Latest upgrades to sporting and community facilities 10 04 02
10 08
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MAYOR’S MESSAGE
Mayor Waddell shares what’s happening in Hornsby Shire
Update on Major Projects
A vibrant new recreational space at Hornsby Park continues to take shape
WINTER BUSHWALKS
Head outdoors and explore some of the Bushland Shire’s best bushwalks
QUARRY REFLECTIONS
Step back in time with memories of working at Hornsby Quarry
UPGRADES ACROSS THE SHIRE
MORE THAN JUST BOOKS
Discover, create and play at the library
recycling news
Reusing preloved clothing
YOUR COUNCILLORS
Get in touch with your Councillors
Hornsby Shire Council
Message Mayor’s
WELCOME TO ‘OUR COUNCIL’, OUR QUARTERLY PUBLICATION, BRINGING YOU NEWS OF WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING ACROSS HORNSBY SHIRE.
As Mayor, I am passionate that our towns and centres are vibrant and lively places for our community and local businesses. I’m delighted to share that we have recently secured a grant to support the creation of a Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) in Hornsby Town Centre, enlivening it for the whole community to enjoy in the evening.
We have recently engaged with the community around potential changes to planning controls to elevate the night-time social, cultural and economic activity in the precinct. As we prepare to deliver the Hornsby Town Centre of the future, now closer on the horizon thanks to the NSW Government’s designation of Hornsby as a Transport Oriented Development (TOD), the grant for our SEP will help it become a place of choice for families to gather and enjoy themselves in the evenings after work and on weekends.
Further enhancing the amenity of Hornsby, our major project to create a lively recreation space at the former quarry is taking shape. It has been fascinating to see our new Crusher Plant space come together and along with the impressive Southern Lookout, with panoramic views across the quarry and surrounding bushlands. Read more about this important project on page two, where you’ll also find an update on the Galston Village Centre upgrade, and delve into the history of the Crusher Plant on page six.
Sports and recreation are of great value to our physical and mental health, and we’re committed to providing quality facilities to encourage participation in sport among people of all ages and genders. Our project at Mark Taylor Oval in Waitara has commenced its third and final stage, and we have recently completed works to upgrade facilities at Ron Payne Oval in North Epping – read more on page eight.
As we continue through the winter months, the Shire has much to offer both indoors and outdoors. It’s the perfect time to curl up with a book. But did you know that you can borrow a whole range of items from our Hornsby Libraries beyond reading material? From baking and crafting materials to puzzles, games and even podcasting kits there’s something for everyone – find out more on page ten.
If you’re outdoorsy like me, you may prefer to head out for a bushwalk, and here in the Bushland Shire there are walks to suit all levels of ability. Head to page four for inspiration for your next adventure.
I hope you enjoy the latest issue of our quarterly magazine, and I look forward to seeing you out and about the Shire this winter. As ever, if you have any enquiries or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me at wwaddell@hornsby.nsw.gov.au
Warren Waddell Mayor, Hornsby Shire Council
Update on
major projects
EXCITING PROGRESS AT HORNSBY PARK
Hornsby Park continues to take shape, with major milestones bringing us closer to a vibrant new recreational space for the community.
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.
The final stage of the Hornsby Heritage Steps restoration is advancing, ensuring the long-term durability of these historic steps.
In more great news, work will soon begin on a circulation path around the old quarry, designed for walking and cycling. This addition will enhance the enjoyment of Hornsby Park for residents and visitors alike.
Western lookout and boardwalk
Crusher Plant building
Viewing platform
Hornsby Shire Council
KANGAROO POINT TO BROOKLYN BOARDWALK
Construction of the Kangaroo Point to Brooklyn Boardwalk is well advanced, with the final 200-metre section of boardwalk now being installed. This scenic one-kilometre walking and cycling route winds through stunning mangrove and bushland, offering visitors a unique way to enjoy the Brooklyn foreshore. Completion is expected by mid 2025, bringing a new recreational experience to the community.
GALSTON VILLAGE PUBLIC DOMAIN PLAN PROGRESS UPDATE
We’re continuing to advance the Galston Village Public Domain Plan, improving safety, accessibility, and public spaces along Galston Road. Key upgrades include enhanced footpaths and crossings, street planting, traffic-calming measures, water-sensitive
FIND OUT MORE
To keep up to date with all infrastructure works and projects scan the QR code or visit: hornsby.nsw.gov.au/works
drainage systems, revised parking arrangements, and improved leisure spaces.
Following public exhibition, Council endorsed the draft plan, moving it into detailed design, now 80% complete. As final plans are refined with key stakeholders, and pending approval from Transport for NSW, construction is expected to begin later this year – bringing a safer and more vibrant village to the community.
TRAILS, TREES AND TRANQUILITY
WALKS FOR EVERY AGE AND STAGE
From towering forests to scenic sandstone ridges, Hornsby Shire offers some of Sydney’s most diverse and accessible bushwalks - a perfect way to reconnect with nature, discover rare ecosystems, and enjoy the outdoors at your own pace. We’ve listed a few of our favourites...
BLUE GUM WALK, HORNSBY
Entry from Rosemead Road Park (Corner of Rosemead Road and Lockinvar Place).
Experience the breathtaking variety of Hornsby’s bushland on the Blue Gum Walk. Wander through tall, leafy forests and across rugged ridgetops in this popular local escape.
New to bushwalking or short on time? Try the Fishponds section or the Ginger Meggs Loop for an easier introduction.
For a more rewarding adventure, take on the full Blue Gum Walk, a two and a half hour circuit named after
the iconic Sydney Blue Gum. With its smooth slate-grey bark and rough brown base, this striking tree is part of the rare Blue Gum Diatreme Forest, a unique ecosystem found only in Hornsby Shire.
Enjoy sweeping views of Berowra Valley to the north and Joe’s Mountain to the east along the way.
CARRS BUSH DISCOVERY WALK, FAGAN PARK, GALSTON
Perfect for beginners and families, this gentle 250-metre boardwalk loop winds through Carrs Bush, a rare patch of Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest. Along the way, enjoy fun educational signage about local wildlife and plant life.
Starting at the Carrs Bush Playground, the path is wheelchair and pram accessible – ideal for walkers of all ages.
PYES CREEK ELEVATED WALKWAY, CHERRYBROOK
Adventure meets nature on this single-span swing bridge, linking Keighran Place in Cherrybrook to Fallon Drive in Dural. Suspended over scenic Pyes Creek, the bridge connects to a wider network of walking tracks and fire trails, making it a great spot for a weekend stroll.
FREE GUIDED BUSHWALKS
Discover Hornsby Shire with free guided walks for residents. Led by local experts, these walks suit all ages, fitness levels - even your four-legged friends!
Scan the QR code or visit: hornsby.nsw.gov.au/ bushwalks
COMING SOON: KANGAROO POINT TO BROOKLYN BOARDWALK, BROOKLYN
Soak up the serene waterside views on this new one-kilometre boardwalk and shared path at Brooklyn. Stretching between Kangaroo Point and Seymours Creek, the track winds through lush mangroves and native bushland and will be opening soon.
Whether you’re walking or cycling, it’s the perfect way to explore Brooklyn’s natural beauty.
QUARRY REFLECTIONS THE MEMORIES OF PETER MILGATE
With the transformation at Hornsby Park progressing, let’s look back at Peter Milgate’s time working at the ‘Quarry’ as it is also known.
Peter Milgate started working at Hornsby Quarry in 1967 when he was 17. At that time the Quarry was owned by Farley & Lewers. Mining had been taking place there since 1905, when it was owned by the Higgins family, and Farley & Lewers made the operation more efficient. A Crusher Plant was constructed at the end of Quarry Road to break up the larger chunks of blue metal into a finer gravel before it was loaded onto trucks.
When Peter started at the Quarry, he quickly found himself driving trucks, working with machinery and learning the skills of the job on the go. He said there were 25 to 30 men working there at the time, with a mix of nationalities including Australian, English, Scottish, Irish, Dutch, German and Italian.
“There were truck drivers, plant operators, drillers, a Crusher operator, weighbridge attendants, fitters, welders, a Quarry manager, foreman and a leading hand,” Peter recalled.
“The primary crusher was a rotary style crusher. Dump trucks would tip material into the ‘boot’ which
Face shovel
Peter Milgate c1970s
Peter Milgate 2025
Peter Milgate at work in the Quarry
Hornsby Shire
fed into the primary crusher, then into a smaller, secondary, then through a series of screens before the product was fed onto the stockpile for sale.”
Peter remembered they would do about 27 trips a day from the pit floor to the crusher, with an average of 2,000 tons crushed per day. Blasting needed to be done to break down large masses to make them easier to process by the crusher, but “due to noise and other environmental restrictions, blasting was only permitted three times a month.”
In his time working at the Crusher Plant, Peter remembers darker times, with some accidents occurring at the site. There were also tough times during extremely wet weather when he had to shovel spillage under the crusher when the pit was flooded. Overall, he has fond memories of his time working there.
Peter left the Crusher Plant in 1978, after a couple of stints working alongside his father, Phil and his brother, Greg. He still resides in Hornsby Shire today.
To explore more of the history of Hornsby Shire, scan the QR code or visit: hornsbyshire.recollect.net.au
Aerial photo of Hornsby Quarry
Farley & Lewers Truck
at the library discover, create and play
MORE THAN JUST BOOKS
Think libraries are just about books? Think again. Hornsby Shire Libraries offer a treasure trove of items you can borrow to spark creativity, learn something new, or just have fun.
Designed for all ages to create, discover and play, you can borrow:
Podcasting kits to launch your own show
Cake tins and cookie cutters for your next baking adventure
Coding robots and STEAM kits to inspire young minds
Hornsby Shire
Crafting tools like decorative paper punches and Cricut Joy machines
Thermal cameras and ’save power’ kits to help you reduce energy use
Instax mini cameras to capture and instantly print special moments
Puzzles, origami, games, and construction toys for hours of entertainment
All items can be reserved online and collected from any library branch. Just remember, they must be borrowed on an adult’s library card.
QUIET HOUR AT HORNSBY LIBRARY
Need a peaceful space to read, study or relax? Visit Hornsby Library during Quiet Hour, held every Friday from 10-11am. This low-sensory hour is designed to make the library more accessible and welcoming for everyone.
During Quiet Hour:
Lighting is reduced where possible
Announcements are limited to emergencies
Phones and computers are turned down
Conversations are kept low
It’s a calm, family-friendly time open to all – no bookings required.
For more information about Hornsby Shire Libraries, scan the QR code or visit: hornsby.nsw.gov.au/library
NEWS RECYCLING
REUSING PRELOVED CLOTHING
THORNLEIGH COMMUNITY RECYCLING CENTRE (CRC)
Our community is combatting the impact of fast fashion and textile waste by dropping off preloved clothing and accessories at the CRC.
Since 2019, Hornsby Shire residents have donated over 165 tonnes of clothes, shoes, hats, belts and more. Once dropped off, the items are sorted and given a second life through charity partners and reuse stores across Sydney.
According to the Charitable Reuse Australia Calculator, our community has saved:
559,000 items from being sent to landfill
36 Olympic swimming pools of water
1,710 tonnes of carbon dioxide, equal to permanently removing 706 cars from our roads!
We can tackle our waste footprint by reusing items, as manufacturing clothing and accessories uses up valuable energy and resources. Reuse is a key action in solving the waste crisis, the longer we use something, the less waste we all produce!
To learn more, scan the QR code or visit: hornsby.nsw.gov.au/ waste
Hornsby Shire
Council recognises the Traditional Owners of the lands of Hornsby Shire, the Dharug and GuriNgai peoples, and pays respect to their Ancestors and Elders past and present and to their Heritage.
We acknowledge and uphold their intrinsic connections and continuing relationships to Country.
GET IN TOUCH
‘Our Council’ is a Hornsby Shire Council publication. Send us your feedback or suggestions for stories to: media@hornsby.nsw.gov.au
Subscribe to our free monthly eNews: hornsby.nsw.gov.au/enews
CONTACT DETAILS
Hornsby Shire Council
PO Box 37, Hornsby NSW 1630
Phone: 9847 6666
Fax: (02) 9847 6999
Email: hsc@hornsby.nsw.gov.au
Customer service (telephone and online) hours: 8.30am–5pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) In person: Customer Enquiries counter is located inside Hornsby Library, 28-44 George Street, Hornsby hornsby.nsw.gov.au
This publication is printed on Supreme Uncoated Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified paper using vegetable oil based inks and an alcohol-free ISO 14001 certified printing process.
