Local PlanningStrategicStatement ACTION REPORT
Action Report INTRODUCTION
All councils are required to prepare a Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) in accordance with Section 3.9 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979.
These documents are required to identify the basis for strategic planning in the area and establish planning priorities that are consistent with higher level strategic plans which include the Government’s plans for Greater Sydney and the Central River City as well as Council’s Community Strategic Plan. The basis for monitoring and reporting on LSPS actions is the Integrated Planning and Reporting framework under the Local Government Act 1993.
The Hills Shire Council’s Local Strategic Planning Statement
The Hills Future 2036: Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) was made on 6 March 2020 following endorsement by the former Greater Cities Commission. It provides Council’s vision for growth to 2036 and contains a number of actions to be delivered to support Council’s vision. The LSPS supports future land use planning decisions and guides how growth will be managed to provide for more housing, jobs, parks and services for the growing population.
The Year In Context
There has continued to be a strong record of housing delivery over the past 12 months. There were 2,504 dwellings approved in the past year (12-month period until June 2024). With 1,878 dwellings completed in the 12 month period to June 2023, there has been a decrease of 22 percent compared to the previous 5 years’ average. Despite the slight dip in dwelling completions, The Hills is continuing to track above the average for Greater Sydney where the dwelling completions in the past year have fallen 31.1 percent compared to previous 5 years’ average. The Shire remains well on track to meet the 10-year housing supply targets established under the Central City District Plan and Council’s LSPS, being 18,500 dwellings between 2016 and 2026.
The State Government has recently released an ambitious new 5-year housing target for The Hills – being 23,300 dwellings completed by 2029. While the Shire has sufficient land available and zoned to accommodate 50,400 new dwellings, the delivery of these houses, and therefore performance against the target, will be contingent upon the actions and capacity of the market and construction industry. Performance against this new 5-year target will be measured in the Action Report for the 2024-25 Financial Year, noting that the targets commenced in July 2024.
To keep pace with the projected growth and to create great places for our residents to enjoy, Council has continued to focus on the delivery of infrastructure to support the existing and incoming population. The timely delivery of infrastructure has been assisted due to Council successfully securing various funding opportunities provided by State and Federal Government. This has seen the completion of Samantha Riley Drive Reserve and Withers Road Reserve amongst other infrastructure projects.
The finalisation of Precinct Plans for our Strategic Centres - Rouse Hill, Castle Hill and Norwest – has been a key focus with these plans setting a vision and ‘blueprint’ for future development over the next 20 years. These plans are complemented by the newly adopted Economic Growth Plan, Smart Places Strategic Framework and Public Domain Strategy which will support business and employment growth and help create places with high amenity and liveability. Significant efforts have been made to meet indicative timeframes for LSPS actions however some planning investigations were delayed by the pandemic and the extent of precinct planning work. Therefore, some LSPS actions scheduled for completion, will be ongoing across the 2024-25 Financial Year.
The Hills Shire
In the 2024 March quarter, the unemployment rate in The Hills Shire was 2.5%.
The Hills Shire PROFILE
The unemployment rate is derived from the ABS labour force survey and Centrelink data and compiled by the Department of Employment. It is published quarterly in the Small Area Labour Markets publication, for Local Government Areas. The unemployment rate shown here is the proportion of the resident labour force (those in work or looking for work and aged over 15) who are looking for work. Unemployment does not include people who don’t have a job but are not seeking a job.
UNEMPLOYMENT
Unemployment is an important indicator of the economic success of an area. A low unemployment rate can indicate an affluent area with a high rate of access to jobs, or a place where those who can’t find jobs leave the area. A high rate can indicate a declining economy with closures of key industries, or a residential area with a significantly disadvantaged population.
116,774 Local jobs 88,518 Greater Sydney 3.9% The Hills Shire 2.5% JOBS
Note: The Department of Employment advise that highly disaggregated labour force and unemployment estimates at the LGA level can display significant variability and should be viewed with caution. The figures are smoothed using a four-quarter (annual) average to minimise the variability inherent in small area estimates.
This page presents unemployment estimates for benchmark regions which are headline figures widely published by government and media sites but are not directly comparable to the LGA estimates as they are not annual averages. For more information, see the data notes.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Labour force survey catalogue number 6202.0, and Department of Employment, Small Area Labour Markets. Compiled and presented in economy.id by .id (informed decisions)
DWELLINGS COMPLETED
Dwellings completed 1,878 (down from 3,021)
207,959 2023 (up from 199,269)
38 Median age POPULATION (no change) Employed residents
BUILDING APPROVALS
DWELLINGS APPROVED
Buildings approved $1.83billion (down from $2.12 billion)
Page 1 of 5
Dwellings approved 3,557 (down from 3,692)
Indicators are based on the latest available data for a 12-month period. Jobs and worker estimates available up until June 2023 and are compared with June 2022 – Economy ID.
Unemployment rate is comparison of March 2024 quarter with March 2023 quarter – Profile ID.
Value of building approvals is 2023-2024 compared to 2022-2023 –Economy ID.
Dwelling approvals and completions are July 2022-June 2023 data compared with same previous 12 months data - Greater Sydney Urban Development Program Dashboard.
Age data based on 2021 data compared with 2016 data – ABS Census. Population based on Estimated Resident Population (ERP) June 2023 compared with 2022 ERP.
HIGHLIGHTS
This year has been a year of major infrastructure milestones and policy accomplishments for The Hills Shire, with key highlights including:
Precinct Plans and Economic Growth Plan
Council adopted Precinct Plans for Rouse Hill and Castle Hill strategic centres, which set a 20-year vision for the centres to enable them to reach their full potential (the Precinct Plan for Norwest Precinct was also adopted in July 2024). The Plans build on the high-level outcomes envisaged within previous strategic planning documents and draw on a range of technical studies. These Plans together with the adopted Economic Growth Plan continue Council’s effort to facilitate tens of thousands of jobs, new public spaces, more investment opportunities, housing and vital infrastructure to support our rapidly growing population.
Smart Places Strategic Framework
Council adopted the Smart Places Strategic Framework which aims to establish and communicate a strategic direction for the continued transformation of The Shire into a smart place and facilitate further discussion, collaboration, investigation, decision-making and action by stakeholders.
Public Domain Strategy
Council adopted the Public Domain Strategy, which sets out the vision and guidelines for enhancing the public domain throughout the Shire. It will guide future Council decisionmaking and policy development using an established set of design principles and strategies, based on best practice.
Agritourism changes
Following on from the State Government’s Agritourism Reforms, Council progressed a planning proposal that seeks to support agritourism and small scale agricultural development within The Hills.
New parks and playing fields
In September 2023, Council opened Samantha Riley Drive Reserve which features 4 sports fields, 2 ovals, shared cycleways, amenities and a local playground, offering both active and passive recreational facilities for all.
In August 2023, Council opened Withers Road Reserve featuring a nature themed playground with sail, a half basketball area, gathering and picnic areas, a turf kick-about area and concrete pathways throughout the site including a loop track around the playground suitable for bikes and scooters.
Pictured left: Withers Road Reserve
Theme 1 ECONOMY
1. Plan for sufficient jobs, targeted to suit the skills of the workforce
Key ongoing completed not progressing
2. Build Strategic Centres to realise their potential
• Council’s Economic Growth Plan was adopted and came into force in October 2023. It provides a clear direction for economic development, jobs and investment within The Shire and sets out actions to progress the vision. It was developed with insights from local businesses, chamber of commerce and industry associations. Council’s Economic Development Team has commenced progressing the relevant actions set out within the 5-year delivery program.
• The Precinct Plans for our Strategic Centres seek to safeguard employment lands and build the employment capacity within The Hills Shire by identifying designated employment areas. Cumulatively, they seek to provide more than 48,100 new jobs by 2041 (from 2016) across Norwest, Rouse Hill and Castle Hill Strategic Centres, depending on take-up of the opportunities by the market.
• Council is focused on better matching the available jobs with the needs and skills of people who live here. The importance of achieving this is articulated in Council’s Precinct Plans and Economic Growth Plan, so that our residents have genuine choice to work close to home in jobs that suit their skill sets.
• Council has continued to offer a business helpdesk and concierge program. It is a free, individualised program designed to empower business owners with the resources they need to make sound business decisions. It provides the opportunity to discuss their business needs, gain insight into free market intelligence, learn about grants, licenses, permits and government regulations and connect with networking groups.
• The 2023 Hills Shire Business Performance Sentiment Index (PSI) survey was undertaken, and the results indicated that local businesses remain optimistic about The Hills Shire despite feeling the pinch of local and global economic challenges. Factors such as rising inflation, increased costs and constrained financial conditions have contributed to the business performance and sentiment in the Hills reported in this year’s survey.
• Council adopted Precinct Plans for the Rouse Hill and Castle Hill Strategic Centres, shortly followed by adoption of the Norwest Strategic Centre Precinct Plan in July 2024. These Plans set the framework for our Strategic Centres to reach their full potential, advancing the strategic planning work completed to date into finer grain, site specific detail to inform potential changes to planning controls and the infrastructure framework.
• Council adopted a Public Domain Strategy that sets the framework for future planning of the public domain across the Shire. It seeks to guide future Council decision-making and policy development by establishing a set of design principles and strategies, based on best practice, that will inform the preparation of new project-specific Public Domain Plans and the review and update of existing Council policies and specifications.
Pictured left: Norwest Strategic Centre
2. Build strategic centres to realise their potential (continued)
3. Retain and manage valuable industrial and urban service land
• Council has engaged in discussions with Health Infrastructure and relevant landowners regarding the construction of Rouse Hill Hospital and the development of an adjacent health precinct as part of recent precinct planning processes. The adopted Precinct Plan provides design principles to guide future land use, built form, public domain and connectivity outcomes that complement the hospital development.
• As part of precinct planning, Council has sought to ensure that capacity is maintained for a range of essential activities to co-exist with new development. The Precinct Plans for the Strategic Centres include a guiding principle to further reinforce the importance of achieving this. The Norwest and Rouse Hill Precinct Plans include a dedicated Focus Area that articulates key urban services land that will be protected and enhanced.
• Council adopted an Economic Growth Plan that, in part, articulates the importance of identifying and quantifying Council’s key investment drivers and opportunities. It includes an action that requires an investment prospectus to be produced that identifies key economic development themes (including industrial precincts).
• As part of State Government Employment Zone reforms implemented in April 2023 some flexibility was introduced to Council’s Local Environmental Plan that will support freight operations and businesses. The key changes include adding ‘local distribution premises’ as a permitted use across employment related zones, adding ‘transport depots’ as a permitted use in the E3 Productivity Support zone and including, freight transport facilities, as a mandated permitted use in the E4 General Industrial zone.
4. Retain and manage the Shire’s rural productive capacity
• To keep pace with population growth, the rural areas within The Shire will remain vital for supplying fresh produce and construction materials. This is further explored in Council’s recently adopted Economic Growth Plan, which includes an action to prepare a rural activity review which looks at opportunities for greater productivity in the rural areas including:
- horticulture and intensive agriculture - agritourism and nature-based tourism opportunities - value add industries such as farmers’ markets and farm stays.
5. Encourage support activities and tourism in rural areas
• Following on from the State Government’s Agritourism Reforms, Council completed a planning proposal that supports agritourism and small scale agricultural development within The Hills by permitting ‘farm gate premises’ in the RU6 Transition Zone and introduce 2 new clauses. These changes were supported by amendments to The Hills Development Control Plan (DCP) 2012 to ensure appropriate built form and development outcomes are achieved and mitigate any potential impacts on rural character and amenity.
• Council officers are continuing to explore opportunities to support activities and tourism within the rural areas in The Hills Shire.
• To enhance visitor engagement and promote local heritage, Council officers have created monthly open days for Roughley House - The Pines. These open days offer self-guided tours, allowing visitors to explore the rich history and beauty of the region at their own pace. This initiative preserves the cultural significance of the house and boosts tourism, drawing more visitors to the rural areas.
Artist impression of Norwest Lake
Theme 2 SHAPING GROWTH
6. Plan for new housing to support greater Sydney’s growing population
• The rate of both dwelling approvals and completions within the Shire is on track to meet and exceed the 10-year housing target for the Shire for the period of 2016-2026, as established in the District Plan and Council’s LSPS.
• The State Government has recently announced an ambitious 5-year housing target for the Shire of 23,300 new homes to be completed by 2029. Following a Mayoral Minute on 11 June 2024 Council has written to the Secretary of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure requesting reconsideration of the target, with a view to establishing a new target that clearly and logically demonstrates how industry and market can deliver.
• Council has continued to advocate for the NSW Government to address the timely funding and delivery of necessary infrastructure to support residential growth, particularly regional transport upgrades and school infrastructure. Council has also continued to advocate for a planning framework that responds to market and community needs and expectations, particularly through its submissions on the State Government’s suite of housing reforms.
• Council’s Local Strategic Planning Statement includes an action to prepare a planning proposal to introduce a maximum density band or other suitable mechanism to ensure development is in line with infrastructure in Box Hill (Action 6.2). This action was in response to concerns raised with NSW Government since 2015 about the significant increase in housing densities enabled by the growth centres planning framework and the inability to provide adequate infrastructure to service the anticipated growth beyond what was initially planned.
Amendments to the state planning policy were exhibited by the NSW Government in 2017 and included maximum as well as minimum dwelling densities. Council supported the amendment and asked for it to be urgently made. The exhibited amendments have not been finalised and, while Council has sought advice from the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, no explanation has been forthcoming on why the proposal was not progressed.
Growth in Box Hill is occurring at unprecedented rates and has outstripped original projections, with yield projections almost 75 percent more than originally envisaged by the NSW Government. Data from early 2024 indicates that nearly 71 percent of dwellings had already been approved in Box Hill. The extent of development activity that has occurred under the current controls together with the non-progression of state policy amendments by the NSW Government, limits the potential benefits or success of any Council led planning proposal process.
Council will continue to address infrastructure funding and delivery issues, to the maximum extent possible, noting the challenges created by increased yields, escalating costs and the limitations of contributions planning framework and funding mechanisms.
7. Plan for new housing in the right locations
• Council has identified additional housing capacity through its Precinct Plans for the Norwest, Castle Hill and Rouse Hill Strategic Centres. It is expected that this capacity will be unlocked over the coming years through market driven change, such as landownerinitiated planning proposals. This approach also seeks to support the coordinated development of higher density development in station precincts using a transit oriented approach.
• Council continues to concentrate growth within the existing planned residential zoned areas below the urban growth boundary. Council has continued to discourage planning proposals seeking to rezone rural land for residential purposes above the Urban Growth Boundary.
• Council is continuing to advocate and encourage orderly and serviceable growth around Cherrybrook Station. Officers are continuing to liaise with the State Government on their proposed plans for the Cherrybrook Station Precinct.
• Preliminary investigations are underway to explore potential opportunities for limited residential expansion in rural villages in line with the criteria recommended in the Rural Strategy 2019. It is anticipated that this work will be a key focus for the 2024-25 financial year.
• Council is committed to advocating for residents on significant development and planning matters affecting The Shire. While Council is not opposed to growth, Council raised concerns with the proposed low and mid-rise housing reforms exhibited by the government in a submission in early 2024.
8. Plan for a diversity of housing
9. Renew and create great places
• Council officers are continuing to investigate demand for affordable rental housing in areas not yet rezoned within The Hills Shire. A Viability Assessment Report is underway to examine the feasibility of implementing an affordable housing contributions scheme within The Hills Shire.
• Council’s Precinct Plans encourage a diversity of housing and articulate that providing a choice of housing opportunities is essential in meeting the needs of budgets and lifestyles. Encouraging medium density residential development in the right locations is a key focus. For example, the Castle Hill Precinct Plan identifies potential suitable locations for townhouse and terrace style development.
• Council continues to discourage planning proposals within the Baulkham Hills Town Centre. In July 2023, Council voted not to progress a planning proposal for an 8-storey apartment building in Baulkham Hills, recognising the inadequacy of the existing infrastructure to support the proposed development. Notwithstanding, the Sydney Central City Planning Panel (independent from Council) overturned Council’s decision and the Government has since progressed the rezoning to finalisation.
• The Precinct Plans for strategic centres articulate that developments within high density residential areas should be active and provide a strong connection between buildings and the street to help create vibrant and walkable neighbourhoods. This will be assisted through a Council-initiated planning proposal to permit more active ground floor uses in appropriate locations.
10. Provide social infrastructure and retail services to meet residents’ needs
• Council is currently developing a new Arts and Culture Strategy, which will identify key priorities and actions for Council over the next 10 years. The Arts and Culture Strategy will aim to increase opportunities for participation in arts and culture and for cultural expression, in a variety of forms. The Strategy will guide Council’s planning and provision of arts and cultural infrastructure (facilities and venues) and arts and cultural activities, events and programs.
• A life-sized steel soldier silhouette and plaque are now on display outside Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre in Baulkham Hills. The permanent 2-metre installation is an interpretive tribute to the dedication and sacrifice of current and past servicemen and women. It also acknowledges the former pool’s history as a war memorial when it was originally called ‘The Shire of Baulkham Hills War Memorial Swimming Centre’.
• Council announced its newly improved library app, designed to enhance the library experience. The app is perfect for bookworms and library enthusiasts, allowing people to easily browse, borrow and explore the extensive collection.
• Works have commenced on the Anthony Skarratt Reserve project in Box Hill. Stage 1 of this project is set for completion in June 2025 and includes the development of a new community centre and a satellite library, a playground and plaza, playground space with outdoor play area, a carpark, landscaping, stormwater infrastructure and road infrastructure.
Rouse Hill and surrounds
DWELLINGS COMPLETED 2016 - 2023
DWELLING TARGETS (CUMULATIVE) LSPS
5 years 9,500 dwellings
10 years 18,500 dwellings
20 years 38,500 dwellings
With around 1,880 dwellings completed in the 12-month period until June 2023 and around 15,560 dwellings completed since 2016, Council is well on track to meet the housing supply targets established under the Central City District Plan and Council’s LSPS.
The strong role in accommodating a share of Sydney’s population growth is set to continue and respond to the 10-year dwelling target which would see a total of 18,500 dwellings (or more) completed by 2026.
Of the dwellings completed in the 12-month period until June 2023, 63 percent have been single dwellings and 37 percent have been apartments/medium density, reflecting a diversity of housing choice in The Shire. While there is still low density developments occurring in our release areas that is driving housing supply, there is an increasing proportion of higher density housing in station precincts that is contributing to housing diversity.
#Completions data has only been shown to June 2023 as that is the most up to date data that the NSW Government had made available at the time of drafting this report.
Theme 3 INFRASTRUCTURE
11. Plan for convenient, connected and accessible public transport
12. Influence travel behaviour to promote sustainable choices
• Council officers have continued to collaborate with Transport for NSW regarding the proposed public transport corridor between Rouse Hill and Box Hill. Following feedback from Transport for NSW the adopted Rouse Hill Precinct Plan articulates that there is potential for bus connectivity to be provided along 3 potential corridor options, including Commercial Road and Withers Road; direct along Windsor Road; or Green Hills Drive and Withers Road. The Rouse Hill Precinct Plan includes an action that requires ongoing collaboration with state agencies as part of the planning and delivery for this public transport corridor.
• Council continues to lobby for a mass transit connection to Parramatta, as well as the extension of the North South Rail Link from Tallawong Station to St Marys Station. Actions requiring ongoing collaboration on these matters have been included in Council’s recently adopted Precinct Plans.
• In mid-2023, Council wrote to the Minister for Roads and Minister for Transport in relation to traffic and transport issues in Baulkham Hills. These letters sought a whole of Government approach to address the Old Northern Road/Windsor Road/Seven Hills Road intersection and the need for the critical mass transit link between Norwest and Parramatta.
• In September 2023, Council officers provided a submission on the inquiry into current and future public transport needs in Western Sydney. The submission, in part, suggests that the State Government should undertake early planning for the mass transit link between Norwest and Parramatta even if it is a medium to longer term infrastructure proposition. It also articulates that early planning and delivery of the entire transport corridor from St Marys through to Tallawong Station will ensure that land is available for the future connection and will also provide confidence to industry and businesses that this connection will be delivered in the future.
• Recent legislative amendments have been made to protect land for some of the future North South Rail Line (providing for part of the missing link between St Marys and Tallawong stations). Council officers have provided submissions in relation to this matter over the years.
• The action relating to the commencement of a pilot program of pop-up commuter car parking is no longer progressing. Councillors were briefed in November 2018 on an update to the Commuter Car Parking Strategy to coincide with the completion of the Sydney Metro Northwest in 2019. While options for satellite or ‘pop-up’ off street commuter parking at reserve locations were outlined, these were not progressed noting the likely overlap of demand for car spaces with recreational users.
• Council’s Precinct Plans for the Castle Hill, Norwest and Rouse Hill Strategic Centres articulate that the delivery of a safe and wellconnected pedestrian and bicycle network is essential to improving the amenity and achieving transit oriented centres. These Plans seek to achieve this through encouraging a shift towards public transportation, identifying new pedestrian links and bridges, new road links, enhanced walking and cycling links.
12. Influence travel behaviour to promote sustainable choices (continued)
• Council is continuing to leverage technology to enhance the way people move throughout The Hills, focusing on increasing travel options, reliability, convenience and encouraging active and sustainable choices. The Smart Places Strategic Framework flags various movement related smart initiatives already underway in The Hills Shire, including the ‘Park & Ride’ digital systems at Metro station car parks, pedestrian counting systems to better understand pedestrian movements, car share services (such as go-gets) and smart technology vehicles to assess footpaths, shared accessways and the road network.
• In June 2024, Council publicly exhibited reduced parking rates for commercial and retail uses within the walkable catchments from Metro stations. The changes were subsequently adopted in August 2024 and are now in force. The reduced rates reflect the increased availability of public transport options for trips to and from these centres and aim to encourage a shift towards active and public transport use to ensure the road network is able to operate at a reasonable level of service as projected growth within these centres occurs over the next 20 years and beyond. The proposed changes also seek to introduce controls to encourage car sharing spaces within new development and ensure that new development is ‘EV ready’ and able to accommodate the installation of EV chargers.
13. Expand and improve the active transport network
14. Plan for a safe and efficient regional road network
• Council continues to support safe, convenient, and accessible transport options, including walking and cycling, which provide healthy recreational activities for our residents. Council’s Bike Plan seeks to support these outcomes and was adopted in 2023. The Bike Plan is a strategic document that is intended to assist Council’s future decision-making for the active transport network throughout The Shire.
• State Government funding of approximately $3 million was recently made available for an off road shared pathway along the full length of Norwest Boulevard.
• Regional roads around and through new release areas such as Box Hill, Box Hill North and North Kellyville continue to be upgraded in accordance with the relevant development control plans and contributions plans.
• Council continues to advocate for an upgrade of Annangrove Road and a bypass at Round Corner. However, Transport for NSW have advised they have no current plans, proposals or investigations for a regional bypass.
• Council received $1.88 million through the Australian Government’s Local Road and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Phase 4 Program to fast-track 18 infrastructure projects. A substantial portion of the Phase 4 funding has been allocated specifically for road projects in rural, regional and outer urban areas. This funding will be used to improve Chapel Hill Road, Sackville North and River Road, Lower Portland/Leets Vale, which were damaged during the March and July 2022 floods.
14. Plan for a safe and efficient regional road network (continued)
15. Provide new and upgraded passive and active open spaces
• Council’s Precinct Plans identify a suite of required regional road upgrades for the Rouse Hill, Norwest and Castle Hill Strategic Centres. However, the delivery of the upgrades would primarily be the responsibility of the NSW Government.
• Regional roads around and through new release areas such as Box Hill, Gables and North Kellyville continue to be upgraded in accordance with the relevant Development Control Plans, Contributions Plans and as State Government funding is made available.
• Works have commenced to construct a roundabout at the Edwards Road and Annangrove Road intersection. The construction of this interim upgrade of the intersection to a roundabout will help address current and ongoing traffic congestions and road safety issues.
• Construction is nearing completion at Stringer Road Reserve, which is set to open in late 2024. It will include 4 multi-purpose natural turf fields that can be reconfigured into 2 ovals, along with an amenities building with accessible toilets, change rooms, a kiosk, a referee room and storage.
• Brindle Parkway Reserve, Box Hill’s first sporting complex, officially opened on 15 June 2024. The sporting complex includes 2 rectangular turf playing fields which can be reconfigured into 1 cricket oval, a half-court basketball facility, 2 cricket practice nets, and a playground with picnic facilities. The reserve also includes onsite parking, pathways including a perimeter walking loop and an amenities building with accessible toilets, change rooms, kiosk, referee room, and storage as well as planting of native trees and landscaping.
• A brand-new parkland (Water Lane Reserve) is in the works for Box Hill, with around 11.1 hectares set to undergo a transformation into one of the area’s premier green spaces, making it a central hub for sport and recreation. Water Lane Reserve will provide 2 natural turf fields, a children’s playground, pathways, a car park and amenities block with accessible toilets, change rooms and a canteen. It is currently in the detailed design and utility approval stage. Council is working with service providers to seek their respective approvals.
• Samantha Riley Drive Reserve was opened in September 2023, which provides 4 multi-purpose sports fields, and amenities building, onsite parking, playground, picnic facilities, concrete shared pathways, basketball half court, two practice cricket nets, LED lighting, field irrigation and drainage systems.
• Construction at Cockayne Reserve has commenced and is on track for completion in late 2024. It will include 2 pedestrian bridges and 2 local playgrounds, a concrete shareway, seating areas and associated landscaping.
Theme 4 ENVIRONMENT
16. Manage and protect the rural/ urban interface
• Council has commenced preliminary investigations into the potential limited expansion of the Glenorie Rural Village. This work is expected to continue into the 24-25 Financial Year.
• Council continued to reinforce the application of the urban growth boundary by discouraging proposals that seek to intensify urban land uses above the urban growth boundary.
17. Protect areas of high environmental value and significance
• In August 2023, Council celebrated the discovery of a local platypus population. Council teamed up with a local environmental group, the Cattai Hills Environment Network (CHEN), to bring residents a series of free workshops. Council is also actively supporting the positive efforts of CHEN and a Western Sydney University research team, which have made a remarkable discovery of numerous healthy platypuses in the Cattai Catchment area, which spans from Castle Hill to Cattai.
• Council adopted the Rouse Hill Precinct Plan, which in part, seeks to preserve and enhance the Caddies Creek Corridor. This corridor, located in the southeastern part of the Rouse Hill Strategic Centre, offers passive recreation opportunities and connectivity within and beyond the area.
• Council held a series of free environmental workshops, guided walk and a bushcare event in March 2024 that were designed to help people become more sustainable, connect with nature and connect with others in the local community.
• The Hills Environment Day was held at the Community Environment Centre on 2 June 2024 which was attended by the Mayor and Councillors. The day focused on engaging the community on the topic of land restoration and showcased the local environmental and community groups in our area that work on important projects such as Platypus in the Hills, Hills Hornsby Koala project and Growing Food for Wildlife.
18. Increase urban tree canopy cover
• Council continues to progress the street planting program with more than 1,294 trees planted across 2023-2024 Financial Year. Residents can also access free plants from the Community Nursery to plant within their properties.
• In July 2023, Council hosted National Tree Day where local residents planted 5,000 trees at Wheelie Park in Gables.
19. Manage natural resources and water responsibly
• Council announced it will trial an expansion of its E-Waste recycling program, doubling its frequency to twice a year. The most recent E-Waste event took place on Saturday 2 March 2024 where residents were also given the opportunity to recycle textiles, polystyrene, and plastics as part of a trial. More than 1,500 cars were recorded at Castle Hill Showground, unloading an estimated 45 tonnes of e-waste and hard plastic, 4 tonnes of textiles, 100 cubic metres of polystyrene, and 75 cubic metres of soft plastics.
Pictured right: Hawkesbury River and surrounds
PLANNING PRIORITY
19. Manage natural resources and water responsibly (continued)
• Council held a clean-up at Caddies Creek Reserve on Sunday 3 March 2024 to make a difference to protect our waterways for Clean Up Australia Day. The reserve is home to Caddies Creek, a thriving ecosystem and a recently discovered platypus population.
20. Prepare residents for environmental and urban risks and hazards
• Council has continued to assist residents in the wake of natural disasters, such as the heavy rain and flood events in April 2024, advising residents of funding and support programs to assist them rebuild.
• Works have commenced to upgrade Terry Road in Box Hill to create a more resilient and accessible route for residents and commuters after years of persistent flooding. The upgrade will raise the road’s surface and increase drainage capacity under the road.
• Council has continued to investigate ways to use technology to increase resilience and safety during natural disasters (for example, advanced warning systems), as articulated in the Smart Places Strategic Framework adopted in early 2024.
Theme 5 PROACTIVE LEADERSHIP
Key On going
21. Prepare residents for growth and change
• Council recently reviewed its Community Participation Plan, which outlines when and how the community can take part in planning matters that affect them.
• A new initiative was launched in November 2023 to provide small businesses with the necessary tools, resources, and guidance to succeed in the digital world. The Hills Shire Council has partnered with Realise Business to provide the Digital Solutions Program, which offers small businesses expert guidance on digital marketing strategies, online security risk management, website creation, online selling software tools and much more.
22. Initiate and deliver solutions to growth and change challenges
• In February 2024, Council adopted the Smart Places Strategic Framework, building on NSW Government directives and the Council’s Local Strategic Planning Statement. The Framework aims to establish and communicate a strategic direction for the continued transformation of The Hills into a Smart Place and facilitate further discussion, collaboration, investigation, decision-making and action by stakeholders.
• Council is seeking to advocate for people living with disabilities in The Hills Shire with the establishment of Council’s first ever Disability and Inclusion reference group. The group was established in June 2024.
• Hills Shire Youth Ambassadors were appointed for 2024-2025 and will play important roles in various community engagements and attend Council functions as Youth Ambassadors. They will also help guide The Hills Youth Army, Council’s volunteer youth group.
23. Collaborate with other councils and the NSW Government to improve places
23. Collaborate with other councils and the NSW Government to improve places (continued)
• Council have provided feedback on a variety of planning and policy matters, including, but not limited to:
- NSW Government Social and Affordable Housing Reforms
- Changes to Create Low and Mid-Rise Housing
- Exempt and Complying Development within Existing Cemeteries
- Outdoor Dining Reforms and Incentives for Music Venues
- Draft Community Improvement Districts legislation
- Changes to improve planning processes to deliver infrastructure faster
- Local Infrastructure Contribution Practice Note
- Housing and Productivity Contributions
• Council officers continued to collaborate with NSW Government, as part of the Regional Traffic Modelling project, to assess capacity for growth and potential upgrades required within the Castle Hill and Norwest Strategic Centres.
• The Hills Shire and Hawkesbury City Councils have welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement that it will accept the management of the Lower Portland Ferry, with the transfer anticipated to occur later this year. This will allow seamless and efficient coordination of all ferry services in the Hawkesbury and The Hills under one authority to deliver a more predictable service for motorists.
Pictured right: Bella Vista Farm Park
HILLS FUTURE 2036
LOCAL STRATEGIC PLANNING STATEMENT ACTION REPORT 2023-2024
THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL
3 Columbia Court Norwest NSW 2153
PO Box 7064, Norwest 2153
Ph: +61 2 9843 0555
Fax: +61 2 9843 0409
Website: www.thehills.nsw.gov.au
Facebook: TheHillsShireCouncil
X: @TheHillsCouncil
YouTube: TheHillsShireCouncil
Instagram: thesydneyhills