visit: hornsby.nsw.gov.au/infrastructure-works

response Housing

OUR RESPONSE TO THE PROPOSED HOUSING REFORMS

In December last year, the State Government announced the exhibition of their “Explanation of Intended Effect: Changes to create low and mid-rise housing” – a document defining their vision and intent to address the need for low and mid-rise housing in New South Wales.

Under the proposed reforms, the NSW Government would implement overriding measures increasing the density and scale of residential development allowed on properties across the State.

Such changes have the potential to result in significant loss of vegetation and tree canopy, change the character of suburbs, promote private vehicle use and increase dispersed housing provision, increasing the difficulty to adequately plan for necessary infrastructure such as traffic improvements, drainage, parks and open spaces.

Following the State Government’s announcement, councils throughout the Sydney metropolitan area, including Hornsby Shire Council, have been preparing responses. Our submission encourages the NSW Government to set clear housing targets that would allow us to develop and implement our own Housing Strategy to achieve such targets, in a way that is appropriate to the character of our local area and our community expectations.

Our submission highlights concerns that the density of development proposed under the broad-brush approach will impact the character of the Shire’s suburbs, heritage, environment and tree canopy. It would also risk over-development in areas prone to risks such as bush fires and flooding as well as parts of Hornsby Shire without adequate supply of wastewater and sewerage infrastructure.

Additionally, we impressed upon the State Government that our own Local Housing Strategy, which was prepared after extensive consultation with the Hornsby Shire community, has recently seen the adoption of the Hornsby Town Centre Masterplan. This confirms our commitment to providing over 4,900 new dwellings in modern residential towers complemented by open spaces reflective of the Shire’s bushland identity. The masterplan also includes a new multi-purpose community facility, pedestrian and cycling networks and enhanced public transport access.

You can read Council’s submission in response to the State Government’s proposed reforms by scanning the QR code.

Hornsby train station

ACTIVE TRANSPORT

DISCOVER A NEW CYCLING ROUTE

Cycling is an amazing, eco-friendly way to experience Hornsby Shire and can be incorporated into your commute and school drop offs for a sustainable and cost-effective journey.

In response to your feedback emphasising the significance of walking and cycling and in line with our Walking and Cycling Strategy, we are delivering new shared paths for you to experience the many benefits of active transport. These projects have been funded thanks to a combination of grants from the NSW Government, Development Contributions and Council’s own operational budgets.

Take a look at some of our newer paths, an old favourite and one that will come online soon. Get out there to give them a try.

BEECROFT TO CHELTENHAM

Distance: 1.5km

The route between Beecroft and Cheltenham Railway Stations is one of our newest shared paths, and provides a well graded and improved dual cycling and walking path suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It’s a great link for residents and community groups between train stations, residences, shopping precincts and other places of interest.

This is the first stage of a shared walking and cycling path from Pennant Hills to Epping. There will be further community engagement before progressing the remaining proposed sections between Pennant Hills and Beecroft Stations, and Cheltenham and Epping Stations.

Coronation Street Plaza bike repair station

CYCLING

IS THE MOST ENERGY-EFFICIENT FORM OF TRANSPORT ON EARTH “ “

BROOKLYN

Distance: 3km

Soon you will be able to enjoy a bike ride around beautiful Brooklyn on the new shared paths, stretching from a new boardwalk between Baden Powell Avenue and along Brooklyn Road to Kangaroo Point. This scenic new route will allow you to take in the area’s natural beauty and support local businesses in the picturesque, waterside community by having a bite to eat and a cycle around.

This project cost $7.62 million and was delivered through the NSW Government’s Get NSW Active program to strengthen active transport in the Brooklyn community, making it easier for people to enjoy Brooklyn’s many scenic landmarks without getting in the car. The new shared path is set to open mid this year, with the boardwalk due for completion towards the end of 2024.

ASQUITH TO HORNSBY

Distance: 1.2km

This convenient shared path makes cycling easy along Peats Ferry Road between Hornsby’s West side and the start of the shops in Asquith. The 2.5-metre-wide path features a more established path running from the start of Galston Road, which now connects with the recently developed path which was part of the Asquith domain improvements funded by Development Contributions.

This route can be enjoyed by commuters to Hornsby Station, as well as families and shoppers accessing Hornsby Town Centre or Hornsby Aquatic and Leisure Centre.

And the great news is that we have responded to our community’s passion for active transport by allocating funds from our Special Rate Variation to deliver even more shared paths for you to embrace a healthier, more sustainable form of transport. So keep your eyes out for more projects to be announced over the coming months.

DID YOU KNOW?

There is a proposed shared path for Castle Hill Road, West Pennant Hills in the works.

To find out about other projects in motion, scan the QR code or visit: hornsby.nsw.gov.au/infrastructure-works

Brooklyn boardwalk

Our Council

Library Services In the Spotlight

HORNSBY

HOME LIBRARY SERVICE

Before Hornsby Library opened over 50 years ago, the Shire was serviced by the Travelling Library for Girls and Boys, a mobile library in a van. Nowadays, the Home Library service offers a free delivery service for Hornsby Shire residents who have difficulty visiting the library. People who may be frail aged, restricted by disability or illness, or have caring responsibilities may be eligible to join the Home Library Service.

Currently, the service has over 230 individual members and 13 institutional members. Our wonderful Home Library team individually select items for members and deliver every four weeks across the Shire.

The team find out what members like to read, watch, or listen to and create a personal profile to help with the selection of materials. This allows people access to the library and resources they otherwise wouldn’t be able to unless they had family or someone to do it for them.

Items include:

„ Books, including large print books

„ Audio books

„ DVDs

„ Envoy Connects (a simple hand-held device which we load with audiobooks)

„ Music CDs

„ Magazines

FIND OUT MORE

To find out more about the Home Library service and whether you are eligible, please scan the QR code, call 9847 6806 or email homelibrary@hornsby.nsw.gov.au

Hornsby Shire Council

“NO LONGER A PLACE TO SIMPLY BORROW BOOKS, LIBRARIES OFFER A MYRIAD OF SERVICES AND EXPERIENCES. “

HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

Libraries are at the heart of our communities. They are evolving and expanding beyond their traditional roles. No longer a place to simply borrow books, libraries offer a myriad of services and experiences.

Hornsby Shire libraries, provide a shared space for everyone in our diverse community, a meeting place for individuals and ideas. They’re safe, free and non-discriminatory, a place to discover and delight in diversity.

As Hugh Mackay says, libraries are “the new village green…where people meet…to connect to a world of ideas”.

DISCOVER

„ Regular author talks, seminars and workshops

„ Children’s programs for babies, pre-schoolers and school aged kids

„ School holiday activities

„ Community service providers such as Lifeline Connect and DCaf Dementia Café

„ Weekly knitting groups, family history groups and book clubs

„ Meeting rooms for hire at Hornsby and Berowra libraries

„ Computers and free internet access

„ Justice of the Peace volunteers at Hornsby, Pennant Hills and Berowra libraries

„ eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines

„ Discovery kits –a range of STEAM devices and kits

„ Games and Puzzles

„ Thermal cameras to borrow

„ Community language collection in Chinese, Hindi and Korean

„ Local history studies resources

„ Student support services, in particular for HSC students

DID YOU KNOW?

We have libraries located across the Shire at Hornsby, Berowra, Pennant Hills and Galston.

For more information scan the QR code or drop in at your local library and discover for yourself.

Author Talk event with Gwen Bitti

Environment our

CITIZEN SCIENCE AND CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY MAP AQUATIC BIODIVERSITY

In a first for Hornsby Shire, a group of almost one hundred citizen scientists have deployed cuttingedge Environmental DNA (eDNA) technology to gather a comprehensive “snap-shot in time” of organisms living within a sample of creeks throughout the Shire, revealing an incredible diversity of birds, mammals and fish.

Supported by a NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet Social Cohesion Grant, “Community, creeks and critters – using eDNA technology to connect people, place and science” called on residents to get involved in the project by taking on some basic scientific training before donning their field gear and bushwalking into a cross-section of the Shire’s creek lines – from easily accessed urban and rural settings to remote off-trail sites.

Over several days, 94 citizen scientists collected 82 samples from 41 sites. From these samples, eDNA analysis at the Melbourne EnviroDNA laboratory

detected a total of 97 “vertebrate taxa” – meaning 97 different groupings of distinct, backboned critters living in and around our local waterways including 6 frog, 25 fish, 6 reptile, 36 bird and 24 mammal species.

Council’s Environment Manager, Dr Peter Coad, says the results provide us new insights into the Shire’s aquatic biodiversity but the great success of the program to date is also testament to a passionate community of budding scientists and engaged Bushland Shire residents.

“The fact that we’ve been able to gather such a great data set through this program already I think really speaks to the passion of local people for our environment and in particular, our creeks and waterways”, says Dr Coad.

“This program simply wouldn’t have been possible without a substantial number of volunteer hours.

Sampling at one of the Shire’s creeks

THE RESULTS FOUND SEVERAL RARE AND ENDANGERED ANIMALS – A REMINDER THAT HORNSBY SHIRE’S GREAT SWATHES OF BUSHLAND AND NATIONAL PARKS ARE TREASURED HABITAT FOR MANY ANIMALS “

We were so thrilled to see such a great response to the call-out and people of all ages getting involved.”

Among the species identified in the results were several rare and endangered animals – a reminder that Hornsby Shire’s great swathes of bushland and National Parks are treasured habitat for many animals downstream of our creeks and town centres.

Included on the list of sensitive species were the Rakali (Hydromys chrysogaster) – a native aquatic mammal otherwise known as the “Golden-bellied water mouse” or “Australian otter”. Rakali hold significant ecological importance within Australia’s aquatic systems. As the largest native rodent species on the continent, they inhabit areas where there is a consistent presence of water and abundant vegetation throughout the year and are known for their unusual ability to kill cane toads without being poisoned.

Also on the list was the grey-headed flying fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) – a native megabat that is listed as vulnerable under Federal and NSW laws –and the sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps) – a small, tree-dwelling nocturnal gliding possum.

Importantly, the eDNA samples also identified some introduced species like the saw-shelled turtle (Wollumbinia latisternum) that could prove to be an impact on local native species as well as the presence of domestic animals like dogs and livestock in some areas.

To ensure that the citizen scientists capture seasonal variation in the examined habitats, last year’s spring sampling is due to be followed by further dates at the same locations this autumn, a process that Dr Coad says will “improve our confidence in the results found to date and further engage our citizen scientists in learning about our local waterways”.

FIND OUT MORE

Residents curious about the critters in our creeks can learn more about the program’s discoveries through an innovative “dashboard” that includes an interactive map of our sampled sites and information about the animals identified at each.

To learn more and access the dashboard, scan the QR code or visit: hornsby.nsw.gov.au/communitycreekscritters

Rakali (Hydromys chrysogaster)

Citizen scientists

coronation street A NEW COMMUNITY SPACE

CORONATION STREET INSPIRED BY HISTORY

Since 1896, Coronation Street in Hornsby has been known for the smell of freshly baked bread. Now, it’s the smell of freshly roasted coffee, pizza, kimchi and other culinary delights. Coronation Street has been synonymous with food in Hornsby for over 120 years. This rich and delicious history was the inspiration for the Coronation StrEAT project.

JUDGE’S BAKERY GHOST BUILDING AND PLAZA

Funded by the NSW Government ‘Your High Street’ grant program, the Coronation StrEAT! project was officially opened by Hornsby Shire Mayor Philip Ruddock in December 2023. It sees a portion of a tired car park reborn as a new community space to activate the area, supporting local businesses and community interaction.

At the south end of the car park, the new ghost building is a permanent fixture, providing an attractive new public space for people to meet, linger

and enjoy something tasty from a local eatery. The northern end of the car park features new catenary lighting, surrounded by bushland themed murals and new landscaping.

Built to 1:1 scale of the former Judge’s Bakery, the ghost building pays homage to Hornsby’s rich (and delicious) history. Established as a bakery in 1886 by C.B. Smith, the former building remained a bakery for over 70 years and was part of the earliest shopping precinct in Hornsby.

DINE IN, DINE OUT, REST AND REHYDRATE

The ghost building and micro plaza has a variety of seating options, as well as facilities for cyclists. The flexible design and supporting infrastructure of the adjoining carpark provides opportunities for pop up day or night celebrations, food trucks, outdoor dining, farmers markets, live music and other activities to attract people back to the west side precinct.

Bakery and Hairdressers, early 1900s

Judge’s Bakery Ghost Building

A NEW COMMUNITY SPACE TO ACTIVATE THE AREA, SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY INTERACTION “ “

PUBLIC ART MURALS

A series of seven public art works were commissioned for the space. Inspired by a newspaper article about the bakery seeking women to work at the business during wartime, Sydney muralist, Fintan Magee, painted a mural on thin slats creating a contemporary piece which was installed on the side of the ghost building. The newspaper article is also referenced by artist, Hugues Sineux in Beattie Lane which features a patchwork of images of historic photographs and references of the neighbourhood from the 20th century.

Under the Judge’s Bakery ghost building, an abstract mural by Elliott Routledge is heavily inspired by the Hawkesbury River and the Shire’s native flora.

Take a wander through Coronation Street, Beattie Lane, Jersey Lane and Jersey Street and discover some of the local stories behind these amazing pieces.

DID YOU KNOW?

You can book the space for an activation like busking or a small event!

Please scan the QR code or visit: hornsby.nsw.gov.au/coronationstreatprecinct

Car parking

Wiggle River Mural by Elliott Routledge

Mural by Hugues Sineux, Beattie Lane

Judge’s Bakery Horse and Cart

Waste

Drop

VISITING

You

We know how much you value our much loved Community Recycling Centre. To ensure the smooth running of the the centre, we’re encouraging you to make sure you prepare for your visit and get everything sorted.

Waste matters

29 Sefton Road, Thornleigh

Tuesday to Friday, 8.30am-4pm

Saturday, 8.30am-12pm

Closed Public Holidays

PREPARE FOR YOUR VISIT

Paint

„ Only household quantities accepted; 20kg or 20L maximum container size.

Motor

„ Please transport your materials carefully. Dangerous goods and items other than those listed will not be accepted.

„ Please ensure items are separated for easy drop off.

Smoke

„ Remove paper inserts and plastic cases from DVD, VHS, CD and audio cassettes.

Household

Paint

„ Empty and flatten cardboard boxes.

Only

„ Group like items together.

For all up to date and detailed information please scan the QR code, call Council’s Waste hotline 13 70 30 or visit our website: hornsby.nsw.gov.au/crc

Smoke detectors

DID

Drop

Household

councillors your

WHICH WARD IS YOURS?

MAYOR B WARD COUNCILLORS

The Honourable Philip Ruddock AO (02) 9847 6666 pruddock@hornsby.nsw.gov.au

A WARD COUNCILLORS

Cr Tania Salitra 0435 434 233 tsalitra@hornsby.nsw.gov.au

Cr Monika Ball 0468 374 611 mball@hornsby.nsw.gov.au

C WARD COUNCILLORS

Cr Verity Greenwood 0420 960 250 vgreenwood@hornsby.nsw.gov.au

To find out which ward you live in, scan the QR code.

Cr Nathan Tilbury 0403 227 560 ntilbury@hornsby.nsw.gov.au

Cr Sallianne McClelland 0418 554 238 smcclelland@hornsby.nsw.gov.au

Cr Emma Heyde 0403 589 722 eheyde@hornsby.nsw.gov.au

Cr Warren Waddell 0499 004 861 wwaddell@hornsby.nsw.gov.au

Cr Janelle McIntosh 0413 251 055 jmcintosh@hornsby.nsw.gov.au

Cr Sreeni Pillamarri 0499 116 664 spillamarri@hornsby.nsw.gov.au

Council recognises the Traditional Owners of the lands of Hornsby Shire, the Dharug and GuriNgai peoples, and pays respect to their Ancestors and Elders past and present and to their Heritage.

We acknowledge and uphold their intrinsic connections and continuing relationships to Country.

GET IN TOUCH

‘Our Council’ is a Hornsby Shire Council publication. Send us your feedback or suggestions for stories to: media@hornsby.nsw.gov.au

Subscribe to our free monthly eNews: hornsby.nsw.gov.au/enews

CONTACT DETAILS

Hornsby Shire Council

PO Box 37, Hornsby NSW 1630

Phone: 9847 6666

Fax: (02) 9847 6999

Email: hsc@hornsby.nsw.gov.au

Customer service (telephone and online) hours: 8.30am–5pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)

In person: Customer Enquiries counter is located inside Hornsby Library, 28-44 George Street, Hornsby hornsby.nsw.gov.au

This publication is printed on Supreme Uncoated Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper using vegetable oil based inks and an alcohol-free ISO 14001 certified printing process.