Hornsby Shire Council is proud to this week publish its 2022-2023 Annual Report which outlines that despite an increasingly challenging financial climate, Council has delivered the highest possible levels of service for its community.
The report highlights Council's focus on transforming Hornsby Shire through major projects at Hornsby and Westleigh Parks, reaching new levels of community engagement on projects like the Hornsby Town Centre Masterplan and its on-going commitment to nurturing the Shire's bushland setting with great successes in bush care and tree planting. The report also detailed great outcomes on Council's initiatives to bolster resilience and inclusion in the community with a range of events and cultural and education programs.
Hornsby Shire Council Mayor The Hon Philip Ruddock AO said the 2022-2023 Annual Report demonstrates Council's commitment to making Hornsby Shire an even better place to live and thrive.
"I take immense pride in the services we provide to our diverse community, as they truly reflect our commitment to making a difference. From initiatives like Hello Hornsby that enrich the lives of our seniors to the vibrant celebrations of National Youth Week and our WorldPride 2023 event, it's about creating a meaningful impact in people's lives," said Hornsby Shire Council Mayor The Hon Philip Ruddock AO.
"We've made great progress on our ambitious journey to deliver new services and facilities for our community, harnessing rates, development contributions and grants from the NSW Government all while preserving our beautiful bushland surroundings. Our community can now enjoy a new indoor cricket centre at Mark Taylor Oval in Waitara, a brand-new boat ramp at Wisemans Ferry, and a spectacular playground at Warrina Street Oval in Berowra."
More key operational and capital achievements for 2022/23 include:
- Planting 1,971 trees
- Distributing 31,899 native plants for planting in the Shire
- Constructing 2.96 kilometres of new footpaths
- Spending $4.8 million on local footpath and shared paths
- Repairing 2,550 potholes
- Harvesting 2,057 kilolitres stormwater for reuse systems
- Collecting 37.19 tonnes soft plastics at the Community Recycling Centre
- Constructing or upgrading 3,667 metres of tracks, boardwalks and bridges
- Installing solar panels on five community centres around Hornsby Shire
- Adopting a Parking Management Plan to improve car parking in Brooklyn
- Installing an electric vehicle charging station in Beecroft Village Car Park
- Completing a Customer Experience Strategy to enhance ongoing customer experience
- Progressing the Byles Creek Planning Proposal through Gateway Determination and public exhibition
For the first time, the Annual Report includes information about Council's steps taken to ensure goods and services purchased by and for Council were not the product of modern slavery (according to the Modern Slavery Act 2018). Development contributions and levies received and expended were also included for the first time, as were details on projects for which contributions have been used under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021.
The report also details how some tough decisions were needed to maintain a strong financial future for Hornsby Shire.
The 2022-2023 Annual Report is available to view at hornsby.nsw.gov.au. A copy of the final Report, including the 2022/23 Financial Statements, will be provided to the Office of Local Government by 30 November 2023.
