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Hawkesbury Council rejects critical flood safety measure – Again!
The long-awaited EIS has been released providing new details on the project to raise Warragamba Dam. I'm appalled that a majority of Councillors were so wedded to their ideology that, at last night's Council meeting, they voted down a motion to simply make a submission to the EIS consultation process. Shameful, reckless behaviour.
How much land clearing should people be able to do for fire safety? The Rural Boundary Clearing Code
Here's a thorny question: How much land-clearing should rural landholders be allowed to engage in to increase their fire safety? Here's how I think we should answer that question.
Granny Flats: You deserve more choice | Hawkesbury City Council
The way Council treats granny flats and dual occupancies in our area is insane. Some types are allowed in built up areas, but not on rural acreages. Some kinds are forbidden for reasons that don't apply to those suburbs, or become permissible just because a small modification is made to attach the dwellings. This needs to change.
Hawkesbury Council’s position concerning the new Hawkesbury River bridge
Last night Council considered the submission we would make to the consultation process on the route of the new Hawkesbury River crossing at North Richmond.
My position is guided by an awareness that this is not Council’s project. Like the Windsor Bridge project before, we neither decide nor craft its appearance, budget or timeline...
Make no mistake – raising Warragamba Dam will make our community safer
This morning, the opponents of flood safety in the Hawkesbury were falling upon a 'leaked' State Government report that stated something so obvious it's banal – that in the event of a major flood, the water has to go somewhere.
Those confecting outrage even suggest that raising the dam would *worsen* the effects of flooding in the Hawkesbury – a staggeringly misleading and contemptible statement.
When will the NSW Local Government Elections be?
Council elections were supposed to happen in NSW in September 2020.
Then COVID put them off to September 2021.
Recently, the Minister delayed them a second time to December 4th, 2021.
Now there's a rumour going round that they will be delayed to next year.
You should demand your right to vote.
The Tragedy of Afghanistan
I rarely venture into geopolitics, but what’s happening in Afghanistan is simply a tragedy. The Taliban are resurgent, and will shortly repossess all the territory won from them after 2001. So much of our own blood and coin spilled for no gain after a twenty year war.
I feel deeply for the 26,000 men and women of our own defence forces who served there. What must they think? Ultimately, I believe our presence in Afghanistan was just.
Further delays to the Grose River Bridge should make you cranky
The Redbank project, and associated wrangling over the promised Grose River Bridge crossing goes all the way back to 2008.
So if you're angry or confused about why it seems that this infrastructure keeps receding to the horizon, then I'm with you.
Why is it taking so long? And why, after this week’s Council meeting, is it going to be delayed even more?
A Win For Colbee Park Users – A Masterplan… And $573K in Funding!
Overwhelmingly, the biggest problem Council has with developing masterplans for our parks is there is no money allocated to execute the plans once they're made. In this term I have lamented that community consultation and masterplanning processes raise community expectations, only to dash them with no follow-through...
We should look after Jenolan Caves better
Jenolan Caves is a much loved tourist destination, not far from the Hawkesbury. When I visited in January, I found it in a shocking state. Here's what I did.
What you need to know about COVID
Recently, at the Australian Local Government Conference in Canberra, I was briefed about some surprising COVID statistics. Here's what I learned.
Raising awareness of the need for Hawkesbury-Nepean River Health
In 2004, the Hawkesbury River was choked with weeds. Hard work and co-operation between three tiers of government cleared the river up. Now, short-sighted policy is putting all that at risk. I'm fighting for a better deal.
Being famous is not a strong justification for asking to be exempt from the law.
Not being vaccinated makes Djokovic look like a fool.
Fibbing about his recent travel makes him a menace.
Asking to be exempt from the rules everyone else has to follow makes him an ass. ... See MoreSee Less
9 hours ago
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Comment on Facebook 1621812811450319_325925352874276
Absolutely spot on!
Being a idiot makes him an idiot
... See MoreSee Less
19 hours ago
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Comment on Facebook 1621812811450319_325671036233041
Late today Hawkesbury Council announced changes to our Australia Day celebrations.
In short, our awards and citizenship ceremonies will occur online, and the function and fireworks by the river will proceed but without carnival rides and displays by emergency services. Food trucks and live entertainment will still be present.
Councillors were informed rather than consulted about these changes. ... See MoreSee Less
5 days ago
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Comment on Facebook Late today ...
What is going on here?? I thought it would be up to the ‘public’, to decide if they would be at risk by attending an OUTDOORS function??? We need to start dealing with our own safety in public. If you personally think something is a risk to you - STAY AWAY/HOME. Those of us who wish to attend a function, enjoy carnival rides and catering, entertainment, or whatever, should be able to decide for ourselves. 😡
The new normal for anything celebrating our national identity.
So if the councilors did not make this decision who did?
so your spending $22000 on fireworks? wow…
Chris Duke
Carolyn Young
Does it hurt that even all the liberal councillors didn’t vote for you as deputy major last night? How many votes did you get?
This is crap.
Piss weak
Lmao what a joke
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This nothing part of the year always makes me restless. I’m so fortunate to have Scheyville National Park at my doorstep for a walk to help clear the cobwebs.
One of the many gems of the Hawkesbury.
As you can see, we were visited by some curious residents!
So if you’re sitting at home and vegetating, why not get out and about tomorrow and walk it off! ... See MoreSee Less
2 weeks ago
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Australian wildlife is amazing and you are lucky to have this at your doorstep it is ashame that the beauty that you have shown will be destroyed for the residents on Southee Rd, Hobartville by Transport for NSW
So much history there! I was walking there today and met someone who was one of the Army Band members who used to play on the OTU graduations, and it was his first time back since then.
Today I got my third COVID-19 booster shot.
I got two Pfizer jabs around June and chose Moderna for this jab based on clinical research suggesting a different mRNA-based vaccine to the primary course rounds out your immunity.
This is how we’re going to beat this; by taking the advice of scientists about safe and effective vaccination, and continuing to take responsibility for the health of those around us.
With current advice recommending boosters after five months, please jump on-line and book your booster as soon as you can at the Health NSW site.
www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/vaccination/get-vaccinated
www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)02717-3/fulltext ... See MoreSee Less
2 weeks ago
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I think the government is spectacularly wrong and making this thing up on the run constantly and just won’t admit they know what the best step is to take next most of the country is vaccinated and cases have never been so high . Testing centres are a joke. They should have never got rid of the 1.5m rule, never got rid of masks and never got rid of QR check ins.
Really didn't you think the first 2 would have done anything
Robert Malone was the inventor and contributor to the mRNA technology. He has since been silenced on Twitter.
The results of the Hawkesbury Council elections have been officially declared and I have been re-elected.
✅ I was elected free and clear on the primary vote without a reliance on preferences.
✅ I was the first candidate declared elected in the count, up from 11th in the 2016 poll.
✅ Although I represent the whole of the Hawkesbury, I was pleased to win the booth where I live at Oakville outright, gaining more votes than any other group despite it being the 'blue ribbon' Liberal booth in an already 'blue ribbon' Liberal seat.
✅ The Liberal, Labor and Greens all came out of this election with the same number of Councillors as they did before.
✅ There are seven returning Councillors from the previous term, two returning after a longer absence, and three brand-new Councillors.
I'll be coming out with a more detailed analysis of this election and how it sits compared to past local, state and federal elections – stay tuned for that.
I want to thank my team, Ben, Bindi, James, Donna and Zed for their wonderful support during the campaign.
My family are my rock, and I could not do any of this without your love and patience. Thank you David, Liam, Mum, Jess and Chris.
It's clear that the community expects our elected chamber to work together and collaborate. We each bring unique talents and life-experiences to our roles. We each have a mandate to be heard and to contribute to good outcomes, and we absolutely must bring the community with us on that journey.
In the last term I observed that the best outcomes came when there had to be give and take, and when the chamber was a respectful space that was reflective of the whole community.
Self-absorption and inauthenticity is, and should be, frowned upon.
We'll all be hitting the ground running in the new year, but I'm looking forward to working with all my new colleagues. ... See MoreSee Less
4 weeks ago
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Comment on Facebook The results of the ...
Great result Nathan it takes a lot of courage to be elected as an independent after serving as a Liberal councillor . You showed that your ethics count for more then being re elected so congrats for putting it all on the line .
Congratulations Nathan, and while I don’t agree with you on the raising of the wall I still voted for you on your other issues. Please don’t forget your promises, particularly on R2 zoning inequities.
You ran a strong campaign Nathan Congratulations
Congratulations Nathan. You were honest about your party membership. You explained yourself clearly and you communicated honestly with the community frequently. You deserve this. 👏
Woohoo. Very well deserved. Xx
Well done mate you had my vote a long way out. Congrats.
Mate, I checked. You nailed the mayor almost 2-1 on first preference votes. Fight the good fight for progressive action in the Hawkesbury. As I said, the people need someone like you to carry the flag for the shit that matters. Please, don’t ever forget that, people need a voice, ‘YOU’RE IT’!!!
Congratulations 🎉 Good to know the Hawkesbury is in safe hands. Huge achievement, well done!
Congratulations Nathan who would of thought Windsor high boy could read and write well enough to make good. Just yanking your chain. Great outcome for the hawkesbury cheers from us
Good on you Councillor Nathan Zamprogno a very sincere thank you, let’s hope this next term more community focus projects can be agreed upon and yes you all can work together in the best interest of your constituents. LM
Good job Nathan, congrats
Congratulations Councillor. Trusting you will "Keep the Bastards Honest". All the best.
Good job mate. Sorry I won’t be joining you - I hung in the preference race a good distance.
Congratulations Councillor Nathan Zamprogno & your fellow Liberals on your election & best wishes for a successful 2022 👍
Glad you got re elected. Congratulations
Congratulations, you have always been transparent which is rare these days and genuine… that’s why you got our vote… you deserve this..! Now go give em hell..!!😂 and make them accountable…!!
Congratulations. Looking forward to united progress
Congratulations! Quite an achievement considering the lack of local forums for debate, questioning and meets for candidates to introduce themselves
Wow thats great,and well deserved congratulations Nathan
Congratulations, totally deserved!
Congratulations....well deserved...
Congratulations
Congratulations Nathan..well deserved!
Congratulations Nathan
Congrats Nathan!
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It was lovely to attend the launch of this exhibition of art and textile works in Windsor last night at the Hawkesbury Remakery located in the historic Loder House. ... See MoreSee Less
4 weeks ago
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Comment on Facebook 1621812811450319_306295074837304
A really good news story comes from Windsor. Michelle Follington owns the Blossom. Hair Body Face and Wig Boutique. She has just taken over one of the long-empty shopfronts in Windsor Mall (the bank opposite the old post office) and has opened a beautiful new boutique which is contributing to the revitalization of our town centres – one of the priorities Council has been pursuing.
Maybe you saw the story on the Channel 7 TODAY show earlier this week describing Blossom's sideline in wigs. Giving dignity to women who have endured hair loss as a result of Cancer treatment is a heartening story made far more personal when a dear friend, Susan Mann who lives at North Richmond, told her own story.
I called on Michelle at her store today and thanked her for her initiative. Recently Michelle won Businessperson of the a year at our Local Business Awards and I can see why.
Please, watch this inspiring story and support our local businesses.
Great hair day ... See MoreSee Less
1 month ago
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Wishing you every success! Not many options for chemo patients needing wigs.
Michelle's knowledge and the needs of her customers are second to none. Congratulations
Congratulations Michelle, the community is a better place because of you.
Congratulations beautiful lady xxxooo so deserving too 👌🥰
Great initiative from Michelle I hope she does really well. Well done Nathan
Michelle is the best!
Will we see you sporting a new toupee in weeks to come? 😉
Show us the wig you got 🤣😂
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It's not all about politics. While we wait for the election results to be declared, it's time to catch up on neglected tasks, like re-planting my poor potbound Sydney Rock-Lillies (which aren't Lillies at all, they're Orchids - Dedrobium Speciosum). They'll love being in the ground in a new rockery.
My grandparents grew these and their garden was filled with hundreds of spikes of beautiful creamy yellow flowers.
Do what grounds you, and which reminds you of what's really important. ... See MoreSee Less
1 month ago
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Comment on Facebook 1621812811450319_299210208879124
Good on you Nathan you put in many hour and worked extremely hard on your campaign which you will like your garden sew the seeds to grown into a beautiful environment, well done 👍
My dad took his pot bound rock lily’s out of their pots and replanted in a new rock garden 2 weeks ago. They look like they have settled in nicely now.
When you finish there my garden has some weeks.
Think that dog might be getting a bit spoilt (over fed). 🥰
WISEMANS FERRY WILL BE OPEN THIS WEEKEND.
The planned road closure of Old Northern Road, Wisemans Ferry to repair the damage caused at the hairpin bend by an accident in September has been postponed.
Concerned residents contacted me about potential isolation and damage to tourism over a key pre-Christmas weekend.
My thanks to the Minister for Transport and Roads Rob Stokes. I made the call to him and we've stopped the closure. An update on the reschedule of works will be announced soon.
Wisemans Ferry Inn Hotel
The Hawkesbury Gazette
Hawkesbury Post
Wiseman's Ferry Public School
The Riverboat Postman, Hawkesbury River, Nsw, Australia.
Julian Leeser MP
Del Rio Riverside Resort, Wisemans Ferry
The Ray Hadley Morning Show ... See MoreSee Less
1 month ago
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Comment on Facebook WISEMANS FERRY WILL ...
It's nice to see Members listening to the Community. Thanks Robyn Preston, the Community around Wisemans Ferry need all the help they can get after lockdowns
Today, we were able to give Peter Speet, former captain of Oakville Rural Fire Brigade and inspiration to hundreds across the Hawkesbury, the memorial we couldn’t hold due to lockdowns. I joined Peter’s family, Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons of Resilience NSW, Commissioner Rob Rogers from NSW Rural Fire Service and other locals and dignitaries.
Many stories were told about Peter’s life in tears and laughter.
Pete gave me my first job, mentored me in the RFS in my youth, and was a good friend. We’re only just beginning to understand the hole he leaves behind.
NSW RFS - Hawkesbury District ... See MoreSee Less
1 month ago
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Comment on Facebook 1621812811450319_297992732334205
RIP Mr Speet, a huge loss to the community.
Pete would have been proud of his family. Lovely day
Not calling it yet, and no one should be.
But here’s where the count is as of now.
The last polling-day venues have just uploaded to the Elections NSW website.
GROUP A’s vote now stands at 1,554 first preference votes. This is 8.2% of the total votes cast, and crucially 1.07 quotas.
This is a great place to go to bed with.
It means I could be elected free and clear without the need for preferences.
However, the addition of the pre-poll and postal vote may skew this - up or down.
Then, the torturous process of allocating preferences will begin. The final declaration of polls may take a fortnight.
Thanks, analysis, fallout, and welcomes to new colleagues will have to wait. But I’m amazed and humbled at the support and kindness our team has been shown today.
The Hawkesbury is an amazing place.
The Elections NSW website sucks on mobile devices, but the ABC’s parallel coverage is decent:
... See MoreSee Less
City of Hawkesbury - 2021 NSW Local Government Elections
www.abc.net.au
NSW Local Government City of Hawkesbury - 2021 NSW Local Government Elections 20211 month ago
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Bit early to call but best of luck Nathan hopefully you are re elected this time as an independent . If you are re elected it would be an amazing achievement.
Well Done Nathan. I hope you have some new colleagues to work with next year.