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The sorry state of historic Bardenarang Creek, Pitt Town

The historic Bardenarang Creek at Pitt Town is a historic place but recent floods have left it in a very sorry state. I'm asking Council what can be done to repair the damage left by recent floods.


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Hawkesbury Council Rates 2022

Are you paying too much in Council rates? News from the 2022-2023 Hawkesbury Council Budget

Hawkesbury Council's rating system is broken and unfair. However, there are developments I'd like to share with you. In the budget Council will pass in the next two months there's a proposal to move the 'base rate' from 30% back to 50%. Read on to see how this will affect you.


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The Hawkesbury-Nepean River Floods – March 2022

The Hawkesbury-Nepean river has flooded again – the second time in twelve months, rising to 13.7m Here's some video of the effects of the flood.


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A New Accountability Measure – Report cards on Councillor Attendance and Expenses

You're entitled to expect that your elected Councillors turn up to as many meetings as they can. It’s a critical part of our job. So I moved a motion at Council to cause a report card on Councillor attendance and expenses to be presented annually and before elections.


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Condolence Motion for Dick Petrikas of Tennyson RFS

We lost one of the Hawkesbury Community's greats recently with the passing of Dick Petrikas from Tennyson, at the age of 83. I offered this condolence on behalf of Council after speaking with Dick's family.


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Professor David Flint AM and The Hon. Philip Ruddock AO

Celebrating 70 years of Her Majesty’s reign

I was honoured today to be invited to the official service to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Accession of Her Majesty the Queen, with Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, Governor of New South Wales and other dignitaries, held at St James' Church in Sydney.
What an absolutely extraordinary life our Queen has had. She has governed over the life of both our nation and the wider Commonwealth with grace and wisdom. She has been served by fifteen Australian Prime-Ministers...


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On ABC Breakfast Radio about Warragamba Dam (again)

This morning I was interviewed on ABC Sydney's Breakfast show by James Valentine. The well-worn subject was whether to raise Warragamba Dam. I appeared before on the same subject in 2019.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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...


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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.


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What have your experiences been of securing long term rental accomodation in the Hawkesbury?

Today, Mayor Mark Greenhill of the Blue Mountains is quoted in several stories stating that fully 90% of the houses listed for rent in their LGA are listed as short term, ie for holiday lets via AirBNB and Stayz. A figure this high would have a major impact on the availability and affordability of housing for those seeking long term accomodation.

However, a report titled Evidence base for the Western Sydney Affordable Housing Strategy Councils received in August 2023, and authored for government by SGS Economics and Planning offers some figures.

It says the short term rental figure, as a percentage of the total private rental market, is 14.2% in the Blue Mountains, and 1.5% in the Hawkesbury.

It is not disputed that the figure may be higher in particular spot zones like Katoomba, or anecdotally higher if a snapshot is taken of online listings on any given day. Ive asked the BM Mayor to source his figures, and if theres a need Ill ask our own staff to revisit ours.

If theres a strong trend in responses, I might make this the subject of a larger survey on futureofthehawkesbury.com

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-03-23/blue-mountains-rental-shortage-airbnb-blamed/103615716

https://www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/252469/20240130AT3toItem-4.3.1-Evidence-Base-for-the-RAHCS.pdf

What have your experiences been of securing long term rental accomodation in the Hawkesbury?

Today, Mayor Mark Greenhill of the Blue Mountains is quoted in several stories stating that fully 90% of the houses listed for rent in their LGA are listed as "short term", ie for holiday lets via AirBNB and Stayz. A figure this high would have a major impact on the availability and affordability of housing for those seeking long term accomodation.

However, a report titled "Evidence base for the Western Sydney Affordable Housing Strategy" Councils received in August 2023, and authored for government by SGS Economics and Planning offers some figures.

It says the short term rental figure, as a percentage of the total private rental market, is 14.2% in the Blue Mountains, and 1.5% in the Hawkesbury.

It is not disputed that the figure may be higher in particular spot zones like Katoomba, or anecdotally higher if a snapshot is taken of online listings on any given day. I've asked the BM Mayor to source his figures, and if there's a need I'll ask our own staff to revisit ours.

If there's a strong trend in responses, I might make this the subject of a larger survey on futureofthehawkesbury.com

www.abc.net.au/news/2024-03-23/blue-mountains-rental-shortage-airbnb-blamed/103615716

www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/252469/20240130AT3toItem-4.3.1-Evidence-Bas...
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6 days ago

Comment on Facebook 1621812811450319_925876602879145

Based on that data, 98.5% of rentals in the Hawkesbury are not sort term rentals. Why waste time focusing on this? Surely there are more important things to concentrate on?

Real estate agents will have data and info on availability, versus demand of rentals.etc. Like everything when it comes to Government and politics future planning,proactive anticipation of community needs is the last thing on the Agenda. Getting things done not a priority delay tactics override progress. I’m sure you are trying to get things done Nathan and keep at it don’t be gagged in speaking up and raising issues.

STRAs count for a very small number in the Hawkesbury. We are very different from the Blue Mountains.

This year is a Council election year, with a vote due on September 14th.

Change is badly needed.

The biggest question is 'What do you want the future of the Hawkesbury to be?'

We want our city to thrive, with vibrant town centres and well maintained roads. We want to look after our heritage and our environment. And we expect Council to provide services and facilities efficiently.

But the biggest issue Council will take a position on is how many more houses will we build in our city. There is a push to build thousands more houses in our city, on both sides of the river.

It's never been so important to be heard, so I'm launching "futureofthehawkesbury.com", a new website.

It will host surveys and petitions to gather the widest ever snapshot of your views about Council and the way it interacts with other tiers of government.

Some might ask why there is a need for this, when most plans or policies of Council are placed on public exhibition for comment.

I discovered Council only has email details for fewer than one in five ratepayers, although there have been efforts to lift this figure.

I discovered that when Council adds up its responses from all forms of consultation, be it community meetings, phone polling, or public exhibition of documents, they rarely reach more than a few percent of people affected by any particular decision. People lead busy lives. Few focus on issues in local government, although they ought to!

In late 2020, Council debated its housing policy. The suburbs along the south-eastern boundary of our city (like Oakville, Vineyard and Maraylya) are on the front line of the pressure for more development.

The pressure for subdivision is splitting that community. I recognised that some are in favour of subdivision, and some against. In that debate I said the simple and courteous thing we should do, and especially in those suburbs, is ask everyone what they want the future to look like. I was voted down. So, this initiative is intended to reach as many residents in the Hawkesbury as possible.

If there's an issue you think Council is neglecting, and you want to prove that the community are united in demanding action, sign one of the petitions we're kicking off with, or suggest your own.

This September will be the most consequential Council election in the Hawkesbury's history. Be engaged, and be heard.

futureofthehawkesbury.com
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1 week ago

Comment on Facebook 923594926440646

Great work Nathan 😊

Thanks Nathan. That's a good initiative, but council is just a talkfest. As you said, Oakville development was discussed by council in 2020. 4 years later, NOTHING. I have spent some time in QLD recently, and the local elections are very different. 1. The public elects the Mayor, not the council. 2. The councillors are elected for 'Wards' (suburbs), so you have elected councillors looking after the interests of their ward. This system has a lot of merit.

Love this, thank you Nathan for this initiative

Great idea!!!

Thanks Nathan

Thank you Nathan

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All the planning is coming together.
Now is the time to rally #Windsor businesses & residents.

Get on board & start decorating your home or business.

The Inaugural Gas Lamp Festival is being held to celebrate the heritage of Windsor. Held over the June Long Weekend there will be lots happening around the town.

Windsor, NSW - Gas Lamp Capital of Australia
William Sugg & Co. Ltd
Hawkesbury Visitor Information Centre
Hawkesbury Visitors Centre
Sarah McMahon - Mayor of Hawkesbury
Hawkesbury Events
Hey Hawkesbury
Hawkesbury Tourism Collaborative
Hawkesbury Radio
Hawkesbury Business Alliance
Hawkesbury District Independent Magazine
The Hawkesbury Gazette
Hawkesbury Phoenix
Hawkesbury Post
I Love Windsor
Pulse 89.9FM Radio
River FM 87.6
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2 weeks ago

Tonight was the launch of the travelling Archibald Prize exhibition at the Hawkesbury Regional Gallery. As always there was a selection of properly good art and other stuff that makes you pull faces and wonder why. A really good turn out. I thoroughly recommend you drop in and have a look before it leaves on April 28. 

My picks were outstanding portraits of Michael Simms by Zaachariaha Fielding and of Claudia Karvan by Laura Jones.

Tonight was the launch of the travelling Archibald Prize exhibition at the Hawkesbury Regional Gallery. As always there was a selection of properly good art and other stuff that makes you pull faces and wonder why. A really good turn out. I thoroughly recommend you drop in and have a look before it leaves on April 28.

My picks were outstanding portraits of Michael Simms by Zaachariaha Fielding and of Claudia Karvan by Laura Jones.
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2 weeks ago

This is the catchment map for Oakville Public School. Youll notice that it stretches east of Boundary Road and into the new development areas of Box Hill / Gables / Carmel.

Development includes levies (Section 7.11, 7.12 etc) for the improvement of local infrastructure, including schools.
Unfortunately, these levies are collected by the Council in question, in this case The Hills Shire Council. Despite asking the Hills Mayor and GM three years ago whether what is called a nexus argument could be used to send some of those funds our way, nothing has happened. 

(Update: after talking with Hills Council who reached out, they point out that the 2018 contribution plan placed no requirement to collect tax for school improvements or footpaths, regardless of where the school for this area was located. Thus, it isn’t a case of them not handing over money that should have been collected for this kind of improvement, it’s the fault of the previous State government who told them they never had to. And credit where it’s due, Hills is paying well over 50% of the cost of upgrading Boundary Rd.)
Back to the original post…

These new residents are sending their children to Oakville school and gaining benefit from our infrastructure, because there is no public primary school in their area and likely never will be, even if Santa Sofia isnt your cup of tea.

I identified, and even had costed, works to improve the footpaths and widen the road to improve parking at the school, which is as busy as ever. The footpath works along Oakville and Ogden Roads would only be about $62K (well, 2021 prices...)

Now, the congestion is worse, and I am again in receipt of requests for help from the Oakville Public School P&C. I will again engage Council staff, as well as our State and Federal representatives to see if something can be done.

Susan Templeman MP
Robyn Preston MP
Dr Peter Gangemi - Mayor of The Hills Shire Council
Councillor Mitchell Blue - The Hills Shire Council

This is the catchment map for Oakville Public School. You'll notice that it stretches east of Boundary Road and into the new development areas of Box Hill / Gables / Carmel.

Development includes levies (Section 7.11, 7.12 etc) for the improvement of local infrastructure, including schools.
Unfortunately, these levies are collected by the Council in question, in this case The Hills Shire Council. Despite asking the Hills Mayor and GM three years ago whether what is called a 'nexus argument' could be used to send some of those funds our way, nothing has happened.

(Update: after talking with Hills Council who reached out, they point out that the 2018 contribution plan placed no requirement to collect tax for school improvements or footpaths, regardless of where the school for this area was located. Thus, it isn’t a case of them not handing over money that should have been collected for this kind of improvement, it’s the fault of the previous State government who told them they never had to. And credit where it’s due, Hills is paying well over 50% of the cost of upgrading Boundary Rd.)
Back to the original post…

These new residents are sending their children to Oakville school and gaining benefit from our infrastructure, because there is no public primary school in their area and likely never will be, even if Santa Sofia isn't your cup of tea.

I identified, and even had costed, works to improve the footpaths and widen the road to improve parking at the school, which is as busy as ever. The footpath works along Oakville and Ogden Roads would only be about $62K (well, 2021 prices...)

Now, the congestion is worse, and I am again in receipt of requests for help from the Oakville Public School P&C. I will again engage Council staff, as well as our State and Federal representatives to see if something can be done.

Susan Templeman MP
Robyn Preston MP
Dr Peter Gangemi - Mayor of The Hills Shire Council
Councillor Mitchell Blue - The Hills Shire Council
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3 weeks ago

Comment on Facebook 1621812811450319_913616994105106

You’ve probably already looked at this, but section 7.14 speaks to this issue, and could be something to look into 🙂

What a mess & such a danger to everyone. It should be that infrastructure/ roads should be all put into place, paid for by councils, developers & governments, if they allow this many people to move into an area. All housing being passed, living so close together that u could pass the sugar bowl out the window to your neighbour. It's redicious & money making for everyone except the community that it impacts. This is terrible for all the Oakville school community. And you don't want an accident to happen before they end up doing something. All these houses shouldn't be allowed to be built until all these ( such important things like schools, are planned properly). The kiss & drop is a good idea. My kids went to Norwest Christian College in Riverstone, & they have the kiss & drop. The road at the moment out the front of Oakville school, the big hump of tar raised up needs fixing or it will cause accidents.

This is exactly the sort of work we want our councillors doing. Thank you for sharing and please hound the Hills until they pay up.

The school needs a kiss and drop zone. Most working parents, drop their kids off and leave. It’s not safe for kids to be walking up navigating the cars and buses. We use to live on Ogden Road and saw so many near misses. Even with my own kids! A designated kiss and drop zone would reduce the number of parked cars, give kids direct safe entrance to and exit from school. It would also stop the double parking of parents or parents parking in the bus bay to let their kids out. Another issue facing a lot of Oakville families, is Bus Ways cut the bus transporting kids from the Oakville/Vineyard Boundary to school in the morning, as the zoning changed. These parents of already enrolled and settled kids now have to take their kids to school which has also added additional traffic. Busways solution was to have kids walk down to Glenidol Road to catch the bus, don’t get me started on the safety risks of that due to the shambles of commercial road!!! Or CHANGE SCHOOLS!

Please keep pushing this one, something needs to be done here with improving the parking / roads here, its well over due. Thankyou

It was bad when we were there 10 years ago, it must be terrible now. Add a rainy day and Mums with prams and toddlers trying to cross the road in the mud…

Nathan I think you are pushing shit up hill why do you think the council/state government or any one else will do anything for the lovely place we call home ?

Mel Dyer

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From the “young people these days” department:

At today’s swimming carnival, students were asked to show team spirit and wear house colours.

So far I’ve counted:
- Four ninja turtles
- Two T-rexes
- Three inflatable moo-cows
- Two Luchadores (masked Mexican wrestlers)
- One giant banana
- Three Jack Sparrow pirates
- Three Squid Game
- One green wicked witch (male)
and a smattering of angels, cowgirls and onesies.
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3 weeks ago

Comment on Facebook 1621812811450319_912727400860732

I once went as John Williamson and stood on the block with my guitar while the song “True Blue” belted out over the PA … because why not

Freedom of expression, what a wonderful concept❤️

At least they went.

Well atleast there enthusiastic

I love seeing the kids costumes as they enter the bus and let them know how awesome they look

Now you’re living .

No one from Gryffindor

Lol what school are you at these days?

they missed the memo

Did the t-rex's race the moo-cows?

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Sydney has a problem: An addiction to endless growth.
It's gradually eroding what makes the Hawkesbury such a special place to live.
But what does that have to do with the obscure economic concept of 'The Tragedy of the Commons', buying milk at the local shops, and Australia's unprecedented levels of migration.
I'm a teacher, so I'm glad you asked.

The March edition of our excellent new local newspaper, The Hawkesbury Post carries an editorial I've written. This video is intended as a richer, shareable version.

If you think I've got a point, and that in an election year people should pay attention for a change, please like and share.

councillorzamprogno.info/2024/03/02/should-the-hawkesbury-become-part-of-the-sydney-ant-hill/
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4 weeks ago

Comment on Facebook 910669474399858

Well said …We have basically lost the Australian way of life. Congested unmaintained roads!The next generation growing up in boxes contributing to the increasing mental health pandemic. Frustrated time poor communities due to congestion on roads to make a living. The cost and damage to people’s cars due to poor roads management and infrastructure causing more frustration and financial hardship on families….including people at risk of accidents and injury. Unemployment, training and education versus migration. No brainer! We need to look after our OWN backyard first.. Unfortunately the “ backyard” is a thing of the past in Australia. And that is sad! There needs to be more accountability on every level of government. Not whack em up and wait for the fall out. Voting September let’s get forward thinking people as our advocates/ leaders. The Hawkesbury is losing its charm and will continue if we don’t get the right people in to advocate and actually see the deterioration of a once clean serene lifestyle.

Well said councillor Nathan. As bob Carr said we are full but they still keep bringing people in from overseas. I camp a bit and see people sleeping and living in their cars. And the young people have no hope of ever buying a house. Sorry to say but Sydney and Australia are going downhill fast. Suburbia is slowly creeping into the Hawkesbury and I don’t like it. I’ve lived here for 40 years and can see our lifestyle slowly eroding

Well said

He makes some good points, but what makes him think that the problems he outlines in the Hawkesbury are unique to that area?

Who owns land on packer road as it takes maybe 10 cars a day at most and a sealed road will make it easier for development I think there is some dodgy going on

Totally agree! So why is it so hard for your counterparts to get it, everyone has known all this information for decades! I especially like the comment regarding education for all, instead of skilled immigration, they mostly can’t use their qualifications anyway!however infrastructure is seriously lagging, we all pay taxes on our taxes, with every move we make 🤷‍♀️ so where is all the money going. I have requested that our road be fixed , sorry, goat track years before the floods and pandemic. And it’s still actually dangerous. But I digress. Wouldn’t it make more sense to invest in TAFE and education for the current population and get planning for an influx ahead of time instead of rushing off half cocked and building something that was probably designed 20-30 years ago. Wasting time and money. Or is that just me. Just don’t know how our kids are going to afford to live in Sydney with these absurd prices. How did it get here, I would love to know who and what exactly is to blame.Things are getting stupid now I feel. Something has to give. Please keep up the good work!

Very well said Councillor Nathan Zamprogno, but unfortunately no matter how we vote etc nothing will change the corrupt government and they will keep doing what there doing and letting people in until who knows what, the Hawkesbury as we know it is changing rapidly which is so sad to see

The current migration intake is just crazy - govt cannot be serious about tackling housing issues while it stays silent on population growth. Hopefully this issue gets more airtime in the electorates in the leadup to the federal election.

Very well written I hope the information you have given makes our councillors rethink their policies. Thankyou again.

Too true. But that is civilisation, continuos growth bigger tax base. Without it lower wages, pensions, infrastructure. When they build the Nth Richmond bridge housing will boom over there, they're not spending half a billion dollars just for the locals.

Agree 100%🇦🇺

Really great content - thank you Councillor Nathan Zamprogno

If I'm paying full price I want the freshest milk. I only shop weekly, which most people do, so the use by date must be at least a week away.

Well said Councillor Nathan Zamprogno, but unfortunately whether we vote Labor or Liberal nothing will change the vested interests of the government and we need to have independents. Also, I believe there’s a need for more public housing all around and even in the Hawkesbury.

Correct

Permaculture the Planet

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Today, we formally opened the improvements to Peel Park at Redbank North Richmond. 
This is now a handsome facility for the whole community costing $5.67million

Today, we formally opened the improvements to Peel Park at Redbank North Richmond.
This is now a handsome facility for the whole community costing $5.67million
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4 weeks ago

Comment on Facebook 1621812811450319_908675494599256

Great for community. Do the ratepayers get a break down on the cost of each item?Transparency.

Can’t polish a turd ( HCC ) , DISGRACEFUL.

Think council got shafted on that project

Hawkesbury Council a step closer to honouring its pledge to seal Packer Road.

Among the projects Hawkesbury Council promised to fund with a 2018 rate-hike was the sealing of Packer Road, a key east-west road linking the Putty Road travelling north from Wilberforce, and the river communities of Lower Portland, Cumberland Reach and Sackville.

With no commencement visible, residents were rightly upset when a report to Council's February 2024 meeting recommended the project be shelved.
After a spirited campaign by locals and users of this key road, Council has now resolved to proceed with the project, despite significantly elevated costs.
It is important that Council keep its promises. Now, Council will have to determine what other worthy projects will be delayed or cancelled.

For those interested in the history of this story, check out the article on my website, and below are the remarks I made to Council at the recent meeting.

councillorzamprogno.info/2024/02/27/council-a-step-closer-to-honouring-its-pledge-to-seal-packer-...
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1 month ago

Comment on Facebook 907900518010087

How are the locals coping with no ferry?

Thanks for representing the outer regions of this LGA Councillor Nathan Zamprogno. The more I hear you speak the more I want you to be the Mayor.

Thank you for your support of our region Councillor Nathan Zamprogno. We are so grateful for your representation and the unanimous support from Council for this to proceed. We hope that it won't be too long before the works will commence.

Can we get a refund of that rate hike? What have they been doing with the money?

Seal Fairey Road.

Unfortunately in all councils have councillor's that are in council for their own personal reasons most of the time their got involvements in realestate all land developerment those people need to be forced out of council .

Shane Atkins

This council is a joke. There should be no public roads in the Hawkesbury unsealed. Council is carrying on like they are building a federal hwy. you are not laying a concrete base with asphalt on top. Your spray sealing compacted road base for f@@ks sake. My driveway at home is 10x better then most local roads. Stop spending our rates on dumb arse councillors and start investing in building and repairing assets for the local community. Things will never change if we don’t roll all the old morons running this joint. Sarah doesn’t have the best support, but I tell you what. I’m liking what she is doing, fresh face, out in the community doing her thing. It’s refreshing. Watching these council meetings is depressing.

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Normally Council holds two citizenship ceremonies a year. However, these people just couldn’t wait to take up the invitation to become true-blue Aussies, so we ran an extra ceremony just for them tonight. Welcome!

Normally Council holds two citizenship ceremonies a year. However, these people just couldn’t wait to take up the invitation to become true-blue Aussies, so we ran an extra ceremony just for them tonight. Welcome! ... See MoreSee Less

1 month ago

Comment on Facebook Normally Council ...

Welcome to these new Aussies

The Federal Local Government Minister Kristy McBain visited the Hawkesbury today, and I was pleased to join Susan Templeman MP and fellow Councillors Mary Lyons-Buckett, Danielle Wheeler and Deputy Mayor Calvert as we inspected proposed improvements to Woodbury Reserve at Glossodia, which will be funded jointly by Council together with State and Federal grants.

I didnt miss the opportunity to remind the Minister that Councils take in only 3.5% of all taxation revenue in Australia, and yet Local Governments are responsible for 24% of all the service provision and asset maintenance done in the nation, as well as plan how our communities can grow and thrive.

I said that in 1996, Local Governments received grant funding equivalent to 1% of all federal taxation revenue, and that in the 28 years since, its slipped to less than half that. The Minister quoted a list of funding schemes we receive money from, but it sounded to me like theyre just relabelled slices of an increasingly smaller pie. The shortfall is structural, entrenched, and getting worse.

Lastly, we drove home the plight of peri-urban Councils like ours that sit at the fringes of major cities. We cop all the urban growth and congestion, plus lack of transport and long commutes, and yet frequently fall between two stools when it comes to funding because were not-quite-urban and not-quite-rural.

The Minister certainly left with an earful of our concerns, and were grateful she came.

The Federal Local Government Minister Kristy McBain visited the Hawkesbury today, and I was pleased to join Susan Templeman MP and fellow Councillors Councillor Mary Lyons-Buckett, Councillor Danielle Wheeler and Deputy Mayor Calvert as we inspected proposed improvements to Woodbury Reserve at Glossodia, which will be funded jointly by Council together with State and Federal grants.

I didn't miss the opportunity to remind the Minister that Councils take in only 3.5% of all taxation revenue in Australia, and yet Local Governments are responsible for 24% of all the service provision and asset maintenance done in the nation, as well as plan how our communities can grow and thrive.

I said that in 1996, Local Governments received grant funding equivalent to 1% of all federal taxation revenue, and that in the 28 years since, it's slipped to less than half that. The Minister quoted a list of funding schemes we receive money from, but it sounded to me like they're just relabelled slices of an increasingly smaller pie. The shortfall is structural, entrenched, and getting worse.

Lastly, we drove home the plight of 'peri-urban' Councils like ours that sit at the fringes of major cities. We cop all the urban growth and congestion, plus lack of transport and long commutes, and yet frequently fall between two stools when it comes to funding because we're not-quite-urban and not-quite-rural.

The Minister certainly left with an earful of our concerns, and we're grateful she came.
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1 month ago

Comment on Facebook 1621812811450319_904045768395562

Great to see the hard working councillors there taking note of who’s not there I guess they are too busy blaming the MUA for the ferry dispute down at Wiseman ferry. Instead of coming up with a solution like the ferries are no longer operated by private contractors.

And that is the biggest load of waffle I have heard for a very long time! Is that why the grass verges along The Junction between Spinks Rd, Kurmond Rd, and Wire lane were magically mown yesterday? How about driving around the local roads, not just the main ones. You guys really have no understanding of what we really need. Too busy showing off on what has or is being achieved, which has been proposed for over 20 years. Yes, I'm glad and happy that improvements are being made, but, you Councillors need to look at the overall picture.

How about getting the roads fixed around the Hawksbery

This update on the status of road remediation projects including Grose Vale Road is supplied by Council staff to Councillors today:

There is a significant backlog of road reconstruction and renewal projects resulting from the recent floods and the three successive La Ninas.

A number of failed sections have been identified along Grose Vale Road and works are currently in various stages, identified in the attached map and are summarised below;

Completed = 1,120m
Underway = 275m
In planning = 610m
Identified = 1,660m

Sections that have been identified and not yet scheduled are those which do not have funding, and will be prioritised in the FY24/25 capital works program.

Outside of Kurrajong Public School, Council’s contractor has been delayed due to recent weather. The site has been cleaned whist awaiting sealing which is planned in the next two weeks, weather permitting.

In the interim, Councils maintenance team continues to monitor and make safe within available resources and priorities.

This update on the status of road remediation projects including Grose Vale Road is supplied by Council staff to Councillors today:

There is a significant backlog of road reconstruction and renewal projects resulting from the recent floods and the three successive La Ninas.

A number of failed sections have been identified along Grose Vale Road and works are currently in various stages, identified in the attached map and are summarised below;

Completed = 1,120m
Underway = 275m
In planning = 610m
Identified = 1,660m

Sections that have been identified and not yet scheduled are those which do not have funding, and will be prioritised in the FY24/25 capital works program.

Outside of Kurrajong Public School, Council’s contractor has been delayed due to recent weather. The site has been cleaned whist awaiting sealing which is planned in the next two weeks, weather permitting.

In the interim, Council's maintenance team continues to monitor and make safe within available resources and priorities.
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1 month ago

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Thanks for keeping us up-to-date with these Nathan. I hope that these remediations are proper repairs and not the temporary quick-fix solutions we've had in the past (A shovelful of hotseal that only lasts until the next downpour, or forms a mountain ridge in the middle of the road) We had a similar problem at the dip on Cabbage Tree rd. Years of potholes and nearly constant patch jobs that only lasted until the next rain. Eventually council ponied up the bucks for a proper fix, and that stretch hasn't need to be repaired for years now. More expensive at the time, but much cheaper in the long run.

What's going on with the river banks in Windsor please?

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