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.
Connections to Country
The area now known as Hornsby Shire is unique in its placement within the landscape with natural features differing from those that surround and beyond.
The meandering ridge lines extending from the south, north-west and north-east, meet here at Hornsby and expose its importance within the cultural landscape as a junction for these once heavily occupied travel routes. An extremely important resource for all Mobs traversing across Country for business, ceremony or family obligations and responsibilities.
From the ocean shores of Brooklyn, abundant in edible sea life and favourably utilised for its tasty treasures, to the rainforest covered gullies with constant supplies of native edible vegetation, grazing marsupials and rock shelters contribute to the uniqueness of this region.
The Dharug and GuriNgai Peoples have protected and respected this area since time began. Sacred sites were etched into the sandstone by our Creator Ancestors about cultural knowledge, lore and law of Country, community, astronomy and weather patterns, to name only a few. These are scattered strategically throughout this landscape and are still utilised today for ceremonies, celebrations and Family gatherings and to pass cultural knowledge onto the next generations.
For the Dharug and GuriNgai Peoples, this region is still alive and thriving from a cultural perspective. Despite the ever-growing demands for development and community infrastructures, the Hornsby Shire has lush and vibrant bushland areas, fresh and salt water estuaries and breath-taking visual aspects across Country allowing us the ability to continue cultural practices, share cultural beliefs and expand on our relationship and connection with our Country.
The Dharug and GuriNgai Peoples will continue to care for and respect Country. We invite and encourage you to expand on your own connection to this unique and amazingly beautiful Country. In the early morning hours when the sun is rising and you breath in the fresh, clean air of a new day, pay homage to Mother Earth and the Aboriginal Mobs that have protected, respected, utilised and honoured these lands for its lifetime, always being mindful of never depleting resources or damaging natural features created by Mother Earth and our Creator Ancestors.
Tracey Howie, local bloodline descendant
Cover image: Hornsby Spring Fest
Inside cover image: Hawkesbury River Indigenous rock art
NEED HELP
This document contains important information. If you do not understand it, please call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450. Ask them to phone 9847 6666 on your behalf to contact Hornsby Shire Council. Council’s business hours are Monday to Friday, 8.30am-5pm.
Itong dokumento ay naglalaman ng mahalagang impormasyon. Kung hindi ninyo naiintindihan, pakitawagan ang Serbisyo sa Pagsasalinwika at Pag-iinterprete (Translating and Interpreting Service) sa 131 450. Hilingin sa kanilang tawagan ang 9847 6666 para sa inyo upang kontakin ang Hornsby Shire Council. Ang oras ng opisina ng Council ay Lunes hanggang Biyernes, 8.30n.u.-5n.h.
Farsi
About this Report
This Annual Report is one of the key accountability mechanisms between Council and our community.
The Report outlines our financial and operational performance against the priorities Council has set to work towards achieving the community vision for Hornsby Shire.
The Report also contains information which is important to assist our community in understanding how Council is performing both as a business entity and community leader.
The 2024/25 Audited Financial Statements, a separate published document setting out financial performance, financial position and cash flows of Council, also form part of this document and can be found on Council’s website
How to read the Annual Report
This Report should be read in conjunction with our 2024/25 Audited Financial Statements.
A Year in Review
Summarises annual performance, progress of transformational projects and other infrastructure projects, and our improvement measures.
Our Area and Our Community About the Hornsby Shire area and community.
Governance
Democratic (Councillors and Wards) and Corporate Governance (Audit and Risk).
Our organisation
Organisation structure, values and people.
Delivering our Delivery Program
Presents highlights under the pillars of the Community Strategic Plan, Delivery Program and Operational Plan and progress on strategies, community satisfaction and performance measures.
Legislative Requirements
Outlines 2024/25 reporting requirements under the Local Government Act 1993 and other Acts.
The new playgound at the Brickpit Park - one of the many highlights featured in this report
Mayor FROM THE
This year has been one of renewal, progress, and community pride across Hornsby Shire. Following the September 2024 local government elections, I was honoured to be elected Mayor after serving two terms as a Ward A Councillor.
It has been a privilege to lead our newly elected Council, welcome new Councillor colleagues, and work together to deliver meaningful improvements across our Shire. I have been impressed by the energy and dedication they have already brought to their roles and to the community.
I am committed to delivering on the priorities outlined in our Delivery Program and Operational Plan, always putting the needs of our community first. This year, we’ve focused on enhancing community spaces and civic pride, protecting our environment, and delivering major infrastructure projects that will benefit generations to come.
Hornsby Park continues to take shape, with the construction of the Southern Lookout at the historic Crusher Plant now well underway. This new feature will offer breathtaking views across the quarry void and diatreme. Additional works include landscaped picnic areas with barbecues, bushland walking tracks, and upgrades to the heritage steps. A $12 million grant from the Australian Government will fund the Field of Play at Old Mans Valley – an exciting and vital component of the park’s future.
Streetscape improvements have progressed in key areas. Stage 1 of the Pacific Highway pedestrian and cycling upgrades from Asquith to Mount Colah was completed, and the Galston Village Public Domain Plan has been endorsed, with designs currently under review by Transport for NSW. These projects will make our public spaces safer, greener, and more vibrant.
I was proud that my first Mayoral Minute focused on raising the bar for the presentation of our public spaces. I issued a call to arms to Council and the community to tackle the issue of graffiti in our town centres, villages, and along key transport routes – an important step in restoring pride in our shared spaces.
We celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the Hornsby Aquatic and Leisure Centre, a much-loved community facility. We also delivered new changerooms at Greenway Park, completed drainage works at Ron Payne Oval, and commenced construction of a new pavilion at Mark Taylor Oval.
Our commitment to the environment remains strong. We supported 310 Bushcare volunteers, who donated 7,322 hours of their time to caring for our bushland. We also distributed 21,440 native plants from the Warada Ngurang Community Nursery to help enhance the Shire’s tree canopy. To help protect our community from bushfire risk, we maintained 124,628 square metres and established 1,832 square metres of asset protection zones, alongside fire trail surface and vegetation management across the Shire.
Community connection was at the heart of our work. Events like Hornsby Spring Fest, Westside Vibe, Food Truck Fridays, and the Taste of the World multicultural festival brought thousands of people together in celebration. The Hornsby Art Prize and Remagine Art Prize exhibitions showcased local creativity and environmental awareness, while our Hello Hornsby initiative continued to foster social cohesion.
We also provided vital support services to residents from all walks of life. This included regular referrals to local homeless services, weekly mental health support sessions in partnership with Lifeline, and inclusive programming during Dementia Action Week.
As Mayor, I am proud of the resilience, generosity, and spirit of our community. I thank our Councillors, volunteers, and Council staff for their dedication and hard work. Together, we are shaping a Shire that is inclusive, sustainable, and full of opportunity.
Warren Waddell
Mayor of Hornsby Shire Council
FROM THE General Manager
As we reflect on the past 12 months, I am proud to present a year of strong performance, strategic planning, and meaningful progress across Hornsby Shire Council. In our first year of a new Council term, we have focused on laying the foundations for long-term sustainability and delivering quality services to our community.
Following the September 2024 elections, we welcomed a new Mayor and Councillors and undertook a comprehensive onboarding process to support their transition into office. Their leadership has been instrumental in shaping our direction and priorities for the future. This year, Council adopted a suite of key corporate documents, including Hornsby Shire’s 2035 Community Strategic Plan – Your Vision | Your Future 2035 , the Long Term Financial Plan 2025/26 to 2034/35, the 2025–2029 Delivery Program and the 2025/26 Operational Plan. These documents reflect our community’s aspirations and provide a clear framework for delivering services, infrastructure, and engagement over the coming decade.
Financial sustainability remains a core focus. Despite ongoing cost pressures and external challenges, Council achieved a budget surplus, enabling us to respond swiftly to infrastructure needs, natural disasters, and cost shifting from other levels of government. This strong financial position ensures we can continue to deliver high-quality services and facilities in a responsible and resilient manner.
As ever, we are focused on providing homes for our growing community. Following the NSW Government’s announcement of its masterplan in November for the Hornsby Transport Orientated Development (TOD) Program, we welcomed the plan’s alignment with the vision embodied
in Council’s own Hornsby Town Centre Masterplan. This validated the extensive work Council had undertaken. Council continues to liaise with the NSW Government for more support in delivering essential infrastructure for the approved 6,244 new homes, as we work towards creating a vibrant and sustainable hub that is attractive to work and live in.
Infrastructure delivery has been a key priority. We progressed major projects such as Hornsby Park, securing $12 million in federal funding for a Field of Play at Old Mans Valley, progressing significant works at the Crusher Plant, and securing further funding from the NSW Government for a shared path and signage around the quarry loop. At Westleigh Park, we reached a major milestone with the approval of the Development Application by the Sydney North Planning Panel. This project will deliver new sports fields and recreational spaces while preserving important bushland areas. We continue to advocate for the retention of funding to ensure this vital infrastructure is delivered.
Across the Shire, we completed a range of capital works including seven new footpaths, two shared paths – including the extremely popular Kangaroo Point boardwalk – four road upgrades, and 1,070 metres of new kerb and guttering. We also delivered upgrades to parks and playgrounds, including Beecroft Village Green, Pennant Hills Park, and Brickpit Park Playground.
As we shape the future of Hornsby Shire, we’ve implemented a range of projects and initiatives that make a real difference. I’m proud that this report reflects our commitment to addressing the community’s immediate needs while also laying the groundwork for long-term housing, sports, and recreational spaces.
Thank you to my dedicated staff and our leadership team who continue to serve the community with passion and diligence. It is their commitment that has made our many achievements possible.
Steven Head General Manager
a year in review
Performance summary
During 2024/25, we completed and progressed a substantial program of key initiatives and capital (infrastructure) projects and provided services that address social, economic, environmental and governance objectives contributing to our 2024-2027 Delivery Program including 2024/25 Operational Plan. The Delivery Program is Council’s commitment to the community during its term of office and is in response to Your vision | Your future 2032 , the Community Strategic Plan for Hornsby Shire.
The results achieved and set out below are based on 125 key initiatives and 84 capital (infrastructure) projects set out in our 2024-2027 Delivery Program including 2024/25 Operational Plan adopted by Council on 12 June 2024. More detailed information can be found in our Biannual Performance Reports available on our website
Snapshot of performance
Ninety-one per cent of actions within the 2024-2027 Delivery Program and 2024/25 Operational Plan have been completed or are on track.
Eighty-three per cent of planned capital (infrastructure) projects have been completed or are on track, with $50.7 million spent.
The annual overall percentage of actions (key initiatives and ongoing activities) and capital (infrastructure) projects combined gives a result of 89 per cent.
Budget
91%
Operational Plan actions completed/on track $135.2m
$50.7m
Operational Plan actions including capital (infrastructure) projects completed/on track $50.7M spent 83% of planned capital (infrastructure) projects completed/on track
89%
financial summary
1 Rates and charges includes all ordinary rates, the Catchments Remediation Rate and garbage charges
2 Fees and charges includes fees from Development Applications and revenue earned from aquatic centres, commercial waste services, park and oval hire and property rentals
3 Interest – investment income received from Council’s investment portfolio, overdue rates and annual charges interest
4 Grants and Contributions – operating purposes includes development contributions, the Federal Government’s Financial Assistance Grant and numerous smaller amounts from governments for services including bushfire mitigation, various community services, libraries, roads, various environmental grants and pensioner rate subsidy
5 Grants and Contributions – capital purposes includes new facilities and upgrades to footpaths, local roads, leisure and foreshore facilities, parks, playgrounds, sportsgrounds, stormwater drainage and Council buildings
6 Asset sales – proceeds from the sale of property, plant or equipment
7 Other includes Other Revenue and Other Income, comprising many revenue sources such as fines, recycling income, private
and
8 Based on Council’s
1 Employee costs includes salaries and wages, employee leave payments from provisions, travel expenses, superannuation, workers compensation insurance, fringe benefits tax and training
2 Borrowing repayments includes principal and interest repayments required from external loan borrowing
3 Materials and contracts also includes Internal Expenses and comprises all costs, other than employee costs, associated with the maintenance of parks, roads, buildings, aquatic centres, drainage and the cost of waste services. Also included are environmental protection and plant operating expenditure
4 Capital expenditure includes WIP Expenditure and Asset purchases and comprises new facilities, upgrades to footpaths, local roads, leisure and foreshores, parks, playgrounds, sportsgrounds, stormwater drainage, Council buildings and fleet
5 Restricted assets is the transfer of funds to reserve accounts to be used in future years and includes External and Internal Restricted Assets
6 Other reflects Council’s diverse operations and includes such items as statutory levies, street lighting, office equipment, legals, insurance, advertising and utility costs
7 Based on Council’s Actual results 2024/25
a YEAR OF INFRASTRUCTURE
transforming hornsby shire
Hornsby Park – from Quarry to Parklands
Hornsby Park – from Quarry to Parklands
Estimated completion date Stage 1 – 2026
% Complete 50% Life to Date
Total funding allocation
Development Contributions component
Grants component
Special Rate Variation component (shared path)
Actual Expenditure Life to Date (at 30 June 2025)
$91.3M
$28M
$50m (NSW Govt)
$12m (Aus Govt)
$1.3M
$59.45M
Council is redeveloping the abandoned Hornsby Quarry approximately 1km west of the Hornsby Town Centre and transforming the site into open space for recreation and entertainment for all to enjoy. A unique new place is being created on the site of the former Hornsby Quarry which was handed back to Council from NorthConnex in late 2019. The area features approximately 60 hectares of bushland and open space and is home to several features of historical and community interest, including early settler relics, the State Heritage listed Old Mans Valley Cemetery and remnant buildings of the quarry crusher plant.
The rehabilitation of the old quarry and surrounding lands into open space for recreation purposes is the largest single construction project ever undertaken by Council.
This large-scale project is being part-funded by the NSW Government with $50 million provided by the NSW Stronger Communities grant scheme and 100 per cent of the grant has been spent. Further funding of $28 million is available from development contributions, subject to the priority allocated to projects in accordance with development contributions received.
As noted in Report No. IM2/21 – Master Plan for Hornsby and Westleigh Parks (considered at the 14 April 2021 General Meeting), the total estimated cost of the facilities canvassed in the Master Plan is significantly above the total level of funding available. Therefore, a reduction in scope compared to the Master Plan or staging the project over an extended period will be required unless additional funding can be identified.
A budget of approximately $34 million was allocated for bulk earthworks and site rehabilitation to create the landform for the site and address site-wide stability issues and works for this stage have been completed.
An additional allocation has been provided for the regeneration of the vegetation communities on the site, with an agreement being negotiated with the Biodiversity Conservation Trust to confirm the final management arrangement for these funds.
In December 2024, Council received notification that a grant of $12 million has been awarded from the Australian Government through the Thriving Suburbs grant scheme to fund a Field of Play at Old Mans Valley. $12 million of the $28 million development contributions component has been committed to match this grant. Work to deliver the $24 million Old Mans Valley Field of Play project will commence once Council has a signed funding agreement in place with the relevant NSW Government department.
Status update
The 2024/25 financial year saw the initial embellishment projects completed and final operational preparations well-progressed to allow public access after more than a century of there being no public access to the site.
The Crusher Plant area draws closer to completion and now features picnic tables and barbecues, which will provide a welcoming spot for visitors to relax. Ongoing investment in vegetation management and habitat creation is enhancing the natural landscape, while the construction of the Western Lookout and boardwalk is almost complete, with tracks and trails leading to Rosemead Road.
Construction of the Southern Lookout viewing platform is well underway. This striking structure, with its 14-metre-high tapered steel columns, 13-metre flight of stairs and 42-metre-long viewing deck, will offer breathtaking panoramic views across the quarry and surrounding bushland. Meanwhile, work is progressing on the North-Western Lookout, adding even more scenic vantage points to the park. Work will soon begin on a circulation path around the old quarry, designed for walking and cycling.
The final stage of the Hornsby Heritage Steps restoration is advancing, ensuring the long-term durability of these historic steps.
The striking Southern Lookout features 14-metrehigh tapered steel columns, a 13-metre flight of stairs and a 42-metre-long viewing deck
transforming hornsby shire
Westleigh Park Development
Westleigh Park Development
% Complete 10% Life to Date
Total funding allocation
Development Contributions component
Grants component
Actual Expenditure Life to Date (at 30 June 2025)
$61M
$21M
* $40M
$27.65M
In June 2016, in response to increasing demands on existing open space, Council purchased land along the eastern side of Quarter Sessions Road in Westleigh. Formerly owned by Sydney Water, the site for the new Westleigh Park comprises 36 hectares of cleared open space and bushland.
The purchase of the land was funded by development contributions. The project will be partly funded by the NSW Stronger Communities Fund grant.
Westleigh Park will play a key role in recreational provisions for the district across a diverse range of uses including formal sports, passive recreation (e.g. picnics, walking, playground), mountain biking and ancillary facilities (including internal roads, car parks, amenities buildings, shared paths and water management).
This initiative responds to the growing demand for recreational spaces due to population growth and increased participation in sports.
Following extensive community engagement in 2021, Councillors deferred adoption of the draft Westleigh Park Master Plan to allow time to address concerns around the extent and location of mountain bike tracks and traffic generation around the park. Since then, further engagement and co-design workshops for the mountain bike trails was undertaken with key stakeholders from the mountain bike and environmental protection groups. Workshops were also held around the proposed extension to Sefton Road.
The comprehensive Master Plan, adopted in June 2023 after extensive community engagement, outlines a vision for a major parkland that balances active recreation with the preservation of important bushland areas. Council lodged a Development Application (DA) for Westleigh Park in September 2023 with public exhibition concluding 20 November 2023. The Sydney North Planning Panel approved the DA for Westleigh Park in December 2024. The DA is for the entire scope of the project, which will be delivered in stages.
Stage One will introduce key amenities, including parking, walking, and biking trails, alongside a multi-purpose platform featuring a natural turf sports field adaptable for various sports, such as football, rugby, AFL, and cricket.
Stage Two will expand the facilities with a flexible turf sports field, a senior athletics track, and an internal athletics field, accommodating even more recreational opportunities.
This development not only aims to enhance local infrastructure, as highlighted in the Westleigh Park Master Plan and aligned with the Hornsby Sportsground Strategy and NSW Government funding, but also fulfils the community’s need for vital recreational space.
Status update
Preparation is underway to apply for a Construction Certificate (CC) for Stage 1 works. A total of 32 DA conditions shall be satisfied prior to issuing of the CC by the certifier. Consultants of various disciplines (civil, environmental, landscape etc.) have been engaged and are working on these conditions by updating and preparing a number of reports and drawings to enable the application for CC.
* In June 2024, this project experienced a setback when the NSW Government requested the return of crucial funding. Dialogue with the NSW Government continues to ensure that this important project can be delivered for the community.
Westleigh Park will play a key role in recreation provisions for the district across a range of uses including formal sports, passive recreation and ancillary facilities
transforming hornsby shire
Public Domain – Asquith to Mount Colah and Galston
Public Domain Asquith and Mount Colah Galston
Estimated completion date 2025 2026/27
% Complete 70% Life to Date 10% Life to Date
Total funding allocation
Development Contributions component
Actual Expenditure Life to Date (at 30 June 2025)
$9.3M $7.1M
$9M
$6.05M $318K
Council is improving streetscape amenity through the planting of advanced trees, landscaped garden beds, footpaths, shared paths, seating and signage in the following priority areas: Asquith-Mount Colah corridor, Galston Village, Waitara, Thornleigh, West Pennant Hills and Beecroft.
Public Domain Guidelines were prepared and adopted following community and stakeholder engagement. The Guidelines include generic controls to guide the development of the public domain across all urban areas of Hornsby Shire as well as recommending projects within the nominated five housing strategy areas where major development is expected or has occurred: the Asquith-Mount Colah corridor, Waitara, Thornleigh, West Pennant Hills and Beecroft.
Revised Public Domain Guidelines for Beecroft were placed on public exhibition in December 2022 and remain subject to final adoption. Upgrades are occurring within the Beecroft Village Green and a pedestrian/cycle sharepath from the Beecroft Village Green to Cheltenham Road has been delivered. Upgrades to pavements and streetscape within the Village will be dependent on additional funding being provided and through conditioning on future developments.
A Shirewide signage design palette was endorsed by Council and 36 new gateway and suburb signs have been installed. The provision of further signs is dependent on additional funding being identified.
Asquith and Mount Colah
Council identified two priority areas to improve streetscape amenity:
Peats Ferry Road, Asquith between Hookhams Corner and Wattle Street
Pacific Highway corridor between Asquith and Mount Colah.
A budget of $9.3 million was set aside for these works, funded from development contributions. Upgrade works on Peats Ferry Road, Asquith between Hookhams Corner and Wattle Street have been completed.
The corridor from Asquith to Mount Colah will be undertaken in two stages. Stage 1 includes works between Amor Street and Yirra Road, and Stage 2 is from Yirra Road to Parklands Avenue.
Civil design has been completed for Stage 1 and construction commenced in August 2024 with works now substantially complete. The estimated cost of Stage 1 has been revised down resulting in savings that will fund planning and design works for Stage 2 in 2025/26.
Construction for Stage 2 from Yirra Road to Parklands Avenue will commence in future years as development contribution funding becomes available. This corridor aims to provide improvements including wider footpaths and landscaping along the Pacific Highway and the construction of pedestrian refuges at selected locations, with the agreement of Transport for NSW (TfNSW).
Galston
The Galston Village Public Domain Plan (PDP) was endorsed by Council on 10 July 2024 (Report No. IM6/24) for the next stage of detailed design and documentation towards construction (Report No. IM6/24).
The project has commenced refinements in facilitating design development and documentation which includes elements of site and road surveys, drainage/water sensitive urban design review, geotechnical advice and Road Safety Audit. A speed zone review for Galston Road is also being undertaken recommending a lowering of vehicle speeds within the Galston Village to 40km/h to improve pedestrian and cycling safety as part of the broader Galston Village Public Domain Plan.
Status update
The Galston Village Public Domain Plan is progressing, with the plan being refined based in response to our engagement with the community. Council is also continuing to liaise with stakeholders and TfNSW for the works affecting Galston Road. A design brief was prepared and a consultant engaged after Request for Quotation process. The 80 per cent detailed design has been completed and reviewed by stakeholders, community members and TfNSW which will enable the project to move to final detailed design stage and prepare for Construction Tender. Construction is estimated to commence in late 2025 subject to the final design approval by TfNSW.
The draft Galston Village Public Domain Plan seeks to retain the character of Galston Village as a semi-rural and regional attraction, while building capacity for growth and anticipated increased levels of visitation
transforming hornsby shire
Hornsby Town Centre Review
Hornsby Town Centre Review
The Hornsby Town Centre Review project will revitalise the Hornsby Town Centre, making it a more liveable, green and accessible centre for our community. We want to strengthen the economic, employment and housing capacities of the Town Centre and improve its public domain, liveability, accessibility, safety, environmental sustainability and visual appeal through quality design and landscape.
“A place for people that reflects the uniqueness of the bushland setting, integrated around key public spaces, where the city meets the bush. An active, thriving centre that exhibits economic diversity, design excellence, liveability and sustainability.”
(Adopted Vision Statement for Hornsby Town Centre)
The Hornsby Town Centre Masterplan was adopted by Council on 8 November 2023. The Masterplan is ambitious, promoting a redefinition of the Town Centre skyline by providing opportunities for new dwellings in slender residential towers, varying in height up to 36 storeys and clustered around the train station and mall.
Also facilitating up to 4,500 new jobs in the precinct, the Masterplan encourages revitalisation of the Town Centre with new open spaces reflective of the Shire’s bushland identity, a new multi-purpose community facility along with pedestrian and cycling networks and enhanced public transport access.
Due to the advanced work completed by Council on its vision and Masterplan for the Hornsby Town Centre, Hornsby was identified as an accelerated precinct through the NSW Government’s Transport Oriented Development (TOD) program. The rezoning recently completed by the NSW Government amends the planning controls for the Hornsby TOD Accelerated Precinct to provide:
capacity for over 6,000 new homes
capacity for 2,900 new jobs across the precinct
affordable housing contribution of between 3 per cent to 10 per cent for all new residential development in the precinct
new and upgraded parks and open space
more community facilities, including new library and community centre
more open space at the heart of the town centre
greener streets with better connectivity for walking and cycling
provisions for a new bus interchange.
Council is pleased that most of our vision has been incorporated into the TOD rezoning. However, we will continue to collaborate and advocate for the NSW Government’s assistance in delivering housing, jobs, and appropriate infrastructure.
Status update
The NSW Government finalised the Hornsby TOD rezoning in November 2024, which included amendments to the Hornsby Local Environmental Plan 2013 and publication of supporting documents including the Hornsby Urban Design Framework, Hornsby Design Guide and Hornsby Precinct Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme. In May 2025, Council endorsed the Hornsby Town Centre Public Domain Guidelines, Hornsby Town Centre Precinct Section 7.12 Development Contributions Plan 2025 and amendments to the Hornsby Development Control Plan 2024 that will encourage high quality development and public spaces in the Hornsby Town Centre.
The Hornsby Town Centre Review project wlil revitalise the Hornsby Town Centre, making it a more liveable, green and accessible centre for our community
Performance of infrastructure projects
Performance of Capital (infrastructure) Projects
Projects delivered with funds received due to good planning processes
Contributions collected from fixed development consent levies (under sections 7.11 and 7.12 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979) have helped deliver:
Brickpit Park, Thornleigh – Stage 2, playground upgrade and pedestrian path; new dog off-leash area
Wollundry Park, Pennant Hills – Playground upgrade
Berry Park, Mount Colah – Playground construction
Fagan Park, Galston – New dog off-leash area
New Farm Road bushland, West Pennant Hills – Hull Road track entrance formalised; improved track surface; creek crossing upgrade Pennant Hills Park – New paths, seating terraces and landscaping associated with Pennant Hills Oval No.1. Project has delivered significant improvements with approximately 2km of pathways, extensive roadside parking, kerbing, installation of a roundabout and terrace
WHERE THE MONEY WAS SPENT
1,070
2,100
Brickpit Park Playground upgrade delivers fun and accessibility
Just in time for the summer school holidays, Council unveiled a major upgrade to the playground at Brickpit Park in Thornleigh. Now elevated to District Level, the revitalised space features the Shire’s first junior ninja warrior course, a waterplay area, and inclusive play equipment designed to cater to children of all ages and abilities.
The upgrade also includes improved access via a new pedestrian entry from Pennant Hills Road, wider paths, additional shade, picnic shelters, and fencing. A playful nod to the site’s brickworks history is woven into the design, with heritage bricks and inlaid ground details adding a unique local touch.
Jointly funded by the NSW Government’s Place to Play Grant and Council, the project has transformed Brickpit Park into a vibrant community destination.
Pennant Hills Park upgrade enhances accessibility and comfort
Construction works at Pennant Hills Park Oval 1 were completed, delivering new terrace seating and pathways that significantly improve accessibility and safety for park users. The upgrade replaced aging infrastructure and provides better access to the grandstand and amenities, including toilets.
Key features included new terrace walls, seating, steps and a ramp connecting to the oval, as well as pathways linking the grandstand forecourt to the broader park network. A relocated barbecue now sits under a new shade shelter, adding to the park’s usability. Final turfing and tree planting were also completed, rounding out this well-received enhancement developed in consultation with local sporting groups.
Brickpit Park welcomed off-leash dog park and new pedestrian circuit
In July, Council officially opened the new off-leash dog park at Brickpit Park, offering a safe and welcoming space for dogs and their owners to enjoy. The fully fenced area includes concrete entry pads, a connecting path to the car park and play space, and new landscaping with trees, shrubs and lawn to enhance the experience.
The upgrade also saw the completion of an extensive concrete pedestrian circuit path around the entire Brickpit Park site, improving accessibility and encouraging active recreation. A new pedestrian link from Dartford Road to the playground is expected to be completed by the end of the 2025, further connecting the park’s growing network of community spaces.
Rofe Park dog off-leash area reopened with new features
Rofe Park in Hornsby Heights opened its upgraded off-leash dog area, offering a refreshed and more inclusive space for local dog owners and their furry companions. The renewal works introduced two separate
fenced areas, including a dedicated space for small dogs, along with an extended play area and additional fencing for safety.
New seating, drinking fountains with dog bowls, and fresh tree planting have enhanced comfort and usability. Plus, a new walking trail now links the car park to the Binnari Road fire trail, improving access and encouraging active outings. The upgraded space has received positive feedback from locals and their dogs alike.
Fagan Park welcomed new fenced dog off-leash area
In January, Council opened a new fenced dog off-leash area at Fagan Park, delivering a safe and scenic space for dogs and their owners to enjoy. Built in line with Council’s Off-Leash Dog Park Strategy, the facility features a rural heritage-style fence, shaded seating areas, a drinking fountain with dog bowl, and concrete pathways.
The park includes two entrance points and a buffer to nearby bushland and the dam, ensuring both safety and environmental protection. Landscaping with shade trees and the installation of signage and waste facilities completed the thoughtful design, making this a welcome addition to one of the Shire’s most popular parks.
The revitalised Brickpit Park Playground caters for children of all ages and abilities
The new fenced dog off-leash area at Fagan Park is a safe and scenic space for dogs and their owners to enjoy
highlights
Norman Avenue Park upgrade delivered nature play and active fun
Norman Avenue Park in Thornleigh underwent a vibrant transformation, with a new playground and nature play elements installed to delight local families. The upgraded space featured a climbing unit, monkey bars, swings, a spinner, and a nature play trail, offering a variety of activities for children of all ages.
A new concrete circuit path was added, perfect for bikes and scooters, while shady play areas under existing trees and new plantings provides comfort during warmer days. The park also received refreshed picnic seating and shelter, new seats with backrests, extended fencing, upgraded entrances, and a new park sign, creating a welcoming and accessible environment for casual play and relaxation.
Berry Park Playground brings fun, fitness and inclusivity to Mount Colah
Berry Park in Mount Colah was transformed with the completion of a vibrant new playground, designed with input from the local community. The upgraded space features a large climbing frame with slide, a swing set including an accessible basket seat, and a nature play trail that encourages imaginative and active play.
Outdoor fitness stations, shaded seating and picnic areas make the park ideal for family outings and school holiday fun. Additional tree planting, accessible parking and a two-metre-wide pedestrian circuit path around the sports field further enhance the park’s appeal.
Already a favourite for junior soccer and cricket, Berry Park is now a fully inclusive destination for play, exercise and community connection.
Bushwalking
track upgrades improved access and safety in
Dural
In April, Council completed bushwalking track improvements between New Farm Road and Hull Road in Dural, enhancing the experience for nature lovers and casual walkers alike. The project delivered a formalised track entrance, sandstone steps with rock armouring, and an upgraded creek crossing featuring a wider path and sandstone stepping stones for improved access during wet conditions.
These upgrades significantly improved the safety, durability and inclusivity of the track, making it more accessible to a broader range of bushwalkers. Positive feedback from local residents highlighted the community’s appreciation for the improved access and overall condition of the trail.
Mills Park upgrade delivers fresh new look for Asquith
Mills Park in Asquith received a vibrant upgrade, transforming it into a more inviting and functional space for the community. The improvements include brand-new playground equipment, three picnic settings, pedestrian lighting, and additional tree plantings to enhance shade and comfort.
A colourful new mural near the basketball courts adds a creative touch, while the open green space continues to be perfect for running, kicking a ball, and casual play. With new fitness equipment also installed, the park is set to become an even more popular destination for active recreation and family outings.
The new nature play trail at Berry Park Playground encourages imagination and active play
Mills Park is set to become an even more popular destination for active recreation and family outings
highlights
Playgrounds across the Shire received fresh upgrades
Council completed a series of playground renewal works at key sites, enhancing play spaces for families and children. Funded through the Special Rate Variation and general capital programs, these upgrades reflect Council’s commitment to safe, engaging and accessible recreational facilities.
At Montview Oval in Hornsby Heights, junior play equipment was relocated next to the other play equipment to make room for the new changeroom and public toilets. The play equipment was complemented by additional park furniture, which was repurposed from the Brickpit Park project, in lieu of a full upgrade. Normanhurst Oval and Brooklyn Park playgrounds received fresh undersurfacing, improving safety and comfort for young users. Meanwhile, Hastings Park in Castle Hill saw the replacement of junior play equipment, ensuring continued enjoyment for local families.
These upgrades are part of Council’s ongoing investment in community infrastructure, supporting active lifestyles and vibrant public spaces.
Moorfield Hills Reserve Playground opened for the winter holidays
Moorfield Hills Reserve in Dural received a fresh upgrade, in time for the winter school holidays. The playground features a large play tower, basket swing, four-way rocker and inclusive play panels, offering a fun and accessible experience for children of all ages.
The surrounding park area was also enhanced with a refreshed picnic shelter, new seating with backrests, sandstone log features, extended fencing, and upgraded entrances. A new park sign welcomes visitors, and replacement tree plantings are scheduled to further improve shade and amenity.
This revitalised space has become a favourite local destination for play, relaxation and community connection.
Ron Payne Oval upgrade unveiled for winter sports season
Ron Payne Park in North Epping received a major upgrade ahead of the winter sports season, enhancing the oval’s functionality and appeal for local sporting groups. The works included improved drainage and irrigation, oval grading and resurfacing, and the installation of high-quality sports turf – a first for the Shire.
A new synthetic cricket wicket was added, along with tiered sandstone block seating and fencing along the north and east sides of the field. The North Epping Rangers Sports Club MiniRoos were among the first to enjoy the refreshed surface, kicking off the season with energy and enthusiasm.
These upgrades form part of the broader Ron Payne Park Landscape Concept Plan, jointly funded by the NSW Government and Council.
The North Epping Rangers Sports Club MiniRoos were the first to enjoy the upgraded Ron Payne Oval
The Moorfield Hills Reserve Plaground features a large play tower, basket swing, four-way rocker and inclusive play panels
New junior play equipment at Hastings Park, Castle Hill ensured continued enjoyment for local families
highlights
Greenway Park Sports Precinct boosted sport and accessibility in Cherrybrook
In June, Council celebrated the completion of the final stage of upgrades to the Greenway Park Sports Precinct in Cherrybrook. The project delivered a suite of new facilities designed to support local sporting clubs and improve accessibility for all users.
The works included new changerooms, first aid and referee rooms, a canteen, club storage, tiered spectator seating, a multi-functional area, upgraded utilities, and new male, female and accessible public toilets. These improvements were designed to be inclusive and female-friendly, supporting a wide range of sports including AFL, athletics, baseball, cricket, netball and Rugby League.
Delivered by Council with funding support from the NSW Government’s Office of Sport and Council’s Special Rate Variation, this final stage followed earlier upgrades completed in 2021. Together, these works have transformed Greenway Park into one of the Shire’s most important and inclusive sporting hubs, benefiting thousands of local players and supporters.
Kangaroo
Point boardwalk opens, showcasing the beauty
of the Hawkesbury
In July, Council officially opened the Kangaroo Point boardwalk in Brooklyn — a stunning one-kilometre elevated walkway offering panoramic views of the Hawkesbury River. Winding through untouched mangroves and bushland, the boardwalk created a new eco-tourism destination and a safe, accessible route for walkers and cyclists between Kangaroo Point and Seymours Creek.
The project forms part of a broader three-kilometre continuous walking and cycling route from Brooklyn village to Kangaroo Point. Designed with a low-impact approach to protect sensitive ecosystems, the boardwalk featured shaded rest areas, sandstone seating, and seamless links to nearby bushwalks, public transport, and local cafes.
Funded by Transport for NSW’s Get NSW Active program, the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s Metropolitan Greenspace Program and Council, the boardwalk delivered a memorable new way for residents and visitors to explore one of Sydney’s most scenic natural settings.
The Greenway Park Sports Precinct in Cherrybrook delivers a suite of new facilities supporting local sporting clubs and improving accessibility for all users
The Kangaroo Point boardwalk in Brooklyn offers panoramic views of the Hawkesbury River
Winding through untouched mangroves and bushland, the Kangaroo Point boardwalk created a new eco-tourism destination
projects
completed projects
completed projects
(SRV)
completed projects
projects FACING CHALLENGES AND DELAYS
Infrastructure projects not proceeding
The following projects have been paused and will not advance further at this stage.
Foreshore – Berowra Waters – west pontoon extension Further review of project viability and funding source will be required before this project is
Beecroft Town Centre traffic improvements, including signalisation of Wongala Crescent/Hannah Street (s7.11)
irrigation and surface renewal – Mills Park, Asquith – design and site investigations
projects FACING CHALLENGES AND DELAYS
and viewing
This project is on hold and deferred indefinitely. The outcome of on-site Aboriginal Cultural Heritage assessments has recommended that Council instead continue to work with other land managers in the Berowra Waters area to assess a realignment of the Great North Walk away from Aboriginal sites in this area, and management strategies including interpretation of the cultural significance of the area Jan
Dog off-leash Closed date
Dog off-leash renewal – Ruddock Park, Westleigh Funding reallocated to Rofe Park Apr 2025
Bushland Closed date
Berowra Waters – accessible boardwalk
platform
projects FACING CHALLENGES AND DELAYS
Infrastructure projects requiring further attention
The following projects have experienced delays and will be carried forward into the 2025/26 financial year for completion. These delays have been primarily due to reprioritisation, funding constraints, and dependencies on external agencies.
Foreshore facilities
In addition, there are other projects that, while not yet complete, are progressing well and will continue into the new financial year for finalisation.
Brooklyn Wharf Upgrade with Pontoon Council is waiting for the outcome of grant funding application to proceed with the project. Project deferred to 2025/26 and necessary matching funds are allocated to deliver the project when grant funds are made available
Traffic facilities
Intersection upgrade – Peats Ferry Road/Bridge Road, Hornsby Funding allocated in section 7.11 plan for project is insufficient to deliver the works. Safer Roads Program (blackspot) funding application has been lodged for 2025/26 seeking $3 million from the program
Pedestrian, cycle facilities
Mountain Bike Trails and link, Westleigh Funding for the project needs to be resolved due to the potential withdrawal of NSW Government grant funding.
Shared Zone – Quarry Road, Hornsby Park (SRV) Project Control Group decision not finalised regarding Quarry Road Shared Zone. Project (and spend) deferred to 2025/26
Dog off-leash
Asquith Park - renewal Project deferred to 2025/26
Wareemba Avenue, Thornleigh – embellishment of track Project temporarily on hold pending outcome of Natural Areas Recreation Strategy and Sydney Water review, and due to recommence in new financial year. Sydney Water has completed an initial review of the Specialist Engineering Assessment
Larool Creek bridge, Thornleigh
Sydney Water has completed an initial review of the Specialist Engineering Assessment. Project temporarily on hold pending outcome of Natural Areas Recreation Strategy and Sydney Water Review, and due to recommence in new financial year
Bushland
looking after our future
BUILDING A STRONG FUTURE
Progress
on
our Special Rate Variation
To deliver our community’s vision for our beautiful Shire, including securing a positive future for our coming generations that is liveable, sustainable, productive and collaborative, it is essential that we have sound financial foundations and continue to spend only within our means. The decision to progress the application for a Special Rate Variation (SRV) was not taken lightly but was the responsible choice to ensure Council meets its legislated obligation to manage its budget responsibly. We consulted with our community on this issue in October 2022.
In June 2023, the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) approved Council’s application for a SRV, with rates rising by 8.5 per
cent in 2023/24, 7.5 per cent in 2024/25, 6.5 per cent in 2025/26 and 5.5 per cent in 2026/27, representing a cumulative increase of 31.05 per cent over four years including the annual rate peg set by IPART.
Council’s application included $6.6 million in 2024/25 to implement previously unfunded initiatives identified in a number of strategic and technical documents endorsed by Council and desired by the community as well as providing additional funding for the planned maintenance and renewal of Council’s asset base outlined in the Asset Management Strategy that was referred to IPART as part of the application for the SRV. The SRV budget includes similar allocations over ten years that will deliver an extensive program of priority projects to the community.
Council must use the additional income for the purpose of funding the program of expenditure included within Council’s application, which contained $67.26 million to be spent on Strategic Initiatives over a ten-year period.
Detailed reporting on the SRV as required by the Instrument under Section 508A of the Local Government Act 1993 can be found later in this document commencing p142 in the Legislative Requirements section.
Outcomes from the Special Rate Variation
Program
UPGRADING YOUR COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE
Progress/Outcome
Renew our public amenities
Community centre access and use upgrades
Public toilet renewal projects were completed at Greenway Park, Cherrybrook; Berowra Waters (Dusthole Bay), Berrilee; and Upper McKell Park, Brooklyn
Further planned public toilet renewal projects were delayed and are anticipated to be completed in 2025/26. Investigation, design and management works for program is ongoing
Community centres access improvements have been completed at Hawkins Hall, Thornleigh; Storey Park Community Centre; Cherrybrook Community Centre and Pennant Hills
Community Centre. Preparation of disability inclusive designs are ongoing
Designs have been completed for Beecroft and Berowra Community Centre improvements
Improvements including changerooms and public toilets at Greenway Park, Cherrybrook enhance accessibility and provide better experience for users including local sporting club participants
Improve sportsgrounds changerooms
Prioritised stormwater upgrades
Improvements including female-friendly toilet and change rooms at Montview Oval support increased female participation and provide an inclusive environment for a broad range of users
Drainage improvement works through no.24 Wareemba, Thornleigh is complete. Detailed design of drainage improvements through no.4 Wareemba Avenue, Thornleigh is ongoing. These works will improve stormwater drainage and reduce flooding during major storm events
BUILDING A STRONG FUTURE
Program Progress/Outcome
PROTECTING BUSHLAND AND IMPROVING OPEN SPACE
Bushland asset management
Playground upgrades
SUSTAINABLE AND RESILIENT COMMUNITY
Community Resilience Program - climate change adaptation and mitigation
Bush regeneration works on the 48 priority bushland reserves being funded by SRV started in August 2024 and continued throughout 2024/25. Initial bushland prioritisation work has informed reserve management planning for 2025/26
Charles Curtis Park playground upgrade to be constructed 2025/26
Consultation for Fearnley Park playground completed. Design finalised and contract awarded. Construction works delayed due to the need to resolve site constraint issues.
Completion scheduled for early 2025/26
Moorfield Hills Reserve playground was completed in June 2025
Bushfire risk mitigation
Community Development Programs
Emergency Management Framework has been developed to build safer, more resilient communities that can withstand, adapt and thrive when threatened by emergencies. The framework integrates climate change risks into planning and preparedness. Rollout of framework is ongoing
Funds have provided critical support for staffing and operational works across Council-managed land to meet obligations under Section 63 of the Rural Fires Act 1997 and the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Bush Fire Risk Management Plan. Key activities delivered through 2024/25 include:
Establishment and ongoing maintenance of 124,628m² of Asset Protection Zones
Preparation of burn sites earmarked for hazard reduction activities on Council Tenure
Procurement of plant, equipment and personal protective clothing to support bush fire mitigation operations by council staff
Hello Hornsby program has fostered social connection, combatted isolation, and promoted wellbeing for Hornsby Shire residents aged 60 and over by providing a program of free activities, outings, information sessions, and workshops during the year. These include:
Coffee and Chat sessions; Seniors Week events including a concert and an art exhibition; Harmony Day events held in collaboration with external providers; Mental Health Month trip to Canoelands Orchard; Carers Week morning tea at Hornsby Library; Grandparents Day trip to Koala Park; Emergency Expo in Hornsby Mall in collaboration with NSW Police, Fire and Rescue NSW, Women’s Shelter, Lions Club, St Johns Ambulance NSW; Senior Sing session in Social Isolation Week; Dementia Action Week trip on Riverboat Postman along the Hawkesbury River for people living with dementia and their carers; Hornsby Library hosted event showcasting author and LGBTQIA+ campaigner Benjamin Law.
BUILDING A STRONG FUTURE
Program
Progress/Outcome
CONNECTED WALKING AND CYCLING PATHS
Shared paths - footpaths and cycleways
Track and trail upgrades for accessibility
Construction of shared path at Ramsay Road, Pennant Hills was completed in August 2025. The shared path is in accordance with Council’s adopted Walking and Cycling Strategy and will improve pedestrian and cyclist amenity, road user safety, and contribute to reducing traffic congestion
Investigation, design and management works for program is ongoing
Shared zones at Quarry Road, Hornsby Park has been deferred to 2025/26
Consultants were engaged for Hornsby Park and Links bushwalking track wayfinding signage following a competitive request for quote process and are progressing manufacture of wayfinding signage. Final content/design inclusions will progress into 2025/26 in coordination with Hornsby Park wayfinding strategy prior to printing and installation of signs for bushwalking
Installation of Salt Pan Reserve accessible path and loop links completed, with approximately 370 linear metres of 1.8m wide concrete pathway from Brooklyn Rd to the Salt Pan bushland gardens, suitable for all mobility types. Next stage of project is continuing in 2025/26 with landscaping, path edge treatments and signage proposed
The design, manufacture and installation of bushland wayfinding signage for the Deep Bay Creek Loop/Turner Trail Loop section is underway and due to be completed in 2025/26. Scoping for future track upgrades progressed, and draft plans completed. Helicopter operations were successfully carried out mid-May to assist track upgrade progression
The tracks and trails maintenance program progressed with works involving a combination of scheduled surface and vegetation works, together with reactive storm damage repairs, with a focus on Council’s most accessible tracks
Track and trail maintenance
Planning progressed in relation to procurement of a series of pedestrian counters that will improve usage monitoring of Council’s walking track networks and inform future management. Repairs to interpretive signage sculptures at Carrs Bush Discovery Walk was completed
driving an efficient and productive council
(Local Government Act 1993, s428(3), (4)(b))
Council is always looking at improvement and efficiency measures and to better align the organisation to deliver for the community. In 2024/25, we continued to benefit from a significant program of cost containment and savings. These efforts have strengthened our financial sustainability and our capacity to redirect savings into new services. We recognise that both an ongoing program of continuous improvement and a review of services will be required to maintain financial sustainability in an increasingly challenging financial environment. As part of this commitment, Council implemented a range of digitisation initiatives to enhance service delivery and internal operations. The introduction of Payble, a customer-centric payment platform, has provided ratepayers with flexible payment options, improving convenience and overall customer experience. A new ‘Chat Now’ feature on the Council website allows customers to connect directly with staff from the Customer Service, Waste, and Rates teams during business hours, offering a real time alternative to traditional phone enquiries. Additionally, our aquatic centres have integrated swimming carnival applications into the existing Bookable system used by schools for their athletics and cross-country carnival applications. The system enables a unified booking experience for schools, along with more timely date confirmation and invoicing.
Internally Council delivered several improvements to boost operational efficiency and support staff in their roles. These included the implementation of a new recruitment system, digitisation of paperbased forms, development of internal dashboards to monitor service request progress, and the launch of a redesigned intranet to help staff easily access essential resources.
These initiatives have contributed to measurable improvements. The completion rate of Customer Service Requests increased to 86 per cent in 2024/25, up from 83.8 per cent in 2023/24. The total number of requests also increased (from 36,155 in 2023/24 to 40,682 in 2024/25), reflecting both increased demand and the efficient response of our dedicated teams.
To better understand community expectations, Council’s Community Satisfaction Surveys were undertaken in March 2021, February 2023 and November 2024 asking residents to rate their satisfaction with 30 different services and facilities provided by Council. More information and results are on the next page.
Based on survey analysis, the Development Assessments service was identified for improvement. A comprehensive service review was undertaken to maintain Council’s competitive processing times while enhancing the customer experience. The review identified several areas for improvement, including:
Performance and customer service
Website and self-service
Submissions and communication
Assessment quality, policy, and procedures.
Council will implement and monitor progress of recommendations in these areas over the next 12–24 months.
During the year, Council also undertook a minor review to support operations within the newly restructured Infrastructure and Major Projects directorate. The restructure is designed to improve internal alignment and operational effectiveness, with further improvements planned over the next 12 months.
Following a systematic evaluation of Council services to identify potential areas for improvement, Library Services and Fleet and Mechanical Services have been prioritised for comprehensive review in 2025/26. These reviews will focus on enhancing service delivery and operational efficiency, while recognising that improvements must be achieved within the limits of Council’s financial capacity and long-term sustainability goals.
Council will periodically evaluate its services and operations for opportunities to improve service and operational efficiency.
As a lean organisation, we continue to deliver strong outcomes. Each staff member services 314 community members, 30 per cent more than our peer councils, where staff each service 238 residents on average.
(YourCouncil NSW Government data 2022/23.)
A new ‘Chat Now’ feature on the Council website allows customers to connect directly with staff from Customer Service
COMMUNITY SATISFACTION WITH council
Ensuring customer satisfaction
As a council, it is important for us to understand how satisfied the community is with our performance so we can meet their expectations. We seek community feedback on our performance and community priorities on a regular basis. This informs our decisions on priorities and areas for continuous improvement.
Every two years we undertake a representative Community Satisfaction survey. Most recently conducted in November 2024, 600 residents were asked to rate their satisfaction with 30 different services and facilities provided by Council. The results of the survey appear in this document against each relevant Strategic Direction (for example p62). A snapshot of key results is below.
Overall satisfaction with Council has continued to drop marginally. This should be viewed against an average 10 per cent decline in overall satisfaction across 27 NSW local government areas measured by the survey provider since mid 2022.
Respondents who had interacted with Council in t he past 12 months (other than to make a payment) rated their satisfaction with Customer Service on four areas. All of these four areas show a positive trend from the 2023 survey.
Satisfaction with services and facilities
Of the 30 Council services and facilities respondents rated their satisfaction with, set out below are the Top 5 and Bottom 5 in 2024.
Top five services/facilities
Library services
Domestic waste and recycling collection service
Parks and recreation areas (including playgrounds)
Trails and tracks
Aquatic centre/s
Bottom five services/facilities
Development approvals process
Consultation and engagement
Results are based on a 1-5 satisfaction scale, where:
1 = very dissatisfied
2 =
3 = very satisfied
For the first time in the 2024 Community Satisfaction survey respondents were asked how satisfied they were that Council’s decisions are having a positive impact on Hornsby.
Amount and type of development
Encouraging local industry, businesses and tourism
Bike paths
How residents like to hear from Council
The top five ways residents would like to hear about Council activities, events, policies etc:
Council’s website
Facebook
Enews
Pamphlets/leaflets
Local newspapers
our area
OUR AREA
About our area
The traditional inhabitants of Hornsby Shire are the Aboriginal peoples of the Dharug and GuriNgai language groups.
In 2021, 0.6 per cent of the Shire’s population (870 people) identified as being of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. The majority of Aboriginal peoples live in and around the Hornsby Central Business District (CBD) and in the north of the Shire. Council continues to work with these traditional landholder groups to support the celebration of Aboriginal history and culture in the Shire.
European settlement in the Shire dates from 1794 when the first land grants were made along the Hawkesbury River, with land used mainly for farming. The opening of the Newcastle and North Shore railway lines in the 1890s resulted in Hornsby CBD becoming a railway town and a major centre.
Our Bushland Shire enjoys the benefits and convenience of city living with enviable access to pristine bushland and waterways. It is the place where the city meets the bush. Hornsby Shire forms part of the northern suburbs, being located approximately 25 kilometres north of Sydney CBD.
Hornsby Shire is shaped by our natural environment, population growth, housing and employment opportunities. The Shire continues to change, evolve and grow to cater to the changing needs of the community. Some of the major challenges ahead include climate change, traffic congestion, economic and technological changes, the rate of population growth and the social makeup of the community. These challenges are not unique to our area and all of Sydney is under pressure to address them.
Up until May 2016, the Hornsby Shire Council area covered approximately 510 square kilometres, including 6,000 hectares of public bushland for which Council was responsible. The Shire extended from Brooklyn in the north, to Wisemans Ferry and Glenorie/Dural in the west, Wahroonga in the east and Epping in the south.
In May 2016 the NSW government transferred the former Hornsby Shire Council area south of the M2 Motorway to the City of Parramatta Council and abolished Hornsby’s then existing three-ward structure.
By proclamation on 23 January 2017, the NSW government established a new three ward structure for the Hornsby Shire Council area which took effect from the 9 September 2017 Council election.
Liveability in Hornsby SHIRE
Liveability in Hornsby Shire
In 2025, Council once again participated in the Australian Liveability Census. Launched on 30 March and running until 30 June, the Census invited local communities to share what was important to them, giving a glimpse into how their local neighbourhoods are performing.
Our community’s ideal neighbourhood is green, safe, wellconnected and convenient
Top 3 Strengths:
Elements of natural environment (natural features, views, vegetation, topography, water, wildlife etc.) Top Liveability Priority:
Walking/jogging/bike paths that connect housing to communal amenity (shops, parks etc.)
Top Priority for impact:
Invest in well maintained, quality public spaces with real modal choice
Liveability in Hornsby Shire is rated higher than the state and national average, performing 3 points higher.
Access to neighbourhood amenities (cafes, shops, health and wellness services etc.)
General condition of public open space (street trees, footpaths, parks etc)
Top improvement areas:
Where our community identified they would most benefit from change
Compared to national benchmark:
OUR COMMUNITY involvement
Local government is the most diverse of Australia’s three levels of government and has responsibility for a wide range of activities, including strategic leadership and sustainable future planning, while also delivering a range of infrastructure and services needed for a growing Shire.
The elected council for Hornsby Shire consists of 10 Councillors comprising a popularly elected Mayor and three Councillors representing each of the three areas called Wards.
Our Councillors bring with them a wealth of knowledge, and while each Councillor represents a particular Ward, a Councillor’s ultimate consideration must be the current and future interests of the Shire as a whole.
Council meetings
It is the responsibility of Councillors to make decisions on all areas of policy and budget priorities, including the level and extent of works and services provided throughout the year.
The Mayor presides at Council Meetings and decisions are adopted via a majority voting system with each Councillor having one vote. In the case of an equal number of votes, the Chairperson (Mayor or Deputy Mayor) has the casting vote.
Council Meetings are held monthly, on the second Wednesday of each month, in the Council Chambers at 296 Peats Ferry Road, Hornsby. Members of the public are welcome to speak at every meeting (pre-registration is required).
Residents can view Council Meetings at hornsby.webcastcloud.com. Confidential sessions are not broadcast.
Hornsby Local Planning Panel
Councillors no longer decide the outcome of individual development applications. Development applications are instead referred to the Local Planning Panel for consideration and determination. Council officers still assess the development application and then report to the Panel. The Panel reviews the application and the officer’s assessment and makes a determination.
More information is available on Council’s website
Ways you can contribute to our decisions
As a local council, we work at the level of government closest to the community.
What you think matters to us and we want you to be involved in our activities and decisions, so we strive to ensure our community engagement is meaningful, transparent and open to everyone.
There are a number of ways to get involved:
Have your say
Provide your feedback directly on a project, plan or document via an online form or survey, by email or in writing.
Participate in workshops or come along to a drop-in.
Your feedback helps us make better decisions.
Talk to a Councillor
The Councillors are your representatives and are keen to hear your thoughts and address your concerns.
(Details at hornsby.nsw.gov.au/council/about-council/meetings)
Join an Advisory Group
Project Advisory Groups draw on the local knowledge, expertise and lived experience of residents.
Speak at a Council meeting
You can speak to an agenda item or another matter that is important to you at Council Meetings.
(Details at hornsby.nsw.gov.au/council/about-council/meetings)
Attend a Council meeting
You are always welcome to attend Council Meetings. By attending meetings you can gain a better understanding about the way Council works and the decision-making process.
Keep up to date
Stay informed with Council’s news, events, services and information via our website and Your Say Hornsby page, Facebook pages, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, local newspapers and eNewsletters.
stakeholder groups in Hornsby Shire
OUR COMMUNITY engagement
Our commitment to you
We are committed to building open, transparent and active relationships with you – through meaningful community engagement.
The seven core principles underpinning Council’s Community Engagement Policy are that Community Engagement is:
We engage with the community by:
Building open, transparent and active relationships with you
Continuously exploring better, smarter ways that we engage with you.
Our Community Engagement Strategy supports our Community Engagement Policy and provides a guide for our staff and consultants to deliver best-practice community and stakeholder engagement with high-quality outcomes. It incorporates our Community Participation Plan (CPP), which prescribes consultation requirements and processes for planning matters.
In late 2024, we made amendments to the Community Engagement Strategy to address new requirements of the Integrated Planning and Reporting Guidelines.
You can read more about Council’s commitment to community engagement on our website.
How we engaged with you
We are committed to becoming a more engaging Council, with open and transparent consultation with our community. As part of that commitment, in July 2022 we launched Your Say Hornsby – a dedicated online community engagement space, making it more convenient for you to access information and provide feedback on projects and initiatives. This online platform has been invaluable in engaging with and hearing from more people than ever before.
To ensure we give our community as many opportunities to engage with us as possible, we also hold community forums and drop-ins in locations across the Shire and reference groups. We place hard copies of key documents in our community facilities for people who are not online.
Throughout the year we engaged with you on a large range of improvements to parks and playgrounds, strategies and plans and infrastructure and major projects. These included the new Community Strategic Plan, Delivery Program and Operational Plan, Long Term Financial Plan, Natural Area Recreation Strategy, Library Community Satisfaction Survey, Westleigh Park development application, Hornsby
Town Centre special entertainment precinct and numerous parks, playgrounds and other capital works.
These and many other examples demonstrate Council’s commitment to becoming a more engaging organisation, uniting with the community to enable more wins for everyone and to create positive long-term change and success.
In the last year, the Your Say Hornsby website has achieved:
90,181
3,714
67
engaged on
1,963
our community vision
Our Community Vision acknowledges the expressed sentiments of what the community wants Hornsby Shire to look like in the future.
During 2024/25, after community feedback, our Community Vision 2032 was amended as part of the process to review the Community Strategic Plan. The updated Hornsby Shire 2035 Community Strategic Plan, Your vision | Your future 2035 , with streamlined Vision statement, was endorsed by Council on 11 June 2025.
Our
Community Vision
2032
Our Bushland Shire is on the Traditional Lands of the Dharug and GuriNgai Peoples. It is a place for people, wildlife and natural environments to thrive in harmony. Our diverse community is welcoming, inclusive and resilient and we are leaders in caring for our future generations.
We have a flourishing economy with local shopping and dining precincts. Community facilities and infrastructure are modern, accessible and connected. We have many different places for recreation locally. We walk and ride and enjoy exploring parks, bushland and waterways.
Our new Community Vision 2035
The Bushland 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, rural and river communities.
To ensure Hornsby Shire remains a place where our natural beauty is preserved, and our neighbourhoods are safe, attractive and functional
To advocate for responsible renewal of our neglected urban corridor and the enhancement of our public domain
To ensure that every voice in Hornsby is heard, contributing towards transparent decision-making that reflects the needs and aspirations of all our residents
To build a strong future for Hornsby Shire and its next generations
Clr Jane Seaglove (02) 9847 6666 jseaglove@hornsby.nsw.gov.au
PRIORITIES
Ensuring council are effective in undertaking responsibility for everyday issues affecting our residents such as broken footpaths, upgrading of streetlights making areas safe to walk at night, illegal dumping of waste and plant matter
Supporting much needed infrastructure, being sensitive to our environment and the upgrading of our local sporting facilities for families to enjoy
Getting to better know our diverse village, river and rural communities and current issues
Protective and regenerative care for our precious bushland, rural lands, waterways and parklands
Increased support for community based action and activities
Curbing overdevelopment
Ensuring appropriate development includes affordable housing, provides new and enhanced community assets and is served by increased infrastructure and services
Advancing initiatives such as the development of Westleigh Park and Mountain Bike Trails, implementing the Arts and Cultural Plan, and enhancing Asset Management and Community Events
Representing the interests of Ward B residents, ratepayers, and the broader community
Fostering transparent, accessible communication between the community and the council
Supporting master planning efforts that preserve and enhance the distinctive character of our Bushland Shire
Responding to the needs of residents to create a resilient Shire protecting the natural environment and heritage and delivering community facilities
Delivering town centres that are sustainable featuring quality design, affordable housing, accessible public domain and vibrant community spaces and facilities
Supporting sustainability actions focused on active transport and reducing waste
Fostering an inclusive and accessible Hornsby for all genders, ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds
Supporting local businesses, creators and innovators
C WARD COUNCILLORS
Clr Matthew Conley 0432 835 120 mconley@hornsby.nsw.gov.au
PRIORITIES
Building strong relationships with the residents of Hornsby Shire to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met
Safeguarding the natural environment of the shire as well as protecting its rich heritage
Collaborating with residents to deliver development that is both necessary and appropriate, ensuring it aligns with the community’s vision and values
Community wellbeing and connectiveness is an important priority. Focussing on community consultation and engagement between community stakeholders and the Council. Enhancing infrastructure to ensure community safety and mobility, supporting cultural and sporting interests and participation whilst providing access to resources that will strengthen community resilience.
Caretaking our unique environment is a passionate priority. Preserving and conserving our heritage and natural environment, to ensure both our present and future generations enjoy the rural amenities that makes Hornsby Shire so unique. Fighting against overdevelopment whilst at the same time being sympathetic to the concerns and needs of community stakeholders and the delicate balancing of those needs whilst preserving our environment.
The principles of good governance and strong financial management of our assets and resources will always b e foremost in any decision-making. As an active contributing member of the Council, working collegially with Council staff to ensure my decisions are responsibly well considered and made without fear or favour
Clr Ben McSweeney 0423 411 928 bmcsweeney@hornsby.nsw.gov.au
PRIORITIES
To be accessible and open to community engagement and discussion. Ensuring the community of Ward C is heard and informed on the goings on of Hornsby council. Both the short term and longer term visions of the council
Ensuring that as our area grows we continue to maintain our wonderful community, heritage and bushland within our beautiful suburbs
The upgraded library at Berowra has a vibrant children’s area to inspire young imaginations
Corporate governance
Internal audit and risk management
Council is required to appoint an Audit Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) pursuant to section 428A of the Local Government Act 1993. The Committee must keep under review the following aspects of Council’s operations: compliance; risk management; fraud control; financial management; governance, implementation of the strategic plan, delivery program and strategies; service reviews and collection of performance measurement data by Council.
The Committee comprises an independent Chair, Mr Stephen Coates, and three independent members with requisite skills and experience: Dr Sheridan Dudley; Ms Hayley Elson and Mr Richard Jones. The Committee held five meetings during 2024/25 and all members were in attendance for each meeting.
The ARIC Terms of Reference and Internal Audit Charter were last reviewed and adopted by Council at its meeting on 9 April 2025. The Internal Audit Charter was last reviewed and adopted by Council at its meeting on 12 June 2024.
Internal audits are outsourced to an independent specialist firm, Crowe Australasia. The ARIC reviews all internal audit reports and monitors outstanding recommendations on a quarterly basis. The following internal audits were undertaken and reviewed by the Committee during 2024/25:
Productive Theme
DRIVES 24
Cyber Security
Assurance Mapping
Fees and Charges.
A new four year Internal Audit Plan was endorsed by the ARIC in September 2024.
Each year, the draft financial statements are also reviewed by the ARIC prior to referral to the external auditors. The ARIC also receives an update at each meeting from the General Manager and Chief Financial Officer on significant items impacting, or potentially impacting, the operations of the Council.
The Strategic and Emerging Risk Register currently comprises 16 Strategic Risks and four Emerging Risks. This register is reviewed and updated quarterly by the Executive Leadership Team and is then referred to each ARIC meeting for further review.
Internal Audit and Risk Management Attestation Statement for the 2024-2025 Financial Year
(Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, cl 216T(1))
The Internal Audit and Risk Management Attestation Statement for the 2024-2025 Financial Year for Hornsby Shire Council can be found at the back of this document in the Legislative Requirements section (p165).
Council Chambers
OUR ORGANISATION
organisation structure
Management
Council’s organisation structure encompasses the Office of the General Manager and four operational Directorates. Administration of service delivery is led by the General Manager, with four Directors guiding delivery through Business Units. Council delivers many services across the Hornsby Shire Local Government Area (LGA). Services range from waste services to community development – a snapshot of services undertaken by each Directorate is shown below.
GENERAL MANAGER
Steven Head
Branches:
Executive Support
Risk and Audit
Strategy and Place
Strategic Property
As chief executive officer, the General Manager implements the decisions of Council’s elected representatives. He is also responsible for the day-to-day management of Council as a corporate organisation and provides the most direct link between the Councillors and staff.
CORPORATE SUPPORT
Glen Magus Director
Branches:
Executive Support
Governance and Customer Service
Financial Services
Land and Property Services
People and Culture
Technology and Transformation
Provides management support to Councillors and Council staff, including customer service, governance, technology and transformation and property management.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND MAJOR PROJECTS
Fiona Leatham Director
Branches:
Executive Support
Aquatic and Brickpit
Emergency Management
Infrastructure Delivery
Infrastructure Operations
Infrastructure Planning
Responsible for aquatic and indoor recreation facilities, our extensive local road system, and all of our buildings and foreshore facilities. Also manages the flow of traffic and safety on our local non-state controlled roads.
COMMUNITY AND ENVIRONMENT
Steve Fedorow Director
Branches:
Executive Support
Environment
Library and Community Services
Parks, Trees and Recreation
Waste Management
Manages the Shire’s natural resources, is responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of the Shire’s open space network, provides a wide range of community services including waste and recycling services, community development and community centre management, and runs our library network.
PLANNING AND COMPLIANCE
James Farrington Director
Branches:
Executive Support
Development Assessments
Regulatory Services
Strategic Land Use Planning
Seeks to strike a sustainable balance between meeting the needs of Hornsby Shire’s growing population and protecting our natural environment.
our corporate values “
Vision
The Bushland Shire is a place that inspires and sustains us. A place where we value our connections to each other and our environment.
Purpose
Together, we enhance the lives of our community, both now and in the future.
Values
Our values underpin all that we do; they provide us with a shared vision of who we are and what we stand for as an organisation.
We Serve through connection
We serve and connect by being present, responsive and collaborative across our community.
We build Trust
We grow trust when we treat people fairly, speak openly even when it’s hard, and honour our commitments.
Collaboration
We act with Respect
We listen actively, speak with care, and treat people, land and community with dignity and fairness.
We Innovate together
We welcome ideas from all levels, try better ways, and build a culture where change feels safe.
our people
We are committed to ensuring our workforce has the skills and experience to deliver our many and varied services and reflects the community we serve. Our Workforce Management Plan will help guide our future decision making, ensuring that the staff we manage, engage and develop are the very best we need to deliver exceptional service to the Hornsby Shire community.
Our workforce as at 30 June 2025
Full-time 516.55
– full-time equivalent positions (formally created and budgeted positions) 479.8
– full-time equivalent positions filled (as at 30 June 2025)
Headcount (permanent, temporary and term contract staff working on a full-time or part-time basis in those positions)
(for information – all other statistics on this page relate to the headcount only)
information on Workplace Health and Safety,see Council’s website for Policies “Work Health and Safety Determination”.
Delivering our Delivery Program
What is the Delivery Program?
What is the Delivery Program?
The Delivery Program is Council’s commitment to the community during its term of office and is in response to Your vision | Your future 2032 , the Community Strategic Plan for Hornsby Shire. It is Council’s job to make sure we bring our community closer to their vision over the next ten years.
The Delivery Program and Operational Plan is where Council outlines what it intends to do towards achieving the community Vision for the Shire and what its priorities will be – translating the Strategic Directions and Long-Term Goals (identified in the Community Strategic Plan) into practical steps.
On 12 June 2024, Council adopted the 2024-2027 Delivery Program including the 2024/25 Operational Plan and Budget setting out the manner in which it intends to deliver services and measure performance through Focus Areas (Council’s Delivery Pathways), and the key initiatives, ongoing activities and capital (infrastructure) projects it will focus on.
(Local Government Act 1993, s428(1), (3), (4)(b))
Progress on our Delivery Program
Council’s Delivery Program and Operational Plan is aligned to the Strategic Directions set within Council’s 10-year Community Strategic Plan – Your Vision | Your Future 2032 – through four key Themes:
Each Theme is separated into two Strategic Directions which then cascade down into the 16 Focus Areas encapsulating the principal activities of the Delivery Program and which are the delivery pathways to the 25 long-term goals in the Community Strategic Plan.
Reports must be provided to Council on progress of the Delivery Program at least six-monthly. For Hornsby Shire Council, this involves presenting a Performance Report to each February and September Council meeting. These Performance Reports can be viewed on our website.
Council is then required to outline progress in implementing its Delivery Program, through the annual Operational Plan, in the Annual Report. This can be done by providing a combination of quantitative and qualitative data to provide a picture of how well Council did what it said it would do.
The following pages contain information on the delivery of priorities within the Delivery Program through the 2024/25 Operational Plan aligned to the Themes, Strategic Directions and Focus Areas and reflect our commitment to the Quadruple Bottom Line framework.
91%
Operational Plan actions completed/on track
$50.7M spent 83% of planned capital (infrastructure) projects completed/on track
89%
Operational Plan actions including capital (infrastructure) projects completed/on track
Plan, support, report
All councils are required to deliver a suite of strategic documents supporting a holistic approach to planning for the future. The Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) framework provides the structure which connects all of Council’s strategic and operational documents, including reporting and accountability activities.
What is the Delivery Program? plan support report
Council’s supporting strategic documents
Including Local Strategic Planning Statement
Resourcing Strategy
Outlines the money, assets and people required by Council to resource the commitments made over the long term:
Workforce planning
Assists Council to have the right number of appropriately skilled people to deliver on Council’s commitments (updated every four years)
Asset management planning
Sets the direction for Council to manage its infrastructure and assets at the service levels desired by the community in a cost-effective way (ten year rolling program)
Long term financial planning
Outlines how Council will structure its available financial resources focusing on long term financial sustainability and delivery of quality services to the community (ten year rolling program)
Council’s supporting strategic documents are developed with input from the community and are adopted by the elected Council. They play an informing role in the Delivery Program by translating the high level outcomes described in the Community Strategic Plan into technically informed strategic action plans.
Community Engagement Plan
Outlines how Council will engage with the community to develop the Community Strategic Plan and other Council Plans
Federal, state and regional plans
Community Strategic Plan (ten year plan)
A vision of where the community wants Hornsby Shire to be in ten years’ time and sets Strategic Directions to achieve that vision (Your Vision | Your Future 2032)
Delivery Program (four year plan)
Outlines Council’s plan of action to deliver what the community wants during its term of office
Operational Plan (one year plan)
Outlines specific actions to be achieved each financial year supported by an annual budget
Annual Report
A report to the community on performance of Council’s commitments and operations during the year
Biannual Performance Reports
A report from the General Manager to the Councillors and community on progress of the Delivery Program
Quarterly Budget Reports
To track financial health and ensure Council remains on track to meet the community’s priorities
delivering on theme 1: liveable
Liveable
Challenges and Delays
The update of the Hornsby Park Plan of Management has been placed on hold, as the existing plan is considered sufficient for the short term. An update is anticipated by 2026/27
The review of Council’s leasing and licensing policy for community facilities has been cancelled. This project will instead be considered as part of a broader review of Council’s revenue-generating opportunities
Developing an Aboriginal engagement strategy has been put on hold pending recruitment of staff. Project is now expected to be completed in 2025/26
The Year Ahead
Commence development of a design brief for a new regional central Hornsby Library and multi-purpose community centre
Update the Housing Strategy and Housing Supply Planning Proposal
Review controls for Dual Occupancy Development Control Plan
Commence review of controls for Medium Density Development Control Plan
Investigate long-term recommendations for Glenorie Village as part of the Rural Lands Study
Undertake targeted identification of new Local Environmental Plan heritage listings
Exhibit, finalise, and adopt the Heritage Conservation Area Review
Commence digitisation of the Local Environmental Plan
Commence detailed design of park embellishments for Westleigh Park in accordance with DA consent conditions
Commence construction of stage 1 works for Westleigh Park (subject to confirmation of NSW Government funding)
Commence preparation of an updated Plan of Management for Hornsby Park
Commence the tender process for subsequent embellishment works at Hornsby Park, subject to approval and funding
Commence construction of embellishment works at Hornsby Park, focusing on Old Mans Valley Field of Play
Commence implementation of paid parking at prioritised locations across the Shire
Develop a Transport Model to 2036
Commence development of an Active Transport Strategy
Prepare an urban unstructured recreation strategy
Prepare a natural areas recreation strategy
Commence review and update the Disability Inclusion Action Plan
Develop an Aboriginal Engagement Strategy
Explore and implement initiatives that will assist in catering for increased use of sports facilities due to population increases
Condition assess foreshore assets and newly constructed amenities
Commence an audit of street signage
Continue to work with the Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (NSROC) and state agencies to support the implementation of regional transport planning
Strategic direction:
1. Connected and cohesive community
A caring community where the built environment and people combine to create a sense of belonging and support.
WORKING TOWARDS THE UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS:
ADDRESSING SYDNEY’S
G1.1
G1.2
A resilient and welcoming community that cares for and looks after each other by connecting and participating in community life
A built environment that is sustainable, accessible and responsive to the community
G1.3 Safe, inviting, comfortable and inclusive places are enjoyed by people both day and night
Council’s Supporting Strategies and Plans
Aboriginal Heritage Study and Implementation Action Plan 2023
Active Living Hornsby Strategy 2016
Arts and Cultural Plan 2024-2029
Community and Cultural Facilities Strategic Plan 2021
Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2021-2025
Healthy Ageing Hornsby 2022-2026
Off-Leash Dog Park Strategy 2021
Play Plan 2021
Social Plan 2024-2034
Progress on our Strategies and Plans
Arts and Cultural Plan 2024–2029
Hornsby Shire’s Arts and Cultural Plan aims to bring people together, celebrate diversity, and enhance shared spaces through creativity. In the first year of this five-year plan, actions have been completed across all five focus areas. No amendments are recommended at this stage.
Community Strategic Plan long-term goals
Focus Areas (Council’s delivery pathways)
Strategic direction: 1. Connected and cohesive community
Community and Cultural Facilities Strategic Plan 2021
Implementation of the Community and Cultural Facilities Strategic Plan is progressing well. The Wallarobba precinct design is in its final stages, with engagement and communication with affected users scheduled to begin in the coming months. Following this engagement, a development application will be submitted to the planning panel to initiate the implementation of key strategies outlined in the plan.
At the same time, a Feasibility Consultant and a Functional Design Consultant have been engaged to prepare detailed designs for the Hornsby Town Centre and Cherrybrook Library, as well as multipurpose community facilities.
An in-depth review of fees and charges for bookable community facilities is ongoing. The Venue Management Team is collaborating with neighbouring councils to benchmark and ensure consistency in how fees are applied and adopted.
Social Inclusion Hornsby (including the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2021–2025, Healthy Ageing Strategy 2022–2026, and Social Plan 2024–2034)
Community Development staff continue to advance social inclusion across Hornsby Shire, focusing on the Disability Inclusion Action Plan, Healthy Ageing Strategy, and Social Plan. A review of Social Inclusion Hornsby has commenced, and no changes are recommended at this stage.
Key highlights from the year include hosting a dementia café at Hornsby Library, supporting the dementia alliance, launching a new art exhibition for seniors, delivering a Wear It Purple Day talk for youth, organising a Grandparents Day event at Koala Park, holding a Volunteer Expo for members of the CALD community, and introducing the Bushcare-Bubs program at Mount Colah.
C ommunity Satisfaction with Council’s Services and Facilities
Through our community satisfaction surveys, residents rate satisfaction with the following services and facilities that Council provides. These results help us to shape delivery of our services.
focus area: 1A. Community and creativity
Programs and activities, events and ceremonies, assisting and promoting cultural development, artistic expression and community connectedness
Council Services contributing to this Focus Area:
Community Development
Domestic Waste Management
Events
Libraries
How we delivered
Highlights
Hornsby Spring Fest brought colour, culture and connection to the heart of the Shire
In November, Hornsby’s streets came alive with the first-ever Hornsby Spring Fest, a vibrant celebration held along Peats Ferry Road and Dural Lane. Thousands of residents joined in the festivities, enjoying live music, roving performers, market stalls, kids’ activities, and a delicious array of international food from Sydney’s best food trucks. The event showcased local talent and cultural diversity, with performances ranging from African drumming to Brazilian capoeira and classic hits from The Funky Monkeys. Funded by the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program and supported by Council, Spring Fest transformed the town centre into a welcoming public space, creating opportunities for people to connect, celebrate and support local businesses.
Senior Sing brought joy and connection to Hornsby Shire’s older residents
As part of the Hello Hornsby program, Council hosted Senior Sing during Social Inclusion Week, a lively, community choir-style event for residents aged 60 and over. Held at the Hornsby RSL, the free event welcomed all voices, regardless of experience, for a morning of spontaneous singing, light refreshments and social connection. Singing together has proven physical, mental and social benefits, and Senior
Sing offered a fun and inclusive way for seniors to meet new people, reconnect with friends and boost wellbeing.
Hornsby Art Prize returned with a celebration of contemporary Australian creativity
The 2024 Hornsby Art Prize attracted nearly 600 entries from artists across Australia, showcasing the strength and diversity of the national arts community.
Hosted in partnership with the Hornsby Art Society, the exhibition featured 65 shortlisted works across painting, sculpture, digital art stills, drawing and printmaking, which was on display at Wallarobba Arts and Cultural Centre from October to November 2024. With a prize pool of $23,000, including a $10,000 major award, the Art Prize continues to offer residents a unique opportunity to engage with high-calibre contemporary art in a local setting.
Citizenship ceremonies welcomed nearly 1,000 new Australians to Hornsby Shire
In the past year, we proudly welcomed 977 new Australian citizens through 24 citizenship ceremonies, each one a celebration of unity, belonging and cultural diversity.
A highlight of the year was the June ceremony, made especially memorable by the presence of Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia. Citizens from over 20 countries, including India, China, Iran and the Philippines, were officially welcomed into the community, reflecting the Shire’s rich multicultural identity. With heartfelt speeches, a Welcome to Country by Uncle Neil Evers, and thoughtful touches like native plants from Warada Ngurang Community Nursery and homemade treats from the Country Women’s Association, these ceremonies continue to foster a strong sense of connection and pride in Hornsby’s inclusive and welcoming community.
Community Event Grants supported local connection and creativity across the Shire
This year we provided $60,000 in funding to not-for-profit organisations
through the Community Event Grants Program, supporting a wide range of local events that foster connection and creativity. In 2025, supported events included the Berowra Woodchop Festival, Hornsby Relay for Life, Brooklyn Spring Fair, and Carols by Candlelight at Fagan Park.
Smaller grants also supported cultural and environmental initiatives such as Harmony in Tea and Project Green Revive . These events reflect the vibrancy and diversity of our Shire and our commitment to empowering community groups to deliver meaningful experiences for residents.
Australia Day 2025 brought free family fun and cultural celebration across Hornsby Shire
Australia Day 2025 was marked with a bumper program of free, family-friendly events across Hornsby Shire, supported by a $10,000 grant from the National Australia Day Council.
Residents enjoyed activities including a barbecue breakfast, free entry to Hornsby Aquatic and Leisure Centre with inflatable fun, a multicultural concert in Hornsby Park, and special experiences like native wildlife encounters at Koala Park and a movie screening of Paddington in Peru. The day celebrated Hornsby’s vibrant community spirit and cultural diversity, with performances by First Nations artists, Latin musicians, and local favourites. Council’s inclusive program offered something for everyone.
Food Truck Fridays served up flavour, fun and community spirit across the Shire
Food Truck Fridays returned in early 2025, bringing international flavours and live entertainment to parks and ovals across Hornsby Shire. Held in Berowra, Galston and Cherrybrook, the free events featured some of Sydney’s best food trucks alongside family-friendly music and performances by local artists.
Residents gathered to enjoy delicious cuisine, relax with friends and neighbours, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. The initiative continues to be a popular way for Council to activate public spaces, support local creatives, and foster community connection.
focus area: 1A. Community and creativity
Taste of the World celebrated Hornsby Shire’s vibrant multicultural community
In April, Hornsby Mall came alive with the sights, sounds and flavours of the Taste of the World cultural festival, a joyful celebration of the Shire’s rich diversity. Residents enjoyed an evening of live music, dance performances, cultural workshops and international cuisine from food trucks offering Korean, Indian, Japanese and Malaysian delights. The event featured performances by Lily Guerrero & Band, Bollywood dancers, Samba Brazil and Capoeira artists, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere.
Youth Week 2025 empowered young people with creativity, connection and new skills
Council celebrated NSW Youth Week 2025 with a dynamic program of free events for young people aged 12–24, embracing the theme “We are the future, and the future is now!”.
Activities included the Young Artist 2025 exhibition at Wallarobba Arts and Cultural Centre, a movie night, ceramics and barista workshops, CPR and first aid training, and a voting education session. Pop-up prize events offered free aquatic centre passes and giveaways, while Lifeline sessions provided mental health support and resources.
Westside Vibe lit up Hornsby with music, food and community celebration
In May, Hornsby’s Dural Lane was transformed into a vibrant hub of colour, rhythm and flavour for the return of Westside Vibe, one of the Shire’s most loved street festivals.
With Mexican-themed decorations, kids’ activities, a pop-up bar and over 15 international food trucks, the event offered something for everyone. Locals danced to five hours of free live music from performers including Gang of Brothers, Venus Music, The Funky Monkeys and Phat Brass.
Lifeline Connect offers free mental health support at Hornsby Library
Council continues to support community wellbeing through its partnership with Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury, offering the Lifeline Connect service every Thursday at Hornsby Library. From 1pm to 5.30pm, trained Lifeline volunteers are available for free, confidential conversations, with no referral needed. The service provides a safe and welcoming space for residents to seek support, access resources, and connect with mental health assistance close to home.
Hello Hornsby created meaningful connections for seniors across the Shire
Hello Hornsby, the dedicated program of free activities, outings and workshops designed for residents aged 60 and over, offered opportunities for seniors to meet new people, reconnect with friends and try something new.
Events this year included excursions to Canoelands Orchard, Riverboat Postman trips, Seniors Sing, coffee and chat days, and Grandparents Day at Koala Park. Funded through Council’s Special Rate Variation, Hello Hornsby reflects a commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive community where older residents feel supported, engaged and valued.
National Reconciliation Week 2025 celebrated in May
As part of National Reconciliation Week 2025, Gawura Cultural Immersions brought Hornsby Mall to life with a vibrant performance of traditional dance and storytelling, offering a rich cultural and educational experience for all who attended.
Additionally, Hornsby Shire Libraries in collaboration with Hornsby Area Residents for Reconciliation, hosted a powerful deep listening experience featuring an audio recording of Aunty Edna Watson OAM who shared her challenges of racism whilst growing up in Hornsby Shire and her journey to embracing her Dharug heritage.
Community Events Survey helped shape future programming Council invited residents to share their thoughts on the events they enjoyed most and what they’d like to see more of in the future. The Community Events Survey closed on 8 June and received valuable feedback from across the Shire.
The insights gathered will help Council shape a vibrant, inclusive and responsive events calendar that reflects the interests and needs of the community. From cultural festivals to family-friendly activities, the survey results will guide future planning to ensure events continue to bring people together and celebrate local life.
Community Screening celebrated local talent and scenic locations
In March, Council hosted a special community screening of The Last Anniversary, a new miniseries based on the bestselling novel by local author Liane Moriarty. Filmed in Hornsby and Brooklyn, the production showcased the natural beauty of the Hawkesbury River.
The screening highlighted the Shire’s growing appeal as a filming destination and reinforced the importance of the Hawkesbury River as a cultural and recreational asset connecting communities across the region.
The event brought together Councillors, the production team, and community members to celebrate the series and thank those who supported the filming process. Council staff were acknowledged for their efforts in minimising disruption during the shoot, particularly over the busy summer and Australia Day period.
Westside Vibe lit up Hornsby with music, food and community celebration
focus area: 1A. Community and creativity
Performance against adopted Measures
Other interesting
focus area: 1B. Community spaces
Spaces for residents, businesses and visitors, enhancing equity, inclusiveness and community wellbeing
Council Services contributing to this Focus Area:
Asset Operations and Maintenance
Community and Cultural Facilities
Libraries
How we delivered
Highlights
Storytime continued in Hornsby Shire Libraries
The importance of early literacy continued to be highlighted through regular Storytime at Hornsby Shire Libraries. Families embraced the free, inclusive sessions designed for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, fostering a love of books and reading from the very beginning. With programs like Bubs and Books, Toddler Tales and Preschool Storytime running across Hornsby, Pennant Hills and Berowra libraries, the initiative brought joy, connection and learning to hundreds of local families.
Art with impact: Remagine Exhibition reimagines waste Wallarobba Arts and Cultural Centre was transformed into a hub of creativity and environmental reflection during the 2025 Remagine Art Prize exhibition. Over 60 thought-provoking artworks explored this year’s theme, RE:THINK TO RE:PURPOSE, challenging artists to confront the global waste crisis. From sculpture and ceramics to photography and digital stills, the exhibition showcased the power of art to inspire change.
Hosted in partnership with Hornsby Art Society, the exhibition ran from 13 to 29 June and featured works by finalists competing for $11,000 in prize money. Judged by curator Rhonda Davis and artist Marina DeBris, the art prize celebrated artistic ingenuity and environmental stewardship and encouraged the community to rethink waste and embrace sustainability.
Listening to our library community
In May, Hornsby Shire Libraries invited the community to help shape the future of local library services through the Library Community Satisfaction Survey. Residents shared valuable feedback on programs, resources and facilities, guiding improvements to ensure libraries remain vibrant, welcoming and responsive to community needs.
To encourage participation, respondents were entered into a draw to win one of four $100 gift vouchers. The survey closed on 31 May, with strong engagement reflecting the community’s passion for lifelong learning and inclusive public spaces.
Berowra Library reopened with a fresh new look
Berowra Library reopened its doors in June with a vibrant new atmosphere following exciting refurbishments. The refreshed space now features a colourful children’s area designed to spark imagination, along with new seating and study tables to support reading and collaborative learning.
The reopening was celebrated with an Open Day, attended by Mayor Warren Waddell, Deputy Mayor Councillor Janelle McIntosh, and many enthusiastic community members. Families enjoyed fun activities and a cake-cutting ceremony, marking a joyful return to this much-loved local library on Gully Road.
The Wallarobba Arts and Cultural Centre was transformed into a hub of environmental reflection during the 2025 Remagine Art Prize exhibition
focus area: 1B. Community spaces
Performance against adopted Measures
Residents who are library members (* Per NSW State Library guidelines members need to be active within last three years. 2022/23 result recalculated to reflect this)
Other interesting results
Strategic direction:
2. inclusive and healthy living
Well designed neighbourhoods with distinct local characters featuring great public spaces that support people’s health, wellbeing and growth.
WORKING TOWARDS THE UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS:
ADDRESSING SYDNEY’S SHOCKS AND
G2.1 Quality, liveable and sustainable urban design and development
G2.2 A greater diversity of housing for current and future community needs
G2.3 An active and healthy community that fosters social, mental and physical wellbeing for all ages
Council’s Supporting Strategies and Plans
Active Living Strategy 2016
Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2021
Comprehensive Heritage Study Heritage Action Plan 2019
Comprehensive Heritage Study Hornsby Thematic History 2021
Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2021-2025
Healthy Ageing Hornsby 2022-2026
Heritage Interpretation Strategy and Action Plan 2023
Hornsby Affordable Housing Strategy 2024
Hornsby Park Master Plan 2021
Hornsby Town Centre Masterplan 2023
2A. Leisure, sport, open space and recreation
2B. Urban design and heritage
Local Housing Strategy 2020
Local Strategic Planning Statement 2020
Off-Leash Dog Park Strategy 2021
Play Plan 2021
Rural Lands Strategy 2022
Sportsground Strategy 2018
Sustainable Water Based Recreation Facilities Plan 2012
Unstructured Recreation Strategy 2008
Urban Forest Strategy 2021
Water Sensitive Hornsby Strategy 2021
Westleigh Park Master Plan 2023
Community Strategic Plan long-term goals
Focus Areas (Council’s delivery pathways)
Strategic direction: 2. inclusive and healthy living
Progress on our Strategies and Plans
Active Living Strategy 2016
Since the adoption of the Active Living Strategy, Council has completed a range of actions using available resources. These include the implementation of the Hornsby Sportsground Strategy 2018, the Hornsby Play Plan 2021, the Walking and Cycling Strategy 2021, the Bike Plan 2019 and masterplans for parks such as Hornsby Park, Westleigh Park, and Waitara Park.
Work is ongoing on the Natural Area Unstructured Recreation Strategy and the Urban Unstructured Recreation Strategy.
Community satisfaction surveys consistently highlight the high value residents place on Hornsby’s recreational open spaces, with satisfaction levels exceeding those of other local government areas.
Off-Leash Dog Park Strategy 2021
Council has delivered several off-leash dog park initiatives to date. A new dog park has been established at Hunt Reserve, and Greenway Park has been extended to include a trial area for small dogs. This financial year, new off-leash areas have been created at Fagan Park and Brickpit Park, and the off-leash area at Rofe Park has also been extended to provide a dedicated space for small dogs.
Hornsby Affordable Housing Strategy 2024
Council adopted the Hornsby Shire Affordable Housing Strategy in December 2024. Since then, Council has finalised and implemented an Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme, which identifies the sites and precincts where affordable housing contributions are required and sets the applicable contribution rates (land and/or monetary). In addition, Council has launched a dedicated affordable housing web page, providing key information and documentation to the community.
Comprehensive Heritage Study
Council has adopted or endorsed several key components under the Comprehensive Heritage Study, including the Hornsby Thematic History 2021, Aboriginal Heritage Study 2023, Hornsby Heritage Interpretation Strategy and Action Plan 2023, Heritage and Housekeeping Planning Proposal, and amendments to the Heritage Development Control Plan. Work is ongoing on the Draft Archaeological Heritage Study, Draft Landscape Heritage Study, Draft Targeted Item Review, Draft Heritage Item Review, and Draft Heritage Conservation Areas, which will be referred to the re-established Heritage Advisory Committee in the coming months.
Local Strategic Planning Statement 2020
The Hornsby Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) sets out a 20-year vision for land use across the Shire. Most actions under the themes of Liveable, Sustainable, Productive, and Collaborative have been implemented or are currently underway.
A review and update of the statement has commenced to incorporate recent strategic studies completed in line with LSPS actions. Under current legislation, Council is required to review the LSPS every seven years, with the next review due by 2027. Council is awaiting the release of the State Government’s regional plan update; once released, the updated LSPS will be reported to Council for endorsement and public exhibition.
A broader review of the LSPS will follow, in accordance with future directions from the State Government regarding the status and requirements of LSPS documents.
Rural Lands Study 2022
Since finalising the Hornsby Rural Lands Study, Council has commenced both short-term and long-term implementation plans. All short-term recommendations have been completed, including changes to development controls to support agritourism on commercial farms, the introduction of planning controls requiring new dwellings to consider land use conflict, adjustments to lot size calculations to include access handles in rural zones, and new design controls to enhance the rural character of commercial uses along Old Northern Road.
The long-term implementation plan focuses on preparing planning studies to explore opportunities for rural living, including reviewing lot sizes around villages and developing village place plans for Glenorie, Galston, and Dural. In November 2023, Council allocated funding to progress planning investigations for Glenorie Village, engaging a planning consultancy and additional staff resources for the project. A Glenorie Village Investigation Report and draft Glenorie Place Plan have been prepared and are awaiting Council endorsement for exhibition.
Strategic direction: 2. inclusive and healthy living
C
ommunity Satisfaction with Council’s Services and Facilities
Through our community satisfaction surveys, residents rate satisfaction with the following services and facilities that Council provides. These results help us to shape delivery of our services.
Customer satisfaction with aquatic centres improved in 2024
focus area: 2A. leisure, sport, open space and recreation
Quality parks, open spaces, sporting and recreational opportunities to meet current and future community needs that are accessible, diverse and promote healthy lifestyles
Council Services contributing to this Focus Area:
Aquatic and Brickpit
Asset Operations and Maintenance
Environment
Major Projects
Parks and Recreation
Regulatory Services
Transport Planning
Trees
How we delivered Highlights
Council secures $12 million grant for future ‘Field of Play’ at Hornsby Park
Council was awarded $12 million in funding from the NSW Government through its Thriving Suburbs fund to support the development of the Old Mans Valley ‘Field of Play’ – a major recreational initiative within the Hornsby Park project. This funding will enable the creation of over 7,000 square metres of green space, including a playing field, accessible amenities, a bike pump track, and areas for cultural events and activations.
To support the delivery of the project, Council will match the grant with additional funding, ensuring a well-rounded investment in community recreation and accessibility. Construction is planned to be delivered over the next three years, with the project set to become a landmark destination for sport, leisure and community connection in the Shire.
Fagan Park Children’s Forest wins multiple national awards
The Fagan Park Children’s Forest continued to shine in 2024–2025, receiving three prestigious industry awards for its innovative,
nature-based design and community impact. A collaboration between Council’s Landscape Architecture team and local play space consultant Fiona Robbé, the project was the first of its kind in NSW, designed to foster children’s connection to nature and promote environmental stewardship.
Since its opening in April 2024, the Children’s Forest has attracted widespread praise and visitation. It was awarded the Playspace Under $500K category in the Parks and Leisure Australia NSW/ACT Awards of Excellence, and went on to represent the region at the national awards. It also received the Kidsafe Australia National Playspace Design Award for public playspaces up to $500K, and a Landscape Architecture Award from the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA).
These accolades recognise the project’s excellence in design, sustainability, and community engagement – and reinforce Council’s commitment to creating inclusive, educational and inspiring public spaces.
Westleigh Park project moves forward
Council’s vision for a major new sport and recreation precinct took a significant step forward in December with the approval of the Development Application (DA) for Westleigh Park. Endorsed by the independent Sydney North Planning Panel, the DA outlines a staged transformation of the 36-hectare site into a vibrant community space for sport, leisure and nature conservation.
Stage One will deliver a flexible natural turf platform adaptable for football, rugby, AFL and cricket, alongside amenities, parking and walking and cycling trails. Stage Two will expand the offering with additional sports fields and a senior competition-grade athletics track. The project responds to growing demand for active recreation and reflects years of community consultation and strategic planning.
Hornsby Aquatic and Leisure Centre celebrated 10 years November marked 10 years since the official reopening of Hornsby Aquatic and Leisure Centre (HALC), our cherished facility nestled at the edge of Old Man’s Valley. Since reopening in 2014, HALC has welcomed
over 2.8 million visitors and become a cornerstone of community health, recreation and water safety education.
The centre has delivered 39 terms of Learn to Swim programs, teaching over 104,000 children vital water safety skills. It has hosted 250 school swimming carnivals and supported emergency services and volunteer groups with aquatic training. Many young swimmers have even returned as instructors and lifeguards, continuing HALC’s legacy of community connection and wellbeing.
This milestone celebrates not just the facility, but the dedicated staff and instructors who have made HALC a safe, inclusive and thriving space for all.
Aquatic centres make a splash in 2024/25
Hornsby and Galston Aquatic and Leisure Centres continued to thrive as vibrant community hubs, welcoming a combined total of 454,859 visitors through casual entry, memberships, programs and group fitness. These centres remained central to promoting active lifestyles and community wellbeing across the Shire.
The Learn to Swim and water safety programs remained strong, with 17,175 enrolments across four terms, reinforcing Council’s commitment to safety and lifelong skills. Group fitness also surged, with 2,274 classes delivered – a 36 per cent increase from the previous year –drawing 22,921 participants and reflecting a 24 per cent rise in engagement.
Importantly, both aquatic and recreation facilities continued to perform well above national benchmarks for operational expense recovery, as measured by the University of South Australia across 74 Australian facilities. This strong performance highlights Council’s effective management and the enduring value these centres provide to the community.
Brickpit Stadium powers community sport
Brickpit Stadium in Thornleigh continued to play a vital role in supporting community recreation, hosting a diverse mix of sports including basketball, volleyball, badminton and netball. Basketball
focus area: 2A. leisure, sport, open space and recreation
remained the standout favourite, contributing to an overall utilisation rate of 74 per cent, with peak hours reaching an impressive 91%. These figures reflect the stadium’s growing popularity and its importance as a dynamic, multi-sport venue for residents of all ages. By offering flexible, high-demand facilities, Brickpit Stadium remains a cornerstone of active living and community connection in Hornsby Shire.
Fagan Park shone on national television
Fagan Park received national attention when Channel 7’s Better Homes and Gardens filmed a special segment showcasing the Gardens of Many Nations and the park’s diverse plant life. Renowned horticulturist Graham Ross visited the site, interviewing the park’s head gardener and exploring the historic Netherby Homestead.
This high-profile feature helped put Hornsby Shire on the map, highlighting Council’s expertise in horticulture and open space management. The segment is expected to boost visitation and reinforce Fagan Park’s reputation as one of Sydney’s most beautiful and educational green spaces.
Inclusive AFL Gala Day championed community connection
On Sunday 29 June, Ern Holmes Oval in Pennant Hills hosted the Kickability Inclusive AFL Gala Day, a free event designed for children aged 5-16 living with disability or needing extra support to play Australian Football. Supported by Council’s Community Development team, the event celebrated inclusive sport and created a welcoming space for families to connect and explore local opportunities.
Participants enjoyed free ice cream and drinks, met representatives from the Pennant Hills Demons, and learned about other inclusive programs including netball and a new neurodiverse carers AFL support group. The day highlighted Council’s commitment to accessible recreation and fostering a sense of belonging through sport.
Inclusive upgrades underway at Mark Taylor Oval
Major upgrades at Mark Taylor Oval in Waitara reached a key milestone with construction commencing on a new pavilion and refurbished
grandstand. These modern facilities will include gender-inclusive changing rooms and showers, supporting increased female participation in cricket and rugby, and catering to diverse cultural and social needs.
The new pavilion will feature a canteen, club and community room, scorer’s room, public toilets, and storage areas, with the existing toilet block repurposed for additional storage. This marks the third and final stage of a $9 million redevelopment of the precinct, which also included an indoor cricket centre and a reconstructed playing surface.
With additional funding from Cricket NSW, Cricket Australia, and Council, the upgrades will significantly enhance the sporting experience for all users and spectators.
Southern Lookout takes shape at Hornsby Park
Exciting progress was made on Hornsby Park’s transformation, with the Southern Lookout viewing platform taking shape at the historic Crusher Plant site. Featuring striking 14-metre steel columns, a 13-metre staircase and a 42-metre long deck, the lookout promises breathtaking panoramic views across bushland and into the former quarry.
As part of the largest single project ever undertaken by Council, Hornsby Park is being delivered in stages with financial responsibility at its core. The Southern Lookout is designed for durability, safety and accessibility, and will connect residents and visitors to nature while celebrating the site’s unique heritage.
The Southern Lookout at Hornsby Park promises breathtaking panoramic views across bushland and into the former quarry
The Hornsby and Galston Aquatic and Leisure Centres continue to thrive as vibrant community hubs, remaining central promoting active lifestyles and community wellbeing across the Shire
focus area:
2A. leisure, sport, open space and recreation
Performance against adopted Measures
Other interesting results
focus area: 2B. urban design and heritage
Quality and sustainable development meeting current and future housing needs
Council Services contributing to this Focus Area:
Development Assessments
Environment
Regulatory Services
Strategic Land Use Planning
How we delivered Highlights
Design Excellence Panel appointed to guide quality development
In March, Council endorsed the appointment of nine members to the Hornsby Design Excellence Panel for a new three-year term. The panel plays a vital role in shaping the Shire’s built environment by providing independent, expert advice on the design quality of major developments.
Established in 2019, the panel reviews residential flat buildings, mixed-use and townhouse developments, and other projects where design excellence is essential. Members are selected for their expertise in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design and heritage, ensuring high standards across public and private spaces.
This renewal reinforces Council’s commitment to thoughtful urban design and quality outcomes that enhance the character, liveability and sustainability of Hornsby Shire.
Fast and efficient development assessments
Council maintained strong performance in development assessment, with applications processed in a gross average time of 85 days, meeting the Ministerial Statement of Expectations target of 86 days. This achievement placed Council within the top 10 fastest assessment times among metropolitan Sydney councils, reflecting a commitment to efficient and responsive planning services.
Heritage and Housekeeping Planning Proposal finalised
The Heritage and Housekeeping Planning Proposal was publicly exhibited from 26 August to 23 September 2024, giving the community an opportunity to provide feedback. Following this, Council endorsed the amended proposal in December 2024 and progressed it for finalisation as the Local Plan-Making Authority.
In June this year, the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure officially gazetted the changes to the Hornsby Local Environmental Plan (LEP). The updates include the introduction of new heritage items, amendments to existing listings, and the removal of references to land within the Parramatta Local Government Area. These changes strengthen heritage protections and improve clarity in planning controls across the Shire.
Updated planning controls strengthened heritage and housing outcomes
Following public exhibition, amendments to the Hornsby Development Control Plan (DCP) came into effect in June. These updates refine controls for dual occupancy development and enhance protections for heritage items and conservation areas.
Endorsed by Council at its meeting on 11 June, the revised provisions now guide the assessment of relevant development applications, supporting improved built form outcomes and the preservation of Hornsby Shire’s unique character.
Heritage planning controls refreshed for clarity and usability
In June 2025, Council approved amendments to the Hornsby Development Control Plan (DCP) as part of its Comprehensive Heritage Study program. These updates followed public exhibition from 14 April to 25 May 2025 and were informed by community and stakeholder feedback, including support from Heritage NSW.
The amendments improve the usability of heritage controls and relocate non-heritage built-form provisions to more appropriate sections of the DCP, including Part 3 Residential and Part 4 Business. This targeted review enhances the clarity and function of the Heritage Chapter (Part
9), supporting better planning outcomes and the preservation of Hornsby Shire’s unique character.
Dual occupancy planning controls to support housing diversity
In mid-2024, the NSW Government permitted dual occupancy development in low density residential zones and requested that Council identify a new minimum lot size to enable the development and subdivision of this form of housing. In response, Council undertook a comprehensive urban design study and developed tailored minimum lot size controls that would meet State requirements and facilitate housing diversity aligned with the character of the Shire. The recommendations of this study were endorsed by Council at its February 2025 meeting and allow for designs that are responsive to local character, vegetation, landscaping and heritage values, as detailed in Council’s updated dual occupancy DCP controls.
The NSW Government is now responsible for the finalisation of the controls within the Hornsby LEP, and Council has been supporting them in this process.
focus area: 2B. urban design and heritage
Performance against adopted Measures
Other interesting results
delivering on theme 2: sustainable
Performance of Key Initiatives and Budget Results:
sustainable
Challenges and Delays
Delays were experienced with the Hornsby Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan pushing completion back to 2025/26
Project to assess and update the 'terrestrial biodiversity' lands coverage was delayed as consultant did not meet the brief. Project will be rolled over to 2025/26
Project to review Council’s Nature Positive (Green Offsets) Policy was delayed as consultant did not meet the brief pushing completion back to 2025/26
Project to assess and map ecological corridors was delayed as consultant did not meet the brief. Project will be rolled over to 2025/26
Project to update vegetation mapping was delayed as consultant did not meet the brief. Project will be rolled over to 2025/26
The Year Ahead
Review and track all actions associated with extreme and high climate risks in the Climate Wise Hornsby Plan
Finalise the Hornsby Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan
Prepare a Hornsby Town Centre total water cycle management strategy
Participate in activities for Emergency Ready Week
Establish a waste volunteer program
Commence tendering for a new food organics collection and processing service
Undertake tendering for replacement recycling and green waste processing service
Investigate and identify a viable and affordable soft plastics recycling processor
Prepare Biosecurity Policy and management plans
Commence assessment of Plans of Management for Natural Areas
Review the Contaminated Lands Policy
Develop a behavioural change campaign targeting harmful, unauthorised activities in bushland reserves
Strategic direction: 3. resilient and sustainable
We will survive, adapt and thrive in the face of shocks and stresses. We will minimise our footprint and transition to net zero.
WORKING TOWARDS THE UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS:
ADDRESSING SYDNEY’S SHOCKS AND STRESSES:
Community Strategic Plan long-term goals
G3.1
A resilient Shire that can adapt to a changing climate and withstand shocks and stresses (e.g. natural hazards or pandemics)
G3.2 A net zero community
G3.3 Using resources wisely and supporting the circular economy
G3.4
A sustainable community that ensures the needs of future generations are met
Focus Areas (Council’s delivery pathways)
3A. Sustainability
3B. Resilience
3C. Waste, recycling and street cleaning
Council’s Supporting Strategies and Plans
Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2021
Climate Wise Hornsby Plan 2021
Emergency Management Framework 2024
Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Bush Fire Risk Management Plan 2023
Sustainable Hornsby 2040 (2021)
Urban Forest Strategy 2021
Waste Matters Strategy 2020
Water Sensitive Hornsby Strategy 2021
Strategic direction: 3. resilient and sustainable
Progress on our Strategies and Plans
Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2021
The Biodiversity Conservation Strategy continues to guide Council’s efforts to protect and enhance the natural environment across the Shire. Throughout the 2021–2025 reporting period, Council has consistently implemented and monitored several high and medium priority actions, supporting the objectives of the Natural Environment Strategic Direction.
Key initiatives include:
Natural Areas Recreational Strategy : Council is progressing a multi-year initiative to develop a comprehensive strategy for recreational use of natural areas, aiming to balance ecological protection with community access and enjoyment. Extensive community engagement was undertaken in 2024/25, with a draft strategy expected in early 2025/26.
Guided Bushwalks Program: The guided bushwalks program remains a successful ongoing activity, with 43 walks held in 2024/25 and over 400 residents participating, promoting environmental awareness and community connection to bushland areas.
Condition Assessment of Natural Areas: Council has implemented a robust monitoring program to assess the condition of natural areas and gather baseline data, including the inspection of over 100 bushland trees annually. Water quality is monitored at freshwater and estuarine sites, with 70% of freshwater sites achieving a grade of C or above. Daily reporting of estuarine conditions at Brooklyn Baths and Dangar Island shows swimmable days exceeding 90% in most quarters.
Bushland Regeneration and Reserve Prioritisation: Bush regeneration works are undertaken at over 100 sites annually. Strategic prioritisation of reserves, based on ecological and social criteria, informs investment decisions and guides contractor works.
Community Engagement and Planting Initiatives: Community and group planting days are held across multiple sites, including National Tree Day events. These initiatives engage diverse community groups and contribute to canopy restoration and habitat enhancement.
Citizen Science and Interactive Mapping: Council has expanded its use of platforms such as iNaturalist to engage citizen scientists and enhance biodiversity data collection. Interactive mapping tools have been developed to support bushcare, flood analysis, and vegetation monitoring.
Biosecurity and Weed Management : Council has developed and implemented biosecurity policies and weed management plans, responded to priority weed infestations, and participated in regional pest animal control programs.
Biobank and Stewardship Site Management: Council actively manages five biodiversity stewardship sites, including Pyes Creek, New Farm Road, Dog Pound Creek, Galston Gorge, Waitara Creek, and Arcadia Park. These sites are maintained in accordance with approved management plans to ensure long-term ecological integrity and compliance with biodiversity offset obligations.
Community Nursery and Volunteer Program: The community nursery program is consistently maintained, with over 30 regular volunteers contributing weekly. Volunteers propagate and distribute thousands of native plants through giveaway events, citizenship ceremonies, and school partnerships. Training sessions and nursery-based activities support community education and engagement.
Bushcare Program: The Bushcare program continues to grow, with 67 active sites maintained across the Shire. Volunteers participate in restoration activities aligned with site-specific plans, and the program includes workshops, community events, and educational outreach to foster stewardship and ecological awareness.
Climate Wise Hornsby Strategy 2021
Council has made significant progress in implementing the Climate Wise Hornsby Strategy. Achievements include the installation of solar panels at the Hornsby Aquatic and Leisure Centre and six community buildings, as well as the near-completion of LED lighting upgrades on residential and main roads. Since 2022, Council has secured 100% renewable electricity through a Power Purchase Agreement.
These actions have resulted in a substantial reduction in Council’s corporate carbon emissions, with a decrease of 770 tonnes per annum over the past six years. Council is on track to meet its 2025 emissions target and is continuing to implement further actions to achieve the 2030 target.
For climate adaptation, Council has appointed an Emergency Management Coordinator, who is leading the implementation of a community resilience program and an Emergency Management Framework. Council’s Biodiversity and Bush Fire Team is also progressing actions as part of the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Bush Fire Management Committee, including the development of a Bush Fire Risk Management Plan to address assets at risk and outline treatment options over a five-year period (2023–2028).
Additionally, Council has developed an internal Bush Fire Implementation Strategy to manage risk on Council-managed lands through asset protection zones, hazard reduction planning, inspection and maintenance of fire trails, and community engagement activities.
Of the 36 actions in the climate mitigation action plan, seven have been completed, nine are underway, twelve are ongoing, two are redundant, and six have not progressed. Of the 146 future climate adaptation actions, all 59 actions related to extreme risks are being tracked, with 32 actions addressing extreme and high fire weather risks being managed as business as usual. Fifteen actions related to other extreme risks are also underway, while the remaining actions related to high and low risks are yet to be tracked.
Strategic direction: 3. resilient and sustainable
Waste Matters Strategy 2020
Council continues to implement a broad range of Waste Matters Strategy programs, projects, and initiatives. Highlights include the Coronation Street Secondhand Markets, Berowra Waters Car Boot Markets, clothing swap events, repair cafés, and various community waste reduction workshops. The Waste Volunteers Program was launched in late 202425, with volunteer recruitment now underway. Currently, 48% of residents’ domestic waste is recovered for recycling and beneficial use. In March 2025, Council resolved to commence a new Food Organics Recycling Service from 1 July 2027, and preparatory activities are underway to support the launch of this new service.
C ommunity Satisfaction with Council’s Services and Facilities
Through our community satisfaction surveys, residents rate satisfaction with the following services and facilities that Council provides. These results help us to shape delivery of our services.
Results are based on a 1-5 satisfaction scale, where:
1 = very dissatisfied
* Benchmark is against average of comparable NSW metro councils
3 = neutral Shown only where results are 10% greater or lesser than NSW metro average
5 = very satisfied – Indicates Benchmark score is similar
focus area:
3a. sustainability
Working towards net zero emissions through renewable energy, using resources wisely and sustainable transport
Council Services contributing to this Focus Area:
Asset Operations and Maintenance
Governance
Procurement
Sustainability
Transport Planning
How we delivered Highlights
EV chargers power up Hornsby Shire
Council welcomed the installation of two new electric vehicle (EV) chargers at the Dural Street car park in Hornsby, delivered by Evie Networks with support from an ARENA Federal Government grant. These chargers are part of Council’s commitment to supporting sustainable transport options across the Shire.
Additional chargers have also been installed on Council land at Alexandria Parade, Waitara and in the Beecroft car park off Wongala Crescent, making it easier for residents and visitors to choose cleaner, greener travel.
Council’s new EV chargers at the Dural Street car park are part of Council’s commitment to supporting sustainable transport options across the Shire
focus area: 3a. sustainability
Performance against adopted Measures
Other interesting results
focus area: 3B. resilience
A resilient Shire that can withstand shocks and stresses, adapt to a changing environment and bushfire risk
Council Services contributing to this Focus Area:
Asset Operations and Maintenance
Environment
Fire Control
Sustainability
Trees
How we delivered Highlights
Emergency services ‘Get Ready’ event builds community resilience
Council proudly participated in the emergency services Get Ready event at A Taste of Wisemans , hosted by The Hills Shire Council. Held on Sunday 29 September, the event drew an estimated 3,500 attendees and featured an impressive display of fire trucks, rescue boats, SES vehicles and interactive activities for children, including a giant bushfire-themed snakes and ladders game.
Residents had the opportunity to speak directly with emergency service organisations including NSW RFS, NSW SES, Australian Red Cross, Peppercorn, and Council’s own bushfire team. The event was a valuable opportunity to promote preparedness and strengthen community connections in the picturesque setting of Wisemans Ferry.
EmergencyRedi Week empowers residents to prepare for emergencies
Council once again took part in EmergencyRedi Week (16–22 September), encouraging residents to take proactive steps to protect their homes and families. Through media outreach and community engagement, Council promoted the Australian Red Cross Get Prepared app – a free tool to help individuals create a personalised emergency plan and build a support network.
With bushfire season approaching, Council also shared practical tips to prepare homes, including trimming vegetation, clearing gutters, and setting up hoses. The initiative supports community resilience and highlights the importance of planning ahead in the face of increasingly frequent natural disasters.
Get Ready Wisemans was a valuable opportunity to promote preparedness and strengthen community connections in Wisemans Ferry
focus area:
3B. resilience
Performance against adopted Measures
focus area: 3c. waste, recycling and street cleaning
A clean and attractive Shire that provides effective waste management and increases recovery and recycling of valuable resources
Council Services contributing to this Focus Area:
Commercial Waste
Domestic Waste Management
Public Cleansing
How we delivered
Highlights
Hornsby Shire named MobileMuster’s top recycler for eighth year
Council was recognised as MobileMuster’s Top Collector Award recipient for 2024–2025, marking its eighth consecutive win at both state and national levels. Over the past year, residents dropped off 784 kilograms of unwanted mobile phones, chargers and accessories at the Thornleigh Community Recycling Centre.
This outstanding effort equated to recycling more than 5,100 mobile phones and avoiding 2.78 tonnes of CO₂ emissions — the environmental equivalent of planting 46 trees. Hornsby Shire’s contribution represented 12 per cent of total council collections across Australia, reinforcing the community’s strong commitment to sustainable waste practices.
Thornleigh CRC recognised for excellence in resource recovery
Council’s Thornleigh Community Recycling Centre (CRC) was formally recognised with a Highly Commended award in the Resource Recovery category at the Keep Australia Beautiful Sustainable Cities Awards. The award acknowledged the CRC’s outstanding contribution to waste education, recycling innovation and circular economy practices.
Now in its eighth year of operation, the CRC has become one of the most popular in NSW, recycling over 4.5 million kilograms of household problem waste from more than 252,000 vehicles since 2017/18. It accepts a wide range of materials including paints, oils, batteries,
e-waste, bulk cardboard, clothing and expanded polystyrene, and also features a sustainable gardening demonstration site and vibrant murals celebrating Indigenous connections and environmental stewardship.
Council was also named a finalist in the overall Sustainable Cities category, with entries showcasing initiatives such as Second Hand Hornsby, Apartment Living, Local Waste Champions, and the Remagine Art Competition.
Second Hand Hornsby Market champions reuse and community spirit
Following the success of its inaugural event in April, the Second Hand Hornsby Market returned in September, offering residents a fun and sustainable way to declutter and discover pre-loved treasures. Held at Coronation StrEat, the market featured 30 stalls with items ranging from clothing and toys to books and household goods.
Part of Council’s Second Hand Hornsby initiative and aligned with the Waste Matters Strategy, the market promotes reuse and helps reduce landfill. It complements other popular programs like clothing swaps and Council’s online garage sale listings, supporting the goal of diverting 80 per cent of community waste from landfill by 2030.
Council commits to Food Organics recycling by 2027
In preparation for the NSW Government’s FOGO mandate, Council has resolved to implement a dedicated Food Organics (FO) recycling service by July 2027. This approach – introducing a fourth bin for food waste – was chosen over a combined FOGO system as it offers better value for money and protects the quality of garden organics used in high-grade composting.
By keeping food and garden waste streams separate, Council will reduce contamination risks and support reliable end-markets for recycled materials. This decision marks a major step in Council’s commitment to sustainable waste management and will be supported by a strong community education campaign.
Brewing change with Responsible Cafes
Council partnered with Responsible Cafes to support local hospitality businesses in reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices. This community-driven initiative encourages cafes to offer incentives for reusable cups, reduce single-use plastics, and recycle food waste, helping to cut down on landfill and environmental impact.
With over 4,000 participating cafes nationwide, Responsible Cafes saves an average of 35 disposable cups per venue each day. Residents can explore local participating cafes via an interactive map and enjoy their coffee sustainably. The program aligns with Council’s Waste Matters Strategy and reflects our commitment to supporting ecoconscious choices in everyday life.
The Second Hand Hornsby Market offers residents a fun and sustainable way to declutter and discover pre-loved treasures
focus area:
3c. waste, recycling and street cleaning
Performance against adopted Measures
Other interesting results
Strategic direction: 4. natural environment
Our unique environment is celebrated, protected and enhanced.
WORKING TOWARDS THE UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS:
Community Strategic Plan long-term goals
G4.1 A natural environment that is healthy, diverse, connected and valued
G4.2 Waterways are healthy and biodiverse, and the Shire’s urban areas are water sensitive
G4.3 The environmental value of rural lands is protected and enhanced
Council’s Supporting Strategies and Plans
Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2021
Rural Lands Strategy 2022
Sustainable Hornsby 2040 (2021)
Urban Forest Strategy 2021
Water Sensitive Hornsby Strategy 2021
ADDRESSING SYDNEY’S SHOCKS AND STRESSES:
Focus Area (Council’s delivery pathway)
4A. Environment
Strategic direction: 4. natural environment
Progress on our Strategies and Plans
Urban Forest Strategy 2021
Since adopting the Urban Forest Strategy in 2021, Council has achieved several key actions. Canopy cover mapping from the NSW Government confirms that Hornsby LGA retains the second highest urban forest canopy in the state at 42.46% (2022), representing less than a 1% decline since 2019. This outcome reflects ongoing development and increased uptake of the RFS 10/50 vegetation clearing entitlement by residents.
Council has identified a tree inventory system for acquisition to support tree management and planting programs. A costed public tree planting program has been prepared and is awaiting funding opportunities as part of the development contributions review. Service times for development application referrals, tree permits, and customer requests have significantly improved.
Tree protection measures within the Hornsby DCP have been reviewed, and proposed changes have been identified, pending discussions with Councillors. A draft Tree Policy has also been prepared and is awaiting further consideration. Council has confirmed that the NSW Department of Planning is maintaining accurate and comparable tree canopy cover data for use by Council. Engagement with the NSW Government is ongoing to improve Council’s ability to respond to illegal tree removal and vandalism. The offset policy has also been reviewed and will be subject to future discussions with Councillors.
Water Sensitive Hornsby Strategy 2021
Council continues to implement high and medium priority actions from the Water Sensitive Hornsby Strategy, supporting the Natural Environment Strategic Direction through integrated water management, infrastructure maintenance, and community engagement. Key initiatives delivered or progressed during the reporting period include:
Catchment Health Monitoring and Water Quality
Assessment : Council monitors 24 freshwater sites for water quality, geomorphology, and riparian health, with 96% achieving a grade of C or higher. Estuarine conditions are reported daily via telemetric stations, with Brooklyn Baths and Dangar Island achieving over 93% swimmable days.
Stormwater Management and Asset Maintenance: Approximately 365 catchment remediation devices—including gross pollutant traps, biofilters, wetlands, and sediment basins— are inspected and maintained, removing 666 tonnes of pollutants from local waterways. Over 1,470 kL of stormwater is harvested and reused for irrigation.
Catchment Remediation Rate (CRR) Program: Four CRR capital works projects have been completed, including stormwater harvesting at Edward Bennett Oval, creek stabilisation at Wideview Road, bank repair at Erlestoke Park, and a gross pollutant trap at Derribong Place. These projects enhance stormwater quality and reduce pollutant loads entering waterways.
Integrated Water Cycle Management (IWCM) : Council is advancing the Hornsby Town Centre Total Water Cycle Management Strategy, incorporating water quality modelling, wastewater reuse feasibility, and the development of catchmentspecific environmental values and targets to inform planning controls.
Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) Compliance: WSUD elements are assessed and integrated into multiple Council and private development projects, including raingardens and biofilters in Galston, Hornsby, and Cowan. Updated WSUD guidelines have been prepared to support future planning and design.
Community Engagement and Education: Council has launched a new online dashboard to share real-time catchment health data. The Priority Catchment Project in the Wallumeda Wetland area included a direct mail campaign to 1,249 households and a community survey. Education campaigns have targeted erosion and sediment control, stormwater pollution, and waterway health.
Planning Instruments and Policy Integration: Council has reviewed planning instruments, including the Hornsby Development Control Plan, to strengthen waterway protection. Collaboration with NSW Government agencies supports alignment with the Risk-Based Framework for Waterway Health Outcomes.
Coastal Management Program: Council contributes to the Hawkesbury–Nepean Coastal Management Program, including estuarine monitoring, community engagement, and the development of water quality objectives to support long-term estuarine health and resilience.
Incentive Programs and Strategic Partnerships: Council is developing incentive programs to support pollution prevention in industrial areas and enhance the ecological value of waterways. Partnerships with Sydney Water and NSW Government agencies support nutrient modelling, wastewater infrastructure planning, and estuarine health monitoring.
Strategic direction: 4. natural environment
C
ommunity Satisfaction with Council’s Services and Facilities
Through our community satisfaction surveys, residents rate satisfaction with the following services and facilities that Council provides. These results help us to shape delivery of our services.
New Bub-Bushcare is an innovative initiative supporting new parents to care for both the bush and their wellbeing
focus area: 4a. environment
Conserve and enhance our unique trees, bushland and waterways, protect biodiversity and maintain a healthy environment
Council Services contributing to this Focus Area:
Asset Operations and Maintenance
Design and Construction
Environment
Regulatory Services
Trees
How we delivered
Highlights
Grant boosts Council’s fight against priority weeds
Council was awarded $27,975 in grant funding under the NSW Weeds Action Program 2020–2025, supporting proactive efforts to detect and manage high-risk weed incursions across the Shire. The funding enabled targeted inspections of high-risk pathways and sites, including urban waterways in the Devlins Creek catchment and major roads, as well as locations such as nurseries, markets, aquariums, and wetlands.
Special attention was given to controlling boneseed – a priority weed – with inspections carried out in the Beaumont Road industrial area and along rail corridors.
Council wins Regional Landcare Award for Blue Gum High Forest campaign
Council was named joint winner of the Community Partnerships Award at the 2025 Greater Sydney Regional Landcare & Bushcare Awards, held at Sydney Olympic Park. The award recognised the success of Council’s Blue Gum High Forest (BGHF) Campaign and celebrated the contributions of community groups and volunteers involved in its delivery.
Key outcomes of the campaign included the establishment of five new Bushcare sites across Castle Hill, Hornsby, Normanhurst, Wahroonga
and Pennant Hills, the recruitment of 23 new regular volunteers, and the expansion of contract bush regeneration works in Hornsby and Cherrybrook. Community planting events were also held in five suburbs to restore disturbed forest edges.
The campaign significantly increased public awareness of the ecological value and conservation needs of the critically endangered BGHF, strengthening Council’s commitment to environmental protection through community engagement and on-ground action.
New Bub-Bushcare connects parents, nature and community Council, in partnership with TAFE NSW, launched the innovative New Bub-Bushcare program – an initiative supporting new parents to care for both the bush and their wellbeing. With free babysitting provided by trained volunteers from TAFE’s Adult Migrant English program, parents can immerse themselves in nature, contribute to Bushcare, and enjoy a group playdate afterwards.
The program not only boosts Bushcare volunteer numbers but also helps reduce social isolation among new parents. At the same time, it offers meaningful opportunities for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community members to practise English and connect with others, building a stronger, more inclusive Hornsby Shire.
Community survey explores perceptions of Hornsby’s urban forest
Council commenced a two-week telephone survey in June to gather updated community views on trees and urban greenery across Hornsby Shire. Conducted by Taverner Research Group, the survey builds on a similar study from 2020 and will help inform future planning and management of the Shire’s urban forest.
Residents were asked about their perceptions of tree management, concerns around urban canopy, and preferences for green waste services following severe storms. The results will contribute to a broader package of information responding to the Mayoral Minute on trees and support the ongoing development of Council’s Urban Forest Strategy.
Community plants 680 natives for National Tree Day Council celebrated National Tree Day with 77 enthusiastic community members at Jane Starkey Park, Thornleigh. From families and young adults to dedicated Bushcare volunteers and Mayor Warren Waddell, participants planted 680 native plants in record time to help restore the Critically Endangered Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest.
The 16 species, grown by volunteers at the Warada Ngurang Community Nursery, are enriching local biodiversity and supporting the long-term health of mature Turpentine trees in this unique urban bushland reserve. The event was a powerful example of community action for conservation.
Goats, sheep and an alpaca help manage Foxglove Oval Council introduced a creative and eco-friendly solution to vegetation management at Foxglove Oval, Mount Colah, with a team of goats, sheep and one alpaca taking on the task of clearing overgrown weeds on the western embankment. This sustainable approach supports ongoing site monitoring and rehabilitation planning while minimising disruption to nearby sporting and community activities.
The herd has been running quarterly this year, helping maintain the area in a safe, cost-effective and low-impact way. The initiative is not only practical – it’s also a hit with the community, offering a charming and quiet alternative to machinery.
focus area: 4a. environment
Community helps grow rare Blue Gum High Forest at Erlestoke Park
On Sunday 13 October, Council partnered with Hornsby Lions and Hornsby Chamber of Commerce to host a community planting day at Erlestoke Park, Castle Hill. The event drew enthusiastic locals keen to learn about and help restore the rare Blue Gum High Forest – one of Sydney’s most endangered ecosystems.
Together, volunteers planted 550 native species grown by the Warada Ngurang Community Nursery, boosting biodiversity and sparking interest in forming a new Bushcare group at the site. The day also included a guided bushwalk, offering residents a deeper connection to this precious forest remnant and its future.
Native Plant Giveaways nurture biodiversity across the Shire Council’s popular Native Plant Giveaways returned in August and March, inviting residents to collect four free native plants from the Warada Ngurang Community Nursery in Pennant Hills. With a wide selection of grasses, shrubs, climbers and trees grown by dedicated volunteers, the program supports backyard biodiversity and helps preserve the integrity of Hornsby Shire’s bushland.
Since its launch in 2003, the initiative has supplied tens of thousands of native plants to local homes. Council staff and volunteers were on hand to offer expert advice, helping residents choose species suited to their gardens and local conditions. The program continues to be a favourite among green thumbs and a key part of Council’s environmental stewardship.
Shaping the future of the Hawkesbury Nepean River Council invited the community to help shape the long-term management of the Hawkesbury River through the Hawkesbury Nepean River System Coastal Management Program (HNRS CMP). Led by Council in partnership with five neighbouring councils and the NSW Government, the program aims to improve waterway health, increase hazard resilience, and protect the river’s social and cultural values over the next decade.
A series of local drop-in sessions provided residents with the opportunity to share their views on how the river should be cared for. Community feedback has been used in the development of the final plan, ensuring the river continues to support recreation, biodiversity, and local livelihoods for generations to come.
Citizen scientists uncover rich biodiversity in local creeks Council’s largest-ever citizen science initiative, Community, Creeks and Critters , empowered nearly 100 volunteers to collect environmental DNA (eDNA) samples from 41 creek locations across Hornsby Shire. The project, funded by the NSW Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government, revealed a rich diversity of local wildlife, including threatened species like powerful owls, grey-headed flying foxes, and large-footed myotis bats.
This groundbreaking research not only provided valuable data for future ecological studies but also deepened community connection to local waterways. The project showcased how science, nature, and community can come together to protect Hornsby’s unique environment for generations to come.
Seasonal guided bushwalks connect residents with nature Council’s popular guided bushwalks program continued across autumn, winter and spring, offering Hornsby Shire residents a chance to explore the natural beauty of the Bushland Shire with expert-led walks. From beginner-friendly strolls to more challenging hikes, the program catered to all experience levels while sharing fascinating insights into local ecology and cultural heritage.
Highlights from the autumn schedule included the Berowra Station to Waratah Bay Cultural History Walk, Sphinx to Bobbin Head Return, and a Wild Investigators activity for children at Fagan Park. These free events fostered community connection, outdoor wellbeing, and appreciation for Hornsby’s unique bushland.
Council backs stronger protections against illegal tree clearing Council formally endorsed a submission to the NSW Government supporting proposed reforms to crack down on illegal tree and vegetation clearing in urban areas. The changes aim to strengthen environmental protections, improve enforcement, and promote urban resilience in response to climate change.
Key reforms include tougher penalties, clearer rules around vegetation removal, and mandatory replanting conditions. Council also advocated for a state-led public education campaign to raise awareness about the value of urban trees. These measures will help preserve Hornsby Shire’s green character and support the NSW Government’s goal of 40 per cent urban canopy cover by 2036.
20 years of estuary monitoring
Last year marked a major milestone in environmental stewardship with 20 years of continuous scientific monitoring of the Hawkesbury River estuary. Through a long-standing partnership with the NSW Government’s Manly Hydraulics Laboratory, Council has built a robust network of seven monitoring stations that deliver near real-time data on salinity, turbidity, water temperature and algal indicators.
The program has significantly enhanced understanding of the river’s health and supported safe recreational and commercial use, including swimming, fishing and oyster farming. A key achievement has been the development of a long-term dataset on chlorophyll-a levels, which helps guide safe use of popular spots like Brooklyn, Berowra Waters and Crosslands Reserve.
Looking ahead, Council is exploring the use of AI to analyse this rich dataset, with the potential to predict river conditions more accurately and support even more responsive estuary management.
focus area: 4a. environment
Over 700kg of litter removed from our waterways
This year’s Tide to Tip clean-up event saw a powerful collaboration between local oyster farmers, community groups, and staff from Hornsby Shire and Central Coast Councils. Together, a team of 18 people and five boats removed more than 700 kilograms of litter from the Hawkesbury River, including plastic bags, bottles and polystyrene foam.
Since 2020, this annual initiative – led by the Australian oyster industry in partnership with OceanWatch Australia – has united communities to tackle marine debris and protect our estuaries. The collective effort continues to make a visible impact, helping to keep our waterways clean, healthy and safe for both wildlife and people.
Native Plant Giveaways supports backyard biodiversity and helps preserve the integrity of Hornsby Shire’s bushland
focus area: 4a. environment
Performance against adopted Measures
Other interesting results
State of the Environment 2024/25
Council’s efforts to conserve and support the environment across the Hornsby LGA continued throughout 2024/25 via the ongoing implementation of the Sustainable Hornsby 2040 Strategy. This overarching strategy incorporates the Climate Wise Hornsby Plan, Biodiversity Conservation Strategy, Waste Matters Strategy, Water Sensitive Hornsby Strategy and Urban Forest Strategy. Some of the key implementation highlights are described below in this State of the Environment section.
Net zero emissions by 2050
The Climate Wise Hornsby Plan guides priority action towards achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This includes efforts to achieve the interim targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions produced by Council by 32 per cent from 2018 levels by 2025 and the community by 31 per cent from 2017 levels by 2025.
Council
Council’s annual carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2-e) emissions for all its sites and activities are shown in the table below, which includes Scopes 1, 2 and 3. Emissions reduced significantly in 2021/22 as Council entered into a contract to purchase 100 per cent renewable electricity from two solar farms in NSW. Emissions for 2024/25 are 6,857 tonnes of CO 2-e which is slightly less than the 2021/22 level. The decrease is predominantly due to a significant reduction (approximately 50 per cent) in concrete usage as works approach completion at Hornsby Park. There has also been a reduction in asphalt usage.
Despite increases in some sectors Council has met its interim emissions reduction target of 32 per cent reduction by 2025 (i.e. emissions below 8,214t).
The emissions inventory for Council’s total operations is prepared in accordance with the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Guidelines for corporate emissions reporting, the international GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard and the National Carbon Offset Standard (NCOS).
Council’s 2024/25 emissions inventory by sector reflects that transport emissions and embodied emissions in purchased materials make up the majority of emissions now that renewable electricity is purchased by Council. The bulk of emissions in 2024/25 originated from contractor fuel usage and Council fleet fuel use, combined representing 71 per cent of Council’s carbon emissions. Contractor fuels include consumption by waste and recycling trucks servicing all households and earth moving equipment at Hornsby Park. The second largest contributor to emissions was the use of concrete and asphalt (13 per cent) and the third was natural gas consumption at Hornsby Aquatic and Leisure Centre (11 per cent).
Councils transport fleet is comprised of passenger vehicles, heavy trucks and vehicles, Rural Fire Service vehicles and plant vehicles and equipment. Emissions due to transport fuel usage showed a small reduction of 1 per cent since the previous year. Electrical plant equipment and 17 hybrid vehicles in Council’s passenger fleet and a new electric vehicle have been introduced during 2024/25.
State of the Environment 2024/25
Community
Our community greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions profile over the past eleven years shows that as a Shire we produce over one million tonnes CO 2-e emissions each year (Resilient Sydney Platform, 2024). This emissions profile is informed by data on transport, waste, energy and water practices in our LGA. In 2023/24 we produced 1,113,794 tonnes of CO 2-e, which is a reduction of 2.6 per cent (39,284 tonnes) from the previous year. This was mainly achieved through reduced emissions associated with electricity consumption as more renewable energy is available in the electricity grid, in addition to waste and gas emissions which also decreased slightly. The emissions associated with transport increased by 41,689 tonnes. However, electricity continues to be the largest contributor to community emissions. (Resilient Sydney Platform, 2025)
Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Community emissions have been reducing over the last four years but the latest data shows that in 2023/24 they still remain significantly higher (285,794 tonnes higher) than Council’s interim community target of a 31 per cent reduction from 2017 levels by 2025 (Climate Wise Hornsby Plan, 2021), which is equivalent to producing just 828,000 tonnes of CO 2-e in 2024/25.
LED Street Lighting
Council joined Ausgrid’s Accelerated Street Lighting Replacement Program in February 2019 to replace 3,596 old technology lights with energy efficient LEDs in residential roads. Ausgrid has also been replacing failed and old technology streetlights with LEDs as part of an ongoing routine maintenance program. In addition, Ausgrid began replacing 1,115 CFLs lamps with LEDs in mid July 2022 and 1,507 main road lamps with LEDs in January 2023. At the end of June 2025, of the 9,788 streetlights in the Hornsby LGA 9,520 (97 per cent) are LEDs. Since the beginning of the program, the savings are 8,492 MWh of electricity, 6,400 tonnes CO 2-e, $1.8 million in operational costs and $3.1 million in maintenance costs.
Household solar panels
By increasing renewable energy generation, such as rooftop solar, we will see the greatest reduction in community emissions. There has been a strong growth in solar photovoltaic (PV) installation across residential rooftops in the LGA. The number of PV systems has steadily increased every year. At the financial year 2018/19, a total of 6,740 PV systems were installed and as at 30 June 2025 this number had risen to 16,009 which represents approximately 35.3% per cent of dwellings in our LGA and a total installed capacity of 118,111kW (Australian PV Institute, Mapping Australian Photovoltaic installations, 2025), an increase of 1,256 households since last year.
Council’s total water usage in 2024/25 was 202,805 kL which is a slight decrease of 3.4 per cent compared to last year. Decreases in water consumption at some sites, e.g. Galston Aquatic Centre, Foxglove Oval and Warrina Street Oval, were balanced by increases at other sites, e.g. Crosslands Reserve, Rofe Park and Pennants Hills Oval 1.
Water consumption across the Hornsby LGA has increased slightly over the last year. Similarly, water demand across Sydney increased overall, according to Sydney Water in February 2025.
State of the Environment 2024/25
Waste and recycling
In 2024/25 Hornsby Shire residents diverted 31,666 tonnes of resources from landfill and sent the remaining 33,986 tonnes of residual waste to landfill. This means that Hornsby Shire residents are recovering 48 per cent of our waste and diverting it from landfill. This rate has remained stable over the past three years. The table on the next page shows the total amount of waste generated, the quantities recovered for recycling and the remaining material that is being landfilled by residents. Overall recovery levels have been maintained by recovery of materials dropped off at the Thornleigh Community Recycling Centre and resources recovered from the bulky clean-up waste (45 per cent of bulky waste is recovered for beneficial recycling including metals, mattresses, wood/timber, cardboard etc).
Overall residential waste generation at 65,600 tonnes this year has increased slightly from 64,357 tonnes in 2023/24.
Bulky clean-up waste increased slightly from to 6,243 tonnes in 2023/24 to 6,608 tonnes in 2024/25. Green bin organics remained stable at 18,731 tonnes in 2024/25 compared to 18,071 tonnes in 2023/24. This is largely dependent on weather and rainfall. Yellow bin recyclables decreased from 9,618 tonnes in 2023/24 to 9,371 tonnes in 2024/25. Kerbside yellow bin tonnages have continued to decrease due to reduced consumption likely due to cost-of-living impacts, further lightweighting of packaging materials and Container Deposit Scheme diversion of containers. The total waste to landfill tonnage increased slightly from 32,983 tonnes in 2023/24 to 33,330 tonnes in 2024/25 likely due to population increases.
Residents’ garden waste continues to be turned into valuable compost at Kimbriki Resource Recovery Centre helping to return essential organics back to the soil. Our recyclables are sorted and processed at Visy’s Smithfield Materials Recycling Plant, with paper and cardboard going into the papermill next door. The PET and HDPE are further processed around the corner at Visy’s packaging manufacturing plant and the glass is sent to Visy’s Penrith processing and glass bottle manufacturing plant. The steel and aluminium cans are baled to be
on-sold to smelters and the mixed plastics are still finding international export markets as Australia looks to process this material onshore responding to the Commonwealth export ban on certain waste materials.
The Thornleigh Community Recycling Centre (CRC) continues to operate to a high standard providing Hornsby Shire residents with solutions to recycle problematic waste. The CRC had over 47,000 customers visiting the facility to recycle their problem wastes, a slight decrease on the 57,000 in the previous year. The CRC recycled 717 tonnes of problem wastes and recyclables overall, compared to 810 tonnes in 2023/24. Due to downstream recycling issues, the CRC has had to temporarily cease collection of soft and hard plastics. A reliable and acceptable soft plastics recycler is still being pursued, however there are none in the current market.
The Waste Matters Strategy adopted in February 2020 continues to be successfully implemented. Some achievements for 2024/25 were:
Community waste education programs, that include a broad range of workshops, tours and events, 67 events were delivered with over 5,900 community participants
Eleven integrated “Community Repair Day” events were delivered. They incorporated bicycle repair, clothing repair and Repair Café (furniture/electrical)
Two Second Hand Hornsby Reuse Markets were held at Coronation StrEat!, contributing to an estimated diversion of 390 kilograms of waste
Six local community demonstration sites are being supported to manage compost and worm farming systems
The Apartment Living Program has engaged with a total of 2,381 individual dwellings. This included 172 site visits and over 1,000 letters delivered to promote best practice recycling
A total of 185 people attended three clothing swap events where community participants swapped more than 1,000 items and diverted approximately 370 tonnes of waste from landfill
The Remagine Art Prize was held in May/June 2025. A record number of 220 entries were received from all over Australia, approximately a quarter of entries were received from local artists. Around 237 visitors came to the exhibition - an average of 16 per day.
Two Second Hand Hornsby Reuse Markets contributed to an estimated diversion of 390 kilograms of waste
State of the Environment 2024/25
(* Total waste to landfill includes red bin and bulky waste, but excludes resource recovery component of bulky waste)
Illegal dumping incidents
Illegal dumping incidents have increased by 71 per cent from previous years, with 913 reported dumpings reported in 2024/25 and subsequently 36 penalty notices (fines) being issued with some investigations from this period still ongoing. Numerous dumpings were found within road reserves and 23 contaminated material dumpings were identified as incorporating asbestos materials.
Bushland restoration
Bushcare
The Bushcare program welcomed 60 new volunteers in 2024/25. Volunteer hours and activity across all 67 Bushcare sites are strong, with regular Bushcode workshops delivered. The Bushcare program continues to appeal to a broad section of the community. Hornsby Bushcare program is establishing as the go to place for local schools, younger residents and residents from diverse backgrounds looking for guidance and advice on all bushland matters. A new Bushcare group started in Erlestoke Park, Castle Hill in March 2025. The first of the New Bubs Bushcare was held at Mount Colah Community Centre bushland, catering for new parents and their babies.
Floating Landcare/Bushcare events were organised to Bar Island (10 April and 29 May) and Cunio Point (5 June and 26 June) with a total of 84 hours contributed by 12 volunteers.
Bush regeneration work occurred at 116 bushland reserves, including rural and roadside reserves.
The National Tree Day tree planting day was part of a program of revegetation projects, helping to establish
Community Nursery
Revegetation and bush regeneration
A total of 12 community planting days were held in the year and 1,870 native plants were established. In addition, 27 revegetation projects were undertaken at various sites, such as Hornsby Quarry Bushland, Upper Pyes Creek North and South Reserve, and Wisemans Ferry riparian areas.
Warada Ngurang Community Nursery at Pennant Hills provides native plants for Hornsby Shire. These are distributed and planted through a variety of programs including plant giveaways to ratepayers, community planting events, Landcare and Bushcare activities, citizenship ceremonies, school and community group activities, and Council planting projects in parks, reserves and street verges. The community nursery also provides locally collected provenance plant stock to Council’s bushland restoration projects. All seed is locally collected to maintain genetic integrity. The Community Nursery seed bank was maintained and added to, with 174 seed lots collected. In total, 6,840 native plants were distributed at giveaway events in Hornsby Shire to be planted at 1,550 properties.
Domestic Residential Waste
State of the Environment 2024/25
* Due to COVID-19 restrictions, plant giveaways were changed to Plants on the Run pop-ups in local parks and smaller resident tree collections at the Nursery
Biodiversity stewardship sites
Council continues to actively manage seven biodiversity stewardship offset areas including: Upper Pyes Creek, New Farm Road, Wisemans Ferry riparian area, Dog Pound Creek Biobank site and Beecroft Village Green offset site, Ron Payne Oval and Berry Park (Darwinia biflora sites). These sites are maintained in accordance with approved management plans to ensure long-term ecological integrity and compliance with biodiversity offset obligations.
Biosecurity management
Council completed weed biosecurity activities under the 2024/25 NSW Government Weeds Action Program grant. These included the surveillance for priority weeds and new weed incursions within the Devlins Creek urban creek network and major roadsides throughout the Shire.
Locations identified as high-risk sites for the introduction of weeds were inspected, including Asian grocers, florists, retail/wholesale/backyard nurseries, community markets, aquarium/pet stores, a sewage treatment plant, public dams, constructed wetlands, roadside rest stops, green waste deports, and the Hornsby rural sports facility. Inspections were also undertaken for the priority weed Boneseed, regulated under a Control Order. These included industrial land and bushland around Beaumont Road, Mount Kuring-Gai, the rail corridor from Epping to the Hawkesbury River, and sites previously infested by Boneseed. For all weed inspections, regulatory and control actions were taken where necessary, including the confiscation of plants, and landholders were informed of their legal obligations.
Council operated a cage trap lending program for pest rabbits, which continued to have good community uptake and participation by local vets.
Council took part in a regional Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) release program coordinated by Greater Sydney Local Land Services and with the aim of reducing pest rabbit populations in the Sydney Region.
Bush Fire hazard reduction
Bush Fire Management Committee (BFMC) activities
All district Bush Fire Management Committee requirements set through the current Bushfire Risk Management Plan have been met during the period including hazard reduction burning, asset protection zone sites, fire trail maintenance and education events.
The Hazard Reduction at Hopeville Park was part of the Bushfire Risk Management Plan
* These figures cover all hazard reduction in the Shire, which is carried out by NPWS, RFS and Fire & Rescue NSW
Hazard Reductions were conducted on Council managed land at Cootamundra Reserve, Waitara Creek and Dog Pound Creek Bushland, Dural Park, Hopeville Park, Pennant Hills Park, The Outlook Bushland and Calabash Point.
Manual hazard reduction activities
Manual works were undertaken during 2024/25 on a total of 14 Asset Protection Zone Complexes (ie grouped APZs) and 7 individual Asset Protection Zone sites. This equates to a total of 133,414 square metres of managed Asset Protection Zone giving protection to 1,435 properties.
Burning on private land
A total of 1,126 approvals were issued in 2024/25 under the Protection of Environment Operations (Clean Air) Regulation 2022 for burning of dead, dry vegetation. Pile burn inspections have resumed for the first time in many years with 20 inspections undertaken in March 2025.
State of the Environment 2024/25
Fire trail works
There are over 21km of fire trails that Hornsby Council manages and maintains and on which works are scheduled as part of the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai District Bush Fire Risk Management Plan. All Strategic (3km) and Tactical (6km) fire trails on council land were inspected as required during the period.
Resurfacing works were undertaken on Pennant Hills Park fire trail. Vegetation maintenance was undertaken on eight fire trails including: Kentia and Keighran Trails, Blackwattle Trail, Boundary Road Trail, Clovelly Trail, Lambe Trail, McKinley Trail and Pennant Hills Park Trail. A new fire trail gate has been installed at 1st Hornsby Heights Scout Group, a new gate was installed at Koala Place Trail, and sandstone logs have been installed to prevent illegal entry at the Turner Road Fire Trail entrance.
Community bushfire education
A total of nine bushfire education events were carried out, including street meetings at Hornsby Heights, Cherrybrook and Berowra Waters and a Community Engagement Showcase hosted by Hornsby/ Ku-ring-gai District RFS to promote collaboration between fire authorities, councils and other land managers..
Environmental breaches
Sixteen environmental breaches (fire-related) were assessed across the year in Dural, Laughtondale, Mount Colah and Normanhurst.
Water and catchments
Stormwater quality improvement devices
Council has continued to construct and maintain water quality improvement devices (known as SQuIDs) to improve the quality of stormwater coming off built-up urban areas before it enters the Shire’s waterways.
In 2024/25, approximately 365 catchment remediation devices were inspected and maintained with 666 tonnes of pollution removed from the waterways via catchment remediation devices. These assets include wetlands, sediment basins, biofilters, gross pollutant traps and stormwater harvesting devices. Over the same period, 1,472 kL of stormwater was harvested and treated for irrigation of sports fields.
Creek bed stabilisation, Wideview Road, Berowra reduces erosion and protects the surrounding bushland
* Reduction in number relates to retirement, retrofitting and consolidation of assets
New SQuIDs constructed in 2024/25
Edward Bennett Oval stormwater harvesting
Gross pollutant trap installed at Derribong Place, Thornleigh
Creek bank stabilisation works at the creek adjacent to Wideview Road, Berowra. The project will reduce erosion and protect the surrounding bushland from excess scouring from overland flows
Bank stabilisation and bush walking track repairs (across Pyes Creek) were undertaken at Erlestoke Park, Castle Hill.
Derribong Place, Thornleigh gross pollutant trap contributed to 666 tonnes of pollution being removed from waterways
Waterway Health Monitoring and Improvement
Council monitored 33 sites across the Shire in 2024/25 to assess water quality. Of these, 24 were part of the catchment health program, 3 were industrial, and 6 were estuarine. Results showed 61 per cent of sites were in good or excellent condition, 33 per cent rated fair, and 6 per cent were poor.
To address areas of concern, Council reviewed its monitoring approach and will focus on seven priority catchments in 2025/26 to identify pollution sources and implement targeted actions, including:
State of the Environment 2024/25
Community education and compliance
Riparian vegetation restoration
Stronger planning controls
Improved stormwater treatment via SQIDs
The remaining 15 sites will be monitored less frequently to track long-term trends and inform the community about freshwater health.
In 2024/25, Council prioritised the Walumeda sub-catchment in West Pennant Hills, engaging with Sydney Water on sewer issues and investigating pollution events. A community engagement program was also run to understand local knowledge of stormwater and waterway issues. Additional investigations were carried out in industrial areas (i.e Hornsby, Mount Ku-ring-gai and Thornleigh), sub-catchments such as Dog Pound Creek, Waitara Creek, Westleigh, and some of Council’s urban stormwater ponds.
Estuarine Monitoring
Council operates seven real-time estuarine monitoring stations that support daily estuarine health reporting, oyster harvest decisions, and swimming safety at Brooklyn and Crosslands. In 2024/25, Brooklyn Bath and Dangar Beach had over 95 per cent swimmable days, while Crosslands had none due to heavy rainfall (1,300 mm during 2024/25) which increased freshwater runoff across the year. The estuary was impacted by freshwater influx from 43 days of Warragamba Dam spills.
Mangrove Health Assessment
Following flood-related dieback in 2021–2022, Council continued monitoring mangrove health. Grey Mangroves were most affected, with dieback linked to sediment smothering and other factors. In April 2025, Council partnered with Central Coast Council and Macquarie University to re-survey long-term sites and assess 33 km of shoreline. Findings showed:
14 km with no mortality
9 km with 25 per cent mortality
5 km with 50 per cent mortality
4 km with 75 per cent mortality
1 km with 100 per cent mortality
While some areas show signs of recovery with significant recruitment, others remain severely impacted. Council will continue monitoring and assessing mangrove regeneration.
Mangrove monitoring following flood-related dieback in 2021-22 Mangrove dieback - medium level observed
Noise complaints
Council continues to respond to noise complaints across the LGA. Barking dogs continue to be the most common reason for noise complaints.
delivering on theme 3: productive
PRODUCTIVE
Challenges and Delays
Audit of car parks has been put on hold pending recruitment of staff. Project is now expected to be completed in 2025/26
The Year Ahead
Develop the Employment Lands Planning Proposal
Commence development of a Night Time Economy strategy
Commence development of an Integrated Infrastructure Plan for Hornsby Town Centre
Adopt a Destination Management Plan
Implement the Cherrybrook Place Strategy rezoning
Continue the review of the Pennant Hills Road Corridor following the opening of NorthConnex
Continue community engagement on and construction of the Galston Village public domain project
Commence development of the Brooklyn Place Plan
Continue review of Development Contributions Plans
Undertake a Shire-wide gateway signage audit
Strategic direction: 5. integrated and accessible transport
Our transport infrastructure and services will be connected and easy to use. We will increase walking and cycling, and the use of public transport.
WORKING TOWARDS THE UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS:
Community Strategic Plan long-term goals
G5.1 Roads and footpaths are safe, reliable and connected to key destinations for people to move around the Shire
G5.2 Transport options are well-connected, accessible and integrated to support healthy and active lifestyles and minimise dependency on private cars
Council’s Supporting Strategies and Plans
Bike Plan 2019
Car Parking Management Study 2020
Integrated Land Use and Transport Strategy 2004
Walking and Cycling Plan 2021
Progress on our Strategies and Plans
INTEGRATED LAND USE AND TRANSPORT
STUDY
Focus Areas(Council’s delivery pathway)
5A. Roads, footpaths and moving around
ADDRESSING SYDNEY’S SHOCKS AND STRESSES:
INEQUITY:
(ILUTS) 2004 (under review)
Council continues to progress the Car Parking Management Study through several key actions. These include implementing a car share scheme with two service providers, installing electric vehicle charging stations on public land in Beecroft, Hornsby, and Waitara, and securing additional grant funding to install 22 new charging locations during 2025/26. Paid parking continues at Wisemans Ferry Boat Ramp, and precinct plans have been developed for high-use areas. Timed parking has been installed at various locations across the Shire, including Brooklyn and Hornsby Town Centre. Parking rates in the Hornsby Town Centre Development Control Plan have also been updated.
Strategic direction: 5. integrated and accessible transport
C
ommunity Satisfaction with Council’s Services and Facilities
Through our community satisfaction surveys, residents rate satisfaction with the following services and facilities that Council provides. These results help us to shape delivery of our services.
The improvements at Victory Street, Asquith contributed to increased community satisfaction in local roads
focus area: 5a. roads, footpaths and moving around
Well-maintained, safe and connected transport networks for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles
Council Services contributing to this Focus Area:
Asset Operations and Maintenance
Design and Construction
Ranger Services
Sustainability
Traffic Engineering and Road Safety
How we delivered Highlights
$2.8 million grant to boost pedestrian safety in Hornsby Town Centre
In collaboration with Transport for NSW, a comprehensive upgrade to pedestrian infrastructure in Hornsby Town Centre (East) will be undertaken by Council, supported by a $2.8 million grant from the NSW Government. The initiative includes the introduction of a 40km/h High Pedestrian Activity Area (HPAA), raised crossings, landscaped islands, improved lighting, and pedestrian-friendly intersections across key streets.
These improvements aim to create a safer, low-speed environment that prioritises people over traffic, enhancing walkability and reducing the risk of accidents. The project reflects Council’s commitment to making Hornsby a more connected, accessible and liveable town centre, with community feedback helping shape the final design.
The new Asquith to Mount Colah shared path contributes to a well-maintained, safe and connected transport network for pedestrians and cyclists
focus area: 5a. roads, footpaths and moving around
Performance against adopted Measures
Other interesting results
Strategic direction: 6. vibrant and viable places
We have attractive and multi-use places that support economic development, innovation and local living.
WORKING TOWARDS THE UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS:
Community Strategic Plan long-term goals
G6.1 A vibrant and connected business, employment and tourism hub that is innovative and sustainable
G6.2 A ’30-minute City’ with supporting infrastructure
G6.3 Rural areas thrive and are a local source of fruits, flowers and other agricultural produce
Council’s Supporting Strategies and Plans
Brooklyn Discussion Paper (2021)
Economic Development and Tourism Strategy 2021
Employment Land Study 2021
Hornsby Town Centre Masterplan 2023
Local Housing Strategy 2020
Local Strategic Planning Statement 2020
Public Domain Guidelines 2021
Rural Lands Strategy 2022
Focus Areas (Council’s delivery pathways)
6A. Inviting centres and business
Section 7.11 Development Contributions Plan 2020
Section 7.12 Development Contributions Plan 2019-2029
Strategic direction: 6. vibrant and viable places
Progress on our Strategies and Plans
Economic Development and Tourism Strategy 2021
The Economic Development and Tourism Strategy provides strategic direction and guidance to maximise economic benefits from existing projects, although it is not directly funded. Of the top five priority actions, Council has established a process for engaging with small and home-based businesses, initially through Localised software and subsequently via LinkedIn. A Smart Cities Strategy has not progressed due to resourcing constraints. A Destination Management Plan has been developed and has been on exhibition for feedback. The night-time economy has advanced through the Special Entertainment Precinct grant applied to Hornsby Town Centre. Functional partnerships and committees have been strengthened through collaboration with the Hornsby Chamber of Commerce and local pubs and clubs, supporting the implementation of Uptown grant funding received from the State Government.
Employment Land Study 2021
The Employment Lands Study identifies key economic and employment issues and trends affecting the Shire and provides a strategy to facilitate sustainable economic and employment growth to meet future demand. Following the adoption of the Study, the NSW Government announced Employment Zone Reforms. Council officers worked closely with the NSW Government to ensure these reforms provided a localised response and supported the implementation of endorsed recommendations from the Study. The reforms were finalised and incorporated into the Hornsby Local Environmental Plan (LEP) in April 2023.
Council is now progressing key project work to implement the Study’s short-term recommendations. This work will result in updates to planning controls, aiming to increase the range and diversity of local employment opportunities and services, and to improve the utilisation and appeal of the Shire’s industrial precincts to accommodate modern industrial facilities.
C ommunity Satisfaction with Council’s Services and Facilities
Through our community satisfaction surveys, residents rate satisfaction with the following services and facilities that Council provides. These results help us to shape delivery of our services.
focus area: 6a. inviting centres and business
Welcoming and lively town centres and villages that support the local economy and encourage visitation to the Shire
Council Services contributing to this Focus Area:
Asset Operations and Maintenance
Major Projects
Place
Regulatory Services
Transport Planning
Trees
How we delivered
Highlights
Waste-themed mural brightens Hornsby Library
Council unveiled a vibrant new waste-themed mural at Hornsby Library, transforming the cleansing shed wall into a creative canvas for sustainability. The mural promotes key waste messages such as consuming less and embracing reuse – values reflected in the everyday operations of Council’s libraries.
Funded through the 2024/25 domestic waste management budget and part of Council’s Waste Matters Strategy, the mural was created by renowned artist Janne Birkner (Krimsone Murals), who previously completed work at the Thornleigh Community Recycling Centre. This engaging artwork complements Council’s broader reuse initiatives, including clothes swaps, repair workshops, and the Remagine Art Prize, while sparking community conversations around waste and sustainability.
$200,000 grant to kickstart Hornsby’s night-time transformation
Hornsby Town Centre is set to become a vibrant evening destination, thanks to a $200,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Special Entertainment Precinct Kickstart Program. The funding will support planning changes to create a precinct that encourages night-time activity, cultural expression and extended trading hours, bringing new life to the heart of Hornsby.
This initiative aligns with Council’s Hornsby Town Centre Masterplan and the area’s designation as a Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Accelerated Precinct. Once established, the precinct will offer a family-friendly mix of dining, entertainment and cultural experiences, making Hornsby a go-to destination on the Upper North Shore after dark.
Galston Village set for a vibrant transformation
Council is bringing new life to Galston Village with a major upgrade to its public domain, designed to enhance safety, accessibility and community appeal. Guided by strong community support and detailed feedback, the plan includes widened footpaths, new zebra crossings, a 40km/h speed limit, improved parking, and upgraded walking and cycling networks.
The revitalisation will also introduce outdoor seating, a toddler playground, tree planting, and a new bus stop with a tourist information point, creating a welcoming space to relax, dine and explore. Funded over two financial years and outlined in Council’s Delivery Program and Long Term Financial Plan, construction is set to begin late 2025, supporting local business and boosting visitation to Hornsby Shire.
Planning for Glenorie’s future village charm
Planning for the future of Glenorie Village progressed, with the public exhibition of the Glenorie Village Investigation Report and draft Glenorie Village Place Plan. These documents bring together community feedback, technical studies and collaboration with state agencies to explore future change scenarios that respect Glenorie’s rural village character.
Key recommendations include opportunities for smaller lots near the village centre, townhouses along Old Northern Road (subject to servicing), and a mix of commercial and residential development at the southern corner of Cairnes Road. Early engagement included a working paper and community submissions, with strong local interest helping shape the next steps in the planning process.
Framework set for Hornsby Town Centre’s future growth Council endorsed the Hornsby Town Centre Public Domain Guidelines, Hornsby Town Centre Precinct Section 7.12 Development Contributions Plan 2025, and amendments to the Hornsby Development Control Plan 2024. Together, these documents establish a clear framework for guiding future development, funding local infrastructure, and delivering high-quality public spaces in the Town Centre.
This milestone supports Council’s vision for a vibrant, accessible and well-designed urban centre that meets the needs of a growing community while enhancing the character and liveability of Hornsby.
The revitalisation of Galston will support local businesses and boost visitation to Hornsby Shire
A vibrant new mural at Hornsby Library transformed the cleansing shed wall into a creative canvas for sustainability
Performance against adopted Measures
Other interesting results
delivering on theme 4: collaborative
collaborative
Challenges and Delays
Strategy development framework project was placed on hold to coincide with review of place management framework and is anticipated to be completed in 2025/26
Developing and delivering an approach to marketing events and attractions within the Shire was cancelled and will be considered as part of the development of the Destination Management Plan in 2025/26
Developing an active transport plan has been put on hold pending recruitment of staff. Plan is now expected to be finished in 2026/27
Investigation into paid parking has been put on hold pending recruitment of staff. Project is now expected to be completed in 2028/29
Implementing a single customer view was put on hold due to competing priorities and will be considered in future data analytics plans
Developing and implementing a program to manage customer abuse and aggression towards staff was put on hold while a psychosocial hazard and risk mitigation framework was developed which includes customer aggression. Project is anticipated to be completed in 2026/27
Project to assess the capacity of local strategic planning instruments to support the implementation of a Green Infrastructure Framework was delayed as consultant did not meet the brief. Project will be rolled over to 2025/26
Project to revise and develop development control plan provisions for tree protection has been put on hold pending discussions with the council following a council resolution
Project to incorporate natural asset within Council’s natural asset management system has been put on hold
The Year Ahead
Council’s budget for the 2025/26 financial year forecasts a net budget surplus, of $1.3m.
Our investment in capital works projects will top $61.7m. Major projects include Hornsby Park redevelopment, Westleigh Park development, public domain improvements Asquith to Mount Colah and Galston, and Hornsby Town Centre Review
Review Council’s organisational structure
Continue to participate and collaborate in Resilient Sydney initiative
Complete development of framework for strategy development
Service reviews of fleet and library services to identify efficiencies and process improvements
Review Council’s customer service and complaints management frameworks
Commence implementation of a new website
Conduct audit of Council’s fees and charges
Commence evaluation of strategic property holdings for highest and best use
Commence review of Crown reserves managed by Council as community land with new plans of management
Review Council’s Communications Strategy
Commence development of a library strategic plan
Review and update the Privacy Management Plan
Continue digitisation of Council’s hard copy legacy records
Continue to implement a Leadership Development Strategy and framework
Develop a Psychosocial Hazard and Risk Mitigation Program for staff
Continue to implement the Cyber Security Plan
Implement the Technology and Transformation Strategic Plan 2025-2029
Strategic direction:
7. open and engaged
We aspire to create an organisation that is trusted and respected by the community.
We are proactive in engaging with the community and our decision-making is inclusive, easy and timely.
Community Strategic Plan long-term goals
WORKING TOWARDS THE UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS:
G7.1
G7.2
An organisation that is transparent and trusted to make decisions that reflect the community vision
An organisation that the community can easily connect and communicate with
G7.3 A community that actively participates in decision making
Council’s Supporting Strategies and Plans
Communications and Engagement Strategies 2019
Community Engagement Strategy 2024
Technology and Transformation Strategy 2020-2023
ADDRESSING SYDNEY’S SHOCKS AND STRESSES:
GOVERNANCE:
Focus Areas (Council’s delivery pathways)
7A. Leadership and governance
7B. Customer experience
7C. Communication, education and engagement
Progress on our Strategies and Plans
Community Engagement Strategy 2024
Council reviewed the communication plan in 2024, making minor adjustments to text and images to reflect updated language and renaming it the Community Engagement Strategy. Timings for development applications were also updated. The revised document was placed on public exhibition for community feedback and has since been adopted by Council.
Strategic direction:
open and engaged
C
ommunity Satisfaction with Council’s Services and Facilities
Through our community satisfaction surveys, residents rate satisfaction with the following services and facilities that Council provides. These results help us to shape delivery of our services.
Consultation and engagement / communication with the community by Council
Results are based on a 1-5 satisfaction scale, where:
1 = very dissatisfied * Benchmark is against average of comparable NSW metro councils 3 = neutral
Shown only where results are 10% greater or lesser than NSW metro average
5 = very satisfied – Indicates Benchmark score is similar
New Mayor Warren Waddell brings deep local roots and a passion for building a strong future for Hornsby Shire
focus area: 7a. leadership and governance
Transparent and effective leadership, decision making and governance
Council Services contributing to this Focus Area:
Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC)
Communications and Engagement
Development Assessments
Domestic Waste Management
Financial Services
Governance
Leadership
People and Culture
Risk and Audit
Strategy
Sustainability
How we delivered
Highlights
Warren Waddell elected as new Mayor of Hornsby Shire
In September, Warren Waddell was officially declared the newly elected Mayor of Hornsby Shire, marking his first term in the role. Having previously served two terms as Councillor and a period as Deputy Mayor, Mayor Waddell stepped into leadership with a strong commitment to community service.
His priorities include preserving the Shire’s natural beauty, advocating for urban renewal, enhancing public spaces, and ensuring transparent decision-making. A fifth-generation fruit producer and small business operator, Mayor Waddell brings deep local roots and a passion for building a strong future for Hornsby Shire.
Fresh faces join Council following 2024 Local Government Election
September marked a new chapter for Council, with the official declaration of results from the 2024 Local Government Election. Four new Councillors – Jane Seaglove, Olivia Simons, Ben McSweeney and Matthew Conley – joined the ranks, bringing fresh perspectives and diverse experience to the table. They joined five returning Councillors, ensuring a strong mix of continuity and innovation across all three Wards.
The election also welcomed Warren Waddell as the newly elected Mayor. With backgrounds ranging from IT and engineering to community sport and the arts, the new Councillors reflect the Shire’s vibrant and multifaceted community. The first General Meeting of the new term was held in October, setting the stage for a productive term focused on delivering key projects and initiatives for the region.
Performance Report highlights progress across Hornsby Shire
At its February and September 2025 General Meetings, Council tabled the latest six-monthly Performance Reports, showcasing strong progress against the 2024–2027 Delivery Program and Operational Plan. The reports highlighted achievements across key areas including park and playground upgrades, new footpaths, and environmental initiatives.
Major milestones included securing a grant for the Old Mans Valley Field of Play, development approval for Westleigh Park, and the success of the Hornsby Town Centre Masterplan, which laid the groundwork for the NSW Government’s Hornsby Transport Oriented Development Program. These outcomes reflect Council’s commitment to delivering tangible improvements and engaging the community in shaping the Shire’s future.
Tracking progress towards a thriving Hornsby Shire
The 2024 State of the Shire Report offered a clear snapshot of Hornsby Shire’s progress toward the community’s long-term vision, as outlined in the Community Strategic Plan 2032: Your vision | Your future . The report showed encouraging momentum, with 16 key indicators trending positively – including gains in employment-generating development, Gross Regional Product, housing diversity, and educational attainment. Council also recorded improvements in financial performance, customer satisfaction, waste diversion, and public transport access. Environmental outcomes were strong, with better water quality, stable tree canopy cover, and rural land preservation targets met. These insights played a vital role in shaping the updated Community Strategic Plan 2035 , ensuring Council continues to align its efforts with the community’s evolving needs and aspirations.
Councillors appointed to key external committees and working parties
In October, Council confirmed Councillor representation on five key external committees and working parties for the 2024/25 term. These appointments ensure strong advocacy and collaboration across critical areas such as bushfire management, public libraries, traffic planning, and community wellbeing.
Mayor Warren Waddell and Councillor McSweeney were appointed to the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Bush Fire Management Committee, with Councillors Ball, Tilbury and Seaglove as alternates. The Mayor also led representation on the Rural Fire Service Liaison Committee. Councillor Greenwood served on the Hornsby Shire Traffic Committee, while Councillor McIntosh represented Council on the NSW Public Libraries Association. Councillors McIntosh and Greenwood also championed dementia-friendly initiatives through the Hornsby Shire Dementia Alliance.
These appointments reflect Council’s commitment to active participation in regional partnerships and delivering positive outcomes for the community.
focus area:
7a. leadership and governance
Following the Local Government Elections, four new Councillors joined five returning Councillors ensureing
focus area: 7a. leadership and governance
Performance against adopted Measures
Expenditure attributed to consultancies compared to budget/ externally funded (+/-10%)
Other interesting results
focus area: 7b. customer experience
A
customer-focused organisation that delivers quality information, services and improved digital experience
Council Services contributing to this Focus Area:
Communications and Engagement
Community Development
Customer Service
Environment
Financial Services
Governance
Libraries
Strategic Land Use Planning
Technology and Transformation
How we delivered
Highlights
Smarter call centre enhances customer experience
Council’s call centre took a leap forward in customer service last year with the introduction of SMS capabilities, allowing staff to send links and information directly to residents during phone calls. This simple but powerful upgrade has made it easier for customers to access the details they need quickly and conveniently.
These improvements reflect Council’s ongoing commitment to responsive, accessible, and modern service delivery.
Flexible rates payments now available with Payble Paying Council rates got easier this year for Hornsby Shire ratepayers. In a move to improve convenience and financial flexibility, Council partnered with trusted Australian provider Payble to offer a secure, user-friendly online payment solution.
Ratepayers can now choose a payment schedule that suits them –weekly, monthly, or in full – set up direct debits, receive SMS reminders, and update their details anytime. With Payble, managing rates is simpler, safer, and tailored to individual needs. Ratepayers just scan the QR code on their rates notice or visit pay.hornsby.nsw.gov.au to get started.
Live chat launch makes Council more accessible than ever
In June, Council introduced a new Live Chat feature on its website, giving residents a faster, more convenient way to get the help they need. Available Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm, the service connects users directly with friendly staff from Customer Service, Accounts, and Waste teams.
Whether it’s general enquiries, rates and property information, or bin services, the Live Chat tool makes it easier to access support in real time. At the end of each chat, users are invited to provide feedback, helping Council continually improve the service. This initiative is part of Council’s broader commitment to modern, responsive customer service.
Performance against adopted Measures
Other interesting results
focus area:
7c. Communication, education and engagement
Communicate, educate and engage with the community, businesses and other stakeholders and facilitate active participation in our community
Council Services contributing to this Focus Area:
Communications and Engagement
Community Development
Domestic Waste Management
Environment
Major Projects
Place
Sustainability
How we delivered
Highlights
Community satisfaction survey to guide future improvements
In November, Council launched its latest Community Satisfaction Survey, engaging 600 randomly selected residents to provide feedback on Council services and facilities. Conducted by independent research firm Taverner Research, the survey included a balanced mix of participants across wards, age groups, and genders.
The survey is designed to capture satisfaction levels, identify key drivers of community sentiment, and benchmark Hornsby Shire’s performance against previous surveys from 2021 and 2023, as well as other Sydney metro councils. Insights will help Council track progress, refine services, and guide continuous improvement efforts across the organisation.
Refreshed monthly eNews enhances community connection
In November, Council launched a refreshed version of its monthly eNews, designed to better engage the community with a vibrant new look and expanded content. The updated format features branding and colours consistent with Our Council, the quarterly publication, and includes additional editorial items alongside regular updates on events, consultations, and a Mayoral Column.
Distributed to over 24,000 subscribers, the refreshed eNews reflects Council’s ongoing commitment to improving communications and keeping residents informed and involved in local initiatives.
Council adopts revised Community Engagement Strategy
In December, Council adopted its updated Community Engagement Strategy, reinforcing its commitment to meaningful and inclusive communication with residents. The revision followed a public exhibition period and was part of the broader review of the Community Strategic Plan, as required by the Office of Local Government. The Strategy acts as a practical guide for Council staff and representatives, outlining how community input shapes decisionmaking. It includes improvements based on public feedback and provides clearer direction for engaging residents on key issues. This update ensures Council continues to build trust and transparency while strengthening its connection with the community.
Quarterly newsletter keeps every household in the loop
Council’s Our Council newsletter continues to be delivered to every home in Hornsby Shire, ensuring residents stay informed about local projects, services, and initiatives, regardless of their access to digital platforms. Published four times a year, the newsletter features updates on major projects, new parks and playgrounds, waste and recycling news, and messages from the Mayor and Councillors.
The summer edition included highlights such as the 10-year anniversary of the Hornsby Aquatic and Leisure Centre, fire season preparedness, and the introduction of new elected representatives. This printed publication plays a vital role in connecting with diverse audiences across the Shire and strengthening community engagement.
Council joins national effort to measure liveability
In March to June, Council once again participated in the Australian Liveability Census, inviting residents to share what they love – and what they’d like to see improved – about living in the Shire. The survey offered a valuable opportunity for the community to influence local, state, and national planning and investment strategies.
By completing the 15-minute survey, residents contributed to important research on liveability while helping Council better understand priorities such as green space access, public safety, parking, and waste management. The results will help benchmark Hornsby Shire against other metro councils and guide future improvements.
Council website redevelopment set to transform online experience
Council embarked on a major digital upgrade, partnering with Granicus to deliver a new website that will go live by November 2025. After more than a decade on the same platform, the new site will offer a fresh, modern look and significantly improve how the community interacts with Council online.
The project aims to enhance user experience, streamline service delivery through digital forms, and better showcase Council’s story and services. With improved search functionality, mobile responsiveness, and intuitive content management, the new website will be a key tool in strengthening community engagement and administrative efficiency.
7c. Communication, education and engagement
Performance against adopted Measures
Other interesting results
Strategic direction:
8. SMART AND INNOVATIVE
From global to local connectedness, we will be forward-thinking and find creative solutions to enhance daily living.
WORKING TOWARDS THE UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS:
G8.1 Integrated and sustainable long term planning for the community’s future
G8.2 An organisation of excellence
G8.3 A Shire that fosters creativity and innovation
G8.4 Smart Cities approaches improve our day to day living
Council’s Supporting Strategies and Plans
Economic Development and Tourism Strategy 2021
Property Strategy 2023
Resourcing Strategy
Long Term Financial Plan
Asset Management Strategy
Workforce Management Plan
Technology and Transformation Strategy 2020-2023
Progress on our Strategies and Plans
Property Strategy 2023
ADDRESSING SYDNEY’S SHOCKS AND
8A. Planning for the future
8B. Organisational support
8C. Smart cities
Council continues to progress the Property Strategy through several key actions. This includes advancing the investigation into the Johnson Road Planning Proposal, reviewing strategic property holdings in Hornsby Town Centre, and reviewing the bus shelter contract with preparation of documentation for tendering. Council has also reviewed property holdings in Dangar Road, Brooklyn, and provided strategic advice on the development of return briefs for the future investigation and development of Hornsby Library. Liaison with property owners has continued following the Hornsby TOD announcement.
Technology and Transformation Strategy 2020-2023 (under review)
Council has made steady and strategic progress in delivering the objectives of its Technology and Transformation Strategy. The Strategy, originally framed for 2020-2023 and now under review for 2025-2028, continues to guide initiatives that enhance digital capability, improve service delivery and strengthen governance frameworks.
Community Strategic Plan long-term goals
Focus Areas (Council’s delivery pathways)
focus area: 8A. Planning for the future
Planning for a future that is liveable, sustainable, productive and collaborative for all
Council Services contributing to this Focus Area:
Community and Cultural Facilities
Financial Services
Leadership
Environment
Major Projects
Parks and Recreation
People and Culture
Place
Land and Property Services
Regulatory Services
Strategic Land Use Planning
Sustainability
Transport Planning
Trees
How we delivered
Highlights
Council endorses Affordable Housing Strategy for a more inclusive Shire
In December, Council endorsed its Affordable Housing Strategy, marking a major step forward in addressing housing stress across the community. The Strategy lays out a comprehensive framework for planning, facilitating, and advocating for affordable housing options –both for purchase and rent – through collaboration with public and private sectors.
With a strong focus on supporting key workers and diverse household types, the Strategy aligns with recent planning changes in the Hornsby Town Centre and introduces an Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme. It also complements broader state initiatives like the NSW Government’s Transport Oriented Development Program. Following public exhibition and community feedback, Council made refinements to enhance clarity and accuracy
Community Strategic Plan 2035 sets vision for Hornsby’s future
In June, Council adopted its ambitious 10-year Community Strategic Plan, Your Vision | Your Future 2035 . Developed in collaboration with over 10,000 residents, the plan outlines the community’s priorities and aspirations for the decade ahead, guiding every project and decision made by Council.
The plan addresses key challenges including population growth, housing affordability, transport, climate change, and social resilience.
Council adopts roadmap for a stronger, more resilient Hornsby Shire
In June, Council adopted its 2025–2029 Delivery Program and 2025/26 Operational Plan (DPOP), following extensive community engagement. This blueprint outlines the actions Council will take over the next four years to build a liveable, sustainable, and prosperous Shire, while responding to key challenges such as population growth, housing affordability, climate change, and transport.
The plan includes a substantial capital works program, supported by external grants, development contributions, and Special Rate Variation funds. Highlights include $7.7 million for road and traffic improvements, $9.8 million for parks and sporting facilities, and $6.6 million for public domain upgrades. With a strong focus on financial sustainability and community wellbeing, the DPOP sets the course for a healthier, more connected Hornsby Shire.
Council strengthens long-term planning with updated resourcing strategy
In April, Council adopted a suite of updated strategic documents that form its Resourcing Strategy, ensuring the right assets, funding, and workforce are in place to deliver on community priorities. This includes the Asset Management Strategy and three detailed Asset Management Plans covering buildings, land improvements, roads, and stormwater infrastructure.
The Long Term Financial Plan (2025/26–2034/35) was also refreshed, featuring a new action plan to improve forecast financial sustainability. Alongside this, the Workforce Management Plan (2025/26–2028/29) outlines how Council will support and develop its people to meet future service demands. Together, these updates provide a solid foundation for responsible, strategic decision-making across the Shire.
Council urges NSW Government support for infrastructure in Hornsby Town Centre
In November, Council welcomed the NSW Government’s masterplan for the Hornsby Transport Oriented Development Program, which aligns with Council’s own vision for the Hornsby Town Centre. However, Council raised concerns about the lack of consultation and the need for stronger government cooperation to deliver essential infrastructure for over 6,000 proposed new dwellings, exceeding Council’s original target by more than 1,000 homes.
Council’s masterplan prioritises a vibrant, sustainable centre supported by employment zones, improved roads, parking, pedestrian and cycle networks, and open spaces. While Council welcomed the commitment to additional open space, it continues to advocate for comprehensive planning and investment to support Hornsby’s evolving urban landscape.
Community feedback shapes Draft Planning Proposal for Galston site
Council invited residents to share feedback on the Draft Planning Proposal for the rezoning of Council land at 1-3 Johnson Road, Galston.
focus area: 8A. Planning for the future
The proposal, shaped by community input from 2023, includes the preservation of a bushland path with seating areas, ensuring the site remains a place to relax and connect with nature.
The proposed rezoning aims to create a sensitively designed employment precinct that balances biodiversity with future opportunities for local business and jobs. As part of this voluntary consultation, Council provided detailed information to help residents understand the vision and contribute to shaping the future of the site. The community feedback will be further considered before the Planning Proposal is submitted for a Gateway Determination.
focus area:
8A. Planning for the future
Performance against adopted Measures
Program/Operational Plan actions completed/on track
(infrastructure) projects completed on time or still on track
Operating Performance Ratio (Council’s achievement of containing operating expenditure within operating revenue)
Own Source Operating Revenue Ratio (reliance on external funding sources such as operating grants and contributions)
Current Ratio (liquidity)
Rates and Annual Charges Outstanding Percentage (impact of uncollected rates on Council’s liquidity and adequacy of recovery efforts)
Section 7.11 contributions and section 7.12 contributions fixed development consent levies income ($)
focus area: 8B. Organisational support
Assist the organisation in its day-to-day activities and support an engaged, productive and healthy workforce
Council Services contributing to this Focus Area:
Asset Operations and Maintenance
Communications and Engagement
Community Development
Environment
Governance
Leadership
People and Culture
Procurement
Land and Property Services
Strategy
Technology and Transformation
Transport Planning
How we delivered Highlights
Manager workshops align objectives with Council’s strategic direction
In the second half of 2024, Council held manager objective-setting workshops to strengthen alignment between individual goals and the broader strategic priorities outlined in the Delivery Program and Operational Plan. These sessions helped ensure that leadership across Council is focused on delivering outcomes that directly support community needs and long-term planning.
By connecting personal performance objectives with organisational strategy, Council continues to foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and purpose-driven leadership.
New Councillors equipped for success through induction program
Following the 2024 local government elections, Council launched a comprehensive Councillor induction program to support newly elected representatives. Weekly briefing sessions were held from October through to mid-December, providing essential knowledge and context for their roles.
The program also included a dedicated workshop delivered by an external provider, ensuring all requirements of the induction framework were met. This initiative reflects Council’s commitment to good governance and equipping Councillors with the tools they need to serve the community effectively.
Service reviews launched to drive continuous improvement
Council kicked off a series of service reviews in the second half of 2024, underpinned by a newly adopted continual improvement framework and a four-year implementation plan. These reviews aim to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and responsiveness of Council services, ensuring they remain aligned with community needs and strategic priorities.
This proactive approach reflects Council’s commitment to delivering high-quality services while fostering a culture of innovation and accountability across the organisation.
My Connect intranet launched to streamline internal communications
Council launched My Connect , a new intranet platform designed to centralise tools, resources and communications for staff. Accessible via web browser and Microsoft Teams, My Connect offers quick access to frequently used apps, policies, forms and news, making it a one-stop hub for daily work needs.
The platform is a key step in improving internal engagement and operational efficiency, with features like intuitive navigation, real-time updates, and a responsive design. Staff demonstrations and feedback sessions supported the launch, ensuring the intranet evolves with the needs of the organisation.
focus area: 8B. Organisational support
Performance against adopted Measures
Records
Other interesting results
focus area: 8C. Smart cities
Embrace emerging technology and optimise existing digital assets
Council Services contributing to this Focus Area:
Environment
Libraries
Parks and Recreation
Sustainability
Technology and Transformation
How we delivered Highlights
Technology upgrades drive smarter Council operations
Throughout the year, Council delivered several key technology and transformation projects aimed at improving efficiency and service delivery. These included the implementation of a new call centre solution, enhancing customer interactions with modern tools and streamlined support.
Council also replaced its Development Application Tracking tool, making it easier for residents and developers to follow the progress of applications. Additionally, a new Councillor Portal was rolled out, providing elected representatives with improved access to information and resources to support decision-making. These upgrades reflect Council’s commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.
Council also completed a major network infrastructure upgrade, transitioning from the legacy system to a modern solution. The previous system was costly, inflexible, and lacked scalability.
The new setup is centrally managed via cloud-based tools. This upgrade has improved security, flexibility, and resilience while reducing costs and simplifying operations.
Each council site now operates as an independent, segmented network, eliminating single points of failure and enhancing control across locations. Communication expenses have been cut by over 50 per cent, and Council now has greater visibility and management capabilities.
The transformation aligns with national cybersecurity standards and also standardises security policies, speeds up onboarding of new sites, and supports better digital services for the community.
This Focus Area has no discrete budget allocated.
The new Development Application Tracking tool is part of several key technology and transformation projects aimed at improving efficiency and service delivery
focus area: 8C. Smart cities
Performance against adopted Measures
Real-time monitoring devices providing data to help inform management decisions
legislative requirements
legislative requirements
This Annual Report also includes some information that is prescribed by the Local Government Act 1993, the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 and to meet requirements imposed by other legislation and statutory bodies. This information has been included because the government believes that it is important for community members to know about it – to help their understanding of how Council has been performing both as a business entity and as a community leader.
Mayoral and councillor fees, expenses and facilities
Amount expended during 2024/25 on the provision of councillor facilities and the payment of councillor expenses: $48,787
(1) (a) details (including the purpose) of overseas visits undertaken during the year by councillors, council staff or other persons while representing the council (including visits sponsored by other organisations)
(a1) details of the total cost during the year of the payment of the expenses of, and the provision of facilities to, councillors in relation to their civic functions (as paid by the council, reimbursed to the councillor or reconciled with the councillor), including separate details on the total cost of each of the following:
(i) the provision during the year of dedicated office equipment allocated to councillors on a personal basis, such as laptop computers, mobile telephones and landline telephones and facsimile machines installed in councillors’ homes (including equipment and line rental costs and internet access costs but not including call costs)
(ii) telephone calls made by councillors, including calls made from mobile telephones provided by Council and from landline telephones and facsimile services installed in councillors’ homes 0
(iii) the attendance of councillors at conferences and seminars 29,452
(iiia) the provision of induction training for councillors, supplementary induction training for mayors and professional development programs for mayors and other councillors 7,500
(iv) other training of mayors and councillors and the provision of skill development for mayors and councillors 6,038
(v) interstate visits undertaken during the year by councillors while representing Council, including the cost of transport, the cost of accommodation and other out-of-pocket travelling expenses
(vi) overseas visits undertaken during the year by councillors while representing Council, including the cost of transport, the cost of accommodation and other out-of-pocket travelling expenses
(vii) the expenses of any spouse, partner or other person who accompanied a councillor in the performance of his or her civic functions, being expenses payable in accordance with the Guidelines for the payment of expenses and the provision of facilities for Mayors and Councillors for Local Councils in NSW prepared by the Secretary from time to time
(viii) expenses involved in the provision of care for a child of, or an immediate family member of, a councillor, to allow the councillor to undertake his or her civic functions
For information on councillor entitlements, see Council’s website for Policies “Policy – Statutory – Councillors Expenses and Facilities”
legislative requirements
Councillor professional development
(Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, cl 186)
Amendments made to the Local Government Act in 2016 saw the inclusion in the prescribed role of councillors under section 232 of the Act of a responsibility “to make all reasonable efforts to acquire and maintain the skills necessary to perform the role of Councillor”.
To support that inclusion, the Local Government (General) Regulation was subsequently amended to include a requirement for councils to provide induction training and ongoing professional development for mayors and councillors; and the Office of Local Government (OLG) issued guidelines under section 23A of the Act to assist councils develop and deliver induction training and ongoing professional development activities for their mayor and councillors in compliance with the Regulation.
The guidelines issued by the Office of Local Government indicate that a council’s induction and professional development program should consist of the following three elements:
Pre-election Candidate Sessions – (non-mandatory but encouraged) – to ensure prospective candidates are aware of what will be expected of them if elected
Induction Program – to equip mayors and councillors with the information they need to perform their role effectively over the first few months of the term and to build a positive, collaborative relationship among councillors and with staff
Professional Development Program – to allow development, in consultation with individual councillors and the mayor, of programs which can be delivered over the council term to build the skills, knowledge and personal attributes necessary to be an effective mayor or councillor.
Hornsby Council’s response to these three elements during 2024/25 is below.
Professional Development
The professional development program involved a briefing to all Councillors to provide an update on the process that will be implemented followed by individual surveys with Councillors and the development of a personalised development plan to meet the requirements for each Councillor. This process commenced in May 2025.
Other training/skill development opportunities were undertaken as follows:
A three-stage program of induction, grouped around three themes, was designed and undertaken by the General Manager and staff with the newly-elected Council. All Councillors attended.
Program When
Stage 1 Getting to know you, us and each other 4 sessions –October 2024
Stage 2 Your role, rights and responsibilities 2 full-day sessions – November 2024
Stage 3 Transitioning to the business of Council and ongoing development Weekly sessions – NovemberDecember 2024
Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) - National General Assembly Clrs Waddell, Salitra, McIntosh
Local Government International Women’s Day Clr McClelland
Training/skill development Attendees Media training
Living Future Australia –
Waddell
Masterclass: Construction as a Conservation Tool Clr Ball
Total value of salary component of package See table below Total amount of any bonus payments, performance or other payments that do not form part of salary component
Total employer's contribution to superannuation (salary sacrifice or employer's contribution) See table
Overseas visits by Councillors/Council staff
(Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, cl 217(1)(a))
There were no overseas visits undertaken by Councillors, Council staff or other persons representing Council during 2024/25.
Persons who performed paid work on Wednesday 4 December 2024
Engaged by the council, under a contract or other arrangement with the person’s employer, wholly or principally for the labour of the person
Supplied to the council, under a contract or other arrangement with the person’s employer, as an apprentice or trainee
legislative requirements
Modern Slavery Statement
(Modern Slavery Act 2018)
This Modern Slavery Statement is provided by Hornsby Shire Council in accordance with Section 428 (4) of the NSW Local Government Act 1993.
This Statement outlines Hornsby Shire Council’s commitment to combating modern slavery and the measures we have implemented during this reporting period to reduce the risk of our procurement activities resulting in or contributing to human rights violations.
Activity Description
(Local Government Act 1993, s428(4)(c))
The Anti-Slavery Commissioner did not raise any significant issues concerning the operations of Council during the year.
(Local Government Act 1993, s428(4)(d))
Organisational Structure and Supply Chain
The steps that Council has taken to ensure that goods and services procured by and for Hornsby Shire Council during the year were not the product of modern slavery within the meaning of the Modern Slavery Act 2018 are outlined in the below table.
Actions Taken
Stakeholder engagement Steps taken to engage with stakeholders Engaged with all staff to provide additional resources to better identify and report any instances of suspected modern slavery. Engaged with other councils through the Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (NSROC) Procurement Officers’ Group to discuss and share best case approaches to Modern Slavery Risk Management.
Salient risk identification Steps taken to identify salient modern slavery risks at the organisational level
Engagement with suppliers at a high risk of Modern Slavery occurred with our catering suppliers this year. We contacted catering suppliers and requested copies of their Modern Slavery Statement for review, or, in the absence of a statement, to complete our questionnaire. Council reviewed the responses and added the details to a register for staff to be able to access as they make engagements.
Council will continue to engage with its suppliers through the heightened risk categories as identified by the Anti-Slavery Commissioner each year.
Modern Slavery Policy Steps taken to adopt a Modern Slavery Policy In addition to the Modern Slavery Risk Management that is embedded within the Sustainable Procurement Determination, endorsed by Council’s Executive Leadership Team, Council has commenced work on a Modern Slavery Risk Management Plan that will be completed and in use in 2025/26.
Planning the procurement Identify and map supply chain risks In addition to the expenditure mapping and pre-purchase checklist previously developed, this year Council has reviewed the high-risk expenditure categories to identify further supplier engagement opportunities for the new year.
Sourcing Steps taken to address modern slavery risks when selecting suppliers Council’s tenders include a modern slavery questionnaire that tenderers must complete and return with their tender submission. This forms part of the tender evaluation.
legislative requirements
Activity Description
Contracting
Monitoring supplier performance
Remedy
Report
Improve
Steps taken to include modern slavery risk mitigation requirements in contracts
Steps taken to monitor and evaluate supplier performance relating to modern slavery
Steps taken to enable access to effective modern slavery grievance mechanisms
Steps taken to report on Council’s modern slavery risk management efforts
Steps taken to improve Council’s approach to modern slavery risks
Steps taken to cooperate with the Anti-Slavery Commissioner during the reporting period
Actions Taken
Council has included modern slavery clauses in its contracts to ensure compliance with modern slavery law. Council has requested a legal review of the contract suite in 2025/26, which will include a review of the Modern Slavery contract condition.
Contractor Performance Reviews have been rolled out across all contracts with specific questions regarding Modern Slavery. The responses are reviewed for action items and are used to populate the Contract Performance Register to inform future procurement activities.
As part of the training provided, and in the determination and procedures, staff are provided with details of how to report modern slavery concerns.
During this reporting period, there were no instances of suspected modern slavery concerns.
Council reported in the 2023/24 Annual Report.
Council completed the 2023/24 online GRS Annual Reporting Form on the OASC website.
Training provided to all Council staff on Modern Slavery which included a questionnaire to ensure understanding – over 80% completion rate.
Training provided to staff at Council’s regular Procure to Pay training sessions.
Worked with the NSROC to improve the collective approach to combatting Modern Slavery. The Anti-Slavery Commissioner presented to the NSROC Procurement Officers’ Group in November 2024.
The NSW Anti-Slavery Commissioner did not approach Council during this reporting period.
legislative requirements
Special variation expenditure
(Special Rate Variation Guidelines)
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) is responsible for setting the amount by which councils in NSW can increase their general rate income each year, referred to as the rate peg. Councils can apply to IPART for a special rate variation, which allows councils to increase their general rate income by more than the rate peg amount.
Catchments Remediation Rate
The Catchments Remediation Rate (CRR) is levied at five per cent of Council’s ordinary rate income on properties throughout the Shire (subject to SRV increases). All modified catchments impact on water quality and benefit from environmental and water quality improvements. In 2024/25, income received from the CRR special rate was $4.2 million.
The Catchments Remediation Program identifies locations across the Shire where water quality improvement initiatives are to be constructed and installed. In 2024/25, $1,292,000 was spent on catchments remediation capital works projects. These works involved a multifaceted approach of capturing, treating and reusing stormwater and included the installation of a gross pollutant trap at Derribong Place, Thornleigh, a gross pollutant trap, biofilter and stormwater harvesting system at Edward Bennett Oval, Cherrybrook, creek remediation at Pyes Creek, Castle Hill and Wideview Road, Berowra.
The CRR program also supports several pollution prevention initiatives such as water quality monitoring and research, environmental education, riparian remediation, street sweeping, emergency spill response and pollution regulation.
In addition to the pollution treatment and prevention initiatives, the CRR funds ongoing works associated with the maintenance, repair and upgrade of water quality control devices. In 2024/25, these costs included $1,142,000 to clean, maintain and repair these assets and adjacent landscaped areas. This included the removal of over 666 tonnes of sediment, litter and organic matter, together with bush regeneration and landscaping activities on more than 12 hectares of land adjacent to the assets.
In 2025/26, Council will be constructing several water quality treatment devices, as well as undertaking stormwater harvesting projects, to remove pollution before it enters the creeks and bushland of Hornsby Shire.
Special Rate Variation 2023/24 - 2032/33
On 13 June 2023, IPART approved Council’s application for a Special Rate Variation (SRV) under Section 508A of the Local Government Act 1993. Council’s Long Term Financial Plan at the time forecast that additional income from the SRV would resolve forecasted financial sustainability issues by rebalancing results back within acceptable levels over the next ten years. Income from the SRV also funds the requirements identified in Council’s Asset Management Plans and a ten-year program of strategic initiatives previously identified in numerous technical documents and adopted strategies.
The special variation provides a cumulative increase in rates inclusive of the rate peg over four years.
IPART requires that Council report in its annual report over a five year period from 2023/24 to 2027/28 on:
1. The program of expenditure funded by the SRV, and any differences between this program and the program included in Council’s application
2. Any significant differences between Council’s revenues, expenses and operating result compared with the projected revenues, expenses and operating result in the Long Term Financial Plan
3. The outcomes achieved as a result of the SRV
4. The productivity savings and cost containment measures Council has in place, the annual savings achieved through these measures, and what these savings equate to as a proportion of the Council’s annual expenditure
5. Whether or not the council has implemented the productivity improvements identified in its application, and if not, the rationale for not implementing them.
Following is the detail for 2024/25.
1. The Program of Expenditure
Council’s adopted 2024/25 Annual Budget included funding allocations that align with the Program of Expenditure approved by IPART and there were no differences between the budget and this program.
Unspent SRV funds at 30 June 2025 have been restricted and will be carried forward to future years to ensure adherence with the ten-year expenditure program and the conditions of IPART’s approval:
legislative requirements
In addition to the amounts listed above, $762K has been expended from SRV funds held in restricted accounts that was unspent at 30 June 2024 and restricted to carry forward. The expenditure incurred aligns with the program of expenditure and budget allocations reported in the 2023/24 Annual Report.
2. Financial Statement Comparison to Long Term Financial
Plan
The actual results for 2024/25 have been compared to the balances forecast in Council’s adopted Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP):
Total Income excluding Capital Grants and Contributions has increased due to a number of items. Storm recovery grant payments of $2.5 million were received, which were unknown at the time the LTFP was prepared. Non-cash income of $4.1 million to reflect an increase in fair value of Council’s investment properties was also recorded at 30 June 2025, as required by Australian Accounting Standards. Additionally, investment income has increased because interest earned on Council’s investments is currently performing greater than forecast due to the base rate set by the Reserve Bank of Australia remaining higher for longer than economists previously predicted. Around half of this temporary increase has been returned to external grants and development contributions in accordance with the requirements of these funds.
Total Expenses from Continuing Operations are materially in line with the forecast in the LTFP.
3. Outcomes Achieved
The following outcomes have been achieved from the SRV in 2024/25: Financial Sustainability
Income generated from the SRV has continued to ensure a balanced budget with a draft surplus of $1.67 million achieved at 30 June 2025.
The actual result is better than forecast in the LTFP, largely because of one-off grant and capital income that is not related to the normal continuance of services, including income that is non-cash in nature.
Total Income from Continuing Operations has increased as a dedication of land from a subdivision was received during the year, requiring the recognition of non-cash capital income of $22.8 million to reflect the fair value of this land. A similar non-cash entry of $1.75 million to recognise a building dedicated to Council at Pennant Hills Park was also recorded at 30 June 2025, as required by Australian Accounting Standards. In addition to this, capital grant funding that was unknown at the time the LTFP was prepared has been received, including $4.1 million for Brooklyn Boardwalk and $1.6 million for Greenway Park.
Council maintained its debt free position throughout 2024/25 with no external loan borrowing at 30 June 2025.
Council’s Long Term Financial Plan was updated for the next ten years (from 2025/26–2034/35) during the year and adopted by Council on 9 July 2025. This revised version of the Plan continues to forecast modest results over the next ten years with an average budget (cash) surplus and average Income Statement (non-cash) surplus of $2.287 million and $3.998 million, respectively forecast over the term of the Plan.
legislative requirements
Asset Management
The requirements identified in Council’s Assets Management Plans have been fully funded, assisted by an SRV allocation of $2.108 million for 2024/25. During the year the Asset Management Strategy was revised and referred to Council at the 9 April 2025 General Meeting. This revised version of the Strategy noted that the condition of roads, buildings, open space (park assets) and stormwater drainage continues to be maintained at the level of service required by the community, assisted by the SRV funding allocated for this purpose.
4. Productivity Savings and Cost Containment
Council’s SRV application placed emphasis on the success of long-term cost containment strategies and tight budgetary control that have been used to contained expenditure over many years. These measures have been in place since 2011/12 and continue to be implemented:
A nil increase to non-contractual Divisional expenditure (net of direct labour) except where contractual increases cannot be offset by other operational efficiencies.
Direct salaries and wages based on the Local Government (State) Award calculated on a 50 pay week year. The two-week reduction from a full year represents organisational savings from an average delay in replacing staff members who retire/resign and/or productivity improvements that are required with these savings ring-fenced as a method of control at the start of each year. This measure reduced total operating expenditure by approximately $1.9 million/(1.2% proportionate to total operating expenditure) in 2024/25.
The use of existing Council staff where possible to undertake capital work including grant and development contribution funded projects. This measure achieved savings in the order of $3.3 million/(2.0% proportionate to total operating expenditure) at 30 June 2025.
Zero external loan borrowing and the continuation of prudent financial management.
A revised version of Council’s Long Term Financial Plan (2025/26–2034/35) has recently been adopted, which includes recommendations that if achieved should continue to contain cost/improve productivity over the term of the Plan, including analysing non-statutory user charges and fees and consideration towards retendering small and large format outdoor advertising sites for opportunities to generate additional revenue. In addition, a working group for the revision of Council’s Development Contribution Plans will commence to consider if new and upgraded assets can be funded from development contribution funds rather than placing pressure on existing general funds.
5. Productivity Improvements
Council’s application was cautious to note that, with significant cost containment and productivity improvement work undertaken over the last ten years, further significant savings were not expected to be identified. Instead, the application noted that a comprehensive service review program was to be undertaken with the aim of ensuring that Council continues to provide value for money and meet service level expectations with the community.
With the appointment of a Business Improvement Manager in April 2024, a service review framework and program have been established. Based on the results of Council’s Community Satisfaction Survey, the Development Assessments service was identified for improvement. A comprehensive service review was undertaken in 2024/25 to maintain Council’s competitive processing times while enhancing the customer experience.
The review identified several areas for improvement, including:
Performance and customer service
Website and self-service
Submissions and communication
Assessment quality, policy, and procedures.
Council will implement and monitor progress of recommendations in these areas over the next 12–24 months.
During the year, Council also undertook a minor review to support operations within the newly restructured Infrastructure and Major Projects directorate. The restructure is designed to improve internal alignment and operational effectiveness, with further improvements planned over the next 12 months.
Following a systematic evaluation of Council services to identify potential areas for improvement, Library Services and Fleet and Mechanical Services have been prioritised for comprehensive review in 2025/26. These reviews will focus on enhancing service delivery and operational efficiency, while recognising that improvements must be achieved within the limits of Council’s financial capacity and long-term sustainability goals.
In addition to Service Reviews, broader improvement opportunities are continuously being identified, including leveraging existing digitisation initiatives to enhance service delivery. Council implemented a range of initiatives in 2024/25 to enhance service delivery and internal operations.
The introduction of ‘Payble’, a customer-centric payment platform, has provided ratepayers with flexible payment options, improving convenience and overall customer experience. A new ‘Chat Now’ feature on the Council website allows customers to connect directly with staff from the Customer Service, Waste and Rates teams during business hours, offering a real-time alternative to traditional phone enquiries. Additionally, our aquatic centres have integrated swimming carnival applications into the existing Bookable system used by schools for their athletics and cross-country carnival applications. The system enables a unified booking experience for schools, along with more timely date confirmation and invoicing.
Council is dedicated to ensuring cost-effective, quality, and timely delivery of its services, with a focus on achieving positive customer outcomes. By prioritising customer satisfaction and service quality, Council aims to deliver value to the community.
legislative requirements
Financially assisting others
(Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, cl 217(1)(a5); Local Government Act 1993, s356)
Community Grants and Sponsorship
Council adopted an updated Policy relating to Community Grants and Sponsorship on 13 August 2025 which provides a framework to manage cash grants and in-kind sponsorship requests. Under the Policy there are six programs with funding streams available:
1. Community Event Grants
To provide seed funding to community driven, event based initiatives with a view to events being sustainably delivered by the community over time. A total of $60,000 is available per annum through two funding pools:
$42,000 under the Community Event Partnership Grant funding pool, with cash funding, in kind support and sponsorship up to a total value of $7,000 per applicant organisation
Designed to be one-off grants, $18,000 under the Place Activation Grant funding pool, with cash funding, in kind support and sponsorship available up to a total value of $3,000 per applicant organisation.
2. Venue Support Program
To support community not-for-profit groups utilising community and cultural facilities and parks to participate in fundraising activities for registered charities. A total of $17,000 is available annually by way of fee waiver applications.
3. Fee Waiver Requests for Waste Services
To support community not-for-profit groups, charities, churches and schools to provide activities that encourage participation in social, creative, cultural and community driven events and activities. A total of $5,000 is available annually by way of application.
4. Fee Waiver Requests for Council Health, Building and Planning Services
The program is available by application and will be applied to assist:
not-for-profit local community based organisations that provide a community benefit and which align with Council’s policies, strategies and activities
Council with some of its own projects and activities
in resolving issues that may have a potential risk or liability for Council.
5. Mayor’s Youth Trust Fund
To support young people participating in representative activities on a regional, state and international basis. A total of $3,000, with 12 grants of $250 being made available each year.
6. Emergency Relief Fund
To provide financial support to communities affected by natural disasters, awarded by a resolution of Council. A total of $5,000 is available annually.
For information on Council’s financial assistance and support programs, see Council’s website for Policies “Policy – Community Grants and Sponsorship”
In 2024/25, funding was granted under the Community Grants and Sponsorship Policy as per the table to the right.
Other Council initiatives to assist community groups include subsidies to sporting groups for their use of sportsgrounds.
legislative requirements
Sponsorship and In-Kind Support
Council has a Sponsorship and In-Kind Support Policy to provide guidelines to assist Council to utilise sponsorship and the provision of in-kind support effectively and with probity.
For information on Council’s sponsorship guidelines, see Council’s website for Policies “Policy – Sponsorship and In-Kind Support – Council’s Involvement”
Sponsorships delivered through the Policy during 2024/25 are set out below:
Development contributions
From 2022/23, councils are required to report on the total value of all development contributions and levies received and expended during the year and to disclose how those contributions and levies have been used or expended under contribution plans.
Section 7.11 and Section 7.12 Contribution by Works Schedule
Capital Expenditure Reviews
(OLG Capital Expenditure Guidelines 2010)
Councils are required to submit a Capital Expenditure Review for certain capital projects in accordance with the Office of Local Government’s (OLG) Capital Expenditure Guidelines of December 2010.
The Capital Expenditure Guidelines apply to capital projects for infrastructure facilities, including renovations and extensions, that are expected to cost in excess of 10 per cent of Council’s ordinary rate revenue of $8.4 million.
There have been no Capital Expenditure Reviews submitted during 2024/25.
In accordance with the Companion Animals Act 1998 and Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 the Public Health team coordinates the management and control of companion animals. Council employs three full-time officers to facilitate the management of companion animals, with one full-time Animal Control Officer and two Companion Animal Officers who alternate field and administrative duties. The total expenditure for the program in 2024/25 was $465,045.
The following table details the financial expenditure to conduct the companion animal management activities that include providing quality education, support and care for residents and their companion animals.
Impounding facilities
Council’s pound provider is Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter located at Mulgrave which is owned and operated by Hawkesbury Council.
The majority of animals transferred to the pound at Mulgrave have no microchip or the registered details are incorrect and the owner is not able to be identified.
Pound data collection for 2024/25:
Strategies in place to seek alternatives to euthanasia for unclaimed animals
The holding facility at Council’s depot enables animals to be temporarily held while officers investigate all available options to find the owners.
Council works directly with animal rescue volunteer groups to rehome cats and dogs that do not have an owner.
Off-leash areas provided in the council area
Hornsby Shire has 10 full-time off-leash areas for exercising and training dogs. Nine of the areas are fully fenced with double gates at all entrances and have waste bins, dog waste bags and water. These areas are extremely popular with dog owners and are heavily used:
Dogs are not permitted at these sites during organised sport, games or maintenance activities.
The oval and reserve are enclosed by a perimeter fence. Council provides access to water and free dog waste bags at these locations.
legislative requirements
Data is lodged through the NSW Companion Animals Register.
total of 60 Penalty Infringement Notices were issued for breaches of the Companion Animals Act 1998.
Strategies in place to promote and assist the desexing of dogs and cats
Subsidised Cat Desexing and Microchipping Program
Council has partnered with the National Desexing Network to provide a subsidised cat desexing and microchipping program for residents. Information on the program is available on Council’s website.
Subsidised Cat Desexing Program
Wildlife protection areas.
Education resources are provided by Council to improve community awareness and promote responsible pet ownership. These resources include fact sheets providing guidance on keeping cats safe at home and brochures detailing how to register a companion animal.
RSPCA ‘Keeping Cats Safe at Home’
Council has participated in the RSPCA program with local activities including targeted desexing programs and engagement competitions. The program concluded in December 2024.
legislative requirements
Swimming Pools Act 1992
(Swimming Pools Act 1992, s22F(2); Swimming Pools Regulation 2018, cl 23) Mandatory pool inspection program
of
in issuance of a Certificate of Compliance under section 22D of the Act
Number of inspections resulting in issuance of a Certificate of Non Compliance under clause 21 of the Regulation
Number of inspections of tourist and visitor accommodation 0
Number of inspections of premises with more than two dwellings 6
Rates and charges written off
(Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, cl 132)
During 2024/25, the following rates and charges were written off under the Local Government (Rates and Charges) Regulation 1993:
and charges written off
*55% of
is recovered from the NSW government
Planning Agreements
(Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, s7.5(5))
Planning Agreements are legal agreements between planning authorities (such as councils or the NSW government) and developers. There was one Planning Agreement executed during 2024/25.
DA/1022/2021 – 36-56 David Road, Cherrybrook (entered into 14 December 2024). Developer to transfer Lot 100 to Council as Marymount Forest Conservation Reserve to be held by Council in perpetuity, provision of funding for capital works and ongoing maintenance of Marymount Conservation Reserve, dedication of land as a public reserve to increase the size of the existing Tahlee Park and dedicate the Roads and Infrastructure to Council for public purposes.
A Planning Agreements Register is available on Council’s website.
Work carried out on private land
(Local Government Act 1993, s67(2)(b), s67(3); Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, cl 217(1)(a4))
Council did make any resolutions to undertake work on private land during 2024/25.
External bodies exercising Council functions
(Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, cl 217(1)(a6))
In accordance with the Local Government Act 1993, the statement of ‘external bodies’ is limited to those organisations which exercised functions delegated by Council. In 2024/25 there were no ‘external bodies’ exercising functions delegated by Council.
Council has entered into a service agreement with the Rural Fire Service outlining roles and responsibilities of the respective parties.
Controlling interest in companies
(Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, cl 217(1)(a7))
Council did not hold a controlling interest in any company in 2024/25.
Partnerships, cooperatives and joint ventures
(Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, cl 217(1)(a8))
Council works with the Rural Fire Service and participates in the assessment and construction of new facilities as deemed appropriate.
Environmental Upgrade Agreements
(Local Government Act 1993, s54P(1))
There were no Environmental Upgrade Agreements entered into during 2024/25.
Recovery and threat abatement plans
(Fisheries Management Act 1994, s220ZT(2))
Council is not identified as responsible for implementation of measures in any recovery and threat abatement plans.
Stormwater levies
(Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, cl 217(1)(e))
Council has had no annual charge levied for stormwater management services.
Coastal Protection Services
(Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, cl 217(1)(e1))
Council does not provide coastal protection services.
legislative requirements
Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998
Although Council aims to provide as much information as possible, we also aim to protect your privacy. We have adopted a Privacy Management Plan in accordance with the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) 1998. The Privacy Management Plan is based on the Model Privacy Management Plan for Local Government issued by the Office of Local Government in January 2013. The Plan confirms Council’s commitment to the protection of privacy and outlines our practice for dealing with personal information held in our records. The Plan also outlines our process in complying with the Health Records and Information Privacy Act.
For information on Council’s Privacy and personal information protection protocol, see Council’s website for Policies “Policy – Statutory – Privacy Management Plan”
Public Interest Disclosures
(Public Interest Disclosures Act 2022, s42)
Council has a responsibility under the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2022 to encourage and facilitate the disclosure, in the public interest, of corrupt conduct, maladministration or serious and substantial waste of public money, government information contravention, local government pecuniary interest contravention, or other wrongdoing.
Council has an adopted policy to augment the establishment of procedures for making disclosures, to provide for disclosures to be properly investigated and dealt with, and to protect people from reprisals. The policy also outlines the relevant investigating authorities in NSW.
All employees receive information about Public Interest Disclosures during staff induction. Information about reporting wrongdoing is also displayed throughout Council’s offices and is available on Council’s intranet.
During 2024/25, there were no Public Interest Disclosures made to Council.
For information on Council’s Public Interest Disclosure protocol, see Council’s website for Policies “Policy – Public Interest Disclosures”
Requests for information
(Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009, s125(1); Government Information (Public Access) Regulation 2018, cl 8, Schedule 2)
Hornsby Council has a commitment to openness and transparency, and to assisting easy access to information that it holds. To support this commitment, as much information as possible is available on its website and Council’s various social media channels:
The information available on the website and social media channels is regularly reviewed and updated, having regard to current issues and topics of public interest.
Information which is not available on the website or social media channels can be requested through Council’s Access to Information Team who will process the request in accordance with the Government Information (Public Access) (GIPA) Act. A GIPA application is processed as quickly as possible and is generally free of charge.
During 2024/25 Council processed 1,464 GIPA applications. A summary of the type of information sought is shown below.
Note: Some applications request more than one type of information
legislative requirements
EEO Management Plan
Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, cl 217(1)(a9))
Hornsby Shire Council is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer whose practices aim to ensure that the workplace is free from illegal discrimination, including bullying and harassment.
From July 2024 to June 2025, actions completed in relation to EEO Management include:
Mandatory face to face Respect@HSC training for all employees (two hours) and people leaders (three hours) which covered EEO principles including discrimination, bullying and harassment
Development of Council, Division and Branch psychosocial hazard and risk heatmaps were produced through one-on-one discussions with Branch and Section Managers to identify psychosocial hazards and risks within the workplace, which include EEO principles
Completion of an EEO e-learning module by 48 new employees
Completion of recruitment and selection training by all recruitment convenors to ensure they are familiar with EEO principles
Conducting and monitoring of exit interviews by the People and Culture Branch for EEO implications, and actioning appropriately where required. Copies of all exit interviews have also been forwarded to the General Manager and relevant Directors, and also to Branch Managers where requested by the employee
Annual Peakon Engagement/Culture survey where staff have the opportunity to make comments regarding employment conditions. The survey was enhanced last year with a specific question on psychosocial hazards and risks. The results are monitored for any comments on areas requiring improvement and action, including EEO matters
Conducting and monitoring of new starter surveys to monitor for initial employment experiences in the workplace by newly commencing employees
Availability of an extensive array of internal and external training courses offered to all employees within Council. Additionally, all training courses offered are non-discriminatory and consistent with EEO principles
Continuation of a project to provide support to staff if they are subjected to customer abuse
Commencement of the psycho-social hazard and risk management program implementation.
Compliance with the NSW Carers (Recognition) Act 2010
(Carers Recognition Act 2010, s8(2))
The objectives of the NSW Carers (Recognition) Act 2010 are to enact a Carers Charter to recognise the role and contribution of carers to our community and to the people they care for, and to increase awareness of the valuable contribution that carers make to our community.
Staff who are carers
Council supports staff who are carers in a number of ways and continues to comply with the Carers (Recognition) Act 2010 through its Sick and Carers Leave Policy and flexible work practices.
Employees are afforded access to flexible work practices to accommodate any carer’s responsibilities through:
the use of flex time, including flexible start and finish times, and a nine-day fortnight
access to annual leave, long service leave, carers leave, family and domestic violence leave, special leave, as well as leave without pay where necessary
part time work
access to regular working from home opportunities
health and wellbeing leave.
Each carer’s circumstances are considered individually to ensure that their needs are recognised.
Council is continually progressing improvements to its Health and Wellbeing program with an emphasis on managing mental and psychosocial health and dealing holistically with work-life balance.
Council provides an Employee Assistance Program offering confidential counselling for work-related or personal problems. AccessEAP is an independent service focused on maintaining the mental wellbeing of employees which offers access to professionally qualified and experienced psychologists.
Council introduced a ‘Mind Mate’ program in July 2023, where a number of employees have been trained to offer interim mental health support to staff and to direct them to professional help where needed. This may be beneficial to employees in a care taking role, who may need assistance to seek professional help in relation to their carer role.
Council programs
Hornsby Shire Council recognises the important role of carers and offers a variety of services and programs to support both carers and those they care for. The Community Services Branch continues to identify and refer people to a wide range of community support services, providing indirect support to carers across the Shire.
At Hornsby Library, Council runs the weekly Dementia Café (DCaf) in partnership with KNC, offering a welcoming environment for people living with dementia and their carers. Council has also established a dementia alliance, bringing together staff, people with lived experience, and carers. Council organises and promotes special events, such as group outings along the Hawkesbury River, to foster social connection and provide respite. The Library hosts drop-in sessions with service providers like Services Australia and CASS, giving carers direct access to support and advice.
The Home Library Service delivers and exchanges library items for residents who have difficulty visiting the library, including carers, with 2,747 home visits completed in 2024/25. Additionally, Council’s Home Modification Service provides small-scale modifications and maintenance to help the frail, aged, and their carers live safely and independently at home, completing 984 jobs in 2024/25.
legislative requirements
Implementation of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan
(Disability Inclusion Act 2014, s13(1))
Hornsby Shire Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2021-2025 outlines Council’s commitment to improving opportunities for people of all ages who live with disabilities to access the full range of services and activities available in the community.
Below is a report on the outcomes achieved during 2024/25:
Council’s review of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) this year highlighted a number of important initiatives that strengthen access, inclusion and participation across the Shire.
Mandatory Equal Employment Opportunity training was delivered to all staff, and Council partnered with local advocacy group ACTION for People with Disability to provide specialist disability awareness training. A Dementia Alliance was established, creating a regular forum for people living with dementia and their carers to share their experiences directly with Council.
Infrastructure upgrades included improvements to footpaths along the Pacific Highway between Asquith and Mount Colah, and the delivery of a new shared pedestrian/cycle path between Rupert Street and Yirra Road, enhancing safe connections to Asquith Park. The fully accessible Kangaroo Point Boardwalk was also officially opened in 2025.
Council celebrated inclusion through a range of community events, including an Inclusive Sports Day at PCYC Hornsby and an art exhibition for International Day of People with Disability in partnership with Studio Artes. A Hornsby Employment Open Day, delivered with Disability Employment Services, provided local people with disability the opportunity to explore pathways into work.
These outcomes, identified through the DIAP review, demonstrate Council’s ongoing commitment to building a more inclusive and accessible community.
legislative requirements
Summary of legal proceedings
(Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, cl 217(1)(a3))
The following information provides a summary of the amounts incurred by Council in relation to legal proceedings taken by and/or against Council during the period 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025.
Workers compensation and other employment matters, public liability and professional indemnity claims are not included in the summary.
Planning matters
Council spent a total of $62,528 on 7 legal proceedings relating to development as below.
DA/259/2020/A - 181 and 183 Beecroft Road, Cheltenham
Alterations and additions to an existing Childcare Centre
DA/461/2023 - 4A Carrington Street, Wahroonga
Demolition of existing structures, Torrens title subdivision of one allotment into two lots and the construction of a two-storey dwelling house on each lot
Mixed Use Development - Residential flat building including 63 Units inclusive of 4 independent living units for seniors housing Class 1 Land and Environment Court Discontinued
DA/625/2023 - 6 Gumnut Road, Cherrybrook
Construction - dwelling house Class 1 Land and Environment Court Appeal upheld
DA/1425/2023 - 24 Whelham Street, Beecroft
Torrens title subdivision of one lot into two
DA/978/2024 - 39 New Line Road, West Pennant Hills
Torrens title subdivision of one lot into two and removal of an existing swimming pool
DA/114/2024 - 939 Old Northern Road, Dural
Construction of a commercial building comprising two health service facilities and associated works
1
and Environment Court Discontinued
1
and Environment Court Discontinued
1
and Environment Court Ongoing
Council spent a total of $77,469 on 10 legal proceedings relating to compliance as below.
P2005/03426 - 9 Coba Point, Berowra Waters
Clean up of dilapidated dwelling
P2005/01211 - 17 Bay Road, Arcadia
Unauthorised works to a dwelling house on property
P2019/04386 - 24A Marcella Street, North Epping
Occupation of dwelling without OC, accumulation of waste on land and non-compliant pool barrier
P2010/00901 - 5367 Old Northern Road, Wisemans Ferry
Unauthorised works resulting in excessive vegetation clearing, excavation works, construction of retaining walls and dewatering of dam
P2006/03009 - 24 Wanawong Drive, Thornleigh Unauthorised extension of ground floor area
P2015/02323 - 476 Galston Road, Dural
4
and Environment Court Ongoing
Court Ongoing
Unauthorised clearing of native vegetation (STIF) Local Court Ongoing
P2011/01279/P2010/00485 - 35-39 Brooklyn Road, Brooklyn Seeking court orders to complete works n/a Ongoing
P2007/00021 - 236 New Line Road, Dural
P2014/01306 - 35 Barkala Place, Westleigh
Unauthorised retaining wall
P2005/02662 - 22 Geelans Road, Arcadia
Unauthorised development. Historic excavation occurred at property. Fill proposed to be imported is development not in accordance with consent.
Class 1 = Environmental, planning and protection appeals
and Environment Court Ongoing
1
and Environment Court Ongoing
4
and Environment Court Ongoing
Class 4 = Civil enforcement and judicial review of decisions under planning or environmental laws
legislative requirements
Traffic matters
During 2024/25, Council spent a total of $21,529 in professional costs on appeals relating to traffic infringements. Costs of $5,070 were awarded in Council’s favour.
legislative requirements
Internal Audit and Risk Management Attestation
Statement for the 2024-2025 Financial Year (Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, cl 216T(1))
legislative requirements
Audited Financial Reports
(Local Government Act 1993, s428(4)(a))
The audited financial reports of Council form part of this Annual Report. They are comprised of the General Purpose Financial Statements, Special Purpose Financial Statements and the Special Schedules, and can be found on Council’s website
Hornsby Shire Council
ABN 20 706 996 972
Contact us
PO Box 37
Hornsby NSW 1630
Phone: (02) 9847 6666
Fax: (02) 9847 6999
Email: hsc@hornsby.nsw.gov.au hornsby.nsw.gov.au
Visit us
Hornsby Shire Council Administration Centre at Hornsby Library 28-44 George St, Hornsby NSW 2077
Office hours
Please check the website for the latest opening hours for the Customer Service Centre and Duty Officer.
Disclaimer
Every effort has been made to provide accurate and complete information. However, the authors assume no responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use of information in this document.
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