As the council elections approach, Hawkesbury residents face a pivotal decision that will shape the future of our community. This election is not just about choosing councillors; it’s about determining the direction our region will take - whether we allow unchecked development or pursue thoughtful growth that preserves the unique character of the Hawkesbury.

Hawkesbury, one of the last remaining belts of farmland in Greater Sydney, has long been celebrated for its open spaces, equine economy, and farming community. For over two centuries, it has served as Sydney’s food bowl, a role deeply valued by residents. However, this landscape is increasingly threatened by developers who see the land as ripe for rezoning and exploitation.

Plans for over 7,000 new dwellings west of the Hawkesbury River are already underway. Developers aim to build across more than 1,500 acres in North Richmond, Glossodia, Freemans Reach, and Grose Wold - areas currently zoned for Primary Production. While the Planning Panel recently rejected one proposal in Grose Wold, developers are expected to revise and resubmit. Meanwhile, significant projects like the extension of Redbank and the Hambledon Park development, which could see up to 5,000 new lots, are poised to reshape the region.

The plans have alarmed many in the community. Resident Doug Wiggins captured this sentiment, saying, “It is so wrong to develop these areas on top of beautiful productive land. All so developers can make their millions building more medium-density slums. This area is rural and must stay that way. Our rural quality of life is why we settled here. I think we need to defend it,” he wrote on Facebook.

The 12 councillors elected in the September 14 local government elections will play a significant role in shaping the future direction of the Hawkesbury through their influence on planning matters.

Councillor Danielle Wheeler argues that the Hawkesbury has already met its housing targets, making further greenfield development on agricultural land unnecessary. She advocates for future growth to focus on infill projects near town centres and transport hubs, aiming to provide smaller, more diverse, and affordable housing options. “Good planning looks like what we did in previous terms of Council, where we sat down and looked at our industrial, residential, and agricultural land use, and we said, what works best in which spot. This bit here was not slated for upzoning,” Wheeler said.

Supporters of development, primarily investors from outside the Hawkesbury, often tout job creation and economic growth, but their claims are frequently backed by little more than empty rhetoric. Meanwhile, they overlook the jobs and economic contributions they will displace, particularly in the thriving equine industry, tourism, and farming sectors that are integral to the region.

Recent decisions by Hawkesbury Council, such as the covert sale of community-owned land - Woodlands Park Pony Club - to a pet food manufacturer, have elicited strong opposition from residents. The sale was approved by a Liberal-Labor alliance of Councillors, who have consistently blocked efforts to protect native habitats and supported controversial planning regulations and development proposals that benefit large-scale developers. A poll conducted by the Hawkesbury Post revealed that overdevelopment and the protection of the natural environment are among the top concerns for voters.

The great fear is that the Hawkesbury will fall victim to the endless, monotonous sprawl of dystopian housing estates that plague Western Sydney, leading to the loss of farmland and green spaces. These developments show little regard for long-term livability, resulting in poor-quality homes with limited life expectancy that are environmentally unsound heat traps. Residents in these areas are often burdened with inadequate infrastructure and services that struggle to keep pace with relentless development.

The Hawkesbury region, with its unique landscape and vistas, faces similar pressures. Recent decisions to remove considerations of views and vistas from the local environment plan have sparked community outrage. Many residents moved to the area specifically for its scenic beauty, and the removal of these considerations is seen as a betrayal of community trust.

Hornsby Mayor and former Federal Minister Philip Ruddock, a staunch advocate for thoughtful development, has urged voters to take decisive action to protect their communities. “People in public life need to be cognisant of these factors,” Ruddock said. “We must avoid accommodating developers’ cheap and nasty aspirations if it’s going to give them a bigger profit at the expense of community amenity.” Ruddock, who attributes his ousting from the Mayor's role to the influence of property developers, warned that elected officials must remain aligned with community expectations. “Elected officials should have regard for what the community expects,” he said. “Communities should ensure that candidates are committed to maintaining the character and amenity of their areas.”

A study by the University of Technology Sydney, based on Australian Bureau of Statistics data, found that up to 60% of Western Sydney’s farmland may have been lost to development. This region, which produces more than three-quarters of the total value of agricultural production in the metropolitan area, is losing its farmland at an alarming rate. "A lack of political will, short-term election cycles with shifting priorities, and low public awareness have meant the importance of retaining farmland close to the city isn’t well understood,” said Amy Lawton, co-author of the study. “Perishable foods grown close to urban markets not only reduce transport and energy costs and emissions but also improve a city’s food security.”

The study also revealed that from 2016 to 2021, Western Sydney lost 9% of its primary production land, with The Hills Shire, Blacktown, Camden, and Campbelltown being the worst affected. Local council policies aimed at retaining productive farmland have often been sidelined to accommodate state government growth plans. "Our study suggests some questioning of a pro-urban growth agenda has begun. There is growing recognition of the importance of preserving agricultural and rural land on the outskirts of our major cities to help us withstand and recover from crises," Lawton added.

On the other hand, some developers argue that changes should be made to allowing more residential sub-divisions and rezoning for industrial use. A newly formed lobby group, Hawkesbury Business Group, has called for rezoning throughout the Hawkesbury. “The lack of industrial land is a pressing concern that must be addressed to ensure that local businesses have the room to expand without needing to relocate,” said HBG spokesperson Jeff Ferrara. He added, “Hawkesbury Business Group (HBG) encourages Council to consider the rezoning and sale of other suitable areas of operational land - this would simultaneously provide Council a method to pay down debt while boosting productivity in the region through job creation.” The Chairman of HBG is John Camilleri, founder of Hyppro Industries which plans to buy the Woodford Park Pony Club lands and rezone it for industrial use.

Others, including Council candidate Bob Gribbin, are advocating for rezoning to allow all properties to be divided into one-acre blocks. When asked if he or his family would benefit from such a change, Gribbin responded, “I live in Oakville. I have land that was affected negatively when we were rezoned from rural to residential—rates went up from $1,500 to $4,500 overnight. The value of my land has increased due to local development in Box Hill, but I have no intention of selling; I enjoy my five acres. I would support subdivision into minimum one-acre, self-sustaining blocks, where the decision is the landowners’. This would allow me to keep my parcel.”

Independent Councillor Mary Lyons-Buckett has long advocated for balanced growth that reflects the community’s values. “We know from repeated surveys that our people want to preserve the semi-rural character of this area; they value open space, our river, bushland, and the atmosphere offered in our towns and villages,” she said. Lyons-Buckett emphasised that development should occur in suitable locations with proper infrastructure, not just in response to developer interests. “We must avoid development driven by developer interests, particularly in areas lacking adequate transport, utilities, and services. By focusing on suitable locations and supporting thoughtful development, we can ensure the Hawkesbury retains its uniqueness while meeting future needs.”

The last term of council gave residents a clear picture of where individual councillors stand on development and environmental issues. The Liberal-Labor alliance, often with the support of Independent Clr. Les Sheather has supported large-scale development, while most Independent councillors, Greens, and Shooters, Farmers, and Fishers have taken a more balanced approach, considering the impact on the environment and the need for infrastructure to support any development.