Agenda of General Meeting - Wednesday, 13 October 2021

Hornsby Shire Council Agenda and Summary of Recommendations

Page 1

AGENDA AND SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS

PRESENT

NATIONAL ANTHEM

OPENING PRAYER/S

Acknowledgement of RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY

Statement by the Chairperson:

"We recognise our Shire's rich cultural and religious diversity and we acknowledge and pay respect to the beliefs of all members of our community, regardless of creed or faith."

Acknowledgement of Country

Statement by the Chairperson:

"Council recognises the Traditional Owners of the lands of Hornsby Shire, the Darug and GuriNgai peoples, and pays respect to their Ancestors and Elders past and present and to their Heritage. We acknowledge and uphold their intrinsic connections and continuing relationships to Country."

Video and AUDIO RECORDING OF COUNCIL MEETING

Statement by the Chairperson:

"I advise all present that tonight's meeting is being video streamed live via Council’s website and also audio recorded for the purposes of providing a record of public comment at the meeting, supporting the democratic process, broadening knowledge and participation in community affairs, and demonstrating Council’s commitment to openness and accountability. The audio and video recordings of the non-confidential parts of the meeting will be made available on Council’s website once the Minutes have been finalised. All speakers are requested to ensure their comments are relevant to the issue at hand and to refrain from making personal comments or criticisms. No other persons are permitted to record the Meeting, unless specifically authorised by Council to do so."

APOLOGIES / LEAVE OF ABSENCE

political donations disclosure

Statement by the Chairperson:

“In accordance with Section 10.4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, any person or organisation who has made a relevant planning application or a submission in respect of a relevant planning application which is on tonight’s agenda, and who has made a reportable political donation or gift to a Councillor or employee of the Council, must make a Political Donations Disclosure Statement.

If a Councillor or employee has received a reportable political donation or gift from a person or organisation who has made a relevant planning application or a submission in respect of a relevant planning application which is on tonight’s agenda, they must declare a non-pecuniary conflict of interests to the meeting, disclose the nature of the interest and manage the conflict of interests in accordance with Council’s Code of Conduct.”

declarations of interest

Clause 4.16 and 4.17 of Council’s Code of Conduct for Councillors requires that a councillor or a member of a Council committee who has a pecuniary interest in a matter which is before the Council or committee and who is present at a meeting of the Council or committee at which the matter is being considered must disclose the nature of the interest to the meeting as soon as practicable. The disclosure is also to be submitted in writing (on the form titled “Declaration of Interest”).

4.16 A councillor who has a pecuniary interest in any matter with which the council is concerned, and who is present at a meeting of the council or committee at which the matter is being considered, must disclose the nature of the interest to the meeting as soon as practicable.

4.17 The councillor must not be present at, or in sight of, the meeting of the council or committee:

a) at any time during which the matter is being considered or discussed by the council or committee, or

b) at any time during which the council or committee is voting on any question in relation to the matter.

Clause 5.10 and 5.11 of Council’s Code of Conduct for Councillors requires that a councillor or a member of a Council committee who has a non-pecuniary interest in a matter which is before the Council or committee and who is present at a meeting of the Council or committee at which the matter is being considered must disclose the nature of the interest to the meeting as soon as practicable. The disclosure is also to be submitted in writing (on the form titled “Declaration of Interest”).

5.10 Significant non-pecuniary conflict of interests must be managed in one of two ways:

a) by not participating in consideration of, or decision making in relation to, the matter in which you have the significant non-pecuniary conflict of interest and the matter being allocated to another person for consideration or determination, or

b) if the significant non-pecuniary conflict of interest arises in relation to a matter under consideration at a council or committee meeting, by managing the conflict of interest as if you had a pecuniary interest in the matter by complying with clauses 4.16 and 4.17.

5.11 If you determine that you have a non-pecuniary conflict of interest in a matter that is not significant and does not require further action, when disclosing the interest, you must also explain in writing why you consider that the non-pecuniary conflict of interest is not significant and does not require further action in the circumstances.

confirmation of minutes

THAT the Minutes of the General Meeting held on 8 September 2021 be confirmed; a copy having been distributed to all Councillors.

Petitions

presentations

Rescission Motions

Mayoral Minutes

ITEMS PASSED BY EXCEPTION / CALL FOR SPEAKERS ON AGENDA ITEMS

Note:

Persons wishing to address Council on matters which are on the Agenda are permitted to speak, prior to the item being discussed, and their names will be recorded in the Minutes in respect of that particular item.

Persons wishing to address Council on non-agenda matters, are permitted to speak after all items on the agenda in respect of which there is a speaker from the public have been finalised by Council. Their names will be recorded in the Minutes under the heading "Public Forum for Non-Agenda Items".

GENERAL BUSINESS

· Items for which there is a Public Forum Speaker

· Public Forum for non-agenda items

· Balance of General Business items

Office of the General Manager

Page Number 1

Item 1 GM48/21 Memorandum of Understanding - Hornsby Chamber of Commerce

RECOMMENDATION

THAT Council endorse the Memorandum of Understanding with the Hornsby Chamber of Commerce attached to Report No. GM48/21 such that greater collaboration with business across the Shire can start to be developed.

Corporate Support Division

Page Number 5

Item 2 CS68/21 Investments and Borrowings for 2021/2022 - Status for Period Ending 31 August 2021

RECOMMENDATION

That the contents of Director’s Report No. CS68/21 be received and noted.

Page Number 8

Item 3 CS73/21 Pecuniary Interest and Other Matters Returns - Disclosures by Councillors and Designated Persons

RECOMMENDATION

THAT Council note the Written Returns of Interest recently lodged with the General Manager have been tabled as required by the Local Government Act.

Community and Environment Division

Nil

Planning and Compliance Division

Page Number 12

Item 4 PC15/21 Housekeeping Amendment to Hornsby Development Control Plan 2013

RECOMMENDATION

THAT:

1. The draft housekeeping amendments to the Hornsby Development Control Plan 2013 attached to Director’s Report No. PC15/21 be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days.

2. Following exhibition, a report on submissions be presented to Council for consideration.

3. Council prepare a new DCP that applies to Hornsby Shire and excludes the land transferred to City of Parramatta Council under the Local Government (City of Parramatta and Cumberland) Proclamation 2016.

4. Council write to the City of Parramatta to advise of Council’s resolution to prepare a new comprehensive DCP for Hornsby Shire to reflect the revised local government boundary.

Page Number 18

Item 5 PC16/21 Hornsby Thematic History - Report on Submissions

RECOMMENDATION

THAT:

1. Council endorse the Hornsby Thematic History attached to Director’s Report No. PC16/21.

2. Submitters be advised of Council’s decision.

Infrastructure and Major Projects Division

Nil

Confidential Items

Item 6 CS69/21 Partial Acquisition of Property for Intersection Upgrade Works in Asquith

This report should be dealt with in confidential session, under Section 10A (2) (c) of the Local Government Act, 1993. This report contains information that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.

Item 7 CS72/21 Partial Acquisition of Property for Shared Path in Asquith

Item 8 CS76/21 Partial Acquisition of Property for Intersection Upgrade in Hornsby

Item 9 CS78/21 Owner Initiated Acquisition of Land

This report should be dealt with in confidential session, under Section 10A (2) (b) (g) of the Local Government Act, 1993. This report contains information relating to the personal hardship of a resident or ratepayer; AND contains advice concerning litigation, or advice that would otherwise be privileged from production in legal proceedings on the ground of legal professional privilege.

Item 10 CS79/21 Partial Acquisition of Property for Intersection Upgrade Works in Asquith

PUBLIC FORUM – NON-AGENDA ITEMS

Questions with Notice

Mayor's Notes

Page Number 27

Item 11 MN7/21 Mayor's Notes 01 September 2021 to 30 September 2021

Notices of Motion

Page Number 28

Item 12 NOM10/21 Fagan Park

COUNCILLOR Waddell To Move

THAT:

1. Council note the extraordinary popularity and use of Fagan Park by the local community and its position as a regional destination.

2. Council note that this popularity together with planned future improvements at the Park will result in increasing demands on the facility.

3. Council ensure the management of the facility is fully integrated and achieves the greatest benefit for the community and for the Park. To this end, a Councillor Workshop be convened as soon as practical in the next term of Council to discuss and review the implementation of current strategies and future actions.

4. The Workshop consider but not be limited to the following matters:

a) Adopted strategies such as the Economic Development and Tourism Strategy; Parking Strategy; Play Plan; on and off site carparking; and access to the site including wayfinding, signage and alternatives to private vehicles.

b) Opportunities to support a sustainable approach to permanent on-site catering and opportunities to support a program of third party, commercial and community-initiated events.

c) How competing uses on the site can be managed into the future.

d) How annual parking passes for the Park and other recreational destinations can be extended to nearby communities.

5. The outcomes from the Workshop be considered in the development of the 2022/23 Delivery Program and Operational Plan.

6. The current annual Fagan Park Parking Pass be promoted to the community utilising every available channel, and safety issues on roads around the Park be investigated and assessed.

Page Number 30

Item 13 NOM11/21 Safety Upgrade: Kirkham Street Beecroft

COUNCILLOR Heyde To Move

THAT Council:

1. Note longstanding community concern about the safety of pedestrians and motorists at the intersection at Kirkham Street and Beecroft Road.

2. Note that twenty-seven crashes at the intersection of Beecroft Road and Kirkham Street have been recorded since 2010. Ten were major tow-aways. Sixteen of the crashes have resulted in injuries.

3. Write to the Minister for Transport and Roads, Andrew Constance MP, local member Dominic Perrottet MP, asking for traffic lights to be installed at the intersection of Kirkham Street and Beecroft Road.

4. Send copies of the letter to the residents and community groups that have contacted Hornsby Council asking for action to remediate the danger at this intersection.

SUPPLEMENTARY AGENDA

MATTERS OF URGENCY

General Manager's Report No. GM48/21

Office of the General Manager

Date of Meeting: 13/10/2021

1 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING - HORNSBY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

· Council’s Economic Development and Tourism Strategy was adopted at the May 2021 General Meeting.

· Two of the high priority/short term actions listed in the strategy were to consider an approach to engaging with business and to formalise working relationships with key agencies and interest groups.

· This report outlines a simple, yet foundational approach to supporting collaboration with the Hornsby Chamber of Commerce via the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.

· The approach recognises that each party has limited resources but collaboratively we can work to affect greater positive change in difficult economic and social circumstances.

· It is recommended that Council endorse the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Hornsby Chamber of Commerce as a first step to building better business engagement and collaboration across the Shire.

RECOMMENDATION

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Report is to seek Council’s endorsement for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Hornsby Chamber of Commerce.

BACKGROUND

At the May 2021 General Meeting, Council considered the General Manager’s Report No. GM14/21 and resolved that:

1. Adopt the Economic Development and Tourism Strategy (2021-2026) detailed in Attachment 1 to General Manager’s Report No. GM14/21.

2. Write to all submitters notifying them of the Council’s decision and thanking them for their comments and suggested amendments.

3. Update the Future Hornsby website to reflect the adoption of the Strategy.

The Economic Development and Tourism Strategy 2021-2026 was the first such strategy adopted by Council since the Economic Development Strategy 2007-2011. Foundational to the notion that Council would seek to support and grow the local economy is that strategic relationships would be formed and that some clarity would be needed in terms of how those relationships are navigated. This is particularly the case when both parties have limited resources. This theme of collaboration is borne out in the “Connected Hornsby Shire” section of the Economic Development and Tourism Strategy.

In considering how to best progress the goal of a connected Hornsby Shire, the following adopted actions are referenced:

1.3 To assist Council’s economic development facilitation efforts, consider an approach to engaging with business in the Shire.

1.4 Develop and formalise working relationships with key government agencies and interest groups including RDA Sydney, Greater Sydney Commission, NSW Department of Industry, neighbouring councils, chambers of commerce and other business groups.

Both of these actions were listed as high priorities and were listed as short-term goals to be delivered in less than 2 years.

DISCUSSION

The proposed MOU with the Hornsby Chamber is simple in its language, its themes are wide spreading and foundational. The themes for collaboration, and some practical examples are:

a) Building relationships – how can we assist each other through our shared knowledge and connections? Practically, this will mean using each other’s networks and strategic connections to help to build a more supportive and collaborative infrastructure for business in the Shire.

b) Supporting communication – how can we ensure that all businesses in the Shire benefit from the knowledge gained and the information that is available? Practically, this theme will be focused on how to share information through Council channels and Chamber channels so that the information being shared reaches the largest number of recipients.

c) Supporting the gatherings of the business community – how can we build a community of businesses that collaborate, innovate and help each other to grow? Practically, this may mean that Council makes venues available to host co-presented events or Council makes use of venues of members of the Chamber.

d) Collaborate on capacity building initiatives for business – how can we ensure that we address issues for business as they arise and provide a supportive environment and a clear conduit to government support services? Practically, this may mean that the Chamber and Council co-present capacity building workshops and seminars in order to maximise the reach of the initiatives.

e) Actively seek to advocate for business together – how can we ensure that we provide a considered and consistent message in our advocacy to other levels of government? Practically, this may mean that if a matter is being addressed through an advocacy process that Council and the Chamber may co-sign letters raising a particular issue with the appropriate level of government.

f) Share resources where we can – how can we make the best use of limited resources to support businesses and help them to grow? Practically, this may mean that Council and Chamber collaborate on events like Small Business Month where grant funding is made available. It does not mean that Council will provide funding from General Revenue to the Chamber.

Signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Hornby Chamber of Commerce is a positive step in communicating Council’s continued desired to work with and collaborate with business. It is important to note that whilst Council officers will ensure the delivery of the contents of the MOU with the Hornsby Chamber of Commerce, elected Councillors are also able to engage with the Chamber and business more broadly within in the spirit of the MOU. In this regard it is noted that several Councillors attend Chamber networking events and share information relevant to business on their own social media networks. Ensuring that Council positions itself as being supportive of business is another key action within the Economic Development and Tourism Strategy – Action 1.6. Develop a communications strategy targeting businesses, promoting Council’s commitment to engaging with the business community to deliver positive economic development outcomes for the Shire.

CONSULTATION

This MOU has been developed in consultation with the Hornsby Chamber of Commerce and has been endorsed by the Chamber’s Executive Group.

BUDGET

There are no budgetary implications associated with this Report. The initiative seeks to make the best use of existing resources to help to grow prosperity in the Shire through enhanced collaboration and partnerships.

POLICY

There are no policy implications associated with this Report.

CONCLUSION

Collaboration and partnerships are the key to growing the local economy. By developing a foundational partnership with the Hornsby Chamber of Commerce, Council will clearly communicate its intent to continue to help grow business and Shire prosperity. The signing of the MOU is aligned with a number of key actions in the Economic Development and Tourism Strategy 2021-2026.

It is recommended that Council endorse the Memorandum of Understanding and that staff work collaboratively with the Chamber to enact its contents.

RESPONSIBLE OFFICER

The officer responsible for the preparation of this Report is the Strategic Place Manager – David Johnston - who can be contacted on 9847 6800

Louise Gee

Manager - Strategy and Place

Office of the General Manager

Steven Head

General Manager

Office of the General Manager

Attachments:

Memorandum of Understanding

File Reference: F2018/00162#19

Document Number: D08237459

Director's Report No. CS68/21

Corporate Support Division

Date of Meeting: 13/10/2021

2 INVESTMENTS AND BORROWINGS FOR 2021/2022 - STATUS FOR PERIOD ENDING 31 AUGUST 2021

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

· This Report provides details of Council’s investment performance for the period ending 31 August 2021 as well as the extent of its borrowings at the end of the same period.

· Council invests funds that are not, for the time being, required for any other purpose. The investments must be made in accordance with relevant legislative requirements and Council’s policies and the Chief Financial Officer must report monthly to Council on the details of funds invested.

· All of Council’s investments have been made in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act, the Local Government (General) Regulation and Council's Investment of Surplus Funds Policy and Investment Strategy.

· In respect of Council’s cash and term deposit investments, the portfolio achieved an annualised return for August 2021 of 1.73% which includes a yield of 10.63% from TCorp Managed Funds.

RECOMMENDATION

That the contents of Director’s Report No. CS68/21 be received and noted.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Report is to advise Council of funds invested in accordance with Section 625 of the Local Government Act; to provide details as required by Clause 212(1) of the Local Government (General) Regulation and Council's Investment of Surplus Funds Policy; and to advise on the extent of Council’s current borrowings.

BACKGROUND

Legislation requires that a report be submitted for Council’s consideration each month detailing Council's investments and borrowings and highlighting the monthly and year to date performance of the investments. Initial investments and reallocation of funds are made, where appropriate, after consultation with Council's financial investment adviser and fund managers.

DISCUSSION

Council invests funds which are not, for the time being, required for any other purpose. Such investment must be in accordance with relevant legislative requirements and Council Policies, and the Chief Financial Officer must report monthly to Council on the details of the funds invested.

Council’s investment performance for the month ending 31 August 2021 is detailed in the attached document. In summary, the portfolio achieved an annualised return for August of 1.73% and year to date 2.13%.

In respect of Council borrowings, the interest rate payable on the outstanding loan taken out from June 2013 (the last time that Council borrowed), based on the principal balances outstanding, is 5.89%. The Borrowings Schedule as at 31 August 2021 is also attached for Council’s information.

BUDGET

Budgeted investment income for the year is $3,855,180 with an average budgeted monthly income of $321,265. Net investment income for the month ended 31 August 2021 was $433,471 which includes an unrealised gain of $196,673 from TCorp Managed Funds.

Budgeted investment income year to date at 31 August 2021 is $642,529. Total investment income year to date at 31 August 2021 is $987,122 which includes a year to date net gain of $542,861 from TCorp Managed Funds.

Approximately 54.99% of the investment income received by Council relates to externally restricted funds (e.g. Stronger Communities Grant funding and Section 7.11 and Section 7.12 development contribution funds) and is required to be allocated to those funds. All investments have been made in accordance with the Local Government Act, the Local Government (General) Regulation and Council's Investment of Surplus Funds Policy and Investment Strategy.

The returns from TCorp Managed Funds are presently experiencing significant market volatility due to uncertainty over the COVID-19 Pandemic on economic conditions. It is noted that this product has a 7-year investment horizon and will, therefore, reflect marked to market valuations monthly. Advice provided by Council’s independent investment advisor, Prudential Investment Services, is to hold this investment for the 7-year timeframe originally planned. This is due to the anticipated net positive performance returns that will be gained over the long term for this investment.

CONCLUSION

The investment of Council funds and the extent of its borrowings as at 31 August 2021 is detailed in the documents attached to this Report. Council’s consideration of the Report and its attachments ensures that the relevant legislative requirements and Council protocols have been met in respect of those investments and borrowings.

RESPONSIBLE OFFICER

The officer responsible for the preparation of this Report is the Chief Financial Officer – Duncan Chell - who can be contacted on 9847 6822.

Duncan Chell

Chief Financial Officer

Corporate Support Division

Glen Magus

Director - Corporate Support

Corporate Support Division

Attachments:

1.	HSC Investment Summary Report August 2021
2.	HSC Borrowings Schedule August 2021

File Reference: F2004/06987-02

Document Number: D08237677

Director's Report No. CS73/21

Corporate Support Division

Date of Meeting: 13/10/2021

3 PECUNIARY INTEREST AND OTHER MATTERS RETURNS - DISCLOSURES BY COUNCILLORS AND DESIGNATED PERSONS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

· Section 440AAB (1) of the Local Government Act (the Act) advises of the requirement for lodgement of Written Returns of Interest in accordance with a council’s Code of Conduct.

· Clauses 4.18 - 4.24 of Council’s Code of Conduct for Staff provides details in respect of the lodgement of these Returns by Designated Persons.

· Clauses 4.9 - 4.15 of Council’s Code of Conduct for Councillors provides details in respect of the lodgement of these Returns by Councillors.

· Section 440AAB (2) of the Act requires that Returns lodged under Section 440AAB (1) are to be tabled at the next available Council meeting.

· In line with Section 440AAB (2) of the Act and the relevant Clauses of Council’s Code of Conduct for Staff and Code of Conduct for Councillors this Report seeks to table the Return/s recently lodged with the General Manager.

RECOMMENDATION

THAT Council note the Written Returns of Interest recently lodged with the General Manager have been tabled as required by the Local Government Act.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Report is to table the Written Returns of Interests submitted by Councillors/Designated Persons who have left, commenced with, or internally transferred to a relevant position within Council and to table the Disclosure of Pecuniary Interests and Other Matters Returns of all Councillors and Designated Persons which were required to be lodged for the period ending June 2021.

BACKGROUND

Section 440AAB (1) of the Act advises of the requirement for lodgement of Written Returns of Interest under a Code of Conduct. Relevantly, Clauses 4.18 - 4.24 of Council’s Code of Conduct for Staff and Clauses 4.9 – 4.15 of Council’s Code of Conduct for Councillors outline these requirements. (The requirements are the same for Designated Staff as they are for Councillors however, as Council has a separate Code of Conduct for Staff and Code of Conduct for Councillors, the relevant Clause references vary. For ease of interpretation in this Report, reference has been made to Designated Persons and specific clauses in only the Code of Conduct for Staff, noting that the same requirements apply to the corresponding Clauses in the Code of Conduct for Councillors.)

Clause 4.18 a) of Council’s Code of Conduct for Staff requires a Designated Person to complete and lodge with the General Manager a Written Return of Interest within three months after becoming a Designated Person. Clause 4.18 b) requires a Designated Person holding that position at 30 June in any year to complete and lodge with the General Manager a Return within three months after that date. Clause 4.18 c) of Council’s Code of Conduct for Staff requires a Designated Person to complete and lodge with the General Manager a Written Return of Interest within three months of the designated person becoming aware of an interest they are required to disclose under schedule 1 that has not been previously disclosed in a return lodged under paragraphs a) or b).

Section 440AAB (2) of the Act requires that Returns lodged under Section 440AAB (1) are to be tabled at a meeting of Council. Clause 4.22 of the Code requires that Returns lodged under Clause 4.18 a) and 4.18 b) of the Code are to be tabled at the first meeting held after the last day for lodgement under those Clauses. Clause 4.23 of the Code requires that Returns lodged under Clause 4.18 c) are to be tabled at the first meeting after their lodgement.

Council's procedures in respect of the disclosing of interests have been developed to cater for the election/appointment/employment/retirement/resignation/etc of Councillors or Designated Persons. These procedures:

· Require all Councillors and Designated Persons who hold that position at 30 June in any year to submit Returns to the General Manager by 30 September in that year. These Returns are generally tabled at Council’s October General Meeting for that year.

· Require newly elected Councillors or newly appointed Designated Persons to lodge Returns to the General Manager within three months of their election/appointment. These Returns are tabled at the next available General Meeting of Council.

· Require those Councillors or Designated Persons who are leaving Council (because of retirement, resignation, etc) to lodge Returns to the General Manager by their last day with Council. These Returns are tabled at the next available General Meeting of Council.

DISCUSSION

Returns Lodged in Accordance with Council’s Code of Conduct for Staff, Code of Conduct for Councillors, and Procedures

In respect of Clause 4.18 a) of Council’s Code of Conduct – lodgement of a Return after becoming a Designated Person – and Clause 4.18 c) – lodgement of a Return after becoming aware of an interest not previously disclosed – there are no Returns to be tabled.

Council last considered the tabling of Disclosure of Pecuniary Interests and Other Matters Returns under Clause 4.18(b) of Council’s Code of Conduct for Staff and Clauses 4.9(b) of Council’s Code of Conduct for Councillors – lodgement of a Return by a Designated Person holding that position at 30 June - at the General Meeting held on 14 October 2020 (see Deputy General Manager’s Report No. CS31/20). In preparation for the tabling of this current Report (CS73/21), action has been taken over an extended period to remind all Councillors and Designated Persons of the need to complete their Returns for the period ending 30 June 2021.

All Pecuniary Interest and Other Matters Returns in respect of the above requirement have been lodged with the General Manager are now tabled as required by the Local Government Act.

BUDGET

There are no budgetary implications associated with this Report.

POLICY

There are no policy implications associated with this Report.

CONCLUSION

Council’s consideration of this Report satisfies the requirements of the Act regarding the lodgement of Written Returns of Interest in accordance with its Codes of Conduct.

RESPONSIBLE OFFICER

The officer responsible for the preparation of this Report is the Acting Manager, Governance and Customer Service – Stephen Colburt, who can be contacted on 9847 6761.

Stephen Colburt

Manager - Governance and Customer Service

Corporate Support Division

Glen Magus

Director - Corporate Support

Corporate Support Division

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

File Reference: F2021/00034

Document Number: D08247461

Director's Report No. PC15/21

Planning and Compliance Division

Date of Meeting: 13/10/2021

4 HOUSEKEEPING AMENDMENT TO HORNSBY DEVELOPMENT CONTROL PLAN 2013

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

· Since the 2016 Council amalgamations involving the transfer of land south of the M2 Motorway to City of Parramatta local government area (LGA), the Hornsby Local Environmental Plan (HLEP) 2013 and the Hornsby Development Control Plan (HDCP) 2013 have applied to the transferred land, formerly part of Hornsby Shire.

· The HDCP 2013 will continue to apply to the transferred land until such time City of Parramatta (CoP) Council adopts a new DCP that applies to the land.

· There have been several amendments to the HDCP 2013 adopted by both Hornsby Council and CoP since the amalgamations. The most recent changes occurred in August 2021, when CoP Council amended the HDCP 2013 to change development controls for land in Epping. The amendments were prepared in consultation with Hornsby Council officers and it was noted that there are areas of confusion concerning the controls applicable to Epping Town Centre (now in the Parramatta LGA) versus the balance of Hornsby Shire.

· This report seeks Council endorsement to exhibit draft housekeeping amendments involving administrative changes and clarifications to the HDCP 2013 to correct references and improve interpretation in response to changes made by each Council over time.

· The continued application of a single DCP over two LGAs that has undergone amendments is resulting in a DCP that is increasingly complex. Given the uncertainty over when CoP Council will adopt a new DCP that applies to the transferred land, it is also recommended that Council endorse the preparation of a new Hornsby DCP to exclude the land transferred to CoP.

RECOMMENDATION

THAT:

1. The draft housekeeping amendments to the Hornsby Development Control Plan 2013 attached to Director’s Report No. PC15/21 be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days.

2. Following exhibition, a report on submissions be presented to Council for consideration.

4. Council write to the City of Parramatta to advise of Council’s resolution to prepare a new comprehensive DCP for Hornsby Shire to reflect the revised local government boundary.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this report is to seek Council endorsement to exhibit a draft housekeeping amendment to the HDCP 2013 to correct references and improve its interpretation.

This report also seeks Council endorsement to prepare a new Hornsby DCP for the revised Hornsby Shire LGA to exclude the land south of the M2 Motorway that was transferred to the CoP in 2016, to resolve ongoing administrative issues associated with a single DCP applying to two LGAs.

BACKGROUND

Since the 2016 Council amalgamations involving the transfer of land south of the M2 Motorway to City of Parramatta LGA, the HLEP 2013 and the HDCP 2013 have continued to apply to the transferred land formerly part of Hornsby Shire.

The Local Government (City of Parramatta and Cumberland) Proclamation 2016 prescribes that until new plans are adopted for an amalgamated area, the existing plan from the previous authority applies. Accordingly, the HLEP and HDCP 2013 will continue to apply to the transferred land (south of the M2 Motorway within Epping and Carlingford) until CoP Council adopts a new LEP and DCP for the land.

CoP Council recently prepared a draft harmonisation LEP that applies to its revised LGA, which combines planning controls from its five amalgamated areas. Once adopted, it will replace the existing LEPs that apply in the CoP LGA. It is anticipated that the new LEP will be finalised later in 2021. CoP Council will then commence preparation of a new DCP for its amalgamated areas in 2022.

Since the 2016 Council amalgamations, there have been several amendments to HDCP 2013 adopted by both CoP and Hornsby Council. The application of the HDCP 2013 over both Hornsby and CoP LGAs, which has undergone a series of amendments, has resulted in the HDCP 2013 being increasingly complex.

In February 2021, Hornsby Council amended the HDCP 2013 to reduce the building height of five storey developments from 17.5m to 16.5m to align with the adopted housekeeping amendment planning proposal. This amendment applied to land within Hornsby Shire, whilst the maximum building height for five storey developments in CoP LGA remained at 17.5m. In consultation with CoP Council officers, it was determined that the most appropriate method to distinguish the development controls applicable to each LGA was to create separate building height sections within HDCP 2013 for CoP and Hornsby Shire.

In August 2021, CoP Council amended the HDCP 2013 to change development controls for land in Epping. The amendments related to the Forest Grove/Essex Street pedestrian link and design controls for properties in Rosebank Avenue. Minor corrections to the Epping Town Centre car parking provisions were also implemented, which were prepared in consultation with Hornsby Council officers.

With respect to the amendments to parking provisions, it was noted that section 1C.2.1 Transport and Parking created some confusion as to the parking rates and controls applicable to Epping Town Centre versus the Hornsby LGA. Therefore, similar to the approach taken for the amendment to building height, in the August 2021 amendment, CoP Council adopted a separate section for transport and parking that exclusively applies to CoP LGA. As a result, the existing section 1C.2.1 Transport and Parking now exclusively apply to Hornsby Shire. However, it still contains outdated controls that reference Epping Town Centre.

DISCUSSION

This report seeks Council endorsement to exhibit a draft housekeeping amendment to the HDCP 2013 to correct references and improve its interpretation. It also discusses the merits of the preparation of a new DCP for the revised Hornsby LGA to exclude the land south of the M2 Motorway transferred to CoP Council in 2016.

1. Housekeeping amendment to HDCP 2013

The draft housekeeping amendment to HDCP 2013 aims to correct references and reorder clauses and does not involve any changes to planning controls. The draft amendments are detailed in the attachment to this report and are summarised below.

Transport and Parking

As discussed above, the HDCP 2013 amendments implemented by CoP Council in August 2021 involved corrections to parking controls for Epping Town Centre. A new section, 1C.2.1 Transport and Parking applicable to City of Parramatta LGA (pages 1-36a to 1-44a) was included to differentiate the parking and transport controls applying to the CoP LGA from Hornsby Shire. Consequently, the existing section 1C.2.1 Transport and Parking (pages 1-36 to 1-44) now exclusively applies to Hornsby Shire. However, it still contains outdated controls that reference Epping Town Centre.

It is appropriate that these references be removed as the parking controls for Epping Town Centre are exclusively contained within 1C.2.1 Transport and Parking applicable to City of Parramatta LGA. The draft amendments attached to this report detail the specific references and controls that are proposed to be removed from section 1C.2.1 Transport and Parking of HDCP 2013 to rectify this issue. The proposed amendments do not change the controls applying to Hornsby Shire.

Height

The HDCP 2013 amendments adopted by Hornsby Shire Council in February 2021 for five-storey building height involved the creation of a separate section in HDCP 2013 to differentiate height controls applying to Hornsby Shire LGA from the CoP. However, the implementation of these amendments has caused an issue with the ordering of page numbers and created a split between controls applicable to both Hornsby Shire and the CoP LGA (Section 4.5.4 - page 4-69) relating to the scale of development.

The draft amendments attached to this report show Section 4.5.4 Scale within Hornsby LGA and Section 4.5.4 Scale within City of Parramatta LGA reordered so that each read as a complete set of controls. The proposed amendments do not change the controls applying to Hornsby Shire.

Update to legislative references

Legislation and statutory references have change over time and it is recommended that these be updated as part of the housekeeping amendment to the HDCP 2013. The amendments to legislative references are primarily contained within Part 1 of HDCP 2013 and are detailed in the attachment to this report.

2. New Hornsby DCP 2022 (applicable to Hornsby Shire LGA only)

Given five years have passed since the Council amalgamations, it is appropriate that separate planning controls for both Hornsby Shire and CoP be implemented so that the controls reflect each Councils’ planning priorities and objectives.

As CoP Council continues to use the HDCP 2013 for the transferred land, Hornsby Council is unable to make amendments to remove references and controls applicable to areas such as Epping or Carlingford until a new DCP is adopted by CoP Council.

Separate DCPs for each LGA would resolve the ongoing issues associated with the continued use of HDCP 2013 by both Councils. However, there is some uncertainty as to when CoP Council will prepare a new DCP which applies to the transferred land.

Another option is for Council to prepare a new DCP that applies to the current Hornsby Shire LGA, excluding land south of the M2 Motorway in the City of Parramatta. A new DCP for Hornsby Shire would be able to be created independently of a new DCP for CoP Council. CoP would continue to rely on the current HDCP 2013 until such time its new DCP is prepared.

It is recommended that Council endorse the preparation of a new Hornsby DCP for Hornsby Shire, to exclude land south of the M2 Motorway. Subject to Council endorsement to proceed, it is anticipated that the new draft DCP would be reported to Council for exhibition in 2022. A new DCP for Hornsby Shire would resolve ongoing administrative issues associated with a single DCP applying to two LGAs.

This approach has been discussed with officers from CoP. Although not a formal position of the Council, the officers have acknowledged the merit in this approach.

CONSULTATION

The Hornsby Shire Community Participation Plan (CPP) prescribes that amendments to a development control plan should be exhibited to the community for a minimum period of 28 days. The CPP also prescribes that the consultation strategy for any strategic planning policy or plan will vary depending on the urgency, scale and nature of the project and anticipated level of community interest.

Given the draft housekeeping amendment to the HDCP 2013 is administrative and will not result in changes to planning controls, the exhibition does not warrant an extensive consultation strategy. Accordingly, it is recommended that the draft housekeeping amendment to the HDCP 2013 attached to this report be placed on public exhibition for 28 days through advertisement on Council’s website under ‘Have your Say.’

Subject to Council endorsement to prepare a new DCP for Hornsby Shire, it is anticipated that a draft DCP will be reported to Council in 2022 seeking endorsement for public exhibition.

BUDGET

There are no budgetary implications for the exhibition of the housekeeping amendments. The preparation of a new DCP and associated exhibition would be costed from the Strategic Land Use Planning operational budget for the 2021/2022 financial year.

POLICY

The proposed housekeeping amendment to the HDCP 2013 aims to correct references and improve its interpretation. Following the exhibition of the draft amendments, a report would be presented to Council for consideration of submissions. Subject to Council endorsement, the draft amendments would be incorporated into the HDCP 2013 and come into force once published on Council’s website.

Following the implementation of the draft housekeeping amendment to HDCP 2013, Council officers would prepare a report to Council seeking exhibition of a new DCP for Hornsby Shire that excludes the land transferred to CoP Council.

CONCLUSION

This report seeks Council endorsement to exhibit draft housekeeping amendments to the HDCP 2013 to correct references and improve its interpretation. It is recommended that the draft DCP amendments be exhibited on Council’s website for 28 days. Following exhibition, a report on submissions will be presented to Council.

RESPONSIBLE OFFICER

The officer responsible for the preparation of this report is the Manager, Strategic Landuse Planning, Katherine Vickery, who can be contacted on 9847 6744.

Katherine Vickery

Manager - Strategic Landuse Planning

Planning and Compliance Division

James Farrington

Director - Planning and Compliance

Planning and Compliance Division

Attachments:

HDCP 2013 Housekeeping Amendments for Public Exhibition

File Reference: F2013/00498

Document Number: D08234205

Director's Report No. PC16/21

Planning and Compliance Division

Date of Meeting: 13/10/2021

5 HORNSBY THEMATIC HISTORY - REPORT ON SUBMISSIONS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

· Council is currently undertaking a Comprehensive Heritage Study (CHS) to inform amendments to heritage related planning controls, review existing heritage items and conservation areas and identify opportunities to progress new listings and ongoing heritage initiatives and procedures.

· The CHS responds to a Heritage Gap Analysis and Action Plan (Action Plan) which identifies a four-year program to complete identified tasks. The first year of the program commenced in October 2020 with the engagement of consultants to prepare the Hornsby Thematic History.

· At its meeting on 12 May 2021, Council resolved to exhibit the draft Thematic History for one month. The Thematic History was exhibited from 31 May 2021 to 30 June 2021.

· During the exhibition, 7 submissions were received which are generally supportive of the draft Thematic History, the new local themes and broad thematical framework.

· In response to the matters raised in submissions, minor amendments are proposed to improve the historical narrative, most notably including a new Convict Life theme to reflect this period of Hornsby Shire. The recommended changes have been included in the updated Thematic History attached to this report.

· It is recommended that Council endorse the Hornsby Thematic History attached to this report.

RECOMMENDATION

THAT:

1. Council endorse the Hornsby Thematic History attached to Director’s Report No. PC16/21.

2. Submitters be advised of Council’s decision.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this report is to address the matters raised in submissions during the exhibition of the draft Hornsby Thematic History and seek Council endorsement of the final Thematic History attached to this report.

BACKGROUND

At its meeting on 8 August 2018, Council resolved to consider undertaking a Comprehensive Heritage Study to inform amendments to heritage related planning controls and the preparation of the Hornsby Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS).

To assist Council with the preparation of the CHS, GML Heritage Pty Ltd (GML) were engaged to prepare a Heritage Gap Analysis and Action Plan (Action Plan), which was endorsed by Council on 8 April 2020. The Action Plan sets out a four-year program.

The first year of projects are in progress and include the following:

· Thematic History of Hornsby

· Aboriginal Heritage Study

· Archaeological Heritage Study

· Landscape Heritage Study

· Review of current LEP Schedule 5 (Heritage Items) and known potential heritage items

Once completed, the above studies will inform many of the future projects under the CHS.

The Hornsby Thematic History attached to this report is the first task to be completed. It was commissioned to update the previous thematic history completed in 1993, fill gaps to align with NSW Historical Themes and identify new local themes that contextualise and explain the cultural and environmental heritage of the Shire as it exists today.

At its meeting on 12 May 2021, Council considered Director’s Report No. PC10/21 presenting the draft Thematic History for exhibition and resolved that:

1. The Hornsby Thematic History attached to Director’s Report No. PC10/21 be placed on public exhibition for a period of one month in accordance with the consultation strategy outlined in the Report.

2. Following the exhibition, a report on submissions be presented to Council for consideration.

In accordance with Council’s resolution, the draft Thematic History was exhibited from 31 May 2021 to 30 June 2021.

DISCUSSION

This report addresses the submissions received in response to the exhibition of the draft Thematic History.

Submissions

A total of 7 submissions were received. The submissions were from:

· Two local residents

· Two local community groups

· One neighbouring Council

· Heritage NSW, Department of Premier and Cabinet

· Extent Heritage Pty Ltd, the consultant engaged by Council to prepare the Archaeological Heritage Study

The 7 submissions are generally supportive of the draft Thematic History and include suggestions for amendments to improve the historical narrative, including an additional theme to the historical framework. The suggestions raised in submissions and recommended changes are discussed below.

1. Aboriginal Country

One submission requests inclusion of a reference to non-conflict history between Europeans and Aboriginal people in addition to the identified conflict history.

Comment: Aboriginal Country is one of the new local themes included in the Thematic History that was developed during the initial consultation, literature review and formation stages of the project. The narrative of Aboriginal history and heritage in relation to the formation of Hornsby Shire is included as a distinct individual theme as well as through stories weaved through the other relevant themes. The history includes anecdotes in relation to occupation, traditional land management practices, important places and connections, colonisation and resistance, as well as continuing language, culture and contemporary identity on Country. The suggestion made in the submission to recognise non-conflict relationships between Europeans and Aboriginal people would improve the historical narrative of the Aboriginal Country theme.

Recommendation: That the Aboriginal Country narrative be updated to include an account of the non-conflict relationships between Europeans and Aboriginal people.

2. Convict Life

Some submissions suggest that the convict period of history is underrepresented within the thematic framework and that a convict theme should be included.

Comment: The draft Thematic History threads the central stories relating to convict life, persons and achievements throughout the history. However, the inclusion of an additional local theme would improve the new local thematic framework and emphasise the influence of the convict period in shaping the heritage and history of the Shire.

The Director’s Report No. PC10/21 presenting the draft Thematic History to Council at its meeting on 12 May 2021 included commentary concerning consultation with the Hornsby Heritage Advisory Committees (HAC) The Committee noted the benefit of a separate Convict related theme to enhance the thematic narrative:

At its extraordinary meeting on 6 April 2021, the Committee noted receipt of the final draft Thematic History and confirmed its support for the final document. However, one outstanding concern was raised by some Committee members, being the perceived underrepresentation of convict history and a request that a convict theme be included.

It was agreed that Council be advised of the Committee’s comment and that the matter be further considered after public exhibition.

Recommendation: That a new Convict Life theme be included in the final Hornsby Thematic History.

3. The Bushland Shire

A number of submissions request that The Bushland Shire theme include or expand on references relating to activities associated with the war efforts (WW1 and WW2) of residents of the Shire; the close proximity of high-quality bushland to suburbia; the influence of Marie Byles and her property Ahimsa at Cheltenham; and community-based associations and their influence on the preservation of The Bushland Shire.

Comment: The Bushland Shire theme is a comprehensive narrative which recognises and celebrates the unique natural environment around the Shire, as well as the people and organisations that have helped the promotion and preservation of its natural beauty. The comments received in the submissions are additional anecdotes that would improve and support the historical narrative of The Bushland Shire theme.

Recommendation: That the Bushland Shire narrative be updated to include references in relation to the war efforts of residents of the Shire, emphasise the close proximity of bushland to suburbs and the role of individuals and community groups in the protection and conservation of the natural attributes of the Shire.

4. Transport

Some submissions request that the Transport theme include or expand on references relating to the impact of major wars, activities associated with the electrification of Hornsby Shire and the impact major infrastructure projects had on local communities (such as the M2 motorway, widening of Pennant Hills Rd and the Epping to Thornleigh Third rail line).

Comment: The Transport theme reports a wealth of significant events including: early exploration; construction of The Great North Road and other key roadway alignments advancing settlement; introduction of the railway; bridging the Hawkesbury River; and other contemporary infrastructure projects. The comments received in relation to the impact of defence actions, the electrification movement and infrastructure projects are additional anecdotes that would further improve the historical narrative of the Transport theme.

Recommendation: That the Transport theme be updated to include references in relation to impact of major wars, activities associated with the electrification of Hornsby Shire and to expand on the impact major infrastructure projects had on local communities.

5. Agriculture and Horticulture

A submission requests the Agriculture and Horticulture theme include or expand on references relating to the influence of immigrants and produce grown within the rural areas, economic impacts on the land use, and the impact of the Field of Mars Common on the areas of Beecroft and Cheltenham.

Comment: The Agriculture and Horticulture theme covers the history of agriculture and horticulture from Aboriginal occupation, the establishment of early farms, timber getting establishments, European land grants, to the proliferation of orchards. The comments received in relation to the migration of immigrant famers to the rural areas, the economic impact on land use and the unique origins of the Field of Mars Common would expand the historical narrative to cover additional aspects and influences relating to Agriculture and Horticulture.

Recommendation: That the Agriculture and Horticulture narrative be updated to include the suggested amendments in relation to immigrant famers, economic influences and the origins of the Field of Mars Common.

6. Industrial Enterprises

One submission requests the Industrial Enterprises theme include a reference to the history and development of retail industries and the difference in the growth of retail centres around the railway and rural communities.

Comment: The Industrial Enterprises theme includes a historical account of the significant industrial past from Aboriginal occupation to forestry, brickworks, malt works, quarrying, Hawkesbury River industries and oyster farming, commercial fishing and boat building. The comments received in relation to adding a reference to the retail industry, covering both the rural and suburban communities, would improve the historical narrative of the Industrial Enterprises theme.

Recommendation: That the Industrial Enterprises narrative be updated to include the suggested amendments in relation to the history of retail industry of the Shire.

7. Belief and Faith

One submission requests the Belief and Faith theme include a reference to the impact of social and worship practices across the Shire, such as the formation of “Dry Suburbs” in select communities.

Comment: The Belief and Faith theme addresses the multitude and diverse range of spiritual values and beliefs practiced by the Shire residents over generations. From ancient landscapes, to suburbs interwoven with an array of places of Christian congregation and contemporary faiths of Pentecostalism, Hinduism, secularism. The suggestion to include a reference to the practice of Dry Suburbs within the Shire is a small addition that would improve the historical narrative of the Belief and Faith theme.

Recommendation: That the Belief and Faith narrative be updated to include the suggested amendment in relation to the impact of worship on social practices, such as the Dry Suburbs.

8. Leisure and Recreation

One submission requests the Leisure and Recreation theme include and expand on the importance of bushwalking in the Shire, the impact of the Great Depression on creating bush tracks, and the history of tennis, including the formation of clubs and establishment of private tennis courts.

Comment: The Leisure and recreation theme describes the numerous opportunities and historical practices of recreation, sporting, arts and leisure activities. It covers activities in relation to the area’s extensive tracts of bushland, parks, gardens and Hawkesbury River frontages, as well as the formation of sorting clubs and art societies. The request to expand the narrative around the emergence of bushwalking in the Great Depression era and the influence of tennis, practiced socially and privately within the district, are interesting anecdotes that would improve the historical narrative of the Leisure and Recreation theme.

Recommendation: That the Leisure and Recreation narrative be updated to include references to tennis and bushwalking.

9. Health and Wellness

One submission requests the Health and Wellness theme include a reference relating to the impact of influenza and other nation-wide diseases that shaped the Shire.

Comment: The Health and Wellness theme is one of the new local themes developed during the initial consultation stages of the project. It addresses the migration of residents to Hornsby in search of health, wellness and respite in the natural environment and fresh air of the Shire. It covers the importance of health institutions emerging through the area and places of welfare that have developed to care for those in need. The theme includes an anecdote around the outbreak of some nation-wide illnesses, such as tuberculosis, the bubonic plague, mental illness, alcoholism and sexually transmitted diseases. The request to include how additional nation-wide diseases, such as influenza after the first World War, impacted Hornsby Shire would enhance the historical narrative of the Health and Wellness theme.

Recommendation: That the Health and Wellness narrative be updated to include refence to influenza and any other nation-wide diseases that made their mark on history of the Shire.

10. Settlement and Suburbanisation

One submission requests the Settlement and Suburbanisation theme include a reference to explain why the ‘city elite’ were attracted to move to the suburbs and its reflection on the nature of the suburbanisation (including subdivision, building stock and garden styles).

Comment: The Settlement and Suburbanisation theme has combined two themes from the 1993 Terry Kass report, “Developing the Upland Suburbs 1886–1906” and “Suburbanisation 1906 to Date”. The narrative covers the impact and influences of suburban migration from the city, the shift from orchards to residential blocks in the southern end of the Shire, home typologies up until the post war era and the current higher density trends. The submission suggests expanding the history to explain why an upper class of residents were attracted to move into the newly formed suburbs, and their influence on the constructed character on the suburbs, including the allotment sizes, garden and building architectural styles. While the new wave of ‘city elite’ residents was addressed, the suggested additional anecdotes would improve the historical narrative of the Settlement and Suburbanisation theme.

Recommendation: That the Settlement and Suburbanisation narrative be updated to include the suggested amendments to expand the commentary referencing the impact of upper-class residents settling in Hornsby and their influences on the built environment character and fabric.

11. Changing Face of the Shire

One submission requests the Changing Face of the Shire theme include a reference on the influence of community-based associations and the impact of rezoning within heritage conservation areas. The submission further suggests reference to the national movement of heritage conservation to protect areas from development and its role with the formation of local civic trusts.

Comment: The Changing Face of the Shire theme is another new local theme developed during the consultation and literature review stages of the project. It describes the challenges Hornsby Shire has faced during the recent decades regarding the growing and ageing population, educational attainment of residents, the impacts of property ownership, increased densification, invested growth and a stable workforce. The suggested amendment to reference the concern expressed by community organisations to urban changes in some areas and their role in protection of special character areas would improve the historical narrative of the Changing Face of the Shire theme.

Recommendation: That the Changing Face of the Shire narrative be updated to include the suggested amendments to reference the involvement and contribution of local community groups in the evolution of the Shire over recent decades.

12. Australian and NSW Heritage Themes

One submission requests the local themes be correlated with specific suburbs and localities and for further consultation with the community in the form of close workshops to collect additional information on how the local themes associate to the different suburbs.

Comment: The NSW Themes Compared with Local Themes table at the conclusion of the history includes examples of how specific localities and sites relate with the new local themes. The associated theme of heritage listed landscape items and archaeological sites are also being identified within revised inventory sheets, completed under the pending landscape and archaeological heritage studies.

Extensive consultation with the community was undertaken in the preliminary stages of the study and further during the formal public exhibition of the draft Thematic History (see below under heading Consultation). HAC and HATSICC were also extensively consulted from inception to finalisation of the project.

The purpose of a thematic study is not intended to be a detailed account of the historical aspects of each suburb. It is designed to provide a broad historical overview of the important narratives that explain the local themes that have shaped an area and the physical fabric see today. The Hornsby Thematic History successfully identifies the narrative behind the locally distinctive themes unique to Hornsby Shire.

Recommendation: That no changes be made to the Thematic History in response to the submission on further consultation and correlating themes with suburbs.

13. Support progression of Heritage Studies

A submission was received from Heritage NSW congratulating Council in progressing the delivery of the CHS projects. Heritage NSW encourages Council to undertake the Specific Heritage Studies identified within the Recommendations section to assist with the identification and listing of new heritage items and heritage conservation areas.

Comment: The Hornsby Thematic History has highlighted the following key areas that are important to historical patterns and forces that shaped the Shire and warrant further research:

· Remote and Rural Heritage—identification of farming and agricultural buildings, structures.

· Postwar housing c1940–1960.

· Planning and suburbanisation.

· Aboriginal history heritage study (under way).

· Places of worship.

The intention of the recommendations is to inform how the Thematic History can support the specific implementation of subsequent tasks under the CHS and to build on delivering improved heritage related planning controls for the Shire.

Recommendation: That Council note the support and acknowledgement by Heritage NSW for progression of the Comprehensive Heritage Study.

CONSULTATION

2020 Preliminary Consultation

Preliminary consultation was undertaken as part of the preparation of the Thematic History from October to December 2020. The purpose of this engagement was to obtain input from the community to locate special places, share stories, provide historical pictures or memorabilia to inform the Thematic History. The preliminary consultation was promoted via Council’s Facebook page, a-newsletter, letters to stakeholders and committees.

The community input received was valuable in the identification of the key themes and informed the preparation of the Thematic History. The preliminary feedback is tabulated in Appendix 1 of the Thematic History.

2021 Public Exhibition

The Thematic History was exhibited for one month from 31 May 2021 to 30 June 2021 and advertised through the following channels:

· Advertisement on Council’s website noticeboard

· Public notices in Bush Telegraph, Galston and Glenorie News, Dural Roundup, Hornsby and Kuring-Gai Post and Living Heritage

· Notification email/letters to people registered for updates on the Heritage Action Plan or the Accelerated LEP Review; participants in the study’s consultation; local historical societies; community groups; adjoining councils; and relevant State agencies

· Council’s eNewsletter and Facebook page

· Hard copies were placed in Council’s local library branches

The Heritage Advisory Committee was also extensively engaged from inception to finalisation of the document, in accordance with Council’s resolution to undertake the CHS.

BUDGET

The costs associated with the preparation of the Hornsby Thematic History are covered under the allocation of funds to the Comprehensive Heritage Study program. Implementation of Hornsby Thematic History recommendations, including further research areas, updating the State Heritage Inventory and the promotion and interpretation of strategies would occur through the future planned projects within the four-year programme of the CHS. This will be subject to the strategic priorities of Council and the availability and allocation of resources by Council.

POLICY

Once endorsed, the Hornsby Thematic History will establish the foundation of heritage considerations for Hornsby Shire by explaining locally distinctive themes, assisting identification and protection of heritage and informing the recommendations and outcomes to be incorporated into the subsequent tasks of the CHS.

CONCLUSION

The Hornsby Thematic History was exhibited from 31 May 2021 to 30 June 2021. Seven submissions were received which generally support the draft Hornsby Thematic History, the new local themes, and the broad thematical framework. Some minor amendments are proposed to improve the historical narrative, most notably around the convict history period of Hornsby Shire.

In response to the matters raised in submissions, several amendments are recommended, including a new Convict Life theme, to enhance the historical narratives explaining the cultural and environmental heritage of the Shire. The recommended changes have been included in the updated final Thematic History attached to this report.

It is recommended that Council endorse the Hornsby Thematic History attached to this report.

RESPONSIBLE OFFICER

The officer responsible for the preparation of this Report is the Manager, Strategic Land Use Planning – Katherine Vickery - who can be contacted on 9847 6744.

Katherine Vickery

Manager - Strategic Landuse Planning

Planning and Compliance Division

James Farrington

Director - Planning and Compliance

Planning and Compliance Division

Attachments:

FINAL - Hornsby Thematic History - September 2021

File Reference: F2020/00185#01

Document Number: D08242910