Hornsby Shire Council has unanimously endorsed a submission to the NSW Government concerning proposed changes to controversial legislation affecting developer contributions.
Council said developer contributions were essential for the provision of infrastructure, including open space, parks, community facilities, local roads, footpaths, stormwater drainage, and for traffic management.
“Council is concerned that the Government’s proposed reforms will have significant financial implications for the delivery of much-needed facilities for our community and may stop future projects like the recent refurbishment of Hornsby Library or the public domain improvements to Peats Ferry Road at Asquith,” said Hornsby Shire Mayor, Philip Ruddock.
“While Council welcomes Government’s proposals to simplify the contributions system and make it more transparent, the draft legislation appears to be inconsistent with such objectives as jobs creation and ensuring councils have reliable revenue streams.”
If the legislation is passed, Council says it stands to lose $51.3 million over the next 17 years.
“This funding is critical to ensuring that necessary community infrastructure is provided without burdening existing ratepayers,” Mayor Ruddock said.
Yesterday’s meeting was preceded by a First Nations Smoking Ceremony conducted by Uncle Laurie Bimson, a GuriNgai man; and Welcome to Country conducted by Auntie Erin Watkins, a Darug woman.
The Council also elected Councillor Nathan Tilbury as its new Deputy Mayor for a 12-month term.
Other items of note at last night’s meeting included:
- Council acknowledged the resignation of Jerome Cox from the Hornsby Local Planning Panel and thanked him for his participation and contribution to planning for Hornsby Shire.
- Council endorsed the use of a “countback election” in the event of a Councillor vacancy arising within 18 months of the 4 December 2021 election.
- Council resolved that nine Councillors be registered for attendance at the Local Government NSW Special Conference to be held from Monday 28 February to Wednesday 2 March 2022.
