We want your feedback on the Community Strategic Plan 10 06 02
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MAYOR’S MESSAGE
Mayor Waddell shares his priorities for Hornsby Shire
Update on Major Projects
Old Mans Valley Field of Play, Westleigh Park DA and local road updates
HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT NEWS
NSW Government’s Transport Orientated Development Program for Hornsby announced
spotlight on Community Connections From Lifeline Connect through to BubBushcare there is something for everyone
HAVE YOUR SAY
10 08 Upgrades to Brickpit Park
Ready, set, play! New exciting features at Brickpit Park are now open
YOUR COUNCILLORS
Get in touch with your Councillors
Hornsby Shire Council
Message Mayor’s
WELCOME TO ‘OUR COUNCIL’, OUR QUARTERLY PUBLICATION, BRINGING YOU NEWS OF WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING ACROSS HORNSBY SHIRE.
As a Council, it is our commitment that we remain community led in all our decisions, projects and plans. Our draft 10-year Community Strategic Plan, your plan for how you would like Hornsby Shire to be in 2035, is currently on public exhibition until 21 April.
Titled ‘Your Vision | Your Future 2035’, the Community Strategic Plan is the highest-level plan that Council prepares and is developed collaboratively with you, our community. It identifies your main priorities and aspirations for the next 10 years and outlines the various strategies to achieve them. Every project led by Council is guided by this plan.
“ THE COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN IS THE HIGHESTLEVEL PLAN THAT COUNCIL PREPARES AND IS DEVELOPED COLLABORATIVELY WITH YOU, OUR COMMUNITY.
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The major challenges you have identified for the next 10 years include population growth, housing affordability, traffic and transport, economic and technological change, preserving our natural environment, climate change, social diversity and resilience.
In preparing the document, we have considered the feedback from over 10,000 residents, as we work toward a more prosperous and sustainable future for our residents. You can read more about the Community Strategic Plan on page eight.
I strongly encourage you to share your thoughts on this important document to ensure your voice is heard on the future of Hornsby Shire.
With population growth and housing affordability being major areas of concern, it is pleasing that the NSW Government’s recently announced masterplan for the Hornsby Transport Orientated Development (TOD) Program will go some way in addressing these. Based off our own Hornsby Town Centre Masterplan, the Hornsby TOD provides opportunities for over 6,000 new homes in Hornsby Town Centre. This, coupled with our own Affordable Housing Strategy, will hopefully deliver some much-needed housing relief now and in the future. Read more on page four.
With an expanding population, it remains vital that we continue to plan and deliver supporting infrastructure so our residents can enjoy the benefits of recreation. As our major project at Hornsby Park continues to take shape, we were delighted to secure a grant for a new ‘field of play’ at Old Mans Valley. In more good news, our project to build much needed sporting facilities at Westleigh Park took a significant step forward with the approval of the development application. Read more about these important projects on pages two and three.
I do hope you enjoy this informative issue of Our Council, and I look forward to seeing you out and about the Shire this autumn. As ever, if you have any enquiries or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me at wwaddell@hornsby.nsw.gov.au
Warren Waddell
Mayor, Hornsby Shire Council
Update on
major projects
OLD MANS VALLEY ‘FIELD OF PLAY’: HORNSBY’S NEW BACKYARD
Hornsby’s Old Mans Valley, part of the Hornsby Park project, will be transformed into a new ‘Field of Play’ thanks to a Thriving Suburbs grant from the Australian Government. Spanning 7,000 square metres, this multipurpose green space will become Hornsby’s new backyard, offering a range of recreational facilities. It will provide an accessible and welcoming environment for residents of nearby high-density areas, as well as visitors from throughout the Shire and beyond.
A VERSATILE SPACE FOR ALL
The ‘Field of Play’ will provide a versatile space for residents new and old. The playing field will support
vario us sports and casual use, while the bike pump track will accommodate mountain bikes, BMX, skateboards, and wheelchairs. Accessible amenities will include parking, bathroom facilities and change rooms, picnic hubs and dog exercise area. The park will also serve as a venue for events and cultural gatherings, helping to bring people togeth er.
PART OF THE HORNSBY PARK MASTER PLAN
The development of Old Mans Valley is just one part of the larger Hornsby Park Master Plan, which will span 60 hectares of bushland and open space. The first stage of Hornsby Park, featuring the historic Crusher Plant, is set to open this year. The ‘Field of Play’ will be completed in stages over the next three years.
FIND OUT MORE
To view the latest updates on Hornsby Park, scan the QR code or visit: hornsbypark.com.au
Old Mans Valley
WESTLEIGH PARK: PROGRESS UPDATE
The much-needed new recreation facility at Westleigh Park is a step closer, with the Development Application approved by the Sydney North Planning Panel. This marks an important milestone in the creation of a large, multi-purpose park that will provide residents with more opportunities for sport, fitness, and relaxation. The project will also protect bushland while offering diverse spaces for active and passive recreation.
WHAT’S IN THE PLAN?
The site for Westleigh Park comprises of around 36 hectares of cleared open space and bushland. The park will be developed in two stages to meet the community’s growing recreational needs.
Stage One includes a flexible sports field for football, rugby, AFL, and cricket, along with walking and cycling trails, picnic areas, and parking.
Stage Two will add another sports field, an athletics track, and more recreation spaces.
We continue to seek discussions with the Office of Local Government about the funding for this crucial piece of infrastructure for our community.
FIND OUT MORE
To keep up to date with the project visit: hornsby.nsw.gov.au/westleighpark
STAY UPDATED ON LOCAL ROADWORKS
Local roads have been top of mind for many of you, and we’re committed to keeping you informed.
To stay up to date on roadworks, closures, and detours happening in your area, scan the QR code or visit: hornsby.nsw.gov.au/ roadworks
Artist impression of Westleigh Park
NEWS HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT
NSW GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT
ORIENTATED DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
ANNOUNCED
Following the NSW Government’s announcement of its masterplan for the Hornsby Transport Orientated Development (TOD) Program in November, Council welcomes the plan’s alignment with the vision embodied in our Hornsby Town Centre Masterplan. This validates the extensive work Council has undertaken – but we continue to call on the NSW Government for more support in delivering essential infrastructure.
Council’s vision aims to create a vibrant and sustainable hub that is attractive to work and live within. The Hornsby Town Centre Masterplan has a focus on addressing the Shire’s housing needs, considering the surrounding bushland. Development
is limited to Hornsby Town Centre, with towers planned to be strategically clustered near the train station, prioritising vital supporting infrastructure, such as employment, road improvements, parking, pedestrian and cycle networks, and the inclusion of open spaces.
The NSW Government’s masterplan for Hornsby outlines opportunities for 6,244 new homes in appropriately designed residential towers. This number exceeds Council’s carefully planned target for Hornsby Town Centre by over 1,000 dwellings, a figure which had been developed through comprehensive studies and consultation with stakeholders, landowners and the community.
The Hornsby Transport Orientation Development Program includes some notable amendments to Council’s vision, including increased heights, lowering employment numbers and affordable
Hornsby Shire Council
housing requirements, softening of commitments to improve the transport interchange and introducing plans for commuter car parking in the middle of the Centre. These changes have been made in the absence of consultation with elected representatives or our community.
“We have not seen testing of the impacts of these changes on our roads, parking provision, bus circulation or amenity of adjacent areas,” said Hornsby Shire Mayor Warren Waddell.
“The commitment by the Government to the purchase of additional open space within the Hornsby Town Centre is however welcomed, and we look forward to further commitments by the Government to deliver all necessary infrastructure required to support growth.”
COUNCIL ADVANCES AFFORDABLE HOUSING STRATEGY FOR HORNSBY SHIRE
In welcome news, we sealed our long-term commitment to addressing housing stress in the community through the Hornsby Affordable Housing Strategy.
The Affordable Housing Strategy provides a comprehensive framework for planning, facilitating, and advocating for affordable homes for purchase and rent. Emphasis is placed on key workers, acknowledging the value of the many types of individuals and households that make up the current and future Shire community.
For more information scan the QR code or visit: yoursay.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/ hornsby-town-centre-masterplan
community connections spotlight on
We offer a wide range of community services designed to enrich the lives of Hornsby Shire residents. Programs are available to help form meaningful connections and access vital resources.
LIFELINE CONNECT
(EVERY THURSDAY AT HORNSBY LIBRARY)
Did you know we partner with Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury to offer Lifeline Connect? This free mental health support service runs each Thursday at Hornsby Library, 1pm-5.30pm. Trained Lifeline volunteers are on hand to listen and offer support, no referral needed. Feel free to come by for a confidential chat. Additional resources and services are also available.
DCAF CAFÉ
DCaf is a series of regular meetups that provide a safe and welcoming space for people experiencing dementia, as well as their carers and families. It’s a place to socialise and make friends.
HELLO HORNSBY
If you haven’t heard of Hello Hornsby yet, say hello to a special program of regular activities, outings and workshops for Hornsby Shire residents aged 60+ years.
Hello Hornsby organises events throughout the year where Hornsby Shire seniors can meet new people, reconnect with old friends, and try something new.
Hornsby Shire Council
YOUTH SERVICES
We offer a range of youth-focused activities including annual Youth Week events, High School Certificate support, Wear It Purple events, and regular consultations to foster our connections with young people in Hornsby Shire.
MULTICULTURAL SERVICES
We partner with local services to support our diverse community through various programs and workshops. Topics covered include retirement, scams, safety, and health at Hornsby Library.
NEW BUB BUSHCARE
Our New Bub-Bushcare program, launched last November, allows new parents to enjoy some “me time” while caring for local bushland. Trained TAFE students provide babysitting, giving parents the chance to engage in Bushcare and bond with other new parents. Sessions are held every third Monday of the month, from 10am to 12pm, Mount Colah Community Hall.
For details visit: hornsby.nsw.gov.au/bub-bushcare
Additionally, we collaborate with the Chinese Australian Services Society (CASS), which provides settlement support to newly arrived migrants. Every Friday, 10-12pm CASS caseworkers are at Hornsby Library to help newcomers settle into the area. Our community is also celebrated through events like the Taste of the World festival at Hornsby Mall in April.
WELCOME BASKET
New to Hornsby Shire? We have teamed up with Welcome Basket to send you a free gift basket filled with goodies, information, and vouchers for local businesses. Register now at the website below for delivery in select suburbs.
“ Programs are available to help form meaningful connections and access vital resources.
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For details on these services and more scan the QR code or visit: hornsby.nsw.gov.au/ community
community strategic plan have your say
As a Council, it’s important that we remain community-led in all our projects, decisions and plans. That’s why we’re excited to seek your feedback on Your Vision l Your Future 2035, our Community Strategic Plan.
Developed in partnership with the community, key stakeholders and other levels of government, the Community Strategic Plan is the highest-level plan that Hornsby Shire prepares. It identifies the main priorities and aspirations for Hornsby Shire and sets the strategic direction for where the people of Hornsby Shire want to be in 2035.
The plan covers a wide range of areas, including improving transport, providing affordable housing, creating more green spaces and protecting our environment. It also looks at important issues like responding to population growth, local jobs and
social diversity and resilience within the community, especially in relation to bushfires and extreme weather events. The plan helps us make decisions on where to focus resources and how to build a strong, sustainable future.
The draft plan is currently on public exhibition until 21 April, giving you the chance to share your thoughts. Whether you’re looking to improve local parks, want better infrastructure, or have ideas for community events, this is your opportunity to have your say. Your feedback will help us make sure the plan reflects what’s important to everyone who lives here. It’s your community and your voice matters.
OUR COMMUNITY VISION 2035
Hornsby Shire is a place that inspires and sustains us. A place where we value our connections to each other and our environment and celebrate living in our unique urban, suburban, rural and river communities.
Hornsby Shire
TOP 10 COMMUNITY PRIORITIES
Natural environment – bushland, trees and waterways
Population growth, housing diversity and supporting infrastructure
Climate change, waste and environmental sustainability
Transport – traffic, walking and cycling, roads, parking and public transport
Community facilities and cultural events
Diverse and inclusive communities
Parks, open space, recreation and sports
Resilience to shocks and stresses
Youth, ageing, family services
Economic development and vibrant town centres
“ The Community Strategic Plan helps us make decisions on where to focus resources and how to build a strong, sustainable future
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KEY CHALLENGES
The rate of population growth
Traffic and transport
Housing affordability and diversity
Climate change and environment sustainability
Sydney’s waste infrastructure crisis
Protecting our natural environment
Building resilience
Cost of living
Financial sustainability
Digital solutions and AI
hornsby.nsw.gov.au
Tell us if we have got things right. Scan the QR code or visit: yoursay.hornsby.nsw.gov.au
NEW PLAYGROUND AT BRICKPIT PARK adventure awaits
EXCITING NEW FEATURES
A fantastic, upgraded playground at the popular Brickpit Park in Thornleigh opened late last year. Featuring Council’s first junior ninja warrior course, a junior waterplay area, and more, this revamped facility is a fresh, fun playground for the community. The playground was elevated to District Level, in line with the Council’s Play Plan, to serve a larger portion of the Shire. District Level playgrounds are defined as being medium sized, where people typically stay for up to two hours. The four-tier hierarchy of Council’s play spaces are Regional, District, Local and Pocket.
Access to Brickpit Park playground has been improved with a new pedestrian entry point from Pennant Hills Road, as well as wider accessible paths.
The junior ninja warrior course is perfect for older children wanting to test their abilities against a large mounted solar-powered stopwatch and all children will enjoy making use of the in-ground water sprays to cool off.
Other exciting new features include nature play elements, with the swings, climbing equipment and flying fox retained from the original playground.
Additional trees, larger picnic shelters, shade sails and fencing have also been installed to enhance the park’s usability, comfort and natural beauty, while accessible toilets, which were previously installed, ensure that the park is fully accessible to all.
This project was jointly funded by the NSW Government’s Place to Play Grant and Hornsby Shire Council.
A TRIBUTE TO THE SITE’S HISTORY
This upgrade not only offers new and exciting facilities for families, but it also preserves the historical significance of the park.
The playground’s design offers a playful tribute to the site’s history as a former brickworks. A brick wall, showcasing a collection of heritage bricks donated by local brick collector Warwick Gemmell, adds a unique touch to the space, alongside inlaid details on the ground referencing the National Brickworks Co.
FIND OUT MORE
Looking ahead, the pedestrian circuit path and an off-leash dog park are expected to be completed by mid-2025, further enhancing the park’s appeal as a vibrant community hub.
To learn more about Brickpit Park Playground, scan the QR code or visit: hornsby.nsw.gov.au/ playgrounds
Clr Ben McSweeney 0423 411 928 bmcsweeney@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.
