FOCUS Hills

Looking Towards the Future

December 2008 Baulkham Hills Shire Council Community Magazine

www.baulkhamhills.nsw.gov.au

TRANSPORT INQUIRY
CAN YOU GET wHERE YOU NEED TO GO?
As part of the Hills 2026 Community Strategic Direction, residents said they wanted Council to work together with the community to advocate their needs. One of the communitys goals is I can get where I need to go. Council has long sought transport improvements for the Shire and supported this community direction by urging residents to participate in a New South Wales Parliamentary inquiry established to address transport and infrastructure deficiencies in the NorthWest Sector of Sydney.

Council has long sought transport the Shire improvements for

The Inquiry Committee is looking in particular at the requirements for future road, rail and bus links and the planning and funding of a rail network. The Legislative Councils General Purpose Standing Committee No 4, chaired by the Hon. Jenny Gardiner MLC, is conducting the inquiry and held public hearings in early November. Please check Councils website for updates and further information.

Focus on: Customer Service

Did you know that you can now combine your visit to Castle Hill, Vinegar Hill, Baulkham Hills, Carlingford and Dural libraries with your regular Council business? These libraries are also a onestop-shop, for Council services, providing people with greater choice and access. Residents no longer need to drive to the Council Administration building in Castle Hill to perform simple transactions. Rate payments, pet registration and building certificate applications and general enquiries can take place at your library. Payments can be made by EFTPOS ($10 minimum), credit card or cheque. No cash is accepted. Please note there is a 1% surcharge on all credit card transactions.

OUR FINANCIAL POSITION STRONG FOR THE FUTURE

In September 2008 Councils financial statements were presented by its external auditor, confirming Councils strong financial position. Councils financial indicators were well above accepted industry benchmarks and the long-term position of Council projected by the auditor shows a positive and strong financial position for the future, with Council able to fund major infrastructure projects. The report outlined that at 30 June 2008, Council had no borrowings and no debt, but held cash and investments of $64 million. Council has an effective working capital of $19.5 million on which to build its 2008-2009 budget, much higher than most other Councils, with $4 million generally being considered an acceptable amount. Council has remained debt free for many years now and by applying conservative investment strategies has avoided direct exposure or loss to the sub-prime mortgage or equity markets, resulting in favourable returns compared to other Councils.

Resilient Leadership
Come to a

Council meeting
economic, environmental, financial and governing responsibilities to put the community on the right path for a sustainable future. Council reports reflect the themes of Hills 2026 Resilient Leadership, Vibrant Communities, Balanced Urban Growth, Protected Environment and Modern Local Economy. All of these themes bring together Councils plans and activities and align them with a shared community direction. When does Council meet? Baulkham Hills Shire Council holds its Ordinary Meeting on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, beginning at 7pm. No Council meetings are held during January. Members of the community are encouraged to attend, and people have an opportunity to address Council in community forum - a time set aside especially to consider issues raised by residents. Where can I find information about Council meetings? Business papers are available for viewing on Councils website on the Friday preceeding each meeting. Minutes of meetings, Council news and media releases outlining the decisions of Council can be accessed from the front page of Councils website - see Media and News at www.baulkhamhills. nsw.gov.au If you have any specific enquiries about Council meetings please contact the Public Officer on 9843 0122.

Meet the new Council for 2008-2012 In September this year, 12 community representatives were elected to Council. Councillor Larry Bolitho was elected Mayor and Councillor Peter Dimbrowsky elected the Deputy Mayor at the extraordinary meeting of Council on 2 October 2008. Details of all councillors can be found by turning to the Councillor Comments pages in this magazine. How Council reports Hills 2026 is Baulkham Hills Shires Integrated Planning Framework. The purpose of this framework is to translate our communitys aspirations into Council planning for the future. It is a framework that balances Councils social,

Modern Local Economy

BUSINESS MENTORING
Stepping up
Need a business mentor? Business development and growth is the objective of every entrepreneur, so why not consider joining a program that can help build future growth in your business. Whats involved? Councils mentoring program spans an intensive eightmonth period and includes 12 hours of facilitated workshops with a minimum of 10 hours face-to-face meetings with your mentor. The program can assist your business by addressing your individual needs and providing customised guidance from business leaders, as well as offering networking opportunities. How can I take part? Opportunities are available for the 2009 Program, commencing in March and ending in August 2009. Any person who has been operating a business in the Shire for over 12 months can apply to participate. What will I achieve? Guidance and assistance will be provided to you by successful business owners sharing knowledge about marketing, cash management, increasing sales, turnover and profit. Can I be a mentor? Yes - business leaders are encouraged to apply to help other businesses become more successful, achieve their goals and grow our local economy. Is there a cost? There is a small cost involved which covers one-to-one mentoring, workbooks and workshop participation. Eligibility criteria applies For information about the 2009 Mentoring Program, phone Raquel Bloom on 8853 1911; 0412 705 081 or email rbloom@bhsc.nsw. gov.au.

SYDNEY HILLS BUSINESS CLIMATE ON-LINE SURVEY

What are the issues or constraints you face in daily business life? Do you have trouble recruiting staff or getting the right skills? Help us understand what you need! Council is developing its understanding of the business climate for companies operating in the Sydney Hills. The initiative is designed to build capacity by connecting local businesses to programs, resources and information that support business planning, skill development and business growth. To help Council increase its understanding of current business issues and future opportunities for growth, please take 10-15 minutes to complete an online survey. Go to www.baulkhamhills. nsw.gov.au/businesssurvey and follow the prompts. All information obtained will be treated as confidential.

HEAD FOR THE HILLS

Why Head for the Hills? Did you know that currently 60,000 people leave the Shire each day to work? Residents have told Council they want a diverse range of jobs close to home. In response, Council has developed a campaign called Head for the Hills to attract companies to relocate to the Shire. Why not encourage your boss, your friends and your colleagues to Head for the Hills - take advantage of the great employment, recreation and lifestyle opportunities on offer - and get on with business. How is Council planning for future employment? Council recognises that it is industrys role to create the jobs and local governments role to support business by making the right long-term planning decisions. By 2031, the Baulkham Hills Shire is expected to grow by 100,000 people, with 47,000 additional jobs needed. Norwest Business Park, one of the Shires key employment hubs is expected to be full by 2015. Councils Employment Lands Study will identify and set aside areas of commercial, retail and industrial land for future generations.

Employment Lands

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There is currently just over 500 hectares of employment land existing in the Shire with an additional 147 hectares expected to be needed for the population growth in an area becoming known as the Box Hill Employment Precinct. Where can you find more information? For more information about economic development in the Hills, visit the website w w w. i n v e s t s y d n e y h i l l s . com.au or contact the Economic Development team.

Residents have told work close to home

us that they want to

Focus on: Business Visits

Do you need background information as part of developing your business strategy? Council provides the following free assistance for local companies and those considering heading for the Hills including: local business statistics business demographic information population forecasts market analysis and research referral services to key business connections typical real estate costs labour market costs and availability relocation and recruitment support leasing and sales opportunities research Councils Economic Development team is available to meet with you to find out how we can better support your business. For an appointment call +61 2 9843 0131.

MUNGERIE HOUSE
A boost for visitor information
Restoration work has begun on historic Mungerie House at Rouse Hill. The newly restored homestead will become home to the Rouse Hill Visitor Information Centre and provide an historical anchor for amenities in The New Rouse Hill community. The History of Mungerie Built in the 1890s, Mungerie House is an example of late Victorian architecture and was one of the earliest homesteads established in the Shire. The name Mungerie is aboriginal and is believed to mean eating place tall trees. The original homestead, built in five stages in 1895, comprises four rooms around a central hall, a verandah on three sides and a kitchen at the rear. Alterations and additions to the house continued until the 1980s. The property has formerly been used for sheep and poultry farming, orchards and dairy farming - and has been used as a backdrop for film and television, including Dad and Dave and The Squatters Daughter. When will the project be completed? Due for completion by March 2009, the $4 million restoration of Mungerie House and its surrounds will deliver a range of resident facilities including a swimming pool, sporting facilities, tennis courts and clubhouse. Community facilities will include a childrens play area and landscaped gardens, plus the fully-accredited Visitor Information Centre promoting both local and regional tourism. Councils commitment Council has pledged up to $100,000 for Mungerie Houses fit out, and a further $100,000 budget over five years to fund ongoing operating costs, including rent. Interested in becoming a tourism volunteer? Council is currently looking for community volunteers who would like to join the Tourism team in providing information services. Interested in volunteering in your local community? Contact Raquel Bloom, Project Officer - Economic Development and Tourism, on 8853 1911 for a chat about how you can become involved.

Council is looking for to join the team

community volunteers

Why not spend some time over the holiday season exploring our Shires parks and reserves? The Garden Shire has 325 parks and reserves in both urban and rural environments.

Focus on: Our Reserves

beautiful formal gardens and wide-open spaces are perfect for social or formal events or to simply take time out and relax. For information about parks and picnic spots, visit Councils website and click on the Our Shire tab at the top of the page, then select Parks and Recreation from the drop-down menu.

Excellent barbecue areas, childrens playgrounds, bushland walking trails,

Balanced
PLANNING THE HILLS
Are you aware that by 2031 the Baulkham Hills Shire will grow to approximately 270,000 with 36,000 dwellings needed to be built to accommodate that growth? To plan and manage this growth and change, and guide the preparation of Councils new Local Environmental Plan 2010 (LEP 2010), Council adopted the Draft Local Strategy in June 2008. The Local Strategy is a land use planning document to guide local planning and reflect the themes of the Hills 2026 Community Strategic Direction. As part of the Local Strategy, Council is working on a new Centres Direction and Employment Lands Direction (see page 5 for details). Public exhibition of the draft documents is anticipated for early in 2009. If you live, work or own a business in the Shire, or use our centres for shopping, entertainment or to access services, look out for your opportunity to comment on these documents. For more information on Planning the Hills Projects, click on the Planning the Hills link under Highlights on the home page of Councils website or contact Councils Forward Planning team at planning@bhsc.nsw.gov.au.

Urban Growth

Love the LOOK and FEEL

Are you a local builder or building a new home? Council is encouraging residents and builders to consider the streetscape and character of an area before building. What is streetscape? Streetscape is the look and feel of a street, and blending a new home with the existing streetscape is important for maintaining the Garden Shire image. Streetscape is created by features including kerbs, fencing, setback, gardens, lot size, bulk and scope of homes, colours and materials and architecture. The relationship between these elements creates character which contributes to the look and feel of a street and sense of identity. Urban renewal Currently many parts of the Shire are undergoing change as existing housing makes way for new dwellings. Draft amendments to the Baulkham Hills Development Control Plan (Residential) have been exhibited. These changes aim to strengthen existing controls and provide new building controls to improve the quality of developments and consider streetscape. Like to know more? To view the Development Control Plan visit Councils website, click on the Development tab at the top of the page, select Baulkham Hills Development Control Plan from the drop-down menu and click on Part C Section 3 - Residential.

of your street

Protected Environment

Visit your Environment Centre

Interested in your local environment? Since 2006 the doors of Councils Environment Centre have been open to locals. The Centre has an extensive reference library and environmental education officers are on-hand to provide advice and assistance with any environmental issue. Several key environmental projects are coordinated from the centre including Privet out of Cattai, aimed at eliminating this highly invasive weed; the Waterwise Garden Demonstration displaying various drought tolerant plant species; and the Hills Shire Horse project assisting rural landholders in the environmental management of their properties. As well, free workshops are held throughout the year. To find out about workshops visit Councils website and click on the Environment tab at the top of the home page. The Environment Centre is located at Annangrove Park, cnr Annangrove Road and Currie Avenue, Annangrove, and is open every Thursday from 9am 4pm. Contact 9654 3571 (Thurs) 9843 0579 (Mon-Wed & Fri).

ITS EASY BEING GREEN

Supporting Business
Need some advice on sustainable practices? Council is inviting local businesses to join an exciting new environmental project called A Sustainable World in the Hills. The project is designed to help your business become more environmentally friendly. Being a Green Business is fast becoming a marketing advantage. Whats on offer? Council is offering your business a free sustainability review, an assessment of your ecological footprint and practical suggestions to improve your sustainability credentials. Some of the benefits of the project to businesses, their staff and customers include improved bottom line, reductions in energy and water consumption, improved waste management, potential to increase productivity, positive effects on employees and customers, greater marketing opportunities and exposure. How can my business become involved? For more information about Councils Business Sustainability Project, visit Councils website, click on the Business tab at the top of the home page and select A Sustainable World in the Hills Business Project from the drop-down menu. Alternatively, you can contact Councils Business Sustainability Project Officer on 9843 0362.

RURAL COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN

Have your say!
What is the plan? Did you know that our Shire extends from North Parramatta to Wisemans Ferry, taking in some of the most picturesque rural communities in NSW? The Rural Community Action Plan is being developed to address the specific social and service needs of residents in our Shires rural areas. This place-based approach to community planning will build on existing Council plans and strategies. How can I have my say? Community members can have their say throughout the process with ongoing community engagement activities. The community will continue to be heard as projects are designed, developed and implemented. The next community consultation is planned for December 2008 at Wisemans Ferry with further consultations within the Annangrove and Kenthurst areas in the New Year. Want more information? For further details contact Councils Community Planning Coordinator on 9843 0361.

Community members throughout the process can have their say

Focus on: Reducing Emissions

Council supports the concept of a clean, green Shire by using blended biodiesel fuel to power diesel plant in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Following the successful sixmonth trial earlier this year on four works vehicles, Council has opted to expand the use of the alternative fuel to power 90% of its diesel plant. By running 90% of Councils fleet on biodiesel, significant reductions of up to 42 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year are anticipated, reinforcing our commitment to the Cities for Climate Protection Program. Biodiesel is an alternative to crude oil based diesel and is derived from vegetable oils or animal fats and can be blended with standard diesel.

BAULKHAM HILLS CYCLEWAY

Keeping you in the Loop
The Baulkham Hills area has over 10km of off-road cycleways available for cyclists and pedestrians, extending from Windsor Road near Showground Road in the north, through to the M2 and Old Windsor Road in the south. The Baulkham Hills Loop Cycleway provides around 8km of off-road pathway, mostly travelling through scenic parklands. This route is relatively flat, except for some areas near Seven Hills Road and in Sophia Doyle Reserve. A detailed map of the cycleway can be downloaded from Councils website. Select the Our Shire tab at the top of the page; choose Parks and Recreation from the drop-down menu; click on Off Road Cycleways then select the Baulkham Hills Off Road Cycling Map.

Looking for quality child care?

Councils child care Baulkham Hills Shire Council can provide your child with a safe and happy child care environment that is fun, educational and nurturing. Enrolling your child in one of Councils child care centres will ensure your family is supported with the highest standards of early childhood care and education. Our early childhood learning programs are fully accredited and developed by university-qualified Early Childhood Teachers. All our staff are trained in understanding the needs of children and parents at all ages of early childhood development. We are here to support you as a family at every step of the way. What does a Council child care centre offer? Nutritious meals, drinks and snacks are supplied and families are offered support on a wide range of health and developmental needs, including the varying dietary needs of individual children. Our service is not for profit. All funds raised are used directly for the benefit of the service. Centres are open on week days at 7am and close at 6pm. This provides you with a choice of times to attend. Come for a visit We invite you to visit our centres as we are certain you will find many benefits that will meet your needs. Centres are located at Baulkham Hills 9639 4212; Castle Hill (Castle Glen) 9680 4824; Castle Hill (Excelsior Avenue) 9680 2735; Dural 9651 3998; West Pennant Hills 9871 2553; Carlingford 9873 1780. For more information visit Councils website, click on the Residents tab and select Childrens Services from the drop-down menu.

Seasons Greetings!
The Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Councillors, General Manager and staff of Baulkham Hills Shire Council wish you and your family a safe and enjoyable Festive Season. For information on Councils opening times over the Christmas and New Year period please check Councils website at www.baulkhamhills.nsw.gov.au or phone Customer Service on 9843 0555.

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Vibrant Communities
HILLS COMMUNITY CARE
Mental Health Program Respite Are you caring for someone with a mental illness or someone with an intellectual disability? Hills Community Cares Mental Health Respite Program can help you have a break by providing in-home respite, centre-based day programs, recreational support, and transport to medical appointments. If you would like more information, please call 9672 6308. What is Hills Community Care? Hills Community Care is a Baulkham Hills Shire Council Community Service and commenced operations in 1991. Hills Community Care conducts a variety of programs funded at local, State and Federal levels to assist frail aged, people with dementia, people with disabilities and/or their carers. The Centre is located at the Baulkham Hills Community Centre complex (off Conie Avenue) and also utilises a variety of facilities within the Shire. For more information visit Councils website, click on the Residents tab and select Hills Community Care from the drop-down menu.

Focus on:

Say GDAY at
Dont miss the 2009 Australia Day celebrations at Council, corner of Showground and Carrington Roads, Castle Hill. Our sensational annual event has something for everyone with thrill rides, great food, stalls, an affirmation ceremony and fantastic on-stage entertainment throughout the afternoon.

Australia Day 09
Drop in and say GDay as the doors to Council open for our annual Council Expo as part of the Australia Day Celebrations. The Say GDay Expo is all about showcasing Councils services and Council staff will be on hand to provide information and answer any questions you may have about Council services. Find out about bushcare, our communitys Hills 2026 Vision, your environment, childcare, youth, library and senior services and more. Councils Say GDay Expo will run on Monday 26 January, 2009 in Councils Administration Building - check Councils website in the New Year for more information.

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Councillor Peter Dimbrowsky (Deputy Mayor)

Councillor Tony Hay

Councillor Justin Taunton

Id like to take this opportunity to thank the community for voting for me and my team at the recent elections. We are humbled and honoured by the overwhelming support. The process of an election campaign is an amazing experience like no other. Putting yourself up for public judgement is not easy and I congratulate all candidates for caring enough about their community to put up their hand and for being prepared to contribute in a positive way. I have the additional honour of being elected Deputy Mayor and I am thankful to my Council colleagues who elected me to this position. All of us accept the that come with the the tasks ahead and be the Council team expects us to be. responsibilities job. We know were ready to the community

2008 -2012 will be interesting times for Baulkham Hills Shire. We have for the first time in living memory a Council comprised of two professional political parties. It potentially will be the best of times if effective representation can be made on behalf of our community. For too long our elected State representatives have done nothing but criticise and complain about the failings of State Government to deliver for our region. Even when our State members are in Government our region has been taken for granted as safe seats. It is now time to extract real commitments to the necessary major state projects from these opposition members, not just continued unproductive criticism about a State Government holding no seats in the area. What I hope is that locally Council will be capable of working together to deliver constructive outcomes in those areas that are the responsibility of Local Government and to meet the needs of our local community. I look forward to the completion of local projects and initiatives that were commenced during my term as Mayor of this great Shire, together with the new local initiatives that we will complete together for the benefit of our residents.

They say that Spring is a time for renewal and new beginnings and for me, being elected as one of your Councillors, it certainly is the case. It is an honour and a privilege to be given the opportunity to serve the Hills community that I have lived in for most of my life. The winds of change also reached the top levels of our State Government and for the first time ever we have a Premier who grew up in our district and attended Northmead High School in our Shire. Lets hope that now we have a local as the Premier of NSW action is taken to address some of the pressing needs facing our Shire! As one of your Councillors, some of my top priorities are: Lobbying State and Federal Governments for funding to construct the North West rail link and the upgrade of Showground Road to 4 lanes. To protect the amenity of Castle Hill Showground as a cultural and heritage asset for future generations. Working with key stakeholders to ensure the completion of the Castle Hill Ring Road project in a timely and efficient manner as well as implementing the Castle Hill Town Centre Master plan. Please feel free to contact me should you wish to discuss any matters relating to Council and our community.

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I believe the public got it right on September 13 and all twelve elected Councillors have the best interests of the community at heart and I look forward to working with all of them as a team, to deliver the best outcomes WISEMANS FERRY for the people of the Baulkham Hills LEETSVALE LOWER Shire. PORTLAND
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Councillor Andrew Jefferies

Councillor David Bentham

Councillor Larry Bolitho (Mayor)

Id firstly like to thank the voters of the Hills for the strong endorsement of the Liberal team right across the Shire and particularly in East Ward. The newly elected Council with its generational change and younger representatives is now far more balanced and reflective of the Shires demographics. I welcome the communitys clear message to reject the behaviour and policy direction of the NSW State Labor Government, their counterparts here in Baulkham Hills and other groups who aligned themselves with Labor over the last four years. As your East Ward representative, I am looking forward to working with all members of the community and my State and Federal colleagues to achieve greater outcomes such as improved transport infrastructure, better customer service delivery and upgrades to our parks and playing fields. Id also like to thank the many members of the community who volunteered their personal time to assist with my election campaign. Your hard work and effort is greatly appreciated and I hope to maintain your support over the next four years. As a member of the Liberal team, I am always happy to help you with any council related concern or matter. Please feel free to call or email me if I can be of any assistance.

The election is over. Thank you for trusting me to represent you for another four years. The next year will be eventful. Apart from the global and State financial problems, we will need to be careful with our financial affairs. Plans already approved call on our Council to expend major capital. Carlingford Precinct will need a lot of community consultation and be a major capital expense over the medium term, if approved. Your input is still valued. Bus facilities will need to be accelerated if we are to cope with the pressures already in the public transport system. I hope to bring forward major policy changes in this area to our Council, so again your input is welcome. Parking is also a major policy area that needs attention in this term of Council. East Ward is changing as renewal of the building stock occurs. Hopefully we can renew infrastructure and enhance the built environment and the streetscapes. These are expensive and essential works but with goodwill and sound leadership we will deliver. Be Informed. Be involved.

It is an honour to have been elected as Mayor of this wonderful Shire. The people of our Shire, through our local democratic system, have placed a great responsibility on us in electing their new Council for the next four years. The clear message is that residents want all Councillors to act as an interface between the community and Council. In order to do this, we must show strong leadership and unity. In this term of Council, we will be placing a high emphasis on the professional development of Councillors to enable us to represent the whole of the community to the best of our judgement and ability. There are many challenges before us including the provision of infrastructure for our rapidly growing area, planning for new growth areas and the revitalisation of residential areas. I am confident that your new Council W has the knowledge, dedication andFEISEMANS RRY skills to meet these challenges.
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Councillor Robyn Preston

Councillor Greg Burnett

Councillor Barbara Burton

As a new Councillor I want to thank you for your support in the recent local government election. It is a privilege and an honour to serve the community. North Ward has such a broad range of needs. The territory is the largest of the four wards and offers a diversity of living environments. From rural to residential, retail services to small businesses, there are many challenges ahead. I am mindful of the need for dedicated open space. As an active sports person I recognise the value to the community in having room to play, compete and relax. Inadequate public transport has been our burden for decades. We need rail to unclog our roads and I am determined to put pressure on the state government to provide a rail system. Council needs to provide adequate funding for our local roads too. I look forward to representing your concerns in council over the next four years. Please stay involved and WISEMANS FERRY stay in touch.
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The recent Council Election sent a clear message that we must consult, manage and deliver to the community that has elected us to represent them. One of the first major items for the new Council is the Shire Local Environmental Plan 2010. Due for public release and exhibition shortly, I look forward to engaging the community and stakeholders and hearing your interpretation and opinion of one of the most significant documents that governs development and forward planning in the Shire. The NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee No.4 has commenced an inquiry into the transport needs of the Northwest. The outcome and recommendations of the inquiry should confirm what the public already knows: the need for immediate additional substantive investment and consultation in relation to public transport in the Northwest. It will be a pleasure to work alongside my fellow Councillors with their differing backgrounds, achievements, goals and priorities; taking Baulkham Hills Shire forward, strengthening its financial position and achieving the outcomes expected by the community. Thank you for the opportunity to represent the community of Baulkham Hills Shire. Please feel free to contact me regarding any issue for which I may be of assistance.

I am thrilled to join Council as the first Labor woman and the first Labor Councillor representing North Ward in 100 years and I will be working hard to live up to residents expectations. I am really pleased that there are two other new women Councillors, and I look forward to working with them and my other fellow Councillors to make a difference and serve our community. We are at the beginning of the bushfire danger season, October to March. The highly trained men and women of the Rural Fire Service do a wonderful job helping to protect us, but it is up to each one of us to play our part by preparing our homes against bushfires, particularly in the rural and bushy areas of North Ward. We need to reduce ground fuels around our houses, clear gutters regularly of leaves and debris, prepare firebreaks and have a fire safety plan. Councils Bushfire Awareness website is well worth looking at. Council has been building footpaths around our newer areas such as Rouse Hill, enabling residents to walk to shops and schools where possiblegetting healthy exercise, saving money on petrol, and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Unfortunately there are some missing footpaths causing difficulties so it is time for us to take action and complete the footpaths and cycle ways as planned. Please feel free to contact me about any matters which are concerning you.

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Councillor Mike Thomas

Councillor Raymond Harty

Councillor Michelle Byrne

Firstly, I would like to thank the public for their support at the recent Local Government Elections. I am very pleased to be returned as a Councillor on Baulkham Hills Shire Council to represent our community. I am excited about our new Council and welcome all the new Councillors elected for this term. My priorities for this term are unchanged: Our Financial Position - Council has an enormous shortfall in its developer contribution plans. These funds are used to fund promised community facilities. We need to be responsible in our finances so we can maintain our ageing infrastructure and provide facilities such as the green space promised to our residents. Traffic - All our residents know the traffic problems. I oppose higher density units in our Shire without the infrastructure required. Our Shire is a growth area and needs more State Government funding especially on our clogged up roads such as Showground Rd. Council needs to provide adequate funding for its roads and pressure the State Government to fund their roads. Public Green Space - Residents love their green areas and too often come to me about losing their promised open space. Less important expenditures often crowd out spending on our open green areas, which is an issue I watch carefully. I am pleased that the park at Wrights Road Castle Hill I undertook to have commenced this year has begun development. I encourage residents to bring to me issues that concern you.
0423 798 891 Fax: 9614 3437 thomas_mike@optusnet.com.au

I wish to take this opportunity to express my thanks and gratitude to the residents of the Baulkham Hills Shire, and in particular the residents of West Ward for once again being given the honour and privilege to be their elected representative. Over the course of the next four years the Council will face many challenges, not least amongst these challenges is the issue of an integrated transport system involving rail and bus services on priority bus routes like in other areas of metropolitan Sydney. It is an unsatisfactory situation given the high level of car dependency in the Hills that there is not one designated priority bus route. Once bus routes are designated as such, it would, under the service provisions of the contract that private bus companies have with the State Government, lead to increased frequency under the terms of the contract. Notwithstanding the political make up of the newly elected Council I will use my best endeavours through the forums available to me to pursue a better transport outcome for the Hills.

It is a pleasure to have been elected as Councillor to West Ward in the recent Local Government elections. As a long term resident of Baulkham Hills, I am passionate about protecting the unique lifestyle that the Hills Shire has to offer. I am opposed to medium-density housing developments being forced upon residents, particularly without adequate community facilities, roads and transport infrastructure being provided to cope with increased population and demands for services. The lack of public transport continues to impact negatively upon Baulkham Hills Shire and has been the focus of much media attention in recent weeks. Now is the time to really take the fight up to the State Government to obtain the funding and infrastructure that we so desperately need. I look forward to making a positive contribution to our community in these areas and am keen to hear residents concerns.
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michellerbyrne@yahoo.com.au
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Visit our Shires Attractions

semans Ferry Wi
Our Shire has some of the best natural assets in New South Wales. Why not turn back time and spend the day at beautiful Wisemans Ferry in our Shires north? What can you do at Wisemans Ferry? Enjoy the panoramic view from Hawkins Lookout Picnic in Wisemans Ferry Park Take a scenic drive along the river Take the ferry across the river and discover historic St Albans and the Convict Trail Cruise along the Hawkesbury River Hire a houseboat Explore the river on waterskis Enjoy lunch at the historic inn For details about things to see and do in our Shire, visit www.sydneyhills.com

Focus on:

Baulkham Hills Shire Council

129 Showground Road, Castle Hill NSW 2154 PO Box 75, Castle Hill NSW 1765 Ph: 9843 0555 Fax: 9843 0409 Email: baulk@bhsc.nsw.gov.au Website & e-request system: www.baulkhamhills.nsw.gov.au 24hr Emergency Number: issues relating to roads, drainage and trees on public land call: 0412 705 090. For after-hours assistance with animal control, development control or emergency environmental issues call 9843 0555. Vandalism Hotline (24hr): 1300 884 885. Waste Hotline: 1800 623 895 or email baulkhamhills@cleanaway.com.au Auslan interpreters can be provided on request for all public meetings. Councils TTY phone number is 8850 5622.