By Councillor Mary Lyons BuckettThe Hawkesbury Floodplain Risk Management Plan 2025 presented our Council with a rare opportunity: to take expert recommendations and use them to make our community safer, stronger, and better prepared for future floods. Instead, eight Councillors chose to ignore the advice of specialists and exclude critical planning controls, citing fears about property values, insurance costs, and - whether stated outright or not - climate change denial.The irony is stark. Councillors often lament the increasing costs of insurance and the difficulties residents face after a flood event. Yet, when presented with a tangible way to mitigate those risks - implementing a 1:200 flood planning level to ensure new developments are built with flood resilience in mind - most Councillors turned away. This decision not only weakens our long-term flood preparedness but also leaves existing residents in limbo, stuck with rising insurance premiums and no clear strategy for improving flood safety.The 1:200 flood planning level was just one recommendation from the extensive study, but it became the focal point of opposition. However, the plan offered multiple strategies to improve flood resilience, including house-raising, buybacks, changes to planning controls, and better evacuation routes. These are the kinds of measures that could reduce our community’s vulnerability and lessen financial burdens over time.Let’s be clear: the proposed changes would not have rezoned land or prohibited development. They would have simply ensured that future building in flood-prone areas accounted for real and present flood risks. Currently, 181 undeveloped lots would have been subject to these updated controls, requiring habitable spaces to be built slightly higher and encouraging more flood-resilient construction methods and materials. Other regions in Australia and around the world are adopting these types of measures to strengthen their disaster readiness. Our Council, however, opted for the opposite approach - one that does nothing to reduce our exposure and may ultimately place us in a worse position.The flood planning level is a tool to guide safe, sustainable development. It does not alter the height of floodwaters, change flood risk calculations for insurance companies, or automatically devalue property. What it does do is help prevent future tragedies by ensuring that new development is built with flood safety in mind. The alternative - continuing to approve developments without updated flood controls - only increases the danger to lives and property.The decision to discard expert advice flies in the face of years of calls for stronger flood mitigation measures. It ignores both local and global evidence about the impacts of changing weather patterns and flooding events. And it leaves our community increasingly vulnerable, both physically and financially.Only four Councillors - myself, Peter Ryan, Danielle Wheeler, and Amanda Kotlash - voted in favour of implementing the full expert recommendations. The remaining eight Councillors voted to reject them.Council had the chance to lead, to act, to make Hawkesbury safer. Instead, it caved to fearmongering. When the next flood comes - and it will - residents will remember who stood for resilience and who stood in the way.

Eighteen months after the first of Labor’s promised Medicare Urgent Care Centres opened, the initiative is proving to be a vital addition to Australia’s healthcare system. Designed to fill gaps in emergency and general practice care, the centres have seen more than 1.2 million patients, helping to reduce strain on hospital emergency departments.Federal Health Minister Mark Butler, who spearheaded the program, initially faced pushback from some medical groups when the policy was announced during the 2022 election campaign. However, state governments embraced the idea, leading to rapid implementation. Negotiations with state health departments ensured that the centres worked in tandem with hospitals and ambulance services, preventing patients from falling through the cracks. In an exclusive interview with the Hawkesbury Post, the Minister spoke about the genesis of the critical care centres and how they have performed 18 months in.In 2023 alone, 58 centres were opened, followed by nearly 30 more last year. Today, 87 centres operate nationwide, providing seven-day-a-week care with extended hours and full bulk billing—an element Butler says is critical. “Making it free is a critical ingredient. Some previous models had out-of-pocket costs, which pushed people toward emergency departments instead,” he said.A significant portion of patients seeking care at these centres are children under 15, often for sports injuries or minor fractures. “If your kid breaks their arm on a Saturday afternoon, getting into a GP is almost impossible. Parents had no choice but to take them to emergency, where they could wait up to 10 hours behind more urgent cases,” Butler said. “These centres mean those children can get seen quickly, freeing up emergency departments to focus on life-threatening cases.”Beyond paediatric care, roughly a third of all visits to the centres occur on weekends, and many patients arrive in the evenings—times when GP access is limited. Hospital data suggests that non-urgent and semi-urgent emergency presentations have declined in areas where the centres are operating, allowing emergency staff to focus on critical cases.Despite some lingering criticism from a small section of the medical community, a 2023 survey found that 80% of emergency doctors and 70% of general practitioners viewed the centres as a positive addition to the healthcare system. “Initially, some GPs worried about the impact on their business, but they now recognise that most of these cases were never going to be seen by them at short notice,” Butler said. Importantly, the centres coordinate with existing GPs, ensuring continuity of care for patients.The model is not unique to Australia. Countries like New Zealand have had similar systems in place for decades, with significantly lower emergency department attendance per capita. “These centres fill a gap that every comparable health system has already addressed,” Butler noted.The Labor government has pledged to open 50 more centres if re-elected, including one in the Hawkesbury. Local MP Susan Templeman has advocated for an expansion, highlighting that the nearest centre in Penrith is too far for many residents. “If people can’t get to a centre easily, they’ll just go straight to emergency,” she said.The long-term vision is to ensure that four out of five Australians live within a 20-minute drive of a Critical Care Centre. Butler sees this as just the beginning, pointing to the United States, which has more than 15,000 urgent care clinics. “With 137 centres, we’re just starting to cover gaps in our system,” he said. “By the time we reach two million patient visits per year, we’ll have significantly reduced unnecessary emergency department demand while making sure people receive timely, quality care close to home.”Concerns about staffing the centres, particularly in regional areas, have so far not materialised. Butler noted that recruitment has been strong, even in traditionally hard-to-staff locations. “GPs and nurses want to work in these clinics,” he said. Many of the nurses come from emergency department backgrounds, drawn to the centres’ steadier pace and absence of overnight shifts.Local interest is already growing. Templeman said a GP in the Hawkesbury had reached out to learn more about the opportunity to be involved. If re-elected, Labor will launch a tender process for the next round of centres, with local GPs and community health centres invited to apply for funding to expand their practices.

Australia must not take its democracy for granted as challenges to democratic institutions intensify worldwide, former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has warned.Speaking at a tree-planting ceremony in Faulconbridge’s Corridor of Oaks, Turnbull cautioned against the erosion of democratic norms, pointing to the United States as an example of how institutions can come under attack.“We are seeing extraordinary assaults on democracy,” he said. “I'm not just talking about Vladimir Putin. Look at the challenges in the United States. Look at the way Donald Trump is attacking the judiciary. A judge has given a decision that he doesn’t like, and he abuses the judge, calls him a radical left lunatic, and calls for him to be impeached. So you are seeing in the United States the rule of law under attack from the President.”Turnbull, who served as Prime Minister from 2015 to 2018, urged Australians to value and protect the country’s democratic institutions. He credited Australia’s compulsory voting system, preferential voting, and independent electoral commission with keeping the political system more balanced than that of other nations.“We have great strengths in this country in terms of our democracy, not just because we're more sensible than the Americans and indeed a lot of others... We have compulsory voting. We've had it for 100 years. Think about that.”Addressing a group of school students attending the ceremony, Turnbull emphasised the importance of civic participation and speaking out against intimidation.“A lot of people get frightened out of speaking up because they get bullied,” he said. “People sometimes try to bully me, which, history has shown, is a futile exercise. But I say this particularly to the young people: never, ever let people intimidate you from speaking your mind.”He rejected the notion that political engagement should be left to elected representatives, stressing that democracy relies on the participation of all citizens.“Sometimes people talk about politics as though it's a game of football, like the Grand Final... and everyone else is in the stands, cheering or booing. But our political system is not like that. All of us are participants.”Turnbull also reflected on the 2022 federal election, where the rise of independent candidates - particularly the so-called ‘Teal’ independents - challenged the Liberal Party’s hold on traditionally safe seats. He credited Australia’s electoral system with preventing extreme political polarisation.“In our system, you’re fighting for the middle ground. If a party is seen to go too far to one extreme or another, independents come straight through the middle,” he said. “That is, I cannot tell you how important that is.”The former Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the recognition, acknowledging the significance of having his own oak tree planted among those of past leaders. 

Newly obtained documents reveal that the controversial Island Oasis development in Kurrajong Hills could pose a serious evacuation risk in the event of a bushfire, with the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) repeatedly warning that the site is unsuitable. The information, released under the Government Information (Public Access) Act (GIPA), shows internal correspondence between the Department of Planning and the RFS raising grave concerns about the ability to safely evacuate large numbers of tourists.The first opinion, dated 12 June last year, was in response to the developer’s initial request for Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs). The RFS assessment was blunt, stating, "It is strongly advised that the scope of the proposal on the subject site must be reconsidered given the constraints relating to evacuation of large number of tourists to a safer location in case of bush fire emergency. Reliance on a shelter-in-place only strategy is not deemed acceptable in achieving compliance with 1.1 Aims and objectives and 1.2 Bush fire protection principles in PBP 2019."Following this response, the developer, Tony Merhi of Merc Capital, adjusted the plans by reducing the number of cabins and camping sites while maintaining the same infrastructure and project cost. However, the RFS response to the revised SEARs application, dated 21 October last year, remained unchanged. The agency reiterated its initial concerns, stating, "…the concerns from the previous NSW RFS letter dated 12 June 2024 in relation to the suitability of the site are still relevant. Reiterating from the previous advice, the NSW RFS cannot rely on closure of the facility on days of elevated fire danger for compliance with PBP, nor impose this as a condition for approval."Despite these serious concerns, legal advice obtained by residents has revealed that under the State Significant Development (SSD) process, the developer is not required to seek formal approval from the RFS for a “Bush Fire Safety Authority” under the Section 4.14 of the EP&A Act. It exposes a significant flaw in the legislation and potentially puts lives at risk. Should the project proceed, it would place RFS volunteers at risk in favour of developers, residents say. The Island’s Oasis proposal seeks to transform the bushland site into a major tourist destination, featuring 311 permanent cabins, 120 lodge suites, camping and caravan sites, a central clubhouse, six communal kitchens, and various recreational facilities. While the plans include upgrades to Hermitage Road and Bells Line of Road, local residents argue these measures are inadequate given the scale of the project. The proposed access roads cut through crucial wildlife habitat, raising further concerns about environmental destruction.Tony Merhi’s development activities in Kurrajong have drawn scrutiny, with his son, Bashir Merhi, also pushing for a large, modern gambling venue in Kurrajong Heights. Residents fear the developments are driven more by financial gain than community or environmental considerations. Many remain skeptical of Merhi’s motives, given his previous attempt to rezone the site for a 450-lot residential development, which was unanimously rejected by Council in 2013. At the time, Council concluded the land lacked the necessary infrastructure, environmental capability, and fire safety measures to support such a large-scale project.A local resident, who obtained the RFS documents and requested anonymity, described the bushfire risks as dire. "This is a death trap," he said, recalling how the 2019 Gospers Mountain fire came within a kilometre of the site. The development may contain up to 1,500 people at any one time. The single steep, narrow and winding access road is shared with an existing housing estate placing those residents at risk along with those on the Oasis site. "The developer’s suggestion of an alternative fire trail exit is completely unworkable, as it runs through the Wollemi National Park and private property. In addition the proposed route would likely be towards the direction of any fire front. This alternative route was dismissed by Council in the 2013 housing proposal,” the resident said.The documents also reveal that the project’s cost estimates rely on the use of lightweight prefabricated materials where possible, adding to concerns about fire resistance. Residents and fire safety experts fear that without intervention, the project could proceed without addressing fundamental safety concerns, leaving thousands of future visitors and local residents at risk in the event of a major bushfire.

The latest water testing by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) claims PFAS levels in the Hawkesbury River are well below national safety guidelines, contradicting previous reports that warned of significant contamination risks.The EPA tested water at eight locations along the river on January 29, 2025, including near the North Richmond sewage treatment plant, Richmond Bridge, and Windsor Beach. According to the findings, PFAS levels were far below the National Health and Medical Research Council’s Recreational Water Quality Guidelines, meaning the river is deemed safe for swimming and boating.These results align with previous monitoring by the Australian Department of Defence, which investigated PFAS contamination from RAAF Base Richmond. The EPA insists the community faces a low risk from exposure or consumption and advises checking Beachwatch NSW updates after heavy rain.However, the findings appear to contradict a Transport for NSW (TfNSW) report on the Richmond Bridge construction, which classified PFAS contamination in the river as a serious hazard. The report revealed that workers building the new bridge are banned from direct water contact due to potential health risks. Instead, they must operate from barges to minimize exposure.This discrepancy raises questions about government messaging. If the river is safe for recreational users, why are workers restricted from touching the water? The TfNSW report cites PFAS levels exceeding environmental health guidelines under the National Environmental Management Plan (NEMP 2.0). It also warns that using river water for construction purposes could harm local ecosystems and human health.Associate Professor Ian Wright, an environmental scientist at Western Sydney University, previously told the Hawkesbury Post that PFAS chemicals, known as "forever chemicals," persist in the environment and accumulate in the food chain. These substances have been linked to cancers and other serious health conditions. "A very, very, very small amount of PFAS goes a long way," Wright said. "It’s like one eye-drop in 20 Olympic swimming pools that’s dangerous at that level. And the RAAF base used a lot of PFAS foams over a very long time."PFAS contamination in the Hawkesbury River stems from decades of firefighting foam use at the RAAF base. While Sydney Water maintains that drinking water meets national standards, it only tests PFAS levels at filtration plants, not in the river itself. Raw water, which includes rivers and dams, is not subject to Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

The Hawkesbury area is unusually lush at the moment thanks to another La Nina summer of scorching heatwaves, plunging temperatures, spectacular storms, wild winds and torrential rain.   Having evolved in a landscape known for its extreme weather events, it's no surprise Australian wildlife have developed some clever strategies to survive. However, due to the increasing frequency of these challenges, our wildlife is under pressure to keep bouncing back. In flooding events, predator-prey relationships are forgotten during the crisis as each focuses on their own survival. Islands of higher ground become safety refuges for species that would normally try to eat each other. Snakes swim too and can become an unlikely life raft for rodents and frogs. Trees temporarily become a home to a normally incompatible mix of reptiles, birds and arboreal species.    Storms also have an immediate impact on our wildlife, blowing nests out of trees, as well as dislodging fledgelings about to fly. Downed trees deprive birds and tree-dwellers such as koalas, gliders and bats precious habitat. Torrential rain can also make birds waterlogged, unable to fly, and for small mammals to be at risk of hypothermia and more vulnerable to predation. Not surprisingly, wildlife rescue organizations see a surge in orphaned wildlife after these events.   During a bushfire, the fundamental decision for wildlife is to stay or try to flee. Kangaroos and wallabies will head to dams or creek lines, even doubling back through a fire front to take refuge in areas already burnt. Birds also leave, but the less agile animals have no choice but to shelter in burrows, under rocks or in trees. Wombat burrows (depending on their depth and surrounding fuel load) provide a safe haven for small mammals. Echidnas not only seek refuge in burrows, but enter a state of torpor (lowering their body temperature and rate of metabolism) for up to 3 weeks, avoiding both the flames and the wave of opportunistic predators picking off the injured and homeless following a fire. Echidnas’ main food source, ants and termites, will also survive the fire if their nests are deep enough. Incredibly, the mouse-sized marsupial Antechinus and native rodents can also survive wildfires and re-colonize burnt areas. Antechinus also go into a state of mild torpor to reduce their food requirement, eking out a meagre existence on either the remaining insects or plant matter. Torpor has also been observed in sugar gliders after storms and by some birds such as tawny frogmouths during extremely cold weather.  As forests mature, large amounts of nutrients are bound up in trees, fallen logs and leaf litter. Fire releases most of those, so that following a fire there is an incredible flush of growth and regeneration. Plants and animals flourish, biodiversity abounds. However, if fires occur too frequently, the beneficial nutrients literally go up in smoke or are washed away by rain, and the net result is a depleted ecosystem and the potential for local extinctions. It is the increasing frequency of intense fires and timing of hazard reduction burns that has the potential to permanently change our landscape.  Following an extreme weather event, it’s common to encounter wildlife behaving unusually. Remember the helpful acronym, FLAG:  Fearless: Animals become easier to approach and are less fearful of people. Lethargic: Limping, disoriented and slower moving than usual, or unable to fly away. Awake: Nocturnal animals rarely seen during the day suddenly become visible. Grounded: Birds and koalas leave their homes in the canopy and appear more frequently at ground level.  If you encounter an animal in need, call your local wildlife rescue. Do not attempt to feed injured wildlife. Birds and small mammals (if safe to do so) should be placed in a box with a towel and kept warm and quiet until a rescuer can assess them. Do not attempt to restrain kangaroos or wallabies, they can inflict serious damage even when injured. Recording the location of the animal is often far more helpful than a botched rescue.  Natural disasters are likely to occur more frequently as a result of climate change. Animals will continue to develop incredible adaptations, but evolution takes time, and our environment is changing at an alarming rate. Increasing your awareness and understanding of our beautiful wildlife allows you to identify problems and take action to help prevent suffering and save lives. Knowing when and how to help could be your most important contribution to protecting our wildlife.      

Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has left a lasting mark in the Blue Mountains, planting an oak tree in the historic Prime Ministers’ Corridor of Oaks in Faulconbridge. The ceremony yesterday, attended by around 200 guests, recognised Turnbull’s contributions to Australian politics, particularly his leadership during his tenure as the nation’s 29th Prime Minister.Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill underscored the cultural significance of the Corridor of Oaks, describing it as “not only a heritage conservation area of great local and national importance, but also a living memorial to Sir Henry Parkes and to the Federation of Australia.”“Each oak planted here marks a key moment in Australia's political history, symbolising the contributions of our Prime Ministers,” Cr Greenhill said.Reflecting on Turnbull’s leadership, he highlighted the former Prime Minister’s role in shaping national debates.“Malcolm Turnbull’s leadership was marked by a commitment to progress, optimism, and inclusivity,” he said. “He did not shy away from challenging the status quo, from his advocacy for climate change action to his leadership in establishing the same-sex marriage referendum, which remains one of the defining milestones of his tenure.”Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman, who spent her early years in Parliament sitting opposite Turnbull, acknowledged his role in bringing about marriage equality.“The vote to legislate marriage equality in December 2017 remains a highlight of my now nine years in Parliament and one of the Parliament’s finest moments,” she said. “While Australia’s pathway towards marriage equality did not take the course that everyone would have wished, I do acknowledge Malcolm’s role cain ultimately bringing it about, especially when so many in his own party were opposed to it.,” Templeman said.“It will stand as a defining moment of social progress in Australian history and I hope that moment is one people will remember when they stand here in the Blue Mountains, before your tree, in decades to come,” she said.Templeman also spoke about the deep historical connection the Turnbull family has with the Hawkesbury, referencing Malcolm Turnbull’s great-great-great-grandfather, John Turnbull, one of the first Scottish-born free settlers in New South Wales.“John Turnbull and his wife Ann settled on Swallow Rock Reach near Ebenezer in 1803, helped build a school and what is now the oldest existing church in Australia, the charming Ebenezer Church,” she said. “I know your family has made generous personal contributions to ensure its preservation.”Drawing on her long awareness of Turnbull’s career, Templeman recalled her first impressions of him, formed not in Parliament but as a young journalist covering his legal defence of media mogul Kerry Packer against the "Goanna" allegations in the early 1980s. She also referenced insights from mutual acquaintances who had worked alongside Turnbull in the Australian Republican Movement and the investment banking sector.“By the time I assumed my seat in Parliament in 2016, I didn’t come with a completely blank slate,” she said. “And today, we’ve gathered to establish a lasting commemoration of Malcolm’s contribution to public life in the 21st century.”The event was attended by local dignitaries, representatives from the Blue Mountains Heritage Advisory Committee, and students from several local schools, including Blaxland High School, Blue Mountains Grammar School, and Springwood High School.Turnbull, who addressed the students, later spent time speaking with them about contemporary political issues, including Donald Trump, whom he reportedly described as a bully.In recognition of his service, Turnbull was presented with civic gifts, including a copy of Hidden History of the Blue Mountains by local author Magda Cawthorne and a piece by local ceramic artist Sharron Mountain.

Police are appealing for public assistance after seven trail bikes, worth an estimated $63,000, were stolen from a property in East Kurrajong.Officers from Hawkesbury Police Area Command launched an investigation following reports of a break-in at a home on Coobah Street around 2:40 am on Wednesday, March 19.According to police, several people forced entry into the property before making off with the bikes. The group was seen leaving the scene in a silver hatchback with green P-plates and a truck towing a trailer.Authorities believe the stolen bikes and the suspect vehicle may be circulating in the Windsor and Bidwill areas.Inspector Brendan Hillyard of Hawkesbury Police Area Command urged trail bike owners to take extra precautions to prevent theft.“Trail bike owners are urged to always secure your bikes in a locked shed or inside their house and make sure to lock the door. It is also important to lock the wheels and frame to a secure object with a good quality bike lock to protect your bikes from these kinds of offences.” Inspector Hillyard said.Police are asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Reports are treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to share information via NSW Police social media pages.

Richmond will once again pay tribute to those who have served with an ANZAC commemoration on Sunday, April 13, 2025. The Richmond RSL Sub-branch will lead the annual march through the heart of town, starting at 2:30 pm along West Market, Windsor, and East Market Streets, before arriving at the Richmond War Memorial in Richmond Park.The procession will be led by the Light Horse, veterans in jeeps, and the Hawkesbury District Band. Marching behind them will be members of Richmond and Windsor RSL Sub-branches, the National Servicemen’s Association, Descendants of Veterans, personnel from RAAF Base Richmond, military cadets, and community groups, including scouts, guides, and local schoolchildren.The formal ANZAC commemoration will commence at 3:00 pm at the Richmond War Memorial. The ceremony will feature a traditional Catafalque Party, keynote addresses, and the laying of wreaths by veterans and community members.Richmond RSL Sub-branch is inviting veterans, ex-serving personnel, and current service members to march alongside its members under the Sub-branch Banner. Those wishing to participate are encouraged to contact Secretary Gillian Fletcher at 0438 782 419 to confirm numbers. “We also encourage Descendants of Veterans to join in the parade and, if you have their medals, you may wear them on your right hand side. Community members and families are encouraged to participate in the day by lining the streets of Richmond and supporting the procession, recognising those who served or are still serving our country,” the Sub-branch said.In addition to the march, Richmond RSL Sub-branch will host a Dawn Service on ANZAC Day, Friday, April 25, 2025. The service will begin at 5:00 am at the Richmond War Memorial and will include the traditional Catafalque Party, keynote speeches, and the laying of wreaths. Covered seating will be available for dignitaries, veterans, and older family members, who are advised to arrive at least 20 minutes before the start of the ceremony.“Richmond RSL Sub-branch welcomes the many veteran and community groups who, each year, participate in this commemoration and who lay wreaths in honour of our veterans. Richmond RSL Sub-branch will again invite local families, descendants and individuals to lay private wreaths in honour of their family members who have served, or are serving,” it said.Richmond RSL Sub-branch said it and the Richmond Club remain committed to ensuring that military personnel receive the recognition, respect, and support they deserve.

Opinion article by Councillor Nathan ZamprognoA Federal election must be called no later than May 17th. For a time, in our seat of Macquarie we enjoyed the limelight as the most marginal seat in the nation. Not any more. What happened?Macquarie has been held by the Liberals for 31 of the last 50 years. In contrast, our state seat of Hawkesbury has been held by Conservatives for 91 of the last 100 years.Despite this, Labor’s Susan Templeman will be gladhanding for a fourth term with a margin that rocketed from 0.2% to a ‘fairly safe’ 7.73% in 2022. A redistribution has added the Lib-leaning suburb of Emu Plains to Macquarie, bringing Templeman to this election with a pruned margin of 6.3%.It was telling thata recent polling put out by News Ltd describing ‘the 20 most key seats in the country’ at the coming election didn’t list Macquarie at all. What a fall! We’re poorer for it.The reason is easy to understand. At the last election there was a swing against the Liberals of 3.66% (3.2% in NSW). The Liberal vote in Macquarie collapsed under Liberal candidate and then-Mayor Sarah McMahon with a swing of 7.58% – the worst in any ‘must win’ seat targeted by the Coalition.By way of contrast, one seat over in Lindsay, incumbent Liberal Melissa McIntosh gained a swing of 1.3% to the Liberals.Regardless of your political stripe, we are better off when our seat is a marginal one. Last election, both parties fell over themselves to pledge $500m to build a new Hawkesbury River crossing. This was because we were a ‘must win’ seat. Although they’ll deny it, there’s less munificence for a seat safely held or harder to win.Now it turns out this sum is millions short of what is needed.The winning stroke in this campaign for either Templeman or the Liberal candidate Mike Creed might come if they can pledge full funding for the whole Project.Another is if either candidate can demonstrate they are prepared to stand up to their own parties to advocate for local concerns. The flight paths of the new airport would be one example. Another would be to reverse the designation of six of the seven Hawkesbury Postcodes (and all of the Blue Mountains) as “regional” for the purpose of overseas migration visas. A local realtor tells me this influx adds a 5% premium to the cost of house sales in the Hawkesbury, or an extra $87k to the repayments on an average mortgage.I agree we should encourage new Australians to settle outside our major cities, but this designation adds fuel to the housing affordability crisis we share with metropolitan Sydney. Thedesignation should be changed.We live in an era of rising cynicism towards the ‘two-party’ system .Independents like the so-called Teals made big inroads in 2022. Under the ‘mandatory preferential’ voting system used Federally, it is safer to make a protest vote for an independent or minor party candidate to send a message.Your vote ends up with one of the two major parties anyway. Maybe that’s a good way to ‘make Macquarie marginal again’.The federal seat of Macquarie following the boundary adjustments.

The Federal Government has stepped in over concerns about the controversial Islands Oasis development in Kurrajong Hills, warning the developer that the project may need to be assessed under national environmental law due to its potential impact on the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area and protected species.In a letter to a concerned resident, Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek confirmed that her department has contacted the developer to ensure they understand their obligations under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The project has not yet been formally referred for federal assessment, but Plibersek made it clear that if significant environmental impacts are identified, the developer will be required to submit the project for consideration.“I have also spoken to your local member, Susan Templeman, about this project. Susan also wrote to me and brought it to my attention. Thanks again to you and Susan for your vigilance. Because of your work, this project is now on the department’s radar,” Plibersek wrote.The proposed Islands Oasis development, backed by developer Tony Mehri of Merc Capital Group, would transform a large tract of bushland into a sprawling tourist complex featuring 311 permanent cabins, 120 lodge suites, camping and caravan sites, a clubhouse, six communal kitchens, and various recreational facilities. Local residents have raised alarm over the scale of the project, citing environmental destruction, bushfire risks, and inadequate infrastructure to support the development.Critics warn that clearing large areas of native vegetation - including endangered Cumberland Shale-Sandstone Ironbark and Turpentine forests - would have devastating effects on local wildlife, including a documented koala colony. The project’s asset protection zone would also encroach on vital riparian areas, further threatening biodiversity in the region.A resident who wished to remain anonymous called the project “a death trap,” pointing to the single narrow access road shared with an existing housing estate. “The 2019 Gospers Mountain fire came within a kilometre of this site. The developer’s suggestion of an alternative fire trail exit is completely unworkable,” he said.Concerns over the developer’s intentions have also fueled public opposition. Residents note that Mehri previously attempted to rezone the land for a 450-lot residential development in 2013, a plan unanimously rejected by Council due to the site’s lack of infrastructure, environmental capacity, and fire safety measures. The latest project bears striking similarities, leading some to question whether it is a genuine tourism venture or an attempt to increase land value for resale.The financial viability of the project has also been questioned, with costings for the $213 million development excluding key operational expenses such as marketing, sales, and maintenance. Residents argue that the estimated revenue falls far short of making the project sustainable, reinforcing suspicions that it is designed to be sold rather than operated as a long-term tourism enterprise.Although classified as a State Significant Development - meaning the final decision rests with the NSW Independent Planning Commission (IPC) - the project’s environmental implications have now drawn federal scrutiny. If required, a federal referral under the EPBC Act would trigger public consultation and a more rigorous assessment of its impact“This isn’t just about one project,” another resident said. “It’s about the future of the Hawkesbury. Do we allow short-sighted, profit-driven developments to destroy what makes this place unique, or do we stand up for our environment and our community?”An artists impression (by the developer)of the tourist cabins.

Police are investigating after suspected human remains were found partially buried at a property at Glenorie today.Officers from The Hills Police Area Command attended a home on Gleness Place, Glenorie, at about 11:35 am on Friday as part of inquiries into a missing man. Upon arrival, police said they located what they believe to be human remains.A crime scene has been established, and detectives from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad have joined the investigation. Police said the incident is being treated as suspicious.Shortly after the discovery, three people - two men and a woman - were arrested nearby and are assisting police with inquiries.Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers website. Police have reminded the public not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.No further details are available at this time.

As temperatures are set to soar into the high 30s this weekend, a recent report from the Climate Council paints a stark picture of what lies ahead if climate pollution isn't curbed.The Climate Council’s Heat Map of Australia, an interactive tool, projects the number of hot and very hot days - along with sweltering nights - each suburb and electorate could face by 2050 and 2090 under three different scenarios: no action, continuing current policies, or implementing necessary climate measures.Western Sydney has already felt the brunt of extreme heat, with Penrith recording a staggering 48.9°C on January 4, 2020 - making it the hottest place on Earth that day.“People in Western Sydney are already experiencing heatwaves approaching 50°C,” the report states. “Without urgent action, the region will see even more frequent and intense heatwaves, which will impact quality of life, public health, and economic productivity.”Compounding the problem is Western Sydney’s geography and urban design. The region is far from the coast, which offers a cooling effect, and suffers from the urban heat island effect - a phenomenon where roads, roofs, and concrete surfaces absorb and radiate heat, raising temperatures by up to 10°C on extreme heat days.“Unlike coastal areas, there’s no sea breeze relief here,” the Climate Council warns. “Lack of vegetation, high-density development, and poor housing design are exacerbating the crisis.”The report projects that by 2050, if existing climate action continues, Western Sydney will experience an average of 22 days above 35°C - an increase of 8 days compared to 1986-2005 averages. There will also be 3 days above 40°C, an increase of 2 days, while nights above 25°C will remain at zero.If no action is taken, the region could see 13 additional days over 35°C by 2050. Even with necessary climate measures, there would still be an increase of 8 days over 35°C, underscoring the long-term impact of past emissions.Looking further ahead to 2090, the projections become even more alarming. If current climate action continues, Western Sydney will experience 27 days above 35°C - an increase of 13 days. There will be 5 days above 40°C, an increase of 3 days, and, for the first time, the region will endure at least one night above 25°C.If no action is taken at all, the situation worsens dramatically, with the region facing 32 additional days over 35°C by 2090. Even with the strongest climate measures, Western Sydney would still see an increase of 8 days over 35°C.Without significant cuts to climate pollution, the report predicts that Western Sydney’s already scorching summers will become even more unbearable, putting residents at greater risk of heat-related illnesses and economic strain.The Ponds in Western Sydney

You may have seen them on a bush track aiming a camera with a long lens, or on a quiet roadside with binoculars raised: birdwatchers in search of the Hawkesbury’s Birds.A recently released report from Tourism Research Australia, widely covered by media organisations like the ABC revealed that birdwatching is not just an an increasingly popular activity for many people – it is also worth billions of dollars to theAustralian economy. The numbers were impressive – international visitors to Australia in the year to June 2024 spent $2.6 billion on travel included birdwatching, and domestic travels including birdwatching came in at $636 million.As a significant destination for Sydney region birders and visitors, the Hawkesbury economy and local small businesses also benefit. The reason is simple – the Hawkesbury is renowned as a birdwatching destination, with over 300 species of birds recorded – and it is easily accessed for Sydneyresidents and visitors.On any day of the week, at any time of year, birders will be travelling to Hawkesbury hotspots in search of birds. Many are familiar with the key sites and might have several mapped out for the day. Others might be focussing on one location. Andsome of the more serious enthusiasts, including bird photographers, may even be focussing their efforts on finding a single species.Based on bird lists logged on the popular online database eBird, where many birders record their sightings, the most popular Hawkesbury birdwatching sites in 2025 so far include Scheyville National Park, Mitchell Park (part of Cattai National Park), theRichmond Lowlands and Pughs Lagoon, and Bushell’s Lagoon near Wilberforce.Photo Credit: Perspectives by Peter Haynes - Great EgretPitt Town Nature Reserve is probably the most popular single birdwatching site in the Hawkesbury, and for good reason. Just below Pitt Town town centre itself, the lagoon here is a magnet for a wide variety of wetland birds. Around 240 species of birds have been recorded at this little 50 hectare site, and the number and variety of birds vary enormously depending on water levels. When water levels are very high, bird diversity and numbers are often low. They can be even lower when the lagoon dries up completely in dry periods. When water levels are low and dropping, the lagooncan be a spectacular sight, as migratory birds from the Northern Hemisphere and nomads from inland Australia flock on the mudflats, rafts of ducks feed in the shallows, and herons, pelicans and spoonbills forage.With a very wide variety of habitats and some of the Sydney region’s most significant surviving woodlands, floodplains and larger wetlands, the Hawkesbury has a history of attracting special bird species. News spreads quickly through the birdingcommunity when rarer visitors arrive.In early January this year, a birder visiting Scheyville National Park noticed a boldly- marked black and white bird – the first Hooded Robin seen in its former Sydney habitat for about half a century. Once a resident in Cumberland Plain woodland in western Sydney, its habitat fell victim to development for farming and housing. Hundreds of birdwatchers have made the trip to Scheyville to see the bird, which has now been present for about six weeks.In late 2023, the discovery of a pair of Australian Painted-snipe in the Richmond Lowlands led to even greater excitement amongst the birding community. Australian Painted-snipe are a beautifully plumaged bird that rely on shallow wetland areas where they use their long beaks to probe for invertebrates in muddy ground. This is Australia’s rarest wetland bird, with an estimated total population of just a few hundred. Its movements are still poorly understood, with a current research project tracking the movements of a number of tagged birds revealing some complex movements involving huge areas of inland Australia. Hundreds of birders including interstate visitors came to Richmond to see the birds in October and November 2023 – on one morning when I visited, there were probably around twenty birders/photographers present. (It’s probably fair to assume that many of these visitors also spent dollars at local cafes, pubs, bakeries, farm stalls, and other local businesses).It’s worth noting that the habitats in which both of these rare visitors were seen are key features of the Hawkesbury environment: eucalypt woodland, and floodplain. Sadly, both of these habitats have been heavily impacted by human activity, both farming and urban development.Since the 1970s, around a dozen species have disappeared from their former Hawkesbury haunts. As a teenage birder in the 1980s, I remember watching the beautiful Turquoise Parrot at Ebenezer and Yarramundi, and Black-chinned Honeyeaters feeding on eucalypt blossom at Scheyville. Both of these formerly common woodland birds are now either locally extinct or at best rare visitors to the areas they once occupied in good numbers.For those wanting to learn more about birds or join a bird-watching outing locally, the following organisations run a range of activities and are a great way to learn more about the Hawkesbury’s incredible birdlife.Cumberland Bird Observers Club https://www.cboc.org.au/Hawkesbury Environment Network https://www.hen.org.au/

How did Kerry Bromley die? A decade after the 57-year-old was found dead in her Vineyard home, police have revived their investigation and are urging anyone with information to come forward.Detectives from Hawkesbury Police Area Command have re-initiated Strike Force Levendale as part of their investigation into Ms. Bromley’s suspicious death.Emergency services were called to a caravan park on Commercial Road, Vineyard, about 6pm on January 19, 2015, following reports that a woman had been found dead in her home. Police said officers from Hawkesbury Local Area Command arrived to find Ms. Bromley deceased in her bed.As part of their ongoing inquiries, detectives said they are focusing on early to mid-January 2015 and are seeking assistance from both the local and wider community. Police said the historical nature of the case, along with the transient population of the caravan park at the time, means key witnesses may now be living elsewhere.Anyone with information is urged to contact Strike Force Levendale detectives at Windsor Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.Information provided will be treated in strict confidence. Police have reminded the public not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Nepean Hospital is offering free hepatitis B testing to women and babies who may have been exposed to the virus after a healthcare worker in the Birth Unit was found to be infectious. The Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD) is notifying 223 women who gave birth at the hospital between 2013 and 2024 about the potential low-risk exposure.While NSW Health has not identified any cases of transmission linked to the worker, NBMLHD said the concern this may cause for those affected and has extended its apologies.A review by the NSW Health Blood Borne Viruses Advisory Panel found the risk of transmission to be low for 223 women and 143 children. However, as a precaution, NBMLHD is offering free assessment and testing for hepatitis B to those who may have been exposed.Patients who underwent an episiotomy, a repair of an episiotomy or perineal/vaginal tear, or had a fetal scalp electrode applied during childbirth by the healthcare worker are being contacted.NBMLHD said it has worked with the healthcare worker to eliminate any further risk of transmission. The health district assures patients that Nepean Hospital’s birthing services remain committed to high-quality care in a safe environment.Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. It can be transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, during birth, or through sexual contact. A blood test can determine if a person has an active infection or has had the virus in the past. Vaccination remains the best protection against hepatitis B.“Testing is important as there are now treatments available to prevent long-term complications of hepatitis B, and precautions can be taken to prevent the spread of infection to others,” NBMLHD said in a statement.“Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of all women,” it said. Women who are unsure whether they may be at risk can call a dedicated support line on 1800 716 662 for further expert information and advice.Additional information on hepatitis B is available on the NSW Health website: NSW Health Hepatitis B Information.

After finishing primary school, Jean Aiken (Broadribb) was forced to find work on local farms around Maroota due to the lack of a school bus. Her mother had passed away just a few years earlier, leaving her in the part-time care of a next-door neighbour.Today, Jean celebrated her 100th birthday, surrounded by family, friends, and the dedicated nursing staff at Fitzgerald Aged Care in Windsor. Also in attendance were Federal Member Susan Templeman, Hawkesbury Mayor Les Sheather, and Reverend Chris Jones.  Proudly on display was a card from the King, containing a photograph of the Monarch and Queen Camilla.“It was such a fantastic day! It was more than I could have ever expected,” Jean’s daughter Joy told the Hawkesbury Post. ”Fitzgerald went above and beyond in creating a truly incredible celebration for mum and she was so happy,” she said.While surprised by all the fuss, Jean shared her secret to a long and fulfilling life: "helping others." Jean's journey has certainly embodied that philosophy. Born in Portland near Lithgow in 1925, she moved with her family to Glossodia before settling on a larger farm in Maroota in 1928, where they grew fruit and vegetables.At 17, Jean claimed to be 18 so she could enlist in the Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD), serving as a nurse at Hawkesbury Hospital and the RAAF base hospital until the conclusion of World War II. After the war, she returned to farm work, where she met Sydney Aiken, whom she later married in 1948. The couple settled on her father’s farm in Maroota, taking on the responsibilities of running the business. They had two children, Bill and Joyce, and looked forward to the weekly dances at Maroota Hall.In 1955, the family relocated to Windsor to provide better schooling opportunities for their children. Syd resumed work as a plumber, while Jean dedicated herself to volunteer work. She became actively involved with the CWA and the Red Cross, frequently visiting patients in hospitals. She was also a longstanding member of St Matthew’s Church, continuing her involvement well into her 90s. In her free time, she enjoyed tennis and gardening.During the 1960s, financial difficulties led Jean to take a job at the Dowidat company in North Richmond. When her husband Syd passed away in April 1972, she continued working until the company eventually closed. Following her retirement, she traveled to New Zealand and the Pacific Islands and took up old-time dancing with her tennis friends. However, her passion for helping others remained strong - she soon returned to volunteering, visiting sick children in hospitals well into her 80s.Jean also dedicated 35 years to Meals on Wheels, serving the community with unwavering commitment. Her love for travel continued throughout Australia with friends. She now has five grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.“With all her socialising and volunteering, the garden never suffered. If anything, it got bigger as Jean got older,” Joy said.

Plans for a new pub and casino in the heritage village of Kurrajong Heights have been approved by the state's controversial planning panel, despite opposition from hundreds of residents and Hawkesbury Councillors. The decision, backed by Hawkesbury Council staff, paves the way for developer Bashir Merhi to proceed with a two-story venue featuring a pub, a VIP gaming lounge with up to 22 poker machines, nine accommodation cabins, and a 255-patron capacity. The project also includes parking for 75 cars and extended trading hours. The developer does not have any experience building and running pubs and is expected to try to sell the project with the approved DA.Residents began receiving emails from Hawkesbury Council today informing them of the approval. “At the Hawkesbury Local Planning Panel (HLPP) meeting dated 27 February 2025, the Panel resolved that the application be approved,” the email stated. The Notice of Determination is available on Council’s website..”Although all Hawkesbury Councillors opposed the initial development application, the final decision rested with the Planning Panel. Council staff recommended approval, arguing in business papers that the proposal aligns with the Local Environmental Plan and Development Control Plan."Council considers that the proposed development has been developed in line with the key objectives of planning regulations and remains in the public interest," the report states.However, community opposition was widespread, with more than 40 specific objections raised. Retired senior ecologist and Kurrajong Heights resident Nicola Trulock delivered a scathing critique of the project's supporting assessments at a planning panel meeting in February. Trulock, formerly a natural resource and interim bushfire management officer for the City of Parramatta Council, criticised the proposal for its significant omissions and inaccuracies.She also pointed out that both the Social Impact Assessment and the Statement of Environmental Effects were prepared by Balma Projects Pty Ltd - the very company seeking approval for the project."The display of bias is not surprising when you learn that both reports were prepared by Balma Projects Pty Ltd, the applicant for the DA. This is a clear-cut example of conflict of interest. Why did Hawkesbury Council not insist that these reports be rectified and prepared by an independent consultant?" she said.Residents' submissions raised concerns about poker machines, traffic congestion, tree removal, and the loss of Kurrajong Heights’ unique heritage. Yet, the Council’s report dismissed many of these concerns and suggested mitigation for others. Concerns about gambling were also dismissed, with the report claiming that gaming machines would require a separate Liquor and Gaming Authority application."The new DA is essentially a reworked version of the original proposal, with some modifications, but it remains a massive overdevelopment that is not compliant with the B1 zoning or the heritage requirements of Kurrajong Heights," Jeremy Braithwaite, leader of the Kurrajong Heights Heritage Committee, previously told the Hawkesbury Post.

Just four of the ten infrastructure projects promised under the $98 million WestInvest scheme for the Hawkesbury will be delivered in full, as funding shortfalls force major cuts, delays, or outright cancellations.Despite grand architectural drawings and assurances from elected representatives, it has now become clear that the funds allocated under the scheme, announced by the NSW Liberal Government in 2023, were never sufficient to build the projects as originally depicted. Hawkesbury City Council has confirmed that initial cost estimates were "substantially less" than what is now required, in part due to soaring construction and material costs.Councillor Nathan Zamprogno said the way these projects were sold to the community was misleading. “The last State election was fought with our elected representatives standing next to large photos of these architecturally lavish, fully-featured facilities. You’d have to say there’s an element of false advertising if now we’re being told that very few of them can be delivered as they were depicted.”Of the ten projects, the four that remain fully funded and on track for completion include Fernadell Park sports and community facilities in Pitt Town, Woodbury Reserve, the Kurrajong to Kurmond Cycleway, and upgrades to Turnbull Oval in North Richmond. A council spokesperson said Woodbury Reserve was the most progressed, with the Pump Track completed in August 2024. The tender process for Fernadell Park’s amenities and landscape construction closed in February 2025, with work expected to commence in autumn, weather permitting.However, the remaining six projects - including the much-anticipated new indoor pool at Richmond, upgrades to the Oasis Aquatic and Fitness Centre, North Richmond Community Precinct, Tamplin Field in Hobartville, and the Shared Path Cycleway over Rickabys Creek - face severe funding shortfalls. Council has acknowledged that these projects are now subject to further analysis, potential reductions in scope, or alternative funding solutions, all of which require state government approval.Zamprogno criticised the failure to account for cost inflation over the multi-year timeline of these projects. “Over the multi-year timeframes that these projects come to fruition, cost-inflation was absolutely something that should have been anticipated and factored in,” he said. “No one wants these to be cancelled or downsized, but in the context of Council’s broader financial situation, it irks that the State Government has created this problem only to blame Council for the disappointment.”Council now faces difficult decisions: whether to scale down projects, abandon some entirely to reallocate funds, or seek additional borrowing to deliver the infrastructure as originally promised. The extent of the funding gap has not been publicly disclosed, though it is believed to be in the tens of millions of dollars. The Hawkesbury Post has lodged a Government Information Public Access (GIPA) request to obtain details of the shortfall after Council refused to disclose the figures voluntarily.Compounding the issue, each completed facility will bring ongoing maintenance costs that were never accounted for within the WestInvest grant, further straining Council’s already fragile financial position. Hawkesbury Councillor Mary Lyons-Buckett has long been critical of such projects failing to budget for longterm maintenance of facilities. Even before these projects, Council faced a $163 million infrastructure maintenance deficit over the next nine years, meaning additional rate increases may soon be required.“These were facilities that the community were promised,” Zamprogno said. “Now, instead of seeing these grand designs come to life, we’re left with a significantly diminished set of projects and the ongoing issue of how maintenance on any community projects will be funded.”In response to questions from the Hawkesbury Post, a Council spokesperson stated that extensive cost management strategies had been implemented, including collaboration with designers and quantity surveyors to find savings. “Initial cost estimates, based on conceptual designs, used at the time funding was applied for, were substantially less than what is now required to deliver these projects... The shortfall is simply due to construction and material costs increasing substantially.”While Council maintains it is seeking additional funding and exploring ways to keep projects alive, it is clear that residents will not receive the infrastructure they were promised when the scheme was announced.