4 May 2020

September Council elections: I'm launching and you're invited!

I’m running a huge campaign for councillor and Mayor of Hornsby – and you’re invited to the launch!
 
You’ll meet the Greens’ candidates for A and B Wards, and hear from outspoken feminist, environmentalist and anti-racist portfolio holder, Greens NSW Senator Mehreen Faruqi.
 
WHEN: 6:30pm for 7:00pm start, Friday 21st May
WHERE: The Beecroft Club, 128 Copeland Road (5mins walk from Beecroft station)
COST: $15 (includes light food – drinks available at the venue)
RSVP is essential: https://greens.org.au/nsw/hornsby2021launch

Why am I running for mayor?
 
I want the opportunity to serve people in this Shire full time as mayor, because like you, I love where we live.
 
And I have proven just how hard I will work to protect it. 

There’s a lot at stake this election. We need to ensure that the places and environment we love are protected. With your support, I can keep doing that essential job.

Brooklyn: a plan at last? 

Work is currently underway on the Brooklyn place plan. The purpose of this plan is to improve the functionality and appeal of the Brooklyn village centre. But at this stage there is no single way forward. There are lots of opinions, particularly on how to manage parking. So Council is putting out a discussion paper and asking for feedback.
 
Find the discussion paper and the online survey here.
 
If you need assistance to complete the survey, a Council staff member will be available (by appointment) at the following times and locations:

• Thursday 6 May, 3pm–7pm, Brooklyn Meeting Room, 2–4 Dangar Road, Brooklyn
• Saturday 8 May, 8am–12pm, Baden Powell Hall, Baden Powell Road, Brooklyn
• Saturday 8 May, 2pm–6pm, Dangar Island Community Centre, Dangar Island 

To book an appointment or request a hard copy of the survey or discussion paper ph: 9847 6052 or email place@hornsby.nsw.gov.au
 
Submissions are due by Sunday 30 May.

Another win with a much-needed splash of colour!

Thank you to everyone who supported the upgrade of Hunter Lane. That's the dirty little laneway that leads to the largest library in Hornsby Shire. I've been calling for better lighting and safety measure for years. The new colourful walkway really helps remind drivers that this is a shared area. 

Helping your neighbours in need

Hornsby Connect helps people in need with groceries and access to services. I'm running a collections drive in Beecroft along with local resident, Raman. Get your groceries into the donations bin: last chance is Monday 10 May. Thank you so much to everyone who has already donated. 

Footpaths, playgrounds and drainage: plans for 2021-22 
 

Projects Council is planning in 2021-2022 like playground renewals, new footpaths, pollutant traps and new facilities at sports fields are on public exhibition right now.

• refurbishing Hornsby Library
• a new roof for Galston pool
• a new boat ramp for Wisemans Ferry
• a plan for the rural areas of Hornsby
• more work on turning the Quarry and Westleigh into places we can all enjoy for sport and leisure activities.

Byles Creek: how to be involved

Beautiful Byles Creek is home to Powerful owls, Boobook owls and countless other native animals, birds and reptiles. And it’s very close to homes in Cheltenham and Beecroft.

Council is looking at whether current planning controls protect this area adequately. Read about the study and register to receive updates here. 

Urgent! A safe crossing for New Line Road

Everyone know that Cherrybrook is cut in half by New Line Road. There is no safe place for someone on foot or on a bike to cross the road and access the shops and metro station.

It’s also a very intimidating roundabout for many drivers. I am determined to get lights installed at this crossing. Residents have been calling for action for more than a decade. Your support is crucial. Sign the petition from local resident Mehrassa Farjad here.

Council has big plans for the former Water Board land at Westleigh, and the Quarry behind the Hornsby swimming pool. Those plans are now available for the whole community to have a say.  
 
The money to start the projects is coming from the state government in partial compensation for the boundary changes which has left Hornsby Council so much worse off.
 
Plans for Westleigh include three sports areas and a reduction in the number of mountain bike tracks through the valuable forest adjacent.

Plans for the Quarry (AKA Hornsby Park) include a freshwater lake, a tree-top walkway and bushwalking tracks. There is a plan to link the two with a walking / MTB track.
 
Here’s how to have your say:

• A survey about the plans is available here
• The email for sending in submissions is: planyourparkland@elton.com.au
• Information with Council staff and consultants: 11am-2pm Hornsby Mall Thursday 13 May
• Information with staff & consultants: 11am-2pm Ruddock Park Westleigh Saturday 15 May

Stay safe & well 
Emma  🌞