SUPPLEMENTARY
BUSINESS PAPER
(Item 12)
General Meeting
Wednesday 8 October 2025
at 6:30 PM
SUPPLEMENTARY
BUSINESS PAPER
(Item 12)
General Meeting
Wednesday 8 October 2025
at 6:30 PM
Hornsby Shire Council Table of Contents
Page 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUPPLEMENTARY ITEMS
Item 12 NOM6/25 Wisemans Ferry River Crossing................................................................... 1
Notice of Motion No. NOM6/25
Date of Meeting: 8/10/2025
12 WISEMANS FERRY RIVER CROSSING
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THAT: 1. Council note, in 2027 it will be the bicentenary of the operation of the Wisemans Ferry river crossing, established in 1827. 2. Council contact the Wisemans Ferry Bicentennial Committee to investigate ways to support a commemorative bicentenary event in 2027. 3. Council’s Heritage Advisory Committee (once established) be advised of the upcoming bicentenary of the Wiseman Ferry river crossing and be provided information about any bicentenary commemorative event. 4. Council investigate the feasibility of creating public pedestrian links between Old Northern Road, Singletons Road, and the existing pathway network in recently upgraded Wisemans Ferry Recreation Reserve. 5. Council staff present the details of points 2. and 3. to an Informal Councillor Briefing including potential support for a commemorative event, as well as connecting path route(s), costs, funding opportunities, and community benefits.
Note from Councillor The ferry crossing that gave the township its name, Wisemans Ferry, was established by Solomon Wiseman in 1827 to supply convicts building the road. It shifted to its present site in 1829, when the new road’s route via Devines Hill was adopted and it has operated continuously at this location since. The ferry service and vessel were later acquired by the government (1832) and the ferry operation is understood to be Australia’s oldest continuously operating ferry crossing. Hornsby Shire’s own heritage studies and reviews identify the Wisemans Ferry corridor as a thematic item in our story of transport, settlement and “The Bushland Shire.” This bicentenary is a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity and council should consider active support to this existing community-based committee that has formed to commemorate this significant milestone. Council has opportunities to leverage various funding streams to minimise cost to Council whilst maximising outcomes, especially as Wisemans Ferry is split across four local government areas being Hornsby, Hills, Hawkesbury and Central Coast councils. In addition, this special commemoration may be eligible for NSW Heritage Grants, Create NSW arts and cultural programs and Transport Heritage Grants Program for transport‑heritage storytelling. As something tangible for this significant milestone, Council should investigate the feasibility of establishing a public walking path between Old Northern Road, Singletons Road and the popular Wisemans Ferry Recreation Reserve. Such a path would enhance public access to the river, the local commercial area and our currently under-utilized community centre. It would also provide both residents and visitors with an opportunity to enjoy the natural and historical setting of Wisemans Ferry. This initiative would further support community wellbeing and tourism, while complementing the bicentenary celebrations. Bringing our community together in 2027 to celebrate 200 years of Wisemans Ferry and opening of a public pathway network will honour a site of local, state and national significance, strengthen pride of place, and provide a lasting legacy of interpretation for future generations. |
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File Reference: F2011/00836