The challenge of upgrading ageing infrastructure is one that is common all councils. This, of course, is at a time of ever tighter budgets caused by limited revenue and cost shifting from higher levels of government.

The replacement of the pedestrian bridge in Hornsby and the Hornsby Aquatic Centre are probably the two best known examples of ageing infrastructure in the Hornsby Shire.  There is, however, ageing infrastructure across the Hornsby Shire in need of replacement.

Recently the State Government rejected Hornsby Shire Council’s application for an infrastructure levy which would have provided the additional revenue required.  Council is, therefore, being forced to review all aspects of its current operations to find the necessary funds to replace the infrastructure.

Hornsby Shire Council’s independent external auditor has consistently reported that Council is in a “sound and stable financial position”.  It has also reported that “all indicators remain better than industry benchmarks.”

A sound and responsible approach to financial management dictates that Council must make changes where necessary, in this case reviewing expenditure when the necessary revenue is not available.

The need to balance budgets is common to all levels of government.  It is easy to find people to support increases in Council expenditure.  It is equally easy to find people who oppose any increases in fees, charges or rates that provide Council with income.  This approach, however, does not balance budgets.

In the 2008-09 financial year, State Government cost shifting accounted for approximately $9.6 million of our expenses, around 9.7 percent of our operating income. Cost shifting is increasing every year. For example, street lighting costs increased $750,000 in the last financial year and the cost of the 2008 Local Government elections rose by $350,000. On top of this, wages have increased by 32 percent and superannuation costs have increased by 139 percent over the last five years.

Despite the burden of these financial pressures, the Minister for Local Government, Barbara Perry, felt that it was appropriate to cap this year’s Local Government rate increase at 2.6 percent.

Over the last five years, Council has made across-the-board changes to improve productivity and efficiency. For example, we have adopted a model of full cost recovery for our childcare centres, implemented a natural attrition policy for staff in some areas of the organisation and reduced our town planning legal costs by approximately $500,000. Efficiency gains in our Environmental Sustainability and Health and Bushland Teams alone have resulted in savings of more than $130,000 per annum. We are confident that our organisation is operating efficiency and we continue to review our services to improve productivity.

The wider pressures of cost shifting and rate capping mean that we are unable to fund major infrastructure projects through our normal income stream. Hornsby Shire Council is not alone.

All Local Governments are bearing the brunt of massive unfunded infrastructure backlogs. The $500 million the State Government wasted on the dumped CBD Metro Project would have significantly helped ease the $6 billion backlog of Local Government infrastructure projects across in NSW.

Hornsby Shire Council applied to the Minister for Local Government for a rate variation specifically to address the Shire’s infrastructure needs. Through best-practice community consultation, residents indicated their support for a levy to fund the renewal of the Shire’s infrastructure, including Hornsby Pool.

By rejecting the levy the Minister has forced Council to look at dramatically cutting back its services to save money if we are to address the infrastructure issues.

 
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If you’re looking for a fun day out for the whole family, make sure you come along to the Bushland Shire Festival at Fagan Park, Arcadia Road, Galston, on Sunday 19 September from 10am to 4pm. The festival is taking place as part of Galston SpringFest.

This year’s festival will be a great day for families. We’ve got an action-packed day planned with dozens of activities and events for residents of all ages.

Kids will love the two live stage show performances by Channel Nine’s New MacDonald’s Farm at 11am and 1pm (with a meet and greet at 12), the crocodile encounters show and free face painting.

Drop by the animal farm, Galston Rotary’s scarecrow gathering, Manly Oceanworld touch pool and ‘Life Be In It’ games. See sheep shearing and whip cracking demonstrations by Tobruk Sheep Station and wood chopping demonstrations throughout the day.

Come and enjoy more than 80 food and market stalls, a variety of live demonstrations and Eco Gardening demonstrations. Learn about the history of Fagan Park at the historic Netherby Cottage and rural museums.

Entry to the festival is free. A free shuttle bus service will run between Fagan Park and Hornsby Station throughout the day (see the timetable on our website) or you can park on-site for a $5 donation to the SES.

For more information, call 9847 6739 or visit www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/whatson.

This is Hornsby Shire’s biggest event of the year. I look forward to meeting residents at Fagan Park on the day. See you there!


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If you’re a ratepayer and you live in Hornsby Shire’s rural areas, make sure you make the most of our annual native plant giveaway.

The giveaway, for Hornsby Shire ratepayers from Arcadia, Berrilee, Canoelands, Dural, Fiddletown, Forest Glen, Galston, Glenorie, Laughtondale, Lower Hawkesbury, Maroota, Middle Dural, Singletons Mill and Wisemans Ferry only, will be held on Saturday 25 September from 1pm until 3pm at the picnic shed at Galston Recreation Reserve, Galston Road, Galston (next to Galston Aquatic Centre).

A current rates notice and appropriate identification must be shown on the day to receive the free plants. Please bring a cardboard box or reusable green bag for your plants.

For more information, please call 9847 6853 or visit www.bushland.hornsby.nsw.gov.au.

This is a great opportunity to help us in maintaining the leafy character of the Bushland Shire.

 
Nick Berman
HORNSBY MAYOR