Hawkesbury City Council's latest financial report card reveals a challenging landscape where a budgetary shortfall of $1.3 million has been offset partially by external one-off payments.The December 2024 Quarterly Budget Review Statement showed that key revenue streams are facing downward pressure, that costs have blown out in a number of areas and that HCC continues to frustrate ratepayers as it drags its feet on compliance and continues to over-rely on external consultants.A noticeable slump in building compliance revenue is impacting the bottom line, with the report stating that "the number of fines is below the budgeted amount," leading to a $208,000 deficit. “Enforcement & compliance squeeze is the squeakiest of squeaky wheels in council”, Councillor Nathan Zamprogno told the Hawkesbury Post. “I get more complaints about this than any other issue. People are waiting for too long for compliance orders and enforcement.Similarly, a decline in complying development income, stemming from fewer projects, has contributed to a $202,000 deficit in that budget line, with the Review saying there is a reduced revenue as "the number of complying developments is lower than budgeted for".. These shortfalls suggest a need for close attention to “development sector trends” and the effectiveness of “regulatory enforcement”, the council states, begging the question about how a local government entity is not on top of such trends.Operational costs are also climbing at the Companion Animal Shelter. As authorities reveal that the shelter "is operating at capacity" which has increased operating expenses to exceed the initial budget allocations by $262,000. This increase is primarily due to the Shelter "operating at capacity" and increased labour and veterinary costs. HCC opens its shelter to other councils that do not have them, a key reason behind its capacity and raising the question about whether costs are being recovered effectively.The number of development applications that require consultants has further affected Development Assessment consultancy fees, and also contributed to a drag on funds.“Council makes too much use of external consultants, and not enough on cultivating well qualified people in the organisation,” Cr Zamprogno said.The downturn in Development Applications is further compounded as "the number of Construction Certificate applications has been lower than expected", which has reduced the income received. The revenue losses caused by the shortfall of Development Applications is recorded at $131,000, followed by $109,000 in lost Construction Certificate income.Other unfavourable adjustments to the budget included Consultancy fees for Heritage works ($64,000), Development Assessment casuals ($56,000), Sewage Management Facility reinspection fees ($50,000) and Occupation Certificates ($50,000).However, the Council's Investment Portfolio has "exceeded budget expectations" by $611,000, offsetting some revenue shortfalls. This positive outcome is "due to higher interest rates obtained and higher than budgeted funds to invest." Revenue was also boosted, due to a number of “favourable adjustments” i.e. one-off windfall payments such as a $649,000 reimbursement received from Transport for NSW for “Recovery of Natural Disaster Expenses” (April 24). Leaseback changeover costs are down by $271,000, Property Lease Rental lower by $168,000, and the Emergency Services Levy was $154,000 lower than budget. There was also another windfall of $87,000 from an Insurance Settlement from Storm Damage in 2020. The offloading of the running of the Lower Portland Ferry to the State government saw another $171,000 windfall in savings.In regard to cash assets, the " projected financial position at 30 June 2025 will be satisfactory at year end, having regard to the projected estimates of income and expenditure and the original budgeted income and expenditure as shown in Council's accounting records". The review also states “factors outside the Council’s control” could impact the end of year financial position, without detailing any of these factors. The Council forecast that it would end the year in a “satisfactory” short-term position. 

In a rare show of unity Hawkesbury City Councillors have unanimously opposed the NSW Government's proposed Richmond Bridge duplication project design, echoing widespread community concerns about its potential negative impacts on local communities and the Hawkesbury River floodplain. During a recent council meeting, councillors criticised the project's design, funding shortfalls, and potential threats to heritage sites, arguing that the current proposal fails to provide adequate flood immunity or traffic relief.The discussion took place at Council’s monthly meeting where councillors were considering Council’s submission about the project to Transport for NSW during the community consultation period, which has now closed.Councillors expressed particular concern over the plan to construct a four-lane bridge with two-lane approaches, warning that this configuration could create traffic bottlenecks rather than alleviate congestion. The proposed removal of roadside parking on Bells Line of Road at North Richmond and the introduction of traffic lights at the intersection of Kurrajong Road, Yarramundi Lane, and Old Kurrajong Road - instead of a flyover -were also points of contention. Additionally, the omission of an upgrade to Redbank Creek Bridge on Bells Line of Road was highlighted as a significant oversight.Funding emerged as a critical issue, with councillors condemning the state's failure to secure full financing for the project. The current plan would divert bypass traffic through existing roads in Hobartville, particularly Southee Road, until additional funds are obtained, raising concerns about increased noise and traffic for local residents. Moreover, the proposal to build a bridge and elevated road sections without comprehensive modeling of potential flood impacts on nearby properties and the broader floodplain has alarmed both officials and community members.The proposed route via Inalls Lane and Southee Road has faced opposition due to anticipated noise, increased traffic, and threats to numerous heritage sites, including the Macquarie-era cultural landscape and the State Heritage-listed Hobartville Stud and St Peter's Church Group. Councillor Mary Lyons-Buckett, who introduced the motion, echoed the community's frustration. “We are talking about a major exit route out of Sydney to the west and we require an outcome in line with its importance, which is complete and adequately funded to deliver a viable project to improve traffic congestion and improve flood immunity,” Clr Lyons Buckett said.“Here we have a proposal, incomplete in its capacity to be delivered in its entirety about which there is a broad range of concerns. We don’t want to see a half-baked project proceed.“We need a solution that is for the future. We don’t want nor do we deserve a second-rate solution in the Hawkesbury,” she said.Mayor Les Sheather urged the community to get involved: “We will do our best as a Council to get the best outcome. I would suggest to the community, if you have concerns then write your submissions in. Council can’t do this on its own, and submissions from the community will make a big difference,” Clr. Shealther said.

The anticipated rubber-stamping by the NSW Planning Panel of a modern pub and casino in the historic enclave of Kurrajong Heights - despite 373 local objections and a unanimous council vote against it - is a glaring testament to a flawed system. This scenario underscores the pressing need to overhaul a planning process that not only sidelines community input but also tramples on local democracy, all while appearing to sideline local planning regulations.In 2017, the NSW Government, in its infinite wisdom, transferred decision-making authority on most development applications from elected local councillors to so-called independent Local Planning Panels (LPPs). This move, ostensibly aimed at enhancing transparency and reducing conflicts of interest, has effectively muzzled community influence over local developments. Councillors, directly accountable to residents, have been replaced by panels often populated with individuals who may not even reside in the area and lack any semblance of accountability to its inhabitants. Notably, the majority of panel members are appointed by the Minister for Planning, raising more questions than answers about the panels' purported independence.The Kurrajong Heights debacle epitomizes this disconnect. Despite overwhelming community opposition, the Planning Panel appears poised to greenlight the project. This decision not only dismisses the community's vehement opposition to the ludicrous proposition of a second pub and gambling venue in a small historic village but also begs the question: why do local planning regulations seem irrelevant in this case? One might wonder, who is this process truly designed to serve?Local resident and former natural resource and interim bushfire management officer for the City of Parramatta Council, Nicola Truscot, recently lambasted the proposal for its glaring omissions and inaccuracies. In a scathing address to the Hawkesbury Local Planning Panel, she highlighted the absence of an ecological impact assessment, despite potential effects on habitats for up to 23 endangered species in the area. The vegetation classification was erroneously labeled, leading to a perilous underestimation of bushfire hazards. Moreover, the Social Impact Assessment and Statement of Environmental Effects conveniently failed to mention the incompatible land use (pub/casino) due to its proximity to St David’s Church. More troubling is that both assessments were prepared by Balma Projects Pty Ltd, the very company seeking approval for the project. The irony is, the project may never be built and is likely just a profiteering exercise to inflate the land's value for the developer, in this case, Bashir Merhi. A similar charade is unfolding not far away at his father's project, Islands Oasis.Critics argue that the current system is a parody of democracy. Local Government NSW has criticised the panels, stating that while councils are accountable to the community, panels are not, and there is no accountability akin to the ballot box. Additionally, the NSW Government's stranglehold over planning panels, despite dubbing them 'local,' has been viewed as deceptive, with local representatives impotent to oppose developments that the community vehemently rejects unless they align with the state government's rigid rules.The erosion of local democratic processes in planning decisions is a disconcerting trend that demands immediate attention. Restoring the authority of elected local councillors and ensuring genuine community consultation are essential steps toward a more democratic and accountable planning system. The current model, as evidenced by the Kurrajong Heights fiasco, is fundamentally broken and in dire need of reform.Editor Samantha Magnusson

Hawkesbury Council's enthusiastic support for a contentious pub and casino development in historic Kurrajong Heights has ignited a storm of controversy, as serious flaws in the development application (DA) come to light. Residents are raising alarms over potential conflicts of interest and procedural oversights that could undermine the integrity of the approval process.The development application (DA0120/22), spearheaded by developer Bashir Merhi of Balma Projects Pty Ltd, has ignited a firestorm of opposition from local residents. While Hawkesbury Councillors do not support the project, Hawkesbury Council staff are firmly in favour of it and have recommended to the Hawkesbury Local Planning Panel that it be given the green light.Balma Projects Pty Ltd, has submitted plans for a two-story venue featuring a pub, VIP gaming lounge with up to 22 poker machines, nine accommodation cabins, and a 255-patron capacity. The proposal also includes parking for 75 cars and extended trading hours. At a heated Hawkesbury Local Planning Panel (HLPP) meeting on February 27, 2025, retired senior ecologist and Kurrajong Heights resident, Nicola Trulock, delivered a scathing critique of the project's supporting assessments. Trulock, formerly a natural resource and interim bushfire management officer for the City of Parramatta Council, lambasted the proposal for its significant omissions and inaccuracies."The Social Impact Assessment and Statement of Environmental Effects fail to mention the incompatible land use due to proximity to St David’s Church," Trulock asserted. "They also neglect to assess the social impact or increased risk of interpersonal conflict arising from such incompatible activities on local parishioners."At the heart of the dispute is the revelation that the Social Impact Assessment and Statement of Environmental Effects for the proposed development were both prepared by Balma Projects Pty Ltd, the very company seeking approval for the project.Trulock didn't mince words when highlighting a blatant conflict of interest: "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?"Further compounding the issue, Trulock discovered during the Hawkesbury Local Planning Panel (HLPP) meeting that her comprehensive 21-page report, detailing significant omissions and inaccuracies in documents supporting the DA, had not been provided to the panel members prior to their deliberations. "I am a little dismayed that Hawkesbury City Council did not provide my report to the HLPP prior to this meeting," she remarked."I specifically made an email application after I made the online application for speaking at the HLPP meeting to ensure I could send the document and receive a timestamped receipt response," she later told the Hawkesbury Post.She further accused the applicant's representatives of parroting Council's language. "Of particular concern is the use of nearly the same wording as the Council response on the agenda," Trulock observed. "The representative of the applicant stated that the site did not appear on the Biodiversity Values Map and is not located in a Koala Habitat Zone," Trulock recounted. "This was directly lifted from the Council response to my previous raising of this issue as set forth in the Agenda for the HLPP meeting."Environmental concerns took center stage as Trulock exposed the absence of an ecological impact assessment, despite the potential for the development to impact foraging and dispersal habitat for up to 23 endangered species in the area. "No ecological impact assessment was undertaken to assess impacts resulting from clearing native and non-native vegetation forming potential habitat for these threatened species," she said.. "Approval should not have been granted based on the absence of an environmental impact assessment alone."The project's bushfire risk assessment didn't escape criticism either. Trulock pointed out that the vegetation classification was erroneously labeled, leading to a dangerous underestimation of bushfire hazards. "The bushfire assessment report states that Dry Rainforest presents a low bushfire risk. They are wrong," she warned. "Dry Rainforest has a seasonal dry period during which plants shed their leaves and ferns dry out, resulting in high fuel loads just like Wet Sclerophyll Forest.“This vegetation is part of a west-east and south-north fire run, connected to large tracts of unmanaged wilderness in Blue Mountains National Park. If a fire gets into one of these runs and is pushed by strong winds, it will rapidly advance towards Kurrajong Heights, RFS will not be able to stop it as they did not require regular bushfire hazard reduction within the APZ as a condition of consent,” she said. This statement applies specifically to a fire during a prolonged drought period similar to what The Blue Mountains experienced in the 2019/2020 bushfire season and the 2013 State Mine Fire.The situation has left many residents questioning the council's role in facilitating a development that appears riddled with errors and potential conflicts of interest and how the DA has been allowed to advance to this stage.Responding to questions from the Hawkesbury Post specifically about why Trulocks submission was not provided to the HLPP, they said an earlier submission was included in the HLPP Business Paper dated February 21 but did not explain why the recent submission was not presented to the HLPP.“This response from Council refers to the submission I prepared and submitted on 2 February 2025 during the exhibition period for the DA extending from 13 January 2025 to 3 February 2025. This response does not refer to the submission report I prepared for the HLPP meeting and submitted via email to Hawkesbury City Council along with my application to speak. The minutes of the HLPP meeting will reflect the fact that when I asked the HLPP members if they had received my report, the panel members were unable to confirm that they had received the submission or reviewed it. The HLPP made a point of stating to me that they would place the issue of my HLPP submission report on notice just before the public session concluded.”

The historic precinct of Kurrajong Heights could be permanently altered if the NSW Planning Panel approves a contentious development application for a modern pub and casino this week.Developer Bashir Merhi, director of Balma Projects Pty Ltd, has submitted plans for a two-story venue featuring a pub, VIP gaming lounge with up to 22 poker machines, nine accommodation cabins, and a 300-patron capacity. The proposal also includes parking for 75 cars and extended trading hours. The Planning Panel will make its decision on February 27.Despite all Hawkesbury Councillors opposing the initial development application, the final decision lies with the Planning Panel. Going against the wishes of Councillors, Council staff have recommended the project proceed, stating in business papers that it 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, widespread community opposition tells a different story. Submissions have raised at least 40 issues, including ( but not limited to) concerns over the impact of poker machines, traffic congestion, tree removal, and the loss of Kurrajong Heights' unique heritage. Yet, the Council's report dismisses many of these concerns and suggests mitigation for others. Concerns about gambling have also, bizarrely, been dismissed, claiming that gaming machines would require a separate Liquor and Gaming Authority application.Jeremy Braithwaite, leader of the Kurrajong Heights Heritage Committee, has been at the forefront of community efforts to stop the proposal. In an email to the 135 residents who lodged objections to the original plan, Braithwaite urged them to submit fresh objections, as their previous submissions are no longer valid."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," Braithwaite previously told the Hawkesbury Post.The revised plans still include a four-story structure, overshadowing heritage sites like the historic Lochiel House. The extensive excavation work - requiring 331 large truck movements - raises fears of soil erosion and contamination of Wheeny Creek. Traffic concerns remain unaddressed, with the proposal funnelling vehicles through Douglas Road and Warks Hill Road, potentially creating safety hazards near Bells Line of Road.Noise pollution is another major issue, with expanded verandas, a large smoking area, and a beer garden sparking fears of increased late-night disturbances. Residents worry that live music events will attract large crowds from outside the area, exacerbating noise and congestion.Environmental concerns also loom large. The project requires significant tree removal, which could impact local wildlife, including koalas. Light pollution and privacy issues for nearby homes and the adjacent church add to residents' concerns.For many, the fundamental issue remains unchanged: the development does not fit the character of Kurrajong Heights. "A concrete monolith surrounded by a picket fence does not fit," Braithwaite said at a previous meeting.

The historic colonial brick barrel drain unearthed by a sinkhole in Windsor will remain buried, Hawkesbury City Council has confirmed, leaving some residents disappointed that a significant piece of the area’s colonial past won’t be publicly visible. The sinkhole, which exposed the drain on The Terrace in June, had sparked hopes that the structure could be preserved under a see-through cover for the community to appreciate.Instead, Council has backfilled the site, citing safety and compliance concerns. Residents had contacted the Hawkesbury Post asking why the drain wasn’t left exposed as a permanent reminder of the town's heritage, but the Council has opted for a less public approach. “The brick barrel drain is located directly beneath the surface of The Terrace roadway,” a Council spokesperson said. “Design standards require road surfaces and access pits to be constructed using sturdy and durable materials like concrete to meet industry standards. It would also be unsafe to encourage the community to stand on the road surface in attempts to visually inspect the drain.”While the drain has been restored and protected below the surface, the Council’s decision to conceal it has dampened hopes for a more accessible heritage display. Council says the historic structure was backfilled with appropriate materials before the road and footpath were replaced. Though Council emphasised that concrete wasn’t poured directly onto the drain, the final result leaves the site indistinguishable from any other stretch of road.For residents and visitors wanting to glimpse Windsor’s colonial drainage system, the Council pointed to a reconstructed brick barrel drain on display at the Hawkesbury Regional Museum. This is the closest the public will get to viewing a drain similar to the once-exposed system.Hawkesbury City Council had previously said it worked with heritage experts after the sinkhole appeared in June, but the ultimate decision to bury the site has left some questioning the depth of Council's commitment to making Windsor's past visible. The sinkhole's emergence initially drew attention to the broader issue of riverbank damage caused by years of flooding and neglect, but despite some restoration efforts, much of Windsor’s heritage seems to remain buried - literally and figuratively.Much of Windsor’s colonial heritage was lost during the construction of the new Windsor bridge, including the demolition of the Old Windsor Bridge built in 1874 and the debasement of Thompson Square.

Nine of the twelve available seats on the Hawkesbury Council have been filled, with three Liberal Party candidates securing their positions. Former Mayor Sarah McMahon, Mike Creed, and Jill Reardon will represent the Liberals, while Amanda Kotlash returns to the chamber for Labor. Independent councillors Mary Lyons-Buckett and Nathan Zamprogno have also been re-elected with substantial increases in their margin, as did Shane Djuric from the Shooters, Fishers, and Farmers Party. Greens Councillor Danielle Wheeler also increased her vote and will return to the chamber while Small Business Party’s Eddie Dogramaci will also return for another term. The final tally is expected to be known before the week starting September 30, 2024.With 31,361 formal votes counted so far and 7,889 informal votes bringing the total to 39,053, several candidates have taken to social media to express their gratitude for the support received during the election. However, the announcement has not been without controversy. Sarah McMahon, re-elected with the Liberal Party, thanked her supporters but made extraordinary allegations of a campaign to smear her reputation. In a Facebook post, McMahon accused members of the community and journalists of waging a “coordinated effort” to “damage, humiliate, and hurt” her reputation. She claimed that lies had been spread across local Facebook groups but did not provide details of the alleged falsehoods.“Thank you to everyone who could see through the biased and cruel agenda of the local activist group who call themselves journalists, backed by a small group who viciously spread propaganda throughout local Facebook groups in a coordinated effort to damage, humiliate, and hurt my reputation almost daily,” McMahon wrote on Facebook. McMahon’s comments follow a difficult few months, as she is set to appear at Windsor Local Court on Thursday in connection with an alleged domestic violence incident against her ex-boyfriend, Matthew Bennett. McMahon was arrested in July after police found her inside Bennett’s business premises, also accessed his computer. According to the Police Incident Report (PIR) McMahon was searching for evidence of Bennett having an affair. She is currently subject to an interim apprehended violence order (AVO), while she has also lodged her own counter-claims of domestic violence against Bennett. Bennett is also the subject of an interim AVO.Other re-elected councillors focused on the future. Greens Councillor Danielle Wheeler posted her thanks on Facebook, expressing optimism about a “more productive term” ahead. Independent Mary Lyons-Buckett praised voters who took the election seriously, taking a swipe at those who complain but don’t vote responsibly. Nathan Zamprogno, who saw a significant increase in his margin, pledged to continue working hard for the community, emphasising the importance of focusing on local issues over party politics.As the remaining three councillors are yet to be confirmed, the final balance of power in the new Council remains unclear, but the stage is set for what promises to be an eventful new term.

Counting in the Hawkesbury Local Council elections shows the Liberal Party taking an early, as expected lead, but the final make-up of Council remains uncertain with more votes yet to be tallied. According to the NSW Electoral Commission, the Liberals (Group I) have secured 28.08% of the formal votes, with 7,449 first-preference votes, positioning them ahead of their competitors. In the 2021 Hawkesbury Council elections the Liberal Party secured 34.38% of first preference votes. The Shooters, Fishers, and Farmers Party (SFF) (Group F), led by Shane Djuric, follows with 12.23% of the vote. Close behind are the Labor Party (ALP) (Group C), led by Amanda Kotlash, and independent groups led by Mary Lyons-Buckett (Group B) and Nathan Zamprogno (Group H), with each capturing around 11% of the formal votes counted. The Greens (Group A) have garnered 9.69%, while smaller independent groups (Groups D, E, and G), along with the Small Business Party (SBP) led by Eddie Dogramachi, have seen more modest support.One issue causing confusion is the significant informal vote rate, reported at 19.98%, due to the grouping of informal votes with "Other Votes" under the same heading. The NSW Electoral Commission explains that “Informal votes” are excluded from the final tally, but “Other Votes” may be included, depending on their classification. This contributes to the high percentage of informal and other votes. The Commission’s website clarifies that "For candidates marked with an asterisk, their formal Below The Line votes are included in the 'Total Informal/Other Votes' figure." The category also includes unclear or incomplete ballot papers, which will undergo a recheck during the count.With a progressive quota of 2,041 and votes still being counted, the final makeup of the council remains unclear. However, candidates who have unofficially secured a seat in the new council include Sarah McMahon, Shane Djuric, Mike Creed, Mary Lyons-Buckett, Nathan Zamprogno, Danielle Wheeler, and Amanda Kotlash. There are 12 councillor positions on the Hawkesbury City Council.

The vote is on, and by tonight, we’ll know who’s taking the mayoral seat. Independent Councillor Nathan Zamprogno is the only one to confirm he’s in the race. Meanwhile, the Hawkesbury Liberals, including former Mayor, Sarah McMahon, have stayed silent on their intentions.It’s unknown whether Mary Lyons-Buckett, who brought home a very strong election result will also run. Rumors are swirling about backroom deals and mounting pressure on a number of Councillors to secure their vote, especially Councillor Les Sheather. Some speculate he could make a run for mayor himself, potentially with a Liberal deputy in tow. Could the Liberals back that move? It seems unlikely, but stranger things have happened in politics.If the contest narrows to McMahon vs. Zamprogno, Sheather may well hold the Council’s fate in his hands. With the vote expected to be razor-close, every single count will matter.We’ll first hear from the General Manager, who will announce the nominations once the meeting opens at 6:30 PM. By 7:30 PM, Hawkesbury will have its new Mayor. Stay tuned for the outcome!

While we’re still waiting to catch up with our new Mayor, Les Sheather, for an interview, we thought you’d enjoy revisiting this feature story The Hawkesbury Post published on him a few years back. It's a great read and offers insight into the man now leading our community!Group focus – Les and The Doc – less red tape, raise Warragamba Dam wall, a less ‘woke’ HawkesburyNov 30, 2021 Les Sheather is no stranger to Hawkesbury Council, he served on it for almost two decades, and he says the animosity he has seen among its members this last term needs to end. Mr Sheather is heading a team of six independents and like the Liberals in this election each of his candidates has a moniker. With the Liberals it’s titles like The Leader, The Farmer, The…you get the picture – with Mr Sheather’s group there’s The Doc, Coldy, Hodg, Morgs and Shell. So, let’s take a look at this first, because there has been talk in the community about Les and The Doc being a front for the Liberals, a way to get more like-minded people on the Council. It’s not overly fanciful – as the Sydney Morning Herald reported four days ago there are Liberals standing as independents in a number of other local council elections – there is a pattern. Mr Sheather’s number 2 – Dr Warwick Mackay, himself also an ex-Hawkesbury councillor – is a member of the Liberal Party. Mr Sheather previously stood for One Nation at a past Federal election, though he’s not currently a member of any other political party, apart from his own, and he says he resigned from the Liberal Party in the 1980s. Les and The Doc are preferencing the Liberals. Like the Hawkesbury Liberals, who have run what one Liberal insider told us was seen as a “presidential campaign”, in other words the two main candidates Conolly and Richards fronting the posters and most appearances, so too have Les and The Doc mostly fronted theirs. Even the icons used on Les and The Doc’s Facebook posts follow a similar pattern to the Liberals – and the colours are the same too. It’s all the more surprising because back 8 months ago Mr Sheather told the Post he didn’t have a Facebook page and didn’t even know how the social media site worked. The Les and The Doc team: L-R: Morgan ‘Morgs’ Mackay, Dave ‘Coldy’ Coldrake, Dr Warwick Mackay, Gerard ‘Hodg’ Hodgskin, Les Sheather, Michelle ‘Shell’ Sheather And on Facebook, Dr Mackay said, “We are not constantly attached to our keyboards and our iPhones like others seem to be. We don’t care about that rubbish,” but their Facebook posts have been extremely well written, presented and put together – in fact they have been among the best this campaign has seen. Where’s that come from? When Mr Sheather wanted to set up what turned out to be a short-lived Facebook page eight months ago pushing the raising of Warragamba Dam wall – yes he’s in favour of that – he turned to family friend, property mogul and leading local Liberal, Matthew Bennett, to build it for him. So who has been doing all the social media work, taking the pictures and writing the words, given these two blokes Les and The Doc say they don’t have a natural affinity for social media? “We’ve got other people who help with those things,” Mr Sheather told the Post when we put the questions a lot of people are asking. “The pictures are taken with a telephone, it’s no big deal, we’ve got Coldy [Dave ‘Coldy’ Coaldrake – one of the groups’ candidates] who does this stuff regularly. Gerard [Gerard Hodgskin – another candidate] who gives us a hand but he’s a bit like me. Between us we’ve worked it out. “We’ve sought advice from different people but they have only been friends who are supportive of what we do,” says Mr Sheather. “As to being tied into the Liberals, Warwick has been a member of the Libs, he may still be, I was years ago, I’ve always been to the right, I’ve been for One Nation once, I’m not hiding that. But in saying that, I don’t care what’s being said, people know where I stand. “In council my political views will not have a bearing on decisions I make.” “That’s why I resigned from the Liberal Party in 1983 because we were being dictated to by people from outside of our city on how, and what’s in the best interests of our community, and our community know that, I work for people who elect me.” Okay, we’ve got that out of the way – now let’s look at what Mr Sheather wants to achieve. We should say straight out, he is a bloke who clearly has the community at heart and he’s involved in many community groups. When others might be retiring, he’s still out there and engaged with the locals. You will not find anyone who speaks ill of Les Sheather – even political foes tell you he is a true gentleman who politely but firmly speaks his mind. What you see if what you get. “I wanted to stand the election before but the wife was a bit reluctant for me to do that,” he says. “We have put nearly half our life into council in the past and it’s a big ask. But she changed her mind when he saw how passionate I was about it.”  Les Sheather and Dr Warwick Mackay, hands on hips in South Windsor He says council processes need to be streamlined and he cites too much red tape as a major issue. He also can’t see why it took 18 months to get a report on sullage and pump-out from Council staff and says that is indicative of unacceptable delays. In one early Facebook campaign post, Les and The Doc said for four of the last five years, “Council has been governed by incompetence”, which suggests the last year it wasn’t, yet the last year has been one of the most divisive we’ve ever seen. “They raised our rates by 30% but our roads still need repair, sporting fields are at capacity and our community facilities are worn out. You can’t even get a shed approved by the planning department without major hassles and lots of expensive reports,” said Les and The Doc. “During this time, the Council had its biggest staff ever, it spent millions on consultants and focussed on ‘woke’ issues. “The councillors have spent hours debating unnecessary motions that are not part of the Council’s responsibilities, rather than fixing the potholes and playgrounds. It is a Council, not the ABC. “During those four years, they turned the Council WOKE and that means it is now going BROKE!” Fighting words indeed, and catchy too, but what does Mr Sheather believe he and his candidates can really bring to the Council? Men at work: Sheather and Mackay on the road… “How can they [Council] take up to 18 months to give approval for a house? There are thousands of homes built every day, there’s got to be an easier process to deal with those things,” says Mr Sheather. “It’s not just housing, any development at all. People want to get on with their lives and they are being frustrated through red tape. If the councillors aren’t making an issue about it then I don’t expect the staff are going to change it,” he says. And what would a Les Sheather-led group of councillors look like? “If I get elected, I’m not naive to think I’m going to make this massive difference by myself. If I get elected I’ll be one of 12 there, and if Warwick is there we might be 2 of 12. “Warwick and I, while we have got a lot in common, there may even be times when we will vote separately. That’s what independence is about and that’s one of the things that we want to bring back to local government. “The people will choose who, and it’s up to those 12 people who work there to get common objectives and make it a better place. “We’re very passionate about the Hawkesbury and the people who live in it.” One thing he is very passionate about is looking at the committee structure which was radically changed after Labor and Liberals voted together to push it through. He doesn’t believe it was the right thing to do. “That [getting rid of the original committee structure] was dumb, it’s crazy. You can’t understand what the community feels, or look at their values or way of life, if you are not communicating with them. “And if you isolate it to just a small group of people then you get repetitious views which may not be the view of the general community. From Bilpin to St Albans and everything in between, values or opportunities do vary and it is up to the council to massage those and have a good community. “They [councillors] do all want to make it a better place, but you can’t lead a football team if you don’t have everyone playing together. Council is no different. “That would be my main objective, to bring cohesion, because unless that happens the other stuff falls away.” Mr Sheather says he sat through a few council meetings in this current term and he didn’t like what he saw. “I sat there a couple of times and I was embarrassed. As a prior councillor I have pride in the people who have been before us. And the custodians, the elected councillors today, have got a responsibility.” He says he has spoken to both sides in the Council and reckons they need to take stock. “They both see evil but do no evil. I’m saying have a look in the mirror. You can’t chuck a rock and say it fell out of the sky. The people deserve better. I know all of them in there and I know their direction of view is not hostile and they are community minded, but for some damned reason they will not work together. “And they blame the politics. Politics is out there somewhere but you’ve got a personal attitude to how you deal with things and that is your responsibility. I would seek strongly to encourage the better side.”

Dear Editor,Re: Hawkesbury Post article "Monday's candidate for review is Amanda Kotlash from the Labor Party", (Online) 9 September 2024As previously notified, we received a complaint concerning the above article.The complainant said (in relevant part) that the article’s “… tone was disparaging and it was in many points inaccurate, unfair, incomplete and opinionated. It was not based on fact.”After careful consideration, the Council’s Secretariat has decided not to proceed further with the complaint. In reaching this decision, we have taken into account that the information in the article appears to be based on publicly available information from Hawksbury City Council. As such, we consider the publication has taken reasonable steps to comply with the Press Council’s principles in relation to accuracy and fairness. Accordingly, we consider it is unlikely that a breach of the Council’s Standards of Practice has occurred.The complainant has been informed of the outcome and the complaint is now closed.Kind regards, Paul NangleDirector of ComplaintsAustralian Press Council IncLevel 3/77 Pacific HighwayNorth Sydney NSW 2060Telephones: 02 9261 1930  1 800 025 712www.presscouncil.org.au

Wilberforce pet food manufacturer Hypro Investments has pulled the pin on the purchase of the Council land which is the home of Wodlands Park Pony Club grounds. The announcement comes just days after Hawkesbury City Council approved - in a split vote - the controversial sale of the land to Hypro, without a public tender. HCC general manager Elizabeth Richardson wrote to councillors this morning to inform them of the decision. “I am emailing to inform you that Hypro Investments have advised Council they have decided not to pursue the purchase of 295 Sackville Road Wilberforce. Staff will prepare a report to a future meeting of Council outlining options moving forward.”More to come.

"Feral pigs are a big problem out here," Les Sheather explains in his typical, understated way. "At the moment, there's really a lot, and farmers are having trouble with them. When it gets bad, they give us a ring, and we come up, but they've been bad, pretty well since COVID." When the Hawkesbury Post caught up with the newly-elected Mayor of the Hawkesbury, he was out in the Pilliga, Western NSW, doing what he's done for years: pig shooting. Pig shooting is something he does with mates a couple of times a year, and this trip had been planned well before he took on his new role as Mayor, he says. Now retired, he's eager to be back in the council chambers, taking on full leadership responsibilities.Unlike his predecessor, Sheather was more than willing to chat with the Hawkesbury Post, openly discussing issues he plans to address during his two-year tenure. Sheather wants it all on the table, from rate rises and zoning changes to tourism, sports councils, and the contentious raising of the dam wall.Sheather himself acknowledges a fairly unexceptional formal education, having instead learned the rhythms of the river and farming life firsthand. Raised along the banks of the Hawkesbury, he recounts, "We moved into the Hawkesbury by boat. Dad got a job putting the first fuel bowsers on the river, and we lived on a boat. We got as far as Sackville and then stayed. I was very young at the time, and we've been here ever since." He later settled in Ebenezer with his wife of 58 years, Michelle, where they raised their two sons.After leaving school, Sheather worked on farms and on flood land drainage systems around the Hawkesbury before serving two years in the national service. These early experiences forged his deep connection to the land, shaping his straightforward, no-nonsense approach. "I speak from the heart," he says - and he's carried that approach throughout his long career in local government.However, his mayoral victory last month was a surprise. "I found out I had the numbers about five minutes before the vote," he says. Despite winning just 202 personal votes in the September local council elections - the second lowest of all councillors - Sheather won the mayoralty with backing from all Liberal councillors, Small Business Party's Eddie Dogramachi and Shane Djuric of the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party. "Extremely privileged, very humble," he says of his new role.Known for his conservative politics, Sheather doesn't shy away from his stance. "I'm as right-wing as they come," he admits but insists he'll vote on issues, not alliances.Fellow Councillor Nathan Zamprogno describes Sheather as "old-school," noting, "Don't expect to see him argue with people on Facebook - that's just not his style." Zamprogno hopes Sheather's traditional approach will be a refreshing contrast to the Council's recent leadership.While Zamprogno acknowledged Sheather's ties with the Liberals, he said that Sheather should be judged by his actions. "I know Les will be judged by his association with the Liberals," Zamprogno said, but added that he hopes Sheather will act independently and stand with the community when necessary. "Factionalism and kowtowing to developer interests is a cancer on local politics that needs to be eradicated," he said.Having known Sheather for nearly 30 years, Zamprogno is confident in his friend's intentions. "I really do think his heart is in the right place. I've rarely seen someone with such a heart for the community, and such a willingness to muck in...just because it's the right thing to do."Sheather insists he's not beholden to any party. Addressing criticism of his ties to the Liberal Party, he says, "I resigned from the Liberal Party in '83 or '84. I'm not here to push outside political agendas that don't serve our city. I'm not about making deals. I won't make deals," he says firmly.Sheather told the HP he gets along with all councillors. He refers to Greens Councillor Danielle Wheeler as an example. "Danielle represents a significant part of our community, and she does it extremely well. That's why she gets elected," he says, adding that councillors like independent Mary Lyons-Buckett and Shooters, Fishers and Farmers' Shane Djuric, bring valuable perspectives, even if their voices are sometimes lost in council discussions. "We need to respect their views and who they represent in the community to achieve that," he says.However, in the last term, Sheather often voted in favour of development proposals that these councillors opposed, and he frequently opposed environmental measures they supported. While Sheather says he respects diverse perspectives, but firmly believes development is crucial to Hawkesbury's future. "If we're looking for development, then we need to look at how we're going to progress it and pay for it in the future," he says. He acknowledges this stance might rile some residents but sees development as essential to addressing the region's low growth rate and its potential impacts.But Sheather's no stranger to controversy. Sheather's role as a director on the Windsor RSL board, a tax-exempt club that brings in over $1.1 million monthly from poker machines, has drawn scrutiny. Windsor RSL allocates just 1.2% of its revenue to community groups. Earlier this year, former Mayor Sarah McMahon resigned from the club's board as the government considers barring councillors from such roles.Sheather also drew criticism when he spoke in favour of poker machine revenue at a local government conference without disclosing his paid role with Windsor RSL at the time.Sheather has influential backers, including the well-funded, pro-development lobby group Hawkesbury Business Group (HBG), chaired by Hypro Pet Foods founder John Camilleri. HBG's stated mission is to advocate for improved planning, infrastructure, and land release, and it provided financial backing for Sheather's and Eddie Dogramaci's election campaigns.Emails obtained by the Hawkesbury Post via Freedom of Information reveal Sheather's instrumental role in brokering the contentious sale of publicly-owned land at Woodlands Park Pony Club to Hypro, a transaction conducted without public tender or community input. The sale was approved by split vote at the last Council meeting. Sheather stayed for the vote and voted in favour of the sale. Hyrpo has now pulled the pin on the sale for unknown reasons.Still, Sheather says he wants to foster a unified council focused on collaboration rather than silos. He is clear on his opposition to significant rate hikes, citing his business background and commitment to making Council assets more efficient without burdening ratepayers.He is also vocal about Hawkesbury's growth potential, cautioning that state intervention could threaten local autonomy if the region doesn't address its low 1% growth rate. "If we don't look at what the community wants, others will come in and tell us," he warns.One pressing issue for Sheather is the impact of rising property values and rates in areas like Scheyville and Maraylya, where he believes zoning adjustments could offer relief. “People are being forced off their properties,” he says, proposing more flexible land-use options. He notes that residents look across to Box Hill and see “land values that have gone through the roof, and they want that opportunity, too.” However, data from Hawkesbury Council tells a different story, with only six ‘hardship applications’ in the 2023/2024 financial year and just two so far this year, as reported to the HP. Not one application has come from Scheyville or Maraylya.Another issue central to Sheather's platform is new flood regulations. He says a recommendation to raise the flood planning level to cover a one in 200-year flood event would be "disastrous" for residents. If adopted, he claims 15,000 more homes would be classed as flood-prone, affecting not just development but insurance, property values, and the ability to obtain finance.He argues that raising the Warragamba Dam wall is the only realistic solution, although the state government disagrees. For lower-risk areas like South Windsor, where flood velocity is minimal, "just backwater", Sheather supports simplifying regulations around home extensions, removing the requirement for a flood study.Sport has always been a part of Sheather's life, and with over 20,000 residents using local sports grounds weekly, he wants to see the review into the Sports Council completed. He said there are ongoing frustrations due to bureaucratic hurdles, but said it's essential to ensure that Council procedures align with the needs of the Sports Council, which controls local sporting facilities. He also sees potential in targeted tourism, suggesting that the Council should support businesses and community groups in promoting events like boat regattas, go-karts, football, and women's cricket rather than backing a "whole city" approach. "We're lacking proper accommodation and even a basic caravan park," he noted, stressing the need for infrastructure that encourages visitors to stay and spend locally.However, as Sheather outlines his case for rezoning and development, the community's response remains uncertain. Given the significant 25% drop in the Liberal Party's primary vote during the last council election, balancing growth with residents' concerns could present challenges. How he navigates these priorities will be crucial not only for his success as Mayor but also for rebuilding the community's trust.

Hawkesbury Council voted last night to support a planning proposal that would expand the Redbank development in Grose Vale, paving the way for up to 350 additional housing lots.The proposal will now progress to the next stage, known as a “Gateway determination,” which is assessed by the Department of Planning.The Liberal/Labor alliance with the help of newly elected, Liberal-aligned Mayor Les Sheather voted to push the plans to the next stage of the approval process. Councillors voting in favor were Les Sheather, Liberal Councillors Mike Creed, Sarah McMahon, Paul Veigel, and Jill Reardon, alongside Labor Councillor Amanda Kotlash. Opposing the proposal were Independents Nathan Zamprogno and Mary Lyons-Buckett, Greens Councillor Danielle Wheeler, and Shane Djuric from the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party.The expansion involves rezoning 35.41 hectares of land at Kemsley Park to add to the 1,399 lots already approved for Redbank. Currently zoned RU4 (Primary Production), the land would be reclassified into R2 and R5 residential zones, with some areas set aside as RE1 for public recreation.The site, located along Grose Vale Road, is part of the historically significant Yobarnie Keyline Farm. This farm was central to the innovative Keyline system developed by Percival A. Yeomans (1905–1984), which revolutionized Australian farming through improved soil health, water management, erosion control, and sustainable practices.The proposed Masterplan includes the removal of two dams, with one to remain. Lot sizes would range from 375m² to 1,500m², with smaller lots concentrated centrally and larger ones planned along the northwest perimeter.Subject site and surrounding Redbank development

Hawkesbury City Council (HCC) has finally admitted the failure of their own drains was the cause of the catastrophic collapse of the river levee at Cornwallis. NSW taxpayers will now foot a multi-million dollar bill for repairs.In its first full update on the remediation works at Cornwallis, HCC blamed old “1970s” pipes and flooding for the disaster, which began in March 2021.. The collapse of the river bank cost local turf and horse farmers tens of millions of dollars in property damage and lost business.The environmental damage was so significant that a 2022 NSW Parliamentary flood inquiry described the collapsed river levee at Cornwallis as “major destruction.”“That is not a pothole. That is a grand canyon in the middle of Sydney. This is Sydney. It is major destruction. Why are you not onto the State Government and saying, "This is beyond our capability?" Inquiry Chair Walt Secord said. "Flood waters" rushing into Cornwallis and Richmond Lowlands at the beginning of the June flood“This is major erosion. It is changing the course of the river. When we were there, we were warned not to go too close to the edge because it may, in fact, snap off. Heaven forbid, as more rains come, there will be more erosion. Can you understand why those farmers are so worried? They have seen their land values drop. They have seen their properties wash away. Can you see why they are upset?” In a media release today - almost four years after the first cracks appeared in the Hawkesbury’s bank - HCC painted a different view of the damage. A far cry from the “canyon” Secord described after visiting the site in 2022, HCC today described the formation of a “small bay” when the “1970s drainage system” collapsed.“The initial damage at Cornwallis was caused by the March 2021 flood in the Hawkesbury River, with the 1970s drainage system failing as a result of that event. Subsequent flooding in 2022 caused further erosion and the breaching of the riverbank, resulting in a small bay forming. A 180-metre section of Cornwallis Road was also lost,” the HCC media release said. It also failed to mention the millions of dollars of ratepayers' money - and council time - that was wasted when they ordered the wrong pipes for the job.The Hawkesbury Post wrote to Hawkesbury Council on 9 and 14 January this year, inquiring about about the progress of the works at Cornwallis, requesting photos to show landholders of the progress. The Council did not respond to either email.The broader damage at Cornwallis was caused after the council and Liberal state government failed to make a fairly straightforward repair to Cornwallis Road after it collapsed during the March 2021 flood.Residents had warned the council that further damage to the road and environment by not repairing it before the next flood, would be extensive and the cost to local businesses substantial flood.When the floods came again in March 2022, the road was not repaired. The damage to the road, riverbank, and farmland was catastrophic. Subsequent floods worsened the damage each time, with water filling up the lowlands before resuming its natural course down the river. Turf farmers at Pitt Town have noted that it takes hours longer for floodwaters to reach them since the collapse of the river levee.Work to repair the damage has been slow, with various levels of government and multiple government departments grappling with how to repair the mess. Federal Member for Maquarie Susan Templeman said she welomed the work by the nSW Government and Hawkesbury Council to finally get the job underway.“This has been a tortuous process for the landowners and the turf growers and farmers affected by not just the initial flood damage in 2020 but the subsequent worsening of the issue because of the delay in repairing it," Templeman said. “It’s highlighted that councils alone may not have the capacity to manage major disaster reconstruction, particularly those projects running into the many millions of dollars. I think lessons have been learned at both a local and state government level. “The landowners and growers affected have demonstrated tremendous patience in the face of repeated delays. Like them, I can’t wait to see the work concluded," she said.The drainage system across the Lowlands and Cornwallis has been a longstanding issue. The damaged and unmaintained infrastructure continues to worsen flood damage in the area. Despite Hawkesbury City Council hiring consultancy firm Molino Stewart as far back as 2022 to assess and propose solutions. Yet the community is still waiting to see the final report on how to fix the system.A draft Molino Stewart report obtained by the Hawkesbury Post through a GIPA (formerly known as Freedom of Information) suggest that resolving the drainage issue might take a long time or may not happen at all. The draft report dated 3 January 2024 indicates that much of the landscape has changed irreversibly."It is possible that some of the changes to the landscape cannot practically be reversed or mitigated, and so the impacts that have been sustained following the recent floods will continue after every flood," the draft report concluded.The report attributes the drainage issues to two main factors: the failure of landowners or the Council to maintain flood mitigation and drainage infrastructure, and on-farm practices that have altered the topography or drainage pathways."Both of these sets of contributors include actions or inactions that have taken decades to incrementally create the current situation. This includes the gradual deterioration of infrastructure or the lowering or raising of paddocks, principally through turf farming," the draft report states.HCC said that restoration of Cornwallis Road and drainage works will begin this month adding that Council had "collaborated with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, NSW Public Works, and the EPA to design a long-term drainage and road repair solution."The project, funded by the Australian and NSW Labor Governments, is expected to take 30 weeks, with completion targeted for September 2025, "weather permitting." The cost was not advised by HCC but the Hawkesbury Post understands that it now runs into the tens of millions.Below: Aerial view of Cornwallis courtesy of Hawkesbury City Council (date unknown). The new square box culverts can be seen on the left. They will replace the incorrect culverts previously purchased by Council.The new box culverts can be seen on the left. They will replace the incorrect culverts previously purchased by HCC

Concerns over Hawkesbury City Council’s (HCC) handling of the controversial $213 million Island’s Oasis development in Kurrajong are deepening, as the Council faces accusations of withholding crucial information about the project. Despite a freedom of information (GIPA) request, key documents detailing HCC's communications with the Department of Planning remain undisclosed, raising questions about transparency and accountability in the approval process for the large-scale resort proposal.Concerns about the project have grown, with HCC refusing to disclose what advice it plans to give the Department of Planning regarding the proposal. The Island's Oasis is a proposed tourist development under the Significant State Development (SSD) process, which allows the project to bypass the Council. Developer Tony Mehri plans to create a sprawling resort in Kurrajong Hills, featuring cabins, lodge suites, camping sites, and other facilities. The proposal faces strong opposition due to environmental and safety concerns, including the destruction of koala habitat, increased bushfire risks, and further strain on already overloaded infrastructure. A similar attempt to rezone the 450-hectare site was rejected by HCC in 2013.The project is currently in the SEARs (Secretary's Environmental Assessment Requirements) stage, where councils are encouraged to provide input - “advice” - to the Department of Planning to assist in determining the project's outcome. HCC has yet to submit its advice. Initially requested in May 2024, HCC explained that the Department officially rescinded the request on June 25, 2024, after identifying the need for document amendments.However, HCC did not include this information in the documents provided under the NSW Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act). The Council argued the request was “informal,” rather than “formal,” and therefore not subject to full disclosure. The GIPA application, filed online, sought communications between HCC and the Department of Planning regarding the SEARs process. The resident clarified the request with an HCC officer, who confirmed the information sought in writing, which included communications between the HCC and Department about the development.Despite this, the documents provided by HCC were incomplete and failed to tell the whole story. The GIPA response included only a site plan and a single automated email from the Department of Planning, dated May 17, 2024, reminding HCC of the May 30 deadline to submit Council’s “advice” on the development. Notably, the response did not contain any information indicating that the Department had rescinded its request for advice - a claim HCC has used to justify its failure to submit the required advice.HCC said the resident could submit another “formal” GIPA request to view that information.HCC defended its decision to release only partial information, citing its ability to determine what to disclose under an “informal” GIPA request. While the GIPA Act provides government bodies with flexibility in determining the scope of informal requests, HCC still chose to withhold relevant documents without offering an explanation. The Council also chose not to grant the applicant physical access to additional documents related to the project, despite the option being available under the legislation.“Council has satisfied the informal GIPA application submitted by the resident. If further information is sought, the resident is welcome to submit a formal GIPA application,” an HCC spokesperson told the Post.Adding to the confusion, an email from HCC to the resident accompanying the GIPA response appeared to blame informal communication from the department for the Council’s failure to provide advice by the deadline. The email stated: “Council did not receive any cover letter, consultation letter or similar aside from the attached automatic email notification. Council has not yet made a submission in response to the consultation.”However, following the article, Council emphatically denied missing the deadline to provide “advice” about the project to the Department of Planning, stating the Department of Planning withdrew its request for advice due to amendments being made to the proposal documentation. HCC claimed “formal” notice of this withdrawal was provided in June, following verbal discussions. The Post has requested to see this correspondence, but as of publication, HCC has not provided it. HCC has also not stated when its advice regarding the Island Oasis project will be submitted, despite public consultations scheduled for February 1, 2025.Documents provided under the informal GIPA request were the basis for a previous Hawkesbury Post story, which noted that the Council missed the Department’s May 30, 2024 deadline for input, just days after the formal request for input was made.Residents continue to express concern that HCC’s failure to act promptly on important issues has become a pattern in recent years. A notable example was the Council’s failure to issue a tender or plan for critical maintenance on the Lower Portland Ferry service in 2023, leading to rushed negotiations and a one-year extension. Another case involved the long-term inaction on the riverbank collapse at Cornwallis, caused by poor maintenance of Council drains and worsened by failed attempts to repair the bank, resulting in a three-year saga.As the questions surrounding the project continue to grow, the developer is moving ahead. Just three days before Christmas, the developer invited community feedback through an online site and announced a “Drop-In” meeting on February 1 at the Kurrajong Community Centre, more than six months after lodging the application.

Since the publication of this article, Hawkesbury City Council has revealed further information not released under the GIPA application that the deadline for its response to the Department of Planning on May 30, 2025 had been cancelled. HCC has yet to respond regarding its views on the development proposal. Hawkesbury Council has yet to lodge its advice regarding a $213 million tourist development proposed for Kurrajong Hills, sparking outrage from local residents who fear the project will devastate the environment, overwhelm infrastructure, and disrupt their community.Documents obtained by the Hawkesbury Post reveal the Council missed the May 30, 2024 deadline to submit its views to the NSW Planning Panel, on a massive tourist development set to reshape the region.“This project is a disaster waiting to happen,” a local resident told the Hawkesbury Post. “We’re talking about pristine bushland being cleared and a community put at risk in the event of a bushfire.”The proposed development, named "The Island’s Oasis," would transform the bushland site into a sprawling tourist destination with 311 permanent cabins, 120 lodge suites, camping and caravan sites, a large 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 changes are insufficient for the sheer scale of the project and again would see the felling of habitat.The developer is Tony Mehri who owns Merc Capital Group. His son Bashir Merhi, through his Balma Projects Pty Ltd, is also trying to push through a new development just up the hill in Kurrajong. He wants to build a large, modern gambling venue in historic Kurrajong Heights village. The environmental value of the Kurrajong Hills site has been a central point of contention. Large tracts of uncleared land, home to endangered Cumberland Shale-Sandstone Ironbark and Turpentine forests, would be cleared to create an asset protection zone, while vital riparian areas would also be affected. The land is known for its biodiversity, including a well-documented koala colony that would lose critical habitat.The resident - who wished to remain anonymous for now - said there was significant bushfire risks posed by the development, which borders Wollemi National Park and the site has only one narrow access road shared with an existing housing estate. “This is a death trap,” he said, recalling how the 2019 Gospers Mountain fire came within a kilometer of the site. “The developer’s suggestion of an alternative fire trail exit is completely unworkable.” The documents lodged with the Department of Planning also state the costings for the project are based on the use of lightweight prefabricated material where possible. Concerns about the developer’s intentions have further fueled public opposition. Tony Merhi of Merc Capital Group, who owns the land, has faced allegations that the project is less about tourism and more about securing approvals to increase the property’s resale value. Residents who spoke to the Hawkesbury Post pointed out that a previous attempt by Merhi to rezone the site for a 450-lot residential development was unanimously rejected by Council in 2013.At the time, Council concluded that the land lacked the infrastructure, environmental capacity, and fire safety measures needed to support such a large-scale development. In its assessment of the earlier proposal, Council concluded that the land “has no appropriate physical characteristics or environmental capability” to support development and warned that it would fragment land with significant ecological and agricultural value. Despite the similarities between the two projects, Council this time failed to make any submission to the Planning Panel regarding the current proposal.A GIPA request (Freedom of Information) sighted by the Hawkesbury Post sheds light on how the deadline to provide advice to the Department was missed. Council said that no formal consultation letter had been received, with communication limited to an automatic email notification. “...Council did not receive any cover letter, consultation letter or similar aside from the attached automatic email notification. Council has not yet made a submission in response to the consultation,” Council said. As a result, no advice was prepared or sent by the May 30, 2024 deadline.The failure has left residents feeling betrayed. “The community deserves better,” the resident said. “This development would permanently scar our region, and Council didn’t even bother to voice our concerns.”The developer has no track record of building or managing similar ventures, instead focusing on securing development approvals or rezoning before selling off projects. The costings for the project state that marketing, sales, promotional expenses, display unit costs, and any operational or ongoing maintenance expenses have not been accounted for. This omission raises questions about the developer's intentions. The available documents do not clarify what the developer plans to market or sell.Concerned residents have questioned the financial viability of the proposal, noting that the estimated $213 million investment would likely generate less than $20 million annually based on current NSW tourism occupancy rates. “This doesn’t add up,” he said. “It looks like a classic case of securing a development application just to sell the land at a higher price.”The project’s classification as a State Significant Development means the final decision rests with the NSW Independent Planning Commission (IPC), effectively bypassing the local Council. However, the Council still had an opportunity to submit feedback to the Department.The developer is moving ahead with community consultation, scheduling a drop-in session at the Kurrajong Community Centre on Saturday, February 1 at the Kurrajong Community Centre, 30 McMahons Park Road, Kurrajong between 10am and 2 pm.  Residents remain skeptical about whether their concerns will be genuinely addressed.“This isn’t just about one project,” one 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?”For more information about the project you can follow these links:Community Facebook Page Against the DevelopmentPlanning Panel documentsIsland Oasis Marketing Material The yellow line shows the development site.

Our council belongs to the people of the Hawkesbury,” says Peter Ryan, Hawkesbury's newest councillor. Ryan noted, “During the last two election campaigns, I have listened to many Hawkesbury residents, and they have sent me a clear message: they are tired of the party influence in our council.”“The people own the council. It's not owned by a group or anyone else. It should be 12 independent individuals making decisions in the best interests of the people of the Hawkesbury, and that’s how it should be. There should be no other influences,” he told the Hawkesbury Post.Ryan’s comments come at a critical juncture for the council, which continues to operate as a Liberal/Labor bloc with support from the pro-development Mayor Les Sheather. This entrenched voting pattern has fueled frustration in the community, particularly as it has driven contentious decisions favoring developers and jeopardizing environmental preservation.Stepping into this fraught landscape, Ryan was appointed through a NSW Electoral Commission countback following councillor Tom Aczel’s resignation. He brings a wealth of local knowledge and a strong connection to the Hawkesbury. Representing the People Not Parties team alongside Councillor Mary Lyons-Buckett, Ryan aims to champion transparency, responsible development, adequate infrastructure and the region’s long-term sustainability.“I’m not against development, but the development must consider the existing residents living in that area and the impact on them and our unique environment,” he said. “The issues we address now will affect the future of the Hawkesbury for years to come, for example, the increasing pressure on the stormwater and river management, roads and footpaths up keep, the delivery of essential services and public transport, along with flood and fire evacuation routes to mention a few, we need to keep in mind the ongoing costs of these items. We need open and transparent discussions about all these and development.”Ryan acknowledged the challenges posed by recent developments, including those at Redbank and Freeman’s Reach, which have sparked community concern. While he has not yet examined every detail, he said there needs to be a coordinated approach.“We can’t have development without adequate infrastructure and services,” he said. “For instance, you can’t drive across the planned North Richmond Bridge; it needs to be in place first, along with the rest of the required roads and infrastructure, they needs to be fully completed before adding more pressure on the roads from development.”Environmental considerations are central to his approach. “Our rivers have become stormwater channels rather than the beautiful rivers I grew up swimming in,” he said. “We shouldn’t put undue pressure on everything just to complete a development. If someone approaches me with a development proposal, I want to hear solid reasons.”Ryan also believes the council must prioritise community engagement and youth opportunities. “We need to understand our community’s strengths and weaknesses and know where to go to find solutions to our problems,” he said. “We are here for the community. We should be working with the Community, we need to be among the people.”Ryan’s passion for the Hawkesbury stems from a deep personal connection. A lifelong Pitt Town resident, he’s the fifth generation of his family to live in the area. “I’ve lived in Pitt Town for most of my life. My father grew up here, as did my grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather,” he said. “So, I’m nearly a local at Pitt Town.”With a 24-year career in the New South Wales Police and extensive community involvement through the Pitt Town Progress Association, Ryan is no stranger to service. As he embarks on his term, he’s committed to making decisions not just for now but for future generations.Ryan’s experiences in the Hawkesbury, from his childhood spent on family farms to playing football at McQuade Park, along with doing his apprenticeship as a carpenter with a local builder, allowed him to work on several historical buildings in the area. This has helped shape his vision for preserving the Hawksbury’s unique character. His involvement in the Pitt Town Progress Association, inspired by his father’s leadership, being on the committee and president of the Pitt Town Soccer club and Chairman of the Pitt Town ANZAC Day Planning committee underpins his belief in fostering stronger ties between council and community.Ryan is passionate about creating opportunities for Hawkesbury’s youth. “We need spaces where young people can express themselves,” he said. “Whether it’s bike tracks, sporting facilities or creative hubs, providing positive outlets.”Married to Debbie, with four children and ten grandchildren, who all live in or around the Hawkesbury, Ryan credits his family’s support as vital to his work. “ They are my greatest supporters and by far my harshest critics,” he said.  

Fireworks can bring joy to many, but they can also cause serious distress and safety issues - especially for horse owners in the Hawkesbury. Council’s draft Fireworks Policy isn’t about banning fireworks; it’s about creating a framework to ensure they’re safe and suitable for our community.By sharing your views, you’re giving Council the tools to object when proposed fireworks could be disruptive or harmful. This is your chance to shape a policy that balances celebration with consideration.Submit your feedback now and make sure your voice is part of the decision! Don’t wait - time’s running out. Submissions close 23rd December, 2024.You can read the draft policy here - https://www.yourhawkesbury-yoursay.com.au/draft-fireworks-policy