Hornsby Shire Council addresses outcomes for community at last meeting of 2023

Council also noted a letter from the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and resolved to reply, outlining Council’s current medium density housing project and commitment to facilitate housing provision in accordance with the Hornsby Local Housing Strategy 2020 as well as noting concerns over how the State Government’s recent planning reforms to adequately respond to bushfire, flooding, vegetation and infrastructure capacity given the very unique character of the Hornsby Shire.

Following their recent exhibition, draft amendments for development control plans readying the Shire for an electric vehicle future were adopted alongside amendments to the same document requiring positive contributions to heritage conservation areas by seniors housing developers.

And in three notices of motion from Councillors, the meeting saw amendments to parking controls for a trial period at Brooklyn, a commitment to identify budget for a much-needed footpath construction on New Line Road in Cherrybrook and a commitment by Council to investigate a collaborative relationship with veteran employment services to identify opportunities where veterans skills could support the employment needs of Council. There are approximately 700 veterans residing in Hornsby Shire.

Hornsby Shire Mayor the Hon Philip Ruddock AO said the meeting’s outcomes put a ribbon on a big year of progress, made more significant by the “challenging conditions” posed to Council in 2023.

“Tonight’s outcomes are a product of a long year of hard work from our Council staff, significant undertakings in community consultation and deliberation of some difficult items by Council,” said Mayor Ruddock.

“The diversity of items and positive outcomes from tonight’s agenda are testament to the on-going commitment of Council to a brilliant diversity of areas for our community. I wish everyone in Hornsby Shire a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy holidays.”

Also at last night’s meeting, Council:

• Received and noted the contents of the General Manager’s report on Code of Conduct Complaints
• Classified lots 3, 4 and 5 adjoining 55-57 Myra Street, Wahroonga as Operational Land
• Received and noted the contents of the Director’s Report on investments and borrowings for the period ending 31 October 2023
• Endorsed a Crown Land Manager request for nine sites in the Shire
• Received and noted a report on variations to development standards
• Endorsed a Planning Proposal for 7 City View Road, Pennant Hills and resolved to progress with finalisation of amendments to the Hornsby LEP 2013
• Received a thanks during its public forum from a representative from Hornsby Relay for Life, noting Council’s facilitation of the organisation’s fundraising efforts

The full agenda of the meeting, along with details of each item discussed, can be found at hornsby.nsw.gov.au. The video recording of the meeting is also now available.