Hornsby Shire Council last night voted to take significant steps forward in the delivery of two major park projects.
The ambitious Hornsby Park is the largest single project ever undertaken by Hornsby Shire Council. Located at the site of the former Hornsby Quarry, approximately 1km west of the town centre, the area features approximately 60 hectares of bushland and open space and is home to several features of historical and community interest, including early settler relics, the State Heritage listed Old Mans Valley Cemetery and remnant buildings of the quarry crusher plant.
Councillors determined to progress Hornsby Park by delivering an impressive canopy skywalk and cable bridge through the trees in 2024.
As per the Master Plan adopted in July 2021, Hornsby Park will become a major recreation destination which will be delivered in stages. Following extensive groundworks at the site, Council has committed to deliver the first stage of the project.
The almost $28 million attractions will feature an impressive 400m canopy skywalk and cable bridge linking Hornsby Town Centre with the site of the old Crusher Plant on a fully accessible pathway immersing visitors into the bush. In this stage, Council will also begin developing the area around the Crusher Plant with a lookout, a lawn and play area, car park, and toilet facilities. Plans also include additional bushwalking tracks and trails leading to two more lookouts to the west and north-west of the site. The first works are targeted to be open to the public in 2024.
“We are pleased that the first stage of this important project will be available next year for the community to enjoy,” said Mayor, Philip Ruddock.
“We have been working hard behind the scenes to make the site safe and preparing it for future uses. While the project as a whole will develop over time, we are excited that this new skywalk will give people to the opportunity to experience this unique destination of outstanding natural beauty and see this huge project taking shape.
“Delivering the project within a financially responsible framework is critical and we have worked with staff to ensure that we have safeguards in place to minimise any risk.”
Councillors also voted to publish the revised draft Master Plan and endorsed the draft Plan of Management for Council’s other major project, Westleigh Park, for exhibition.
Following extensive community engagement in 2021, Councillors deferred adoption of the draft Westleigh Park Master Plan to allow time to address concerns around the extent and location of mountain bike and traffic generation around the park.
“Since then, we undertook further engagement and held co design workshops for the mountain bike trails with key stakeholders from the mountain bike and environmental protection groups. We also held workshops about the proposed extension to Sefton Road,” said Mayor Ruddock.
The revised draft Master Plan is available to view from 13 March for 28 days on yoursay.hornsby.nsw.gov.au
“As a Council, it is imperative that decisions we take are guided by our residents. I am proud that our extensive community engagement and work with reputable ecological consultants has led the design of a bike trail network that ensures the long term protection of this precious bushland, while still providing a quality riding experience. All of the community’s views are important to us and this proposal has been prepared to support a future development application on the site which will be assessed by an independent body,” the Mayor said.
The draft Westleigh Park Plan of Management outlines controls for future use, development and maintenance of the site and establishes our goals, strategies and desired outcomes that will guide the timing, shape and nature of developments. It will be on public exhibition from 13 March until 23 April.
