Annual Report showcases delivery of high levels of service for the community

The report details how, following the onboarding of a new Council in January, Council made important decisions for the future of the Shire. This included adopting a new Community Strategic Plan and Delivery Program and developing the Resourcing Strategy.

It also highlights how, faced with two devastating weather events, Council supported property owners by waiving a range of fees and levies, assisted with the emergency response and undertook extensive clean up and repair programs across the Shire.

“The 2021-2022 Annual Report is a clear demonstration of the significant impact that local government has on the lives of its residents. From completing 61 capital projects including upgrades to playgrounds, parks, roads and paths, to delivering projects promoting social inclusion, introducing innovative initiatives to protect our environment, responding to emergencies, and making important decisions shaping the future of the Shire, Council is taking tangible steps towards building a resilient and prosperous community,” said Hornsby Shire Mayor Philip Ruddock.

Other key operational and capital achievements for 2021/22 include:

• Endorsing the Hornsby Thematic History
• Adopting the Walking and Cycling Strategy
• Adopting the Rural Lands Strategy
• Adopting Social Inclusion Hornsby (Disability Inclusion Action Plan) 2021-2025
• Launching a 12-month trial of a web-based community engagement platform
• Entering a retail electricity agreement to have 100 per cent of Council electricity needs supplied by three NSW solar farms
• Completing Hornsby Library’s multi-million dollar make over
• Launching improvements to the bulky waste collection

“While we maintain a sense of optimism, we must acknowledge that recent events have resulted in significant financial challenges including revenue loss, inflation, high building material costs and supply chain issues. Through prudent financial management, we achieved a balanced budget. Our priority is to maintain a sustainable financial future for Hornsby Shire which is why we have consulted with the community on applying for a Special Rate Variation,” Mayor Ruddock continued.

The 2021-2022 Annual Report is available to view at hornsby.nsw.gov.au. A copy of the final Report, including the 2021/22 Financial Statements, will be provided to the Office of Local Government by 30 November 2022.

At the meeting, Councillors also endorsed a Notice of Motion that Council notes Sydney WorldPride 2023 is being held between 17 February and 5 March 2023 and provides local educational and community opportunities in and around Hornsby Shire to raise awareness of and celebrate the diversity in our community.

Council will demonstrate its support for the local LGBTQIA+ community by liaising with stakeholders for Sydney WorldPride 2023, with a view to aligning currently planned and budgeted for events, activations and activities within Hornsby Shire with the festival and write to Local Member Matt Kean MP to seek state funding and a statement of support for local events. We also will seek to engage with the LGBTQIA+ community in developing our future Social Plan to ensure it reflects the diversity of our community.

“As a diverse and accepting community, I am proud that this motion represents Council’s commitment to ensure that Hornsby Shire is a place where everyone, including the LGBTQIA+ community, can feel safe, supported and included. I thank Councillor McClelland for bringing this motion to Council,” said Mayor Ruddock.

Also at last night’s meeting Council:

• Adopted the 2021/2022 General Purpose Financial Statements and associated Auditor’s Report
• Received and noted the September 2022 Quarter Review of the Operational Plan (Budget) for 2022/23
• Resolved to place the draft housekeeping amendments to the Hornsby Development Control Plan on exhibition.

The full agenda of the meeting, along with details of each item discussed, can be found at hornsby.nsw.gov.au. The video recording of the meeting will be available from Thursday afternoon.