Are you confused about all the NSW Government’s proposed changes to the NSW planning system?
The NSW Government has proposed a series of major reforms that could override the planning powers of councils across the state to accelerate housing development.
The Hills Shire Council is not against housing but opposes development in the wrong locations that could harm the family-friendly character of neighbourhoods, which have been meticulously planned over decades with community and government input.
Development not supported by the right infrastructure at the right time and in the right places can impact our liveability, including increased traffic, less on-street parking, and pressures on local schools and hospitals, as well as community facilities like sportsfields and parks.
Some of the proposed reforms include:
In June 2023, the NSW Government announced developer incentives that could allow for a 30 per cent increase in height and floor space for property development projects valued at $75 million or more. To qualify for these incentives, developers must allocate 15 per cent of their projects to affordable housing for 15 years. This could introduce 30 per cent more people, without the supporting infrastructure, in areas that aren’t equipped to accommodate them.
Council vehemently opposed this policy, but it was introduced by the NSW Government in late 2023.
Lifting Dwelling Cap at Hills Showground: Development without new schools
The previous NSW Government capped the number of homes at 5,000 until the provision of required
regional infrastructure was resolved. Notwithstanding the infrastructure shortfalls, in September 2023, the current NSW Government scrapped the cap, allowing a total of 9,500 new homes with no new school in sight. This comes at a time when Hills public primary schools make up four of the top 20 by enrolment numbers in NSW.
Council was opposed to the NSW Government scrapping the cap and urged them to reconsider.
Low-to-mid rise housing reforms: More housing proposed
In December 2023, the NSW Government released “The Explanation of Intended Effect: Changes to create low and midrise”, which reveals substantial alterations to local council planning controls. The proposed regulations allow terrace homes, manor homes, townhouses, and two-to six-storey apartments within certain areas near Metro Stations and small village centres (such as Beaumont Village).
Council provided a submission on the reforms in February 2024 and has requested to be exempt in recognition that we’re already exceeding our housing targets.
Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Program: Identifying sites for high-rise homes near Metro Stations Kellyville and Bella Vista are among eight precincts identified by the NSW Government for accelerated high and mid-rise development. The planned rezoning by November 2024 is expected to bring significant changes within 1,200 metres of Kellyville and Bella Vista Metro Stations, including fast-tracking housing.
The NSW Government has pledged $520 million to be split among these eight precincts to help fund local road upgrades, new parks and public and open spaces which might not be enough to address the increased demand.
Council looks forward to seeing further details on the NSW Government’s plans for Kellyville and Bella Vista.
The Hills Shire’s concerns: Heavy lifting in zoning for development
There is already land zoned to accommodate 50,000 new homes and we consistently surpass housing targets. Council is opposed to reforms that could jeopardise suburbs and undo this good work that has been thoughtfully planned over the last 20 years in consultation with the community, government, landowners and key stakeholders.
A plea for collaboration: The housing crisis requires comprehensive solutions
Many factors have contributed to the housing crisis, including high interest rates and difficult finance requirements, record high immigration, labour shortages in the construction industry, supply chain issues, inflation, cost, capacity and willingness of the construction industry to deliver new homes.
Council is urging the NSW Government to work with local government leaders like The Hills Shire to ensure sufficient housing and infrastructure is available to support current and future generations of Hills Shire residents.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Council is seeking your opinion on the rate of development and provision of infrastructure in the Hills.
Do you think the current facilities are sufficient? Are you concerned about the ability of future generations to stay in The Hills? You can share your thoughts by participating in our survey, Have Your Say on Housing and Infrastructure by scanning the QR code below.
The survey will take only five minutes of your time, and your feedback will help Council make informed decisions on plans, including infrastructure proposals.
As the NSW Government pushes ahead with major housing reforms, Council is concerned that state infrastructure like schools are already struggling to keep up with population growth.
Figures from the NSW Department of Education show the following:
• Four of the top 20 largest public primary schools by enrolment number are in The Hills Shire
• Castle Hill High School is one of the top three largest public high schools in NSW
• The only high schools bigger than
Castle Hill High are The Ponds High School (12km away) and Cherrybrook Tech (5.6km away)
• Nine of the top 20 public primary schools are in Sydney’s north west
Several Catholic and independent schools around and near the Shire also have a big headcount, including Gilroy College, Oakhill College, William Clarke College and Santa Sophia Catholic College. This is one of the reasons why Council has unanimously opposed the NSW Government’s proposed low-to-mid-rise housing reforms.
North-west Sydney schools in the top 20 biggest by enrolment across NSW
*Hills Shire Schools in red
PRIMARY SCHOOLS:
• Riverbank Public School, The Ponds #1 - 2173
• Northbourne Public School, Marsden Park #3 - 1702
• Matthew Pearce Public School, Baulkham Hills #5 - 1296
• Rouse Hill Public School, Rouse Hill #11 - 1096
• Castle Hill Public School, Castle Hill # 12 - 1095
• Quakers Hill Public School, Quakers Hill #13 - 1082
• Blacktown South Public School, Blacktown 1036 - #14
• Schofields Public School, Schofields #17 - 1022
• North Kellyville Public School, North Kellyville #18 1018
HIGH SCHOOLS:
• Cherrybrook Technology High School, Cherrybrook #1 - 2094
• The Ponds High School, The Ponds - #2 - 2059
• Castle Hill High School, Castle Hill #3 - 2028
• Carlingford High School, Carlingford #10 - 1532
• Glenwood High School, Glenwood #14 - 1413
Current works at Brindle Parkway Reserve include:
• Construction of the amenities building, playground and basketball court
• Sand slit drainage to playing fields
• Concrete and landscaping works.
Once completed, Brindle Parkway Reserve will feature:
• Two full-sized rectangular playing fields that can also be used as a cricket oval
• Two practice cricket nets
• Basketball half court
• Amenities building
• Children’s playground with picnic facilities
• Car park for 130 cars.
The new reserve is anticipated to open in mid-2024, weather permitting.
The upgrade to George Thornton Reserve has now been completed.
Works included extending the two original fields and adding a third field as well as new cricket practice nets. New lighting, irrigation, and drainage were also installed, as well as a shared walkway.
The project received funding from the NSW Government’s Greater Cities Sport Facility Fund.
A new park has been opened as part of Caddies Creek Reserve. Beaumont Hills Park was funded and delivered by the NSW Government’s Parks for People program. The park features:
• BMX pump track
• Informal sports courts
• Skating area
• Walking and cycling tracks
• Native plants, solar lighting and seating.
The playground at Bara Way Reserve received a refurbished playground that features a new play unit with a slide, climbing equipment, new trees and seating.
Construction has begun on Stage 1 of Anthony Skarratt Reserve. Current works include preliminary service utility work, site survey work and minor earthworks.
Stage 1 works include the construction of:
• Community centre
• Satellite library
• Youth playground and plaza
• Playgroup space with outdoor play area
• Car park with 187 spaces
• Landscaping work
• Installation of fencing and boundary division wall
• A roundabout at Nelson Road, Box Road and the access driveway into the facility
• Localised pavement widening on Nelson Road incorporating a new bus bay fronting the reserve
• Adjustments to existing service utilities including Telstra, NBN, Sydney Water and electrical services
Earthworks and turfing are underway at Stringer Road Reserve. The amenities building, ball-stop fencing, cricket practice nets, and basketball courts are nearing completion.
Once completed, Stringer Road Reserve will include:
• Four multi-purpose rectangular sportsfields that can also be reconfigured into two ovals
• Amenities building with accessible toilets, change rooms, kiosk, referee room and storage
• Children’s playground with picnic facilities
• Two multipurpose basketball courts
• Two practice cricket nets
• Car park
• Concrete shared pathways
• Sports field LED lighting, irrigation and drainage system with underground storage tanks to collect rainwater.
• Upgraded stormwater infrastructure
• Construction traffic management and controls.
Once all stages of construction have been completed, Anthony Skarratt Reserve will also include:
• Four football fields
• Two baseball fields and a baseball batting practice tunnel
• Six multi-purpose courts
• Two synthetic cricket pitches and cricket practice nets
• Outdoor gym
• Three car parks
The construction of Anthony Skarratt Reserve has been partially funded thanks to the NSW Government’s Public Spaces Legacy Program.
For more information on any of these projects, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘Council Works and Projects Under Construction.’
A field at Holland Road Reserve has been named the ‘Bruce Fraser Field’ to honour the inaugural President of Glenhaven Football Club who was instrumental in the construction of the reserve.
Mr Fraser contacted Council in 1988 about transforming an abandoned cricket pitch that was used as an old road shale stockpile site into the home of Glenhaven Football Club.
After forming a committee to oversee the formation of Holland Road Reserve, Mr Fraser organised a series of fundraising events to contribute to half of the construction costs of the field.
Mr Fraser also arranged a working bee
of local plumbers and electricians to assist with the development of the field for free, and for his workplace, Coates Hire, to donate several pieces of equipment for use during the project.
The field and its associated infrastructure were completed in 1994.
Mr Fraser was the coordinator and foreman during the entire six years of the project.
The proposal to name the field after Mr Fraser was open for public feedback on Council’s website in late 2023.
It received positive support from the community, and Mr Fraser’s family and members of Glenhaven Football Club celebrated the unveiling of the sign earlier this year.
One of the key intersections in Box Hill will soon feature traffic signals after The Hills Shire Council awarded a construction contract for the intersection upgrade of Old Pitt Town Road, Terry Road and Fontana Drive.
President of the Box Hill Nelson Progress Association Vicki Giannoulis said the upgrade is highly anticipated.
IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITY THIS SUMMER, PACK A PICNIC AND HEAD OUT ON THE HILLS SHIRE’S NEWEST METRO WALK: THE KELLYVILLE CIRCUIT – THE TURKEYS NEST WALK.
Starting at Kellyville Metro station, this 5.7km walk features paved paths suitable for prams and wheelchairs. For avid green thumbs, there are opportunities to see a range of local flora along the way, including ancient Forest Red Gums, River Flat Eucalyptus Forest and Red Gum Woodland.
The walk will guide you along the banks of Caddies Creek, which was an abundant food and fresh water source for clans of the Dharug tribe. Learn about the over 13,000 Aboriginal artefacts that were uncovered here from
the interpretive signage. This walk also passes through Caddies Creek Reserve which includes a children’s playground and near Beaumont Village Shopping Centre if you’d like to stop for a coffee before continuing to Turkeys Nest Recreation Park.
Turkeys Nest Recreation Park is a stunning location for a picnic. The park was a dairy farm until the 1970s and features a large central pond, originally created as a reservoir for the farm, which is now home to many species of waterbirds.
The park features a viewing platform for the pond, children’s playground and picnic shelters, as well as cow statues and milk jugs that pay homage to the site’s past and make for a great photo.
Once you’re ready to head home, the walk takes you on a convenient loop along Strangers Creek, Windsor Road and then back to Kellyville Metro Station.
To download the map and directions for the Kellyville Circuit and to explore the full range of bush walks and Metro walks, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘Metro Walks.’
Hills Shire roads across 170 locations have been repaired thanks to Transport for NSW’s Regional and Local Roads Repair Program (RLRRP).
The program allocated $500 million to support local councils in repairing roads that were damaged by flooding and persistent heavy rain in 2022.
This is a very busy intersection in Box Hill and I know many locals who will be relieved once the upgrade has been completed,
Ms Giannoulis said.
I would like to thank The Hills Shire Council for their efforts in getting this project approved.
The works will result in:
• New traffic lights
• road widening along Old Pitt Town Road
• 60m right turn lane on Fontana Drive to partially replace the existing median
• shoulder pavement and safety barriers on both sides of Old Pitt Town Road and
• new footpaths, street lighting, landscaping and relocation of services.
• Construction will begin in early 2024.
The works, which ranged from potholes to extensive patch repairs, stretched across The Hills Shire, from Lower Portland to Kellyville, Bella Vista, North Rocks and more.
The program was initiated after Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Peter Gangemi joined other Western Sydney Mayors in calling for greater support to improve the condition of roads statewide. The Hills Shire Council was successful in securing $11.1 million in grant funding for road patching works.
To stay up-to-date on the intersection upgrade of Old Pitt Town Road, Terry Road and Fontana Road, Box Hill, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘Old Pitt Town Road, Fontana Drive, Terry Road Intersection Upgrade.’
THE HILLS SHIRE LIBRARIES HAS LAUNCHED A NEWLY IMPROVED LIBRARY APP, DESIGNED TO ENHANCE YOUR LIBRARY EXPERIENCE. THIS APP IS PERFECT FOR BOOKWORMS AND LIBRARY ENTHUSIASTS, ALLOWING YOU TO EASILY BROWSE, BORROW AND EXPLORE OUR EXTENSIVE COLLECTION.
Here are five fantastic new features that you can access with just a few taps:
Say goodbye to overdue books and missed reservations. Our app now gives you in-app alerts at the top of the screen for upcoming due dates and reservations ready for pick-up.
Manage your borrowed items effortlessly, grab your reservations and never miss a due date.
Store all your family members’ cards in one place for easy access, and easily switch between accounts. Loans for every family member will be on the
same list and arranged by the due date, so you can always be on top of your family’s loans.
Our library app now offers a self-service borrowing feature, allowing you to check out your desired books without needing to go to the kiosk. Navigate the app and borrow books with just a few taps.
All of our eBooks and eAudio from Libby are now available in the Library app.
You can browse the collection, manage your reserves, and read or listen to your favourite titles without leaving our app.
YEAR ONE READING CLUB
Now in its 25th year, Year One Reading Club has encouraged a love of reading, promoted literacy and fired up the imaginations of thousands of Year One students.
Children receive a logbook when they join, then a sticker each time they visit their local library to borrow, as well as special rewards along the way.
Year One Reading Club is free to join at any Hills Shire Library. Visit one of The Hills Shire Library branches until Thursday, 31 October 2024 to sign up.
SENSITIVE STORYTIME AT CASTLE HILL LIBRARY
Sensitive Storytime is designed for neurodivergent children and their families.
The sessions offer a sensory-rich experience through stories, songs and a variety of activities.
Date: Tuesdays 9:30am – 10:15am during the school term
Age: Suitable for children 2-5 years of age. Adults are required to stay for the duration
Bookings: Free, no bookings required
SENSITIVE LIBRARY AT BAULKHAM HILLS LIBRARY
Sensitive Library sessions provide a light and noise-sensitive experience for library members with hypersensitivity or neurodivergent needs.
Date: Wednesdays 9:30am - 10am
Age: Suitable for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult Bookings: Free, bookings essential online
For more information about these events, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/ Library
10am – 1pm on the second Saturday of every month | Community Environment Centre
Finding your next favourite read has never been easier! Our app has a comprehensive catalogue search feature, allowing you to explore our vast collection effortlessly.
We’ve now added carousels with new titles and curated lists from our staff so you can always find the perfect book to immerse yourself in.
You can download or update the Hills Shire Library app via the App Store or Google Play. Whether you’re a seasoned library user or a new member, this app caters to all your needs in one convenient place.
Help grow food for sick, injured and orphaned native animals in the care of local wildlife rescue groups.
Wildlife rescue volunteers collect foliage and buds, shoots, and flowers from our existing native plant garden to feed wildlife in care such as possums and gliders - some of which eat up to 1kg of greens a day.
A typical working bee may involve weeding invasive species and maintaining planting plots, planting new native species, harvesting native foliage for animals in care, wildlife talks and a social BBQ at the end of the event (BYO food).
The Growing Food for Wildlife project is a local wildlife rescue group and The Hills Shire Council Community Environment Centre initiative.
Friday 24 May 6:30pm-8pm | Meet at the end of Sermelfi Drive, Glenorie
Explore Glenorie at night and learn from Lily from Cattai Hills Environment Network (CHEN), Hills Hornsby Koala Project and local wildlife carer Shaun about the nocturnal species in the area.
You will also learn about the important citizen science work monitoring our local koala and Powerful Owl populations.
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
Sunday 2 June | Community Environment Centre
Spend World Environment Day at the centre with activities and talks about land restoration, growing natives, the discovery of platypuses in the Hills, the Hills Hornsby Koala Project and the Growing Food for Wildlife Project.
The Community Environment Centre is located on Currie Avenue, Annangrove and can be found at the rear of Annangrove Park in the car park. For more information and to register for these events, visit Council’s website.
LOOKING FOR A GREAT SPOT WHERE YOUR DOG CAN PLAY AND SOCIALISE WITH OTHER DOGS, WHILE UNLEASHING THEIR BOUNDLESS ENERGY? THE HILLS SHIRE OFFERS SEVERAL OFF-LEASH DOG PARKS, AND THE NEWEST ADDITION IS THE INDWARRA DOG PARK IN NORTH KELLYVILLE.
Location: Indwarra Avenue, North Kellyville
Located just 200 meters away from the North Kellyville Shopping Centre, Indwarra Dog Park is the perfect destination for a fun day out with your furry friend. The park features natural elements and seating areas, offering ample space for your dog to run and explore.
Location: Seven Hills Road, Baulkham Hills
Balcombe Heights Reserve’s offleash area is a secure space that provides your dog with enough room to play and make new friends.
The park’s lush greenery and shaded areas make it a great spot to relax while you watch your pup play.
Location: Marella Ave, Kellyville
Adjacent to the Bernie Mullane Sports Complex in Kellyville, this off-leash dog park is a fantastic destination for your dog. The park has a large, secure area where dogs can run and play.
With its convenient location and well-maintained facilities, it’s a popular choice for locals.
For more information about off-leash dog parks in The Hills Shire, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘Off-leash dog parks.’
Hills residents, businesses, artists and creatives can shape the future of arts and cultural life in the Shire for the next ten years by taking ten minutes to complete an online survey – and go into the draw for one of five $100 vouchers.
The Hills Shire Council’s 2024 Arts and Culture Strategy will investigate a range of options that could transform cultural life in the Shire, including:
• Market demand and feasibility for a large new multi-purpose venue
• Viability of a permanent concert stage at Bella Vista Farm
• Council’s role in curating major events, exhibitions and performances at a range of Council venues including the Showground, Bella Vista Farm and Pioneer Theatre
• Opportunities for public art and laneway revitalisation
The Hills Shire Council’s 2024/25 Annual Community Grants Program is now open for applications.
The program provides funding between $2,501 and $25,000 to not-for-profit organisations that provide services for Hills Shire residents.
Council is particularly interested in projects in the following key priority areas:
• Events, concerts, theatre, and arts programs designed to engage key community members that entertain the broader community
• Domestic violence prevention and recovery
• Mental health and suicide prevention
• Disability, youth, seniors, and cultural projects that support community participation opportunities.
Other project areas may be considered on merit.
Applications close at 4pm on Monday, 20 May 2024.
Over the last ten years, Council has held bigger and better events at Bella Vista Farm, opened up the Pioneer Theatre to stage shows and welcomed hundreds of thousands of people to events at Castle Hill Showground.
But as our Shire grows, it’s important we meet the needs of our changing community for many years to come. That’s why we want to hear from as many locals as possible to ensure we capture their views and influence the direction of our strategy.
Whether you’re interested in events big or small, community space for music practice, more opportunities for art activations or everything in between – now is your chance to make your voice heard.
To complete the survey, scan the QR code.
Applicants are only eligible for one grant from Council per financial year and all previous grants must be acquitted to be assessed.
To help applicants apply for a grant, there will be free information and application training sessions at Council’s Administration Building at 3 Columbia Court, Norwest. Attend either of the below sessions to streamline your grant application process:
Thursday 9 May | 6pm Community Meeting Room 1
Thursday 16 May | 2pm Community Meeting Room 1
For more information, visit www.thehills. nsw.gov.au and search for ‘Apply for a Grant’ or contact the Volunteer and Grants Officer on 02 8848 6718.
0419 429 095
mayor.gangemi@thehills.nsw.gov.au
State Housing Reforms
The State Government has adopted or is pursuing a number of housing reforms such as the 30% height and density bonus changes and the ‘Low and MidRise’ program, which have the potential to put densities in the wrong areas and cause irreversible damage to the character of communities.
The Hills Shire Council has been a strong contributor to housing in NSW for a significant period of time and we are looking to continue to play our part towards easing the housing crisis. I am calling on the Government to utilise the expertise of Councils and communities who have spent decades planning their areas and know their suburbs best.
Locals should be empowered to make the decisions that will work for their areas, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution that could inappropriately locate six-storey apartments in Beaumont Hills or Glenhaven, for example.
If you are concerned with the proposed changes, I encourage you to read through the details on the Council website, participate in the Have Your Say on Housing and Infrastructure survey, and write to the Premier and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces.
Local Infrastructure
As a Council, one of our top priorities is to deliver greater infrastructure and facilities for our community as more families choose to live here.
It was a pleasure to unveil the upgrade of George Thornton Reserve in West Pennant Hills, which featured the addition of a third sports field. The works also included installing new cricket nets, new lighting, upgraded irrigation and drainage, and a shared walkway.
The brand-new Parks for People space in Beaumont Hills is also now open to the public. It features a skate park, BMX track, multipurpose courts with three basketball stands, and new walking and cycling paths that connect the park to Caddies Creek Sports Complex. Council also recently upgraded the
playground at Bara Way Reserve in Rouse Hill and opened a new off-leash dog park at Indwarra Avenue in North Kellyville. I encourage you to check out all these new and upgraded parks which add to our extensive network of recreation facilities in The Hills.
Upgrading our roads in and around our new release areas is also a clear goal of Council, and progress is being made on a number of projects. Construction has started on the roundabout at the corner of Annangrove Road and Edwards Road, and works have also begun on the traffic lights at the intersection of Old Pitt Town Road, Terry Road, and Fontana Drive. Additionally, a culvert crossing is being constructed on Terry Road to prevent flooding at this location.
Inclusion and Community
I am proud that Council is forming its first-ever Disability and Inclusion Reference Group. The members will use their diverse experience to guide Council to further improve our infrastructure, services, and events.
Council has recently held a series of successful events to further engage our residents, and the response from our community has been fantastic. Tens of thousands of people attended events like Australia Day, Lantern Festival, Illuminate the Hills, the 220th Anniversary of the 1804 Rebellion and much more. I look forward to celebrating with our residents at our upcoming events including the Orange Blossom Festival in September.
It is a privilege to serve as your Mayor, and if I can ever be of assistance to you, do not hesitate to contact me.
0400 492 842 clr.hodges@thehills.nsw.gov.au
Information about Councillors, Council meetings and latest news can be found on Council’s website www.thehills.nsw.gov.au.
0400 460 504 clr.brazier@thehills.nsw.gov.au
Information about Councillors, Council meetings and latest news can be found on Council’s website www.thehills.nsw.gov.au.
0414 482 000 clr.tonyhay@thehills.nsw.gov.au
Information about Councillors, Council meetings and latest news can be found on Council’s website www.thehills.nsw.gov.au.
CLR JEROME COX EAST WARD
0400 499 157 clr.cox@thehills.nsw.gov.au
Information about Councillors, Council meetings and latest news can be found on Council’s website www.thehills.nsw.gov.au.
EAST WARD 0412 341 161 clr.jethi@thehills.nsw.gov.au
It was wonderful to see The Hills Shire come alive over the summer months with a series of events that showcased the best of our community.
Illuminate The Hills brought some Christmas cheer to AH Whaling Reserve near Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre. It was beautiful to see children’s faces light up as they enjoyed the Christmas lights display throughout December.
Australia Day at Bella Vista Farm pulled in bumper crowds, with thousands of Hills residents enjoying performances from artists like Samantha Jade and Junkyard Beats before a stunning fireworks display.
Waves hosted its first Australia Day pool party, which also gave thousands of residents the opportunity to enjoy a free poolside sausage sizzle on what proved to be a typically hot 26th of January.
The Lantern Festival drew thousands of people to Arthur Whitling Reserve in the centre of Castle Hill to celebrate the Year of the Dragon.
And Heritage Park went back to 1804 with an incredible re-enactment of the convict rebellion on Saturday 2 March.
This year, Council is putting together an Arts and Culture Strategy to guide where we focus our efforts and investment to make The Hills Shire a more vibrant place to live and work.
I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to have their say by completing the survey, which can be found by visiting the Have Your Say page at www.thehills. nsw.gov.au
CLR RYAN
EAST WARD 0419 429 217 clr.tracey@thehills.nsw.gov.au
Information about Councillors, Council meetings and latest news can be found on Council’s website www.thehills.nsw.gov.au.
0400 449 324 clr.blue@thehills.nsw.gov.au
Changes to create low and mid-rise housing
We all know that we are in a housing crisis.
In attempts to resolve this, the NSW Government is proposing to allow apartment blocks in our family-friendly suburbs as part of their low and mid-rise housing policy.
The proposed changes will apply to areas within 800 metres of Metro Stations and town centres such as Baulkham Hills Town Centre and Wrights Road in Kellyville and could also affect our smaller village and neighbourhood centres such as Knightsbridge in Castle Hill,
Glenhaven, and Crestwood.
The proposal will allow for more development, including two-to-six-storey apartments, terraces, and manor housing, to be built closer to or within some of our residential areas, not currently permitted. This means these types of developments could be constructed next to existing properties, with limited opportunity for Council to refuse.
The changes could be implemented in the coming months and undo years of practical planning work that Council has done - planning done in consultation with our community. Over time, Council has ensured that different housing options are available in the right locations, supported by the right community infrastructure and public transport.
One such example is where apartments have been strategically located in areas within walking distance of our Metro Stations and shops.
The NSW Government has not proposed any definitive infrastructure solutions to keep up with the unplanned growth.
The lack of proposed infrastructure puts Council in a tricky situation. Many of these areas cannot afford an increase in density. Increased density in the wrong locations will lead to more traffic on our roads, increased demand for our open spaces and reduced on-street parking.
These changes will destroy local character. It is my belief that if these changes are implemented as they currently have been presented, they will create irreversible damage to our communities.
One question I ask is that if these changes are implemented, will the Valuer General increase your land value therefore seeing an increase in your rates. You could be paying more simply by choosing to stay on your land as you currently are.
Again, a Councillor’s ability to make decisions that impact their residents is being taken away. Council provided a substantial submission to the NSW Government in opposition to these changes and provided suggested improvements that better suit our Shire.
We acknowledge the housing crisis but let us make the decisions in consultation with our community about an increase in density. Our staff, our Councillors and our residents know our Shire better than anyone and we are best placed to decide.
I call on the NSW Government to listen to
Terry Road between Monmouth and Hedgewood Drive, Box Hill is now closed for a period of sixnine months to upgrade the culvert crossing.
The purpose of this project is to raise the road’s surface and increase the drainage capacity under the road. This road is highly susceptible to flooding and these works will help prevent further flooding in the future.
This work is crucial to support the expanding Box Hill community and the increasing number of people using this road to commute to and from their homes and workplaces. Traffic is also expected from users of Brindle Parkway Reserve once it has been constructed.
During this time, a detour will be provided for light vehicles and buses via Brindle Parkway, and for heavy vehicles via Mason Road and Old Pitt Town Road.
Works will be carried out from Monday to Saturday between 7am and 5pm. Some night work may be necessary for this project.
As this work will be carried out in an area already prone to flooding, construction progress is also dependent on any wet weather.
Council would like to thank the community for their patience during this project. For project updates, visit Council’s website and search for ‘Terry Road closure.’
the community concerns and work with us to deliver a solution, not impose a onesize-fits-all approach.
Recent Events
Council held its Australia Day event at Bella Vista Farm as well as a pool party at Waves and a huge Citizenship Ceremony. A large number of community flag-raising ceremonies were held across the Shire. It was great to be part of this day and out in the community alongside our residents. Well done to our Australia Day Award recipients.
Clean Up Australia Day was held at Caddies Creek Park Reserve at Rouse Hill. It was great to be joined by Dr Michelle Ryan of Western Sydney University who spoke on the platypus that we have here in The Hills. Water quality is very important for our environment and something I am currently working on.
0400 597 538
clr.kasby@thehills.nsw.gov.au
We’re facing a housing affordability crisis, but councils and communities must be part of the solution if we are to get good outcomes.
Councils are tasked with ensuring that our communities have liveable suburbs with the infrastructure and services that people need. As a first term councillor, it’s been quite a learning curve, but I’ve seen council officers consistently work to achieve the best possible results and now have great respect for council’s town planners and development assessment team. Many of the examples of poor development that we see across our Shire are the result of state government rezoning or ‘shovel ready’ state government projects, so it’s a real shame that even more control is being taken away from councils and local communities.
It makes sense to put more housing density around rail and metro stations, and if well designed, this can be both environmentally and socially sustainable. Most people accept that densities must increase to meet housing needs but only if planned well with the additional population properly supported by essential infrastructure such as schools, parks, green spaces, and healthcare.
At a time when we are facing both climate
and biodiversity crises, minimal building standards are no longer acceptable. Housing must be built sustainably, maximising energy efficiency, minimising future living costs and keeping people safe in a rapidly changing climate.
The problem with the NSW Government’s housing plan is that it overrides council planning laws, allows poor design with inadequate infrastructure and threatens our urban tree canopy. The result will be lower quality housing without improving affordability.
Councils have approved many more developments than have been built - it’s not the approval process that’s causing the housing crisis. Understandably, developers won’t build unless there is a profit to be made. The government needs to step in and build good affordable and public housing instead of hoping the market will fix it. Evidence shows that good ‘transitoriented development’ includes publicly owned affordable housing and the State Government’s plan doesn’t include any.
Council has made a submission objecting to these new housing reforms, highlighting issues such as the shortfall in schools and other state government infrastructure our Shire already faces.
The Greens will be chairing an Upper House Inquiry and you can still contact Premier Minns or Minister Scully if you’d like to voice concerns. Let’s hope we can move collaboratively towards a solution for the housing crisis that doesn’t make Sydney (and the Hills) less liveable.
CLR VIRGINIA
0400 552 041 clr.ellis@thehills.nsw.gov.au
Information about Councillors, Council meetings and latest news can be found on Council’s website www.thehills.nsw.gov.au.
0400 551 435 clr.boneham@thehills.nsw.gov.au
Information about Councillors, Council meetings and latest news can be found on Council’s website www.thehills.nsw.gov.au.
CLR
WARD 0400 452 389 clr.burton@thehills.nsw.gov.au
The Hills Shire Council has several libraries that run the following free programs:
• Preschool Storytime for children aged 2-5-years-old and their parents
• Year One Reading Club to encourage a love of reading
• Sensitive Storytime which offers light and noise-sensitive sessions for neurodivergent children and their parents and/or carers.
Our libraries also have many great books including digital books and audiobooks available to borrow. For more information about our libraries, visit Council’s website. We have fabulous people from all over the globe who have chosen to make The Hills their home. I think it is important to celebrate our diversity and accept people as they are, with all our different backgrounds, cultures, religions, interests and passions.
We are all individuals trying to live our best life, to contribute, and to be accepted for who we are. We need to be able to be our true selves without being stereotyped, pigeon-holed or labelled.
Let’s embrace and continue to celebrate our diversity which makes The Hills such a great, safe place to live, work and play.
0439 013 343 clr.demasi@thehills.nsw.gov.au
The Hills Shire Council is one of the only councils that is meeting its housing targets, it seems like the Minns Labor Government is tarring our Shire with the same brush with its radical NSW Planning Reforms. This will OVERRIDE our planning controls to permit medium-density residential buildings near transport hubs and town centres.
These changes propose:
• Dual occupancies (two separate homes on a single lot)
• Terraces, townhouses and two-storey apartment blocks near transport hubs and town centres in R2 low-density
residential zones
• Mid-rise apartment blocks near transport hubs and town centres in R3 medium-density zones and appropriate employment zones.
When the Metro was delivered to Norwest Sydney the Government changed planning around the Metro Stations by rezoning land to allow high-rise apartments. This was planned, however with the Government’s planning reforms, this will have a major impact on The Hills and the whole of Sydney in an attempt to solve the housing crisis.
There is no housing crisis in The Hills however if these changes go ahead as planned, they will lead to the Government overriding Council and changing the whole fabric of what was originally planned for the area in which you live by constructing dwellings that are out of character for the street in which you may live.
These changes are being forced on residents not just in The Hills but across NSW and will come about with no controls and no infrastructure spending by the Government. No new roads, no widening or upgrade of local roads, no new schools, no proposed new parks, emergency service facilities, or hospitals to name a few.
I urge you all to pay close attention to these radical changes and let your voice be heard by the NSW Minns Labor Government that alongside the rest of NSW these changes are certainly not welcome here in The Hills.
ANZAC Day
I welcome all residents to attend and commemorate ANZAC Day in The Hills to honour those who fought, served and died for our nation, including local men and women of The Hills community.
There are a number of services in The Hills;
• Dawn Service at Centenary of ANZAC Reserve Wrights Rd Kellyville
• John Benyon Rotary Park Kenthurst
• Annangrove Reserve Annangrove
• The Hills Club Baulkham Hills
• Galston RSL Club
Fundraising Events in May
In May there are three major community events that I am involved with by being part of the fundraising community and as Chair of The Hills Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal. There are many in our community that suffer from domestic violence, homelessness, cancer, the cost of living crisis and addictions to name a few. I encourage you all either participate or contribute as much as you can to these worthy fundraising events:
• Domestic Violence and Women Over 50 Homelessness Fundraiser, Rydges Norwest 2 May 2024
• The Hills Relay for Life, Castle Hill Showground 18 – 19 May 2024
• The Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal 24-25 May 2024.
The Pioneer Theatre is located in the heart of Castle Hill close to Castle Hill Metro Station, local restaurants and Castle Towers Shopping Centre. The theatre also has undercover parking for approximately 250 cars.
To book tickets for upcoming shows, visit: www.pioneertheatre.com.au
Hornsby Musical Society
Friday 3 May – Sunday 12 May 2024
Based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic thriller, Jekyll & Hyde is the gripping tale of a brilliant mind gone horrifically awry, set to a powerful score by Frank Wildhorn with book and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse.
In an attempt to cure his ailing father’s mental illness by separating “good” from “evil” in the human personality, talented physician Dr Jekyll inadvertently creates an alternate personality of pure evil, dubbed Mr Hyde, who wreaks murderous havoc on the city of London. Struggling to control Hyde before he takes over for good, Jekyll must race to find a cure for the demon he has created in his own mind.
Friday 17 May – Sunday 26 May 2024
Adapted from the hit film by its Academy Award-winning screenwriter, Bruce Joel Rubin, GHOST THE MUSICAL follows Sam and Molly, a young couple whose connection takes a shocking turn after Sam’s untimely death.
The bond of love transcends the boundaries of life itself. Trapped between two worlds, Sam refuses to leave Molly when he learns she is in grave danger. Desperate to communicate with her, he turns to a storefront psychic, Oda Mae Brown, who helps him protect Molly and avenge his death. GHOST THE MUSICAL is a poignant romance that builds comedy, suspense, and deeply felt emotion that audiences will never forget.
Anh Do | Tuesday 28 May & Wednesday 29 May 2024
Anh Do’s bestselling book The Happiest Refugee has made readers laugh and cry and was described by Russell Crowe as ‘the most surprising and inspiring read I have had in years.’
Anh’s stage show takes it a step further, combining stand-up comedy with real-life stories, photos and filmed pieces to retell his amazing story.
When one of Australia’s most talented comedians delves deep into his own life’s joys and sorrows, the result is an unforgettable night at the theatre that leaves an audience uplifted and quite simply experiencing... happiness.
www.thehills.nsw.gov.au