Hornsby Shire Council outlook is upbeat at final meeting of current term
Hornsby Shire Council has concluded its final meeting for the 2017 to 2021 term on several positive notes, not least being the easing of COVID restrictions which have allowed Councillors, Council staff and members of the public to again attend Council meetings in person.
During COVID lockdown, Council meetings were streamed online with Councillors and the public participating virtually.
“So, it is a very welcome development that we can all meet again in person, albeit with strict COVID safety protocols in place,” said Hornsby Shire Council General Manager, Steven Head.
“One other very positive note at the meeting was that Council reported it achieved a modest budget surplus for the 2020 – 2021 financial reporting period, despite all the challenges of the last two years.”
Council’s positive budget outcomes were included in its annual Financial Statements and Auditor's Report adopted at the meeting.
“Though Council’s budget was set before COVID-19, with careful management we were able to reduce the many financial impacts of the pandemic.
“Despite losses of income from fees, we were able to meet the needs of our community wherever we could, consistent with Government health advice, even extending support to local businesses, sporting and community groups via our ‘Hornsby Helps’ package,” said Mr Head.
According to documents tabled at the meeting, Council’s operating performance, too, was above the benchmark set by the Office of Local Government.
Following the tabling of the Financial Statements and Auditor's Report at yesterday’s meeting, members of the public have seven days (until 17 November 2021) to make submissions about the documents.
Last night’s meeting was also updated on a planning proposal by the Central Coast Council to amend the Gosford Local Environmental Plan to allow a mix of residential, community, tourism and employment-generating land uses at Peat Island and Mooney Mooney.
Several issues of concern identified by Hornsby Shire Council in the proposal included the capacity of commuter car parking and community facilities in Brooklyn, the economic impacts on Brooklyn, open space provision, bush fire risk and the environmental impacts on Hawkesbury River and surrounding terrestrial and estuarine biodiversity.
At last night’s meeting, Council resolved that a submission by Hornsby Shire Council be forwarded to Central Coast Council proposing amendments to their Planning Proposal and advocating for further detailed analysis of issues including any potential impacts on Brooklyn.
The Peat Island Planning Proposal on exhibition is until 20 December 2021.
Other items of note at last night’s meeting included:
- Endorsement of Council’s amended Draft Walking and Cycling Strategy
- Presentation of the Hornsby Shire Council Annual Report 2020/21 and ’End of Term Report 2021’
- Annual Report on Code of Conduct Complaints
- Update on Council's Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Appointment of Mr Stephen Coates as Chairperson of the Hornsby Shire Audit Risk and Improvement Committee
- Investments and Borrowings for 2021/2022 – Status for Period Ending 30 September 2021
- 2021/22 Budget – September 2021 Quarter Review
- Resolution to support the preparation of a submission to the NSW Road Classification Review and Transfer Panel to reclassify the full length of Hastings Road, Castle Hill from a Local Road to Regional Road classification
- A Mayoral Minute on the passing of Dr Goddard.
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 will be available from Monday afternoon.
