27 October, 2021

CHERRYBROOK METRO DEVELOPMENT | Plans for the Cherrybrook station precinct are still not publicly available. Nine years on and residents live with uncertainty about what's going to be built at the 3.5 hectares of land around the station and how high it will be.

I have organised a Zoom meeting for all residents to focus on why it's so important for the community to get organised and get vocal about its vision for the area.

I'll be joined by Council candidate and Cherrybrook resident, Tamanna Shah, known and respected across the Hills and Cherrybrook for her work in getting local bus services returned.

Greens MP Jamie Parker is a powerful and experienced advocate for the community. He will be sharing his knowledge of successful resident-led campaigns, and how to get organised to have a say.

This is a Zoom meeting you won't want to miss. A neighbourhood as good as Cherrybrook is worth fighting for. 

WHEN: 7.30pm Monday 1 November
WHERE: Zoom
REGISTER HERE: https://greens.org.au/nsw/cherrybrook

Please circulate this information to friends and neighbours. 

 Recent wins 

I'm delighted to be able to report more wins this month. Pedestrian space at the traffic lights on Sutherland Rd / Cheltenham Rd has been re-concreted. The DA for the Men's Shed in North Epping has been passed by Council and the $4.7 million upgrade to Hornsby Library which I strongly supported is nearly complete. 

 Protecting Byles Creek

 Marymount Mercy Centre - demolition and subdivision

Sad news for those who have valued the calm tranquility of the Marymount Mercy Centre site on David Rd, Castle Hill. Council has received a DA to create 60 residential and 4 open space allotments. 

The existing Mercy Centre building will be demolished and 0.73 hectares of critically endangered Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest vegetation cleared.

The DA also proposes a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) which would dedicate about one quarter of the site with the remaining Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest (approximately 4.59 hectares), internal roads and 3 park areas to Council at no initial cost.  

This DA 1022/2021 is on exhibition until 11 November 2021. The Hornsby Local Planning Panel will decide this DA. Find all the documents and make a submission here.  

I'm following this one closely. It's going to have a huge impact on traffic and on biodiversity if it's allowed to go ahead. 

 A phone-tastic initiative!

It's on again! I've been helping turn Hornsby’s e-waste into a way of helping women experiencing domestic violence by collecting unwanted phones from residents across the Shire. The phones are delivered to The Reconnect Project where the phones are wiped and reconditioned and given new batteries and cords. A clean, un-tracked phone provides a woman with a safe way of reaching out for help.

If you have an unwanted phone, contact me. Even phones that are broken or really old can be useful: they can be stripped for parts so repairs can be made without new imported parts. 

 Community transport - could you use this service? 

Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Community Transport is a not-for-profit Community Care programme providing transport for frail and aged people, plus people of all ages with disabilities. Their aim is to reach eligible clients living independently in the Hornsby and Ku-ring-gai local government areas who would like to maintain their independence.

HKCT runs shopping trips, picnics, shopping shuttles as well as personal trips to hairdressers, medical appointments and family visits. They service the whole of Hornsby Shire, including rural areas. 

If you or a friend or relative are over 65 (or 50 years and older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander residents) and qualify for Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) you are likely to be eligible. Contact My Aged Care for an assessment www.myagedcare.gov.au/help-home/commonwealth-home-support-programme

NDIS clients can contact HKCT's partner community transport provider STRYDER . Telephone: (02) 9816 5000

Find the HKCT website here: https://communitytransport.org.au/

 Hornsby Water clock - cleaned and cared for 

The Hornsby Water Sculpture is now almost 30 years old. It has never fully functioned, and needs some love (and a clean)! Here's what is planned:

• An electric support system will be added to the dial clock and wear and tear on the water wheel will be reduced by limiting the movement of the buckets. 
• The pontoon on which the water sculpture is mounted will be stabilised in one position.
• The hydraulic functions will be upgraded to meet current safety requirements and the pond resealed. 
• The entire sculpture will be cleaned, with its natural patina left as the artist intended. Key elements will be polished to highlight them, much how it was when it was originally commissioned.
• A new lighting system will be installed.

The work is planned to finish in time for the Christmas markets on Friday 10 December.

  Help getting a licence 

I'm teaching my daughter to drive at the moment. I taught my son too (on our manual car!) and it's something I took for granted that my kids would be able to achieve. 

But it's not always as easy as it's been for my family. 

If your family or other families you know need assistance with learning to drive, Youthsafe might be able to help. They run the Driver Licencing Access Program (DLAP) funded by Transport for NSW.
 
The funding is to assist people who are experiencing disadvantage to get their learner driver licence or their provisional (P1) driver licence specifically in the LGAs of Hornsby, Ku-ring-gai and Hawkesbury.
 
The services can be made available to eligible people 16 years or older. Adults can also qualify for assistance.
 
Learn more about DLAP here.
Learn more about Youthsafe here.  

Please spread the word through your networks that this assistance is available.

And before I go, a little reminder ...

I'm getting ready for next month's elections. Voting is 22 November - 4 December. I'm hoping to be re-elected to C Ward, or Mayor of Hornsby Shire so I can continue to look after your family and this beautiful place we all call home. 

I would very much value your support.

Stay safe & well 
Emma  🌞


https://greens.org.au/nsw/auth