Buried deep inside the Hawkesbury Council’s 129-page Draft 2025 Flood Plan is a proposal that could change the future of Windsor and the surrounding Macquarie towns in ways that few residents likely see coming. The recommendation, to raise the flood control level to the 1 in 200 AEP (Annual Exceedance Probability) event, plus a 0.5-meter freeboard, would push the flood planning level in Windsor to 19.3 meters - nearly two meters higher than the current benchmark.At first glance, this technical-sounding adjustment might seem like a minor policy shift. But for tens of thousands of property owners across the region, the implications are nothing short of seismic. The flood planning level serves as the official marker that determines whether land is considered flood-prone, and it plays a crucial role in decisions about everything from home insurance to financing, resale value, and the permissibility of development. In simple terms, this recommendation could reclassify large portions of Windsor and other towns as too risky to build on, sending shockwaves through the property market.For Windsor alone, this higher flood planning level would bring drastic changes. Thousands of homes and businesses, which currently sit just above the existing flood level, would now fall below the new mark, triggering a domino effect of economic and personal consequences.Property values in these areas could plummet as buyers shy away from flood-prone land. Insurance companies, already hesitant to cover properties below the 1 in 100 AEP level, could withdraw further, leaving many homeowners without the safety net of flood insurance. Financing, too, would become a major hurdle. Banks have already been limiting loans for properties at risk of flooding, and an increase to the 1 in 200 level would make securing a mortgage even more difficult.The implications don’t stop there. Under the new flood control level, property owners may face severe restrictions on what they can do with their land. Any sort of development - whether it’s building new homes, making improvements, or even repairing damage - would be subject to tighter controls. Floor levels for new buildings would need to be elevated to meet the new flood standards, and the process of getting approval for even minor changes could become bogged down in red tape. For many, this could mean the end of future development plans and a sharp reduction in the value of their investments.The impact wouldn’t be limited to Windsor. The new flood planning level would affect a wide area, including most of the other Macquarie towns. While these places have long dealt with flood risks, the proposed changes would cast a much wider net, pulling in properties that were previously considered relatively safe from flooding. Ironically, the new measures would have little impact on the Hawkesbury Lowlands, where the 2020 flood policy changes already precluded almost all development. However, it is likely to impact resale value as buyers find it harder to obtain finance. But, for areas like Windsor and Richmond, the proposal represents a seismic economic and planning change.What makes this situation even more troubling is how the proposed changes have been communicated - or rather, not communicated. Hidden in the depths of a lengthy technical document, these recommendations haven’t received the clear, public-facing explanation that such a significant change deserves. For a policy that could affect tens of thousands of people, critics argue that the council should have done much more to bring these issues into the spotlight. Instead, many residents who stand to lose the most may not even be aware that their property is on the verge of being reclassified.The Draft 2025 Flood Plan has been placed on public exhibition, inviting comments from the community. However, the lack of widespread awareness about the proposal means that many people may not realise the scale and implications of the changes being proposed. The last day for the receipt of submissions is Monday 9 December 2024.Council’s flood management strategy is built on the idea of safeguarding the community from future flood events, and the proposal to raise the flood planning level is presented as a necessary step in preparing for increasingly severe floods, compounded by climate change. The draft plan even mentions that the current flood planning levels don’t fully account for potential flood risks, particularly as the region faces growing uncertainties in predicting flood behavior. The inclusion of a 0.5-meter freeboard - a safety buffer added to the 1 in 200 AEP level - is designed to account for these uncertainties, including factors like storm surges, wind influences, and potential errors in flood modeling.“Typically, in coastal locations a 0.5m freeboard above the 1% AEP is similar to the 0.5% AEP level. At Windsor the freeboard would need to be 1.2m to provide an Flood Planning Level at the 0.5% AEP level. With climate change 2030 1% AEP flood levels are already close to the historic 0.5% AEP. Given the extreme flood range, consideration should be given to using a flood planning level greater than the 1% AEP. The extreme flood range or the climate change risk (as discussed in Section 7.3) are enough in isolation to recommend consideration of a higher flood planning level than the 1% AEP,” the study conducted by engineering consultants, WMA Water said."Hawkesbury City Council’s current planning documents set the Flood Planning Level to the 1% AEP level without freeboard. The nature of the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley means that the additional area affected by an increase in flood planning level is small. Based on the flood range and climate risk it is recommended that Council adopt the 0.5 % AEP (1 in 200 AEP) as the defined flood event and the 0.5 % AEP (1 in 200 AEP) plus 0.5m freeboard for the Flood Planning Level….Therefore, it is recommended that Councils planning documents be updated to reflect this. Consideration should be given to the inclusion of climate change in planning levels," it said.You can see how the new proposed flood planning levels would impact your home here - New Draft Flood Plan HCC

Australia's National Aerial Firefighting Fleet has added new equipment to its arsenal, ready to tackle the upcoming high-risk weather season. A C-130 Hercules Large Air Tanker and three heavy-lift helicopters - a Sikorsky S61N and two Blackhawks - are now on standby, poised to assist communities facing fires, floods, and other natural disasters.The new aircraft, part of a $48 million investment into the National Aerial Firefighting Fleet, bring a crucial capability to Australia’s disaster response toolkit. Equipped for more than just fire suppression, these aircraft can support diverse emergency operations, including delivering heavy water drops, conducting search and rescue missions, and assisting with evacuations. The C-130 Hercules is the primary addition, capable of releasing 13,250 litres of fire retardant, making it effective for large-scale fire containment. It’s accompanied by a Cessna Citation 525, which acts as a lead plane, guiding the tanker for precise drops in critical areas. The Sikorsky S61 helicopter, by comparison, can carry 4,000 litres of water and is intended for flexibility in various emergency scenarios.Coordination of these assets will be managed by the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC), which will position the aircraft across the country based on operational needs. During the high-risk weather season, the NAFC will work with state and territory agencies to determine where the fleet is needed most, and potentially relocate aircraft as conditions change.Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said the multi-purpose design of the aircraft meant to respond to an array of disaster situations, not just bushfires. “These aircraft help save lives and safeguard our communities and environment during disasters,” McAllister said. “This year, helicopters will supplement the existing fleet and provide the much-needed ability to operate in disasters requiring aerial support, beyond bushfires.”With over 160 specialised aircraft, Australia’s National Aerial Firefighting Fleet is substantially larger than it was before the devastating 2019 - 2020 Black Summer bushfires, when it included around 135 aircraft. The fleet's expanded capabilities are to help address the increasing severity and frequency of natural disasters.

Photos taken near 150 Hermitage Rd in Kurrajong paint a jarring picture: upstream of a new development, the Blue Gum Creek flows clear and unblemished, but downstream, it turns into a murky brownish-yellow, laden with sediment.These images were captured yesterday, 15 October. Some residents have since written to Hawkesbury Council, raising serious concerns about environmental damage linked to the developer’s lack of sediment control. Eric Finley, whose family has lived alongside the creek for 25 years, said he has “never seen water of this color here before, even after heavy rain.” He believes there has been a lack of proper oversight and control which is required under the conditions of the Development Application (DA). Finley’s letter to Council detailed the impact of sediment runoff on Blue Gum Creek, which is home to a range of wildlife, including Platypus that rely on the creek’s health for survival. Sediment pollution occurs when soil particles run off into waterways, impacting both human and animal health.“The difference in water quality above and below the site is dramatic even at a casual glance,” Finley wrote, pointing out that the upstream water remains clear while the downstream section, where major earth and roadworks are underway, is heavily discoloured. Finley’s letter references sediment control advice given by a Council officer to the developer last month, which was intended to prevent precisely this outcome.Finley also noted that a University of Western Sydney study found platypus DNA in Blue Gum Creek in June 2023, confirming the presence of this species. The creek flows into Little Wheeny Creek, a significant ecosystem for the region, supporting a variety of threatened and endangered species. The recent pollution threatens the delicate balance of this habitat, with sedimentation potentially damaging the food sources and nesting areas crucial to wildlife.In his letter, Finley demanded that the Council take immediate action to enforce stricter controls at the site. “This development has already had a significant and unnecessary impact on the local environment and wildlife, not to mention local residents' quality of life,” he wrote, urging the Council to address the issue before it worsens.Finley’s concerns reflect broader frustrations among residents who have witnessed local ecosystems disrupted by so-called “Zombie DAs”- developments approved under planning applications granted more than a decade ago. The DA for 150 Hermitage Rd, approved in 2008, allowed the developer to clear land and wildlife habitat under regulations that some residents believe are outdated and inadequate for protecting the environment today.Despite assurances from the Council last month that the developer would install necessary sediment controls, photos and first-hand observations suggest otherwise. Council had not responded to the Hawkesbury Post’s questions by the time of publication.The photo on the left shows Blue Gum Creek about 400 metres upstream from the development. The photo on the right is Blue Gum Creek approximately 200 metres downstream from the development.

A shock mayoral election result leaves the local Liberal Party with the whip hand for another two years.In a move that defies the results of the recent local election, Les Sheather has been elected Mayor of Hawkesbury, with Sarah McMahon selected as Deputy Mayor, maintaining a Liberal-aligned leadership team for the Council. Last night, 12 newly elected councillors were sworn in before casting their votes for a new mayor and deputy mayor to lead the council in the upcoming term. This followed last month’s local government elections, which saw significant voter backlash against major parties. The Liberal Party experienced one of the largest electoral swings in Hawkesbury's history, while the Labor Party lost a seat in the Chamber.The September election saw a remarkable shift away from large party-affiliated candidates, with Mary Lyons-Buckett, a leading independent councillor, receiving a strong mandate. Her “People Not Parties” group gained an extra seat, highlighting voter dissatisfaction with the status quo and delivering a clear message for change. The Liberal Party, led by former Mayor, McMahon lost more than 25% of its formal vote and barely held onto its fourth seat, reflecting a significant erosion of public trust. McMahon’s individual vote fell by over 36% compared to the last election.Despite a clear mandate for change, last night's Mayoral vote saw Liberal-aligned Independent, Sheather win against Lyons-Buckett, Labor’s Amanda Kotlash, and Independent, Nathan Zamprogno. Lyons-Buckett was backed by Greens Councillor Danielle Wheeler, Independent Tom Aczel, Zamprogno, and Kotlash in the final vote. Meanwhile, Zamprogno received two votes in the first and second rounds, supported by Shane Djuric of the Shooters, Fishers, and Farmers Party. Kotlash secured only her own vote and dropped out after the first round.Sheather, however, maintained solid support from all Liberal-aligned councillors throughout the rounds, and in the final vote, gained additional backing from Djuric and Kotlash. This solidified a right-leaning bloc on the Council and indicated that the controversial Liberal/Labor alliance will likely persist this term. With this alignment, Sheather secured a seven-vote majority, clinching the mayoral seat.At last months Council elections, Sheather’s Group garnered just 3.38% of the formal vote, representing about one-third of the support received by the Groups led by the other mayoral candidates. Personally, he secured a mere 0.55% of the vote, with his popularity slightly exceeding that of Kotlash, who received just 0.39%, amounting to only 139 votes from the community.The Deputy Mayoral election last night played out similarly. McMahon won the position after a drawn-out voting process that pitted Lyons-Buckett and her supporters against McMahon and her allies. In the first round, McMahon received six votes, with Lyons-Buckett trailing with four, while Zamprogno received two votes, supported by his own and those from Djuric. The tie was ultimately broken by lot, securing McMahon’s position as Deputy Mayor. The new leadership faces significant challenges in addressing critical issues that have fueled dissatisfaction among the Hawkesbury community. Key concerns during the election included inappropriate and rapid development, the protection of natural environments - particularly native animal habitats - and the integrity of councillors. Voters overwhelmingly supported candidates who prioritised greater transparency and sustainable growth, stressing the need for a Council that not only listens to its residents but also takes decisive action on their behalf.Sheather and McMahon will serve in their new roles until September 2026.

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!

A NSW Government inquiry into “Zombie DAs” could bring about reforms to protect crucial koala and wildlife habitats across the Hawkesbury. Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, is urging residents to make their voices heard, as public input could be key in safeguarding local ecosystems.Zombie DAs, or dormant development applications, refer to projects approved years - or even decades - ago that bypass current environmental standards. Often inactive for extended periods, these developments can suddenly restart with little regard for updated regulations or the latest ecological knowledge.In the Hawkesbury, several projects, including a controversial housing development at 150 Hermitage Road in Kurrajong, threaten significant wildlife habitats. Templeman pointed out that the community is increasingly aware of the dangers these outdated consents pose.“There’s a growing understanding in our community that there are significant threats to the habit of koalas and vulnerable native animals in the Hawkesbury, particularly through ‘zombie DAs’,” Templeman said.“These historic DAs were done with a different set of rules or understanding of the importance of the land, or approved for any number of reasons. In the Hawkesbury we’ve seen the impact of these zombie DAs firsthand. I’ve heard from many people who are understandably distressed that we’re seeing trees cleared, trees we now know, are home to koalas. “While the revival of dormant, historic DAs is not the only reason habitat is being cleared, there will be other old DAs that come back to life in the future. That’s why I’m encouraging Hawkesbury residents to contact the inquiry and share their concerns about how they’re hurting our vulnerable native wildlife,” she said.The Kurrajong project, approved by Hawkesbury City Council in 2010, could harm local wildlife corridors critical to koalas, glossy black cockatoos, and other endangered species. Despite strong public backlash, the project moves forward under 2010 regulations, which allows the property to be subdivided into eight residential lots.Hawkesbury Council has told residents they are powerless to stop it, but have sought further advice from the NSW Minister for the Environment to see if updated conservation laws could apply. Council has not provided any update on whether they received any advice.Templeman encouraged residents to contact the inquiry to share their concerns about the impact of Zombie DAs. Although formal submissions are closed, she assured that the Committee on Environment and Planning will still consider correspondence from concerned residents. Greens MP Cate Faehrmann has also highlighted the urgent need to reevaluate Zombie DAs across NSW, highlighting the threat these outdated approvals pose to species already on the brink of extinction. “These old consents would never meet today’s environmental standards,” Faehrmann stated. “We can’t allow approvals from decades ago to continue harming wildlife.”Residents can learn more about the inquiry and how to share their views by visiting the NSW Parliament website.https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries/Pages/inquiry-details.aspx?pk=3037#tab-contactus

Richmond Park will fall into a reverent hush as the clock strikes 11 on Monday, November 11, 2024. The Richmond RSL Sub-branch will lead a Remembrance Day service, inviting the community to honour those who have served and sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy today. But beyond the solemn wreath-laying at the Richmond War Memorial, this day represents something more profound - a chance to connect the past with the future and remind younger generations why this tradition remains so vital.For many young people, Remembrance Day may seem like an event disconnected from their daily lives. After all, the wars it commemorates feel like ancient history. However, this day is more than just a moment of silence; it's a bridge between the past and present, a reflection on how peace, often taken for granted, has been hard-won.The tradition of observing a moment of silence at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month began after World War I, the so-called "War To End All Wars." It's a time when entire nations pause to reflect on the immense loss of life, not just from that conflict, but from all wars. More than 60,000 Australians died during World War I, and the ripple effect of that loss continues to shape families and communities.But how does this history resonate with younger generations? Today's young people may not feel the immediate impact of global conflicts, but they live in a world shaped by them. The soldiers, airmen, and sailors whose service we remember on this day fought for ideals that still resonate—freedom, fairness, and unity. In many ways, these values are even more relevant in today's rapidly changing world.The Richmond RSL Sub-branch invites all members of the community, young and old, to the 2024 Remembrance Day service. As they gather at Richmond War Memorial, local school students will stand alongside veterans and military personnel, laying wreaths to commemorate those who came before them. It's a powerful visual reminder that, even though past wars may seem far removed, the legacy of service and sacrifice lives on.Involving schools and younger community members is part of a broader effort to ensure the importance of Remembrance Day continues to resonate. The Richmond RSL Sub-Branch hopes that by bringing together people of all ages, younger generations will see the relevance of reflecting on peace and the price paid for it."Remembrance Day is an opportunity for young people to connect with history in a meaningful way," a spokesperson for the Sub-branch said. "It's not just about looking back, but about understanding how the past shapes our present and future. The peace we have today was earned through great sacrifice."So, as Remembrance Day approaches, it's worth pausing to consider why we observe this tradition. It's not just for the older generations who remember the wars firsthand but for young people whose future is being built on the foundation of those sacrifices. This November 11, Richmond will once again honour that legacy—and invite a new generation to carry it forward. Details of the Remembrance Day Service:- Location: Richmond War Memorial, Richmond Park- Time: 10:55am, Monday, November 11, 2024 (assemble by 10:40am)- Covered seating available for veterans and older community members.

Students at Maroota Public School received an exciting visit, when the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service made a special landing on their school grounds. The visit, which also included students from MacDonald Valley Public School, allowed children to meet the rescue crew and learn about coastal safety and emergency procedures.In addition to the helicopter visit, around 12 volunteers from the Maroota Rural Fire Brigade and a fire truck were on hand to further enhance the students' understanding of emergency services.The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service operates from two bases in Sydney's La Perouse and Moruya on the South Coast. With a longstanding history of providing vital support to the community, the service assists in search and rescue missions, aerial surveillance, flood support, and coastal patrols. The service has recently marked 50 years of operation and has completed more than 100,000 missions without charging anyone for rescue efforts.Westpac Regional General Manager Mellissa Pearson said educating young Australians about safety was important, especially as they spend time exploring the country's beaches and waterways. "It's important to remind young Australians to stay safe no matter what time of year it is or what they are doing," Pearson said. She noted that the interactive session provided students with a unique opportunity to see up close the advanced lifesaving equipment used by the rescue crew, making the experience both educational and fun.Shane Daw, General Manager of the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service, highlighted the significance of teaching children how to stay safe outdoors and what to do in emergencies. "The helicopter has been called out to the area numerous times, and it's great to teach students about the role we play in helping the community," Daw said. "While we hope they'll never need us, if they do, we'll be there to help."The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service, supported by Westpac for 50 years, remains one of Australia's longest-running community partnerships.

By Kate Hughes, PhD2When experts disagree about PFAS risks to health, what can we do to protect ourselves?In the last 100 years, humans created many substances that caused pollution on a global scale. Think DDT and other persistent pesticides, or industrial chemicals like PCBs, and wastes like dioxins, which are among the most toxic of man-made substances. More recently, PFAS has emerged as a pollutant, including here in the Hawkesbury where groundwater is contaminated with fire retardants migrating from RAAF Base Richmond. But the Base is not the only source of PFAS. Fabrics and floor coverings, potting mix, outdoor gear, cosmetics and pizza boxes are among many everyday products that contain some of the thousands of types of PFAS. According to the US EPA, there are 15,000 classes of PFAS but not much is known about the health hazards that most of them might present.    So is this lack of data a problem for the community? Yes it is, but toxicity is not the only issue. We also have to understand how we get exposed and whether there is enough exposure to affect our health. Recently. I attended two scientific conferences where PFAS was front and centre of many of the presentations. PFAS origins, PFAS chemistry, sources of PFAS pollution, PFAS investigation, PFAS risks to health, PFAS risk to wildlife and PFAS clean up. What stood out was the divergence of expert opinions about risks to health. One leading Australian regulator stated that the risk was minimal when compared with others, while an American toxicologist described PFAS as multi-system toxicants that can affect a range of organs and systems in the body. Impacts on health accepted in many jurisdictions include cardiovascular problems, reduced birth weight, decreased response to vaccines, endocrine and immune system disruption, and liver and kidney toxicity.Other talks confirmed in my mind that despite assurances to the contrary, there are serious health risks linked to exposure to PFAS. The critical thing is the amount of exposure needed to cause damage. Again, as with the PFAS toxicity, experts differ in their opinions as do regulators. The variation in drinking water standards in different countries is a good example. The lack of agreement about toxicity and exposure is what is most troubling because risks are calculated using these two parameters. As risk assessors put it: risk = hazard plus exposure.So while the experts wrestle with the data and hopefully come up with practical recommendations to governments about minimising exposure to PFAS and cleaning up groundwater pollution, what can individuals do to protect their health? Given the many sources of PFAS, we are at a point where exposure happens just by being alive. So what to do? Recognising the many sources of PFAS is a start, and then taking action personally to avoid exposure where possible. The links below provide reader-friendly information that can help you understand more about PFAS, how exposure happens and what you can do about it.

Hawkesbury Council has released the Draft Hawkesbury Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan 2025, outlining major recommendations to tackle future flood risks in our community. We’re digging through the details ourselves, but what stands out immediately is the potential impact on property owners who could find themselves on the downside of new flood planning levels and planning rules. You have until December 9 to make submission - it’s online at https://www.yourhawkesbury-yoursay.com.au Council is also holding info sessions where you can ask questions: Richmond Oval on October 12 (4pm - 9pm), North Richmond Shopping Village on October 24 (11am - 1pm), Wilberforce School of Arts on October 30 (10:30am - 12:30pm), and Windsor Mall on November 30 (5pm - 9pm). The study's brief was to look at the consequences of flooding on the community and measures to mitigate flood risks and impacts. See what you think. Measures investigated are outlined in the picture.

More than 2,000 people in the Nepean Blue Mountains region sought help for alcohol and drug issues last year, according to Wentworth Healthcare. As substance abuse continues to impact the area, a new community-based service has opened in the Hawkesbury to provide much-needed support.WHOS Hawkesbury, located in Windsor, offers free day treatment for those living with alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems. Funded by the Federal Government’s Community Health and Hospitals Program, the centre is the latest effort to address rising concerns over the lack of accessible services for residents seeking help with addiction.Alcohol remains the leading issue, accounting for over a quarter of those treated in the region, according to Wentworth Healthcare’s 2023 Needs Assessment. WHOS Hawkesbury’s opening is expected to provide a lifeline for locals struggling to find affordable care close to home. “Anyone can have issues with substance dependence, it doesn’t discriminate,” Wentworth Healthcare CEO Lizz Reay said. “In the Hawkesbury, there has been a lack of permanent and accessible services offering affordable community-based support.” She said many people can’t commit to residential rehabilitation due to family or work responsibilities, which means they’ve been left without options.”The new service aims to change that by offering a range of treatment options, including counselling, group therapy, case management, and relapse prevention, all within the local community. Clients can remain close to their families, friends, and healthcare providers throughout their recovery, a model that has been widely advocated for by local health stakeholders.WHOS Hawkesbury also provides outreach services, working closely with Aboriginal community organisations to ensure culturally appropriate care is available. The service is designed to be flexible, providing tailored support for each individual’s needs.Local Federal MP Susan Templeman praised the opening of the service, which she said had been long overdue. “I’m proud that the Federal Government is supporting this service, which has been long-needed in Hawkesbury. I congratulate Wentworth Healthcare for finding a model designed to suit local needs and give people the ability to continue living in their community as they tackle their addiction,” she said.For many in the region, the opening of WHOS Hawkesbury will provide a vital step toward reducing the strain on hospitals and ensuring that people have access to the help they need without having to travel or uproot their lives. “Residential rehab is important, but it’s not always suitable for everyone,” Reay added. “Community-based support allows people to get well where they live, surrounded by their support networks.”WHOS Executive Director Garth Popple hopes the new service will have a lasting impact. “ We are looking forward to further develop relationships with a variety of service partners, such as Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District and the local Aboriginal community, as we collectively work towards the common goal of reducing substance use related harm in the Hawkesbury”,he said.The centre is open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 2 Forbes Street, Windsor. People can self-refer, walk in, or be referred by a GP or specialist. For more information or to book an appointment, visit www.nbmphn.com.au/WHOSHawkesbury or call 4509 9110.

Late yesterday evening, emergency services were called to a severe house fire in East Kurrajong, leaving a large family home in ruins. At 6:21 PM, the East Kurrajong Rural Fire Service (RFS) was activated, with reports indicating a house engulfed in flames and fire already spreading through the roof by the time they arrived.Additional crews from the NSW RFS Glossodia Brigade and other units from the Hawkesbury District arrived shortly after, bringing support. Wilberforce RFS said responders faced challenging conditions due to the intensity of the fire and the threat of explosion from two large LPG cylinders on the property’s verandah.“Our heavy tanker arrived just after, and with NSW RFS - Glossodia Brigade in tow we were able to cool down and eventually remove two large LPG cylinders from the verandah,” Wilberforce RFS said on Facebook. “Several of our members assisted with breathing apparatus (BA) operations, improvised a water supply, established breathing apparatus control, and performed fire suppression using our ground monitor.”Multiple brigades, including those from Wilberforce, Tennyson, and specialised support from Hawkesbury Bulk Water and Hawkesbury PC Charlie, coordinated on-site for more than five hours. With limited water supply adding to the difficulties, firefighters used all available resources, drawing water from a swimming pool, an irrigation system, and a nearby dam to sustain the suppression efforts.The Windsor and Richmond Fire and Rescue NSW teams joined the RFS in managing the fire, with both services employing breathing apparatus and ground monitors to tackle the blaze. However, despite their combined efforts, the structure could not be saved due to the extent of the fire upon their arrival.Thankfully, all occupants of the home were able to evacuate without injury. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, though early assessments are underway. This incident involved various local firefighting units, from both RFS and Fire and Rescue NSW. Friends of the family are asking the community for donations to help provide immediate support. Donations of clothing and essentials are needed for two young boys (clothing sizes 4 and 6; shoe sizes 9 and 12), an adult male (XL clothing), and an adult female (clothing size 12, shoe size 9). The family greatly appreciates any assistance during this challenging time.

Ever wondered what it’s like to see military aircraft and cutting-edge equipment up close? Now’s your chance! The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is opening the doors of RAAF Base Richmond to the public on Saturday, October 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 pm, offering a rare glimpse into the powerful operations and technology behind Australia’s air defense.The community open day will feature a display of aircraft and military equipment, allowing visitors to experience the scale and sophistication of the ADF's assets firsthand. ADF personnel will also be on hand to answer questions and provide insight into the wide range of career opportunities available in the military.Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, has long advocated for the open day and said she is thrilled to see the Base welcoming the local community.“This is something I’ve certainly been a proponent of with senior RAAF leadership, as I believe it’s really crucial that local people understand the breadth and depth of the important Defence work that takes place on the Richmond Base. “Last year I attended the open day with RAAF Base families, and partners, parents and children told me what an eye-opener it was to see the Base and get a better understanding of how the work of their family member fitted into the bigger defence picture. “This open day is a terrific opportunity for local residents to have that same experience, and for longer-term locals to see the change in the role of the Base. With a $9.8 billion upgrade in the pipeline for the arrival of 20 state-of-the-art C-130 Hercules aircraft beginning in 2027, RAAF Base Richmond’s role is set to grow as a vital asset in Australia’s defense strategy.Event Details:Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.Location: RAAF Base Richmond, entry via Gate 2 off Dight St, Richmond, NSWTickets are free and will be available from today (Wednesday, 9 October) at: https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/aa389152-54bd-43cd-bcc7-bd1d1a92b088.

Determined to protect their own development, Redbank developers today rejected any compromise, shifting the full impact of their road-widening project onto the neighbours. Disregarding the community’s pleas, they began clearing 158 old-growth trees - some over a meter wide - that provide essential wildlife habitat along Grose Vale Road.Residents gathered in protest early this morning, holding signs and pleading for the trees to be spared. By 8 am, police arrived. Residents told the Hawkesbury Post that one police car and two paddy wagons with six police officers walked them out. Shortly afterwards the trees began to be cut down.Police would not say who reported the protesters but told the Hawkesbury Post that at about 8 am today police were called to Grose Vale Road, North Richmond, following reports of protesters at a construction site.“Officers attached to Hawkesbury Police Area Command attended and located a group of protesters. The group agreed to leave the construction site police action was required.”Local councillors Mary Lyons-Buckett, Nathan Zamprogno, and Danielle Wheeler attended the protest. Councillor Zamprogno said he believes the road could have been designed to avoid the trees by moving it to the right on the Redbank side of the road.“Look at these photos. The trees on the left are scheduled for felling. The clear land on the right is part of an (expanded) road reserve and edges the Redbank estate. In my mind there is no reason why the road couldn’t run to the right and avoid the trees,” Zamprogno said.“I asked the Redbank representatives directly whether a road conforming to the relevant design rules could be constructed further over. In fact, I asked three times and never got a satisfactory answer.“The proposed loss of these trees was not presented to Councillors at any stage. We feel it should have,” he said.For residents, the felling represents not only a loss of cherished green space but also a threat to local wildlife, including koalas and gliders. One resident said: “We’re losing these beautiful trees and the wildlife they support, all so Redbank can keep their development unscathed. It’s infuriating that we’re the ones who have to sacrifice.”Comment is being sought from Redbank.The felling will be the latest in a number that has occurred recently in the Hawkesbury for new developments.Hawkesbury City Council (HCC) says the planned clearing is part of a road widening project agreed upon between Redbank developers and HCC under a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA). The approval for these works was a 2023 DA that was not considered by Hawkesbury Councillors but by the Planning Panel which was established in 2017.The Redbank development North Richmond has long been a source of contention in the Hawkesbury, with its origins tied to allegations of political corruption and questions over the project’s approval process. The development, which began in the early 2010s, was envisioned as a large-scale residential estate but soon became embroiled in an Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) investigation that involved former Liberal MP Bart Bassett. Although ICAC found that Bassett had accepted prohibited donations, he maintained that they did not influence his support for Redbank. No corrupt findings were made against Bassett. Bassett today works for Redbank.

"It's been like this for months now. Every time I step outside, the smell hits you like a wall. It's so bad, I can't even hang my washing out or open my windows," Wilberforce resident, Logan (name changed), wrote to Hawkesbury City Council more than four years ago, their frustration palpable. Since then, little has changed. The stench from the Hypro pet food factory has pushed Logan, a Wilberforce resident of 15 years, to consider leaving their home. "I don't know what else to do. We've tried everything - complaints, petitions, you name it. No one seems to be listening."Logan's experience is far from unique. Nearby residents continue to describe the odour as "unbearable" and "putrid," akin to "cooking dead animals." One neighbour lamented, "We can't have barbecues, our kids can't play outside," while others say the smell worsens on humid days. For years, locals have battled the stench, claiming the factory violates consent conditions and operates outside regulated hours, with trucks routinely arriving during restricted times. The Hawkesbury Post has sighted years of correspondence between residents, Council and Hypro management.In June 2018, Logan wrote: "As you can see, our main concern is the smell. However, the activity down there seems to be growing with earlier start times and later finishes. You can hear semi-trailers pulling up very late at night and sometimes early in the morning. They are then accompanied by the sounds of forklifts… When we moved here, this factory didn't exist. It has been growing dramatically, producing more and more foul odours, and they are well and truly working outside normal hours."In 2019, Logan noted: "…there is a 12/10 very foul odour. I've had to close all my back windows and sliding door as our kitchen and lounge are filling up with the bad smell." The next day, Logan wrote: "It's like déjà vu this morning. Opened my back door and guess what greeted me. Actually, my entire family has been having gut issues. I'm wondering." By 2020, Logan's patience had worn thin: "Could I please have an update on what Council has done about Hypro, if anything? The smell is horrific and more frequent, and the late-hour activities continue."In the correspondence Council has told residents it had sought legal advice, conducted surveillance, and held discussions with Hypro, yet ongoing complaints suggest little has changed. "It would be good to know if they cook every day. Sometimes it smells like boiling dead chooks; other times it's simply a strong kibble odour," a resident said.Frustrated by the lack of action, Logan has lodged complaints with both Hawkesbury City Council and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), only to be caught in a bureaucratic loop. "Council says it's within regulations, and the EPA says it's a council issue. I'm just passed from one to the other." "I've kept logs, sent videos, but it all leads to nothing. One time, they even lost my video." The company's senior management has told Logan that the complaints would forwarded to the compliance team, but nothing has changed.Many residents trace the problem back to Hypro's expansion into manufacturing, shifting from packaging to full-scale production. "It started small, but then these chimneys went up, and the smell became unbearable," Logan explained. "Now they operate early and late, and it's not just the smell. The noise, lights, and trucks at all hours are a constant presence, but the smell is what drives people mad."Despite double-glazed windows, the odour frequently invades Logan's home. "We can't even hang my laundry outside - it seeps into everything." The family lives less than a kilometre from the factory, yet relief remains elusive.Other residents echo these complaints, with one person stating, "The smell is sometimes worse in the mornings, sometimes at night, but it's always there." Another resident, who lives near Wilberforce sports grounds, added, "On Saturdays, when there's soccer or cricket, the smell is horrendous for players and spectators. It's like the air is toxic, and you can't escape it."When approached by the Hawkesbury Post, Hypro Industries did not respond to requests for comment about the odour complaints or concerns about operational violations. However, emails seen by the Post show that Hypro previously denied responsibility for the smell, instead blaming nearby Grange Growing Solutions. "When myself and another colleague approached Hypro last year with the odour concerns, they were very firm and believed it was not coming from them, alleging it was from Grange Growing Solutions. Hypro has a weather station on-site and used some of the data collected to back up their claims. With them refuting the odour is produced by their processes, any future regulatory action taken by Council will probably result in legal action from their side, which would put Council in a tricky situation," a Council officer wrote to a resident in 2020.Council maintains that Hypro is operating within the law. "Hypro has development consent to operate their business on-site. Council has received complaints in the past about odour and truck movements, which have been investigated by Council and its partner agencies. These investigations have found Hypro is operating in compliance with the regulatory framework," a spokesperson for Hawkesbury City Council said. The EPA said it's a Council matter.However, residents disagree and say they feel abandoned. "We've been ignored for years," one complainant said. "At this point, I just feel like nobody cares."Despite this, Hypro wants to expand its operations, which include purchasing the nearby Woodlands Park Pony Club site. The land, valued for its high biodiversity and role as a wildlife corridor, would require rezoning for industrial use. "I would be very concerned if they build another factory or intensify their operations," said a local resident who has written to the company about the smell for two years.The situation echoes the battle fought by residents near the Elf Farm Supplies mushroom composting factory in Mulgrave, where a "sustained campaign" led the EPA to intervene. When an odour monitor was finally deployed, it found the factory operating at 100 odour units near Hawkesbury Hospital, far exceeding the one-unit limit at the boundary.[All residents spoken to by the Hawkesbury Post asked to have their names withheld from publication]

It only took seconds for six-year-old Ava to dash away, says her father, Brendan Edmonds "Ava put her shoes on to come out the back door, but I was going to mow the lawn with the ride-on. Her mum was just putting a load of washing on. So I said, 'No, darling, wait until I've done the lawns, and then you can come out.' A few seconds later, I heard the front door. So I ran out to the front, and she was already gone - just like that."CCTV footage later showed Ava running like she was in a race. As Brendan explains, "She's never run, but I reckon, in the CCTV, she was running like she was in the Olympics, so to speak."What unfolded on Monday morning, September 23, was a heart-stopping search, as hundreds of locals from Glossodia and beyond joined forces with emergency services to find her.Neighbour Michelle Rampling sounded the alarm on social media. "She was the first one to hear my partner come out. She didn’t give up. She was out here 10 minutes after Ava had gone missing and stayed with my partner right through to the end," Brendan said. "She was the one who thought of checking the CCTV cameras, and that gave us a direction to search."Michelle immediately posted on social media.  It was the type of post no one wants to read, but it rallied the volunteer searchers. “I said to [Lisa], ‘Do you have the Glossvegas page?’ She said ‘no,’ so I immediately put it out there. The response was amazing,” Michelle told the Hawkesbury Post.That afternoon, Michelle posted a desperate plea on the Glossvegas Facebook page: "There had been a little autistic girl that has gone missing on Wattle Crescent. She is six years old, sandy blonde hair, wearing a t-shirt and nappy. She has been missing for about 20 minutes. Please can everyone keep an eye out for her - the police have been called. It's my neighbour's little girl. Thank you."The community responded in force. Brendan estimates that between 200 to 300 local volunteers joined the search, though police put the number closer to 100. The overwhelming support gave Brendan hope that Ava would be found. "After the one-hour mark, I was getting really, really worried. We called the police, obviously, but I only had two eyes. I was thinking it was like finding a needle in a haystack. But as I saw more and more people coming out, I got so much more confident that she was going to be found."Five hours after she went missing, Ava was found by two local men, Charles Xiberras and his cousin Luke, who had travelled from Grose View to join the search. Coincidentally, one of the men has a child with autism, while the other has a newborn also named Ava. Brendan was full of praise for the men who helped find his daughter.In an interview with Seven News, Charles Xiberras said: "I felt helpless, hearing it on the radio and the news, so I came out with my cousin, Luke. We were trying to work out what to do, and as we were working it out, we heard plovers swooping down at a little girl. We thought maybe it was someone who lives on the property, but as we got closer, we realised it was actually her."Having only moved to Glossodia with his partner Lisa in July,, Brendan said they were still getting to know the neighbourhood. He knew no one "from a bar of soap" and hadn't even met the neighbours yet.   "It's hard to describe in words, but the feeling and the support that I received in our time of need, in our new community of Glossodia - the love, the effort. Thank you. I'm proud to say that I've moved into Glossodia," Brendan tld the Hawkesbury Post.He also expressed his gratitude to emergency services. "I want to thank the emergency services like the SES and the RFS, but in particular, the four Hawkesbury detectives on the case. There was a lady and three gentlemen, and they were so supportive and like rocks with us. It was unbelievable how good they were with us." But it’s also the local community - and especially Michelle - that Brendan will never forget. “People I’d never even met before were out there looking for Ava like she was their own daughter," he says. "I’ll never forget that. We’re so lucky to be here."For Michelle, the experience left her humbled by the outpouring of support. However, she remains modest about her role in the search. "My daughters even said, ‘You don’t realise what you did,’ but I don’t think I did anything special," she said. "It’s just what you do - you look out for your neighbours."

A 25-year-old man has tragically lost his life following a water-skiing accident on the Hawkesbury River early Sunday morning.Emergency services were called to a boat ramp in Lower Portland at around 7:2 am today, after receiving reports of a marine incident. Police said officers from the Hawkesbury Police Area Command arrived to find the man had sustained critical injuries when he struck the water at high speed while being towed by a boat.Despite efforts by NSW Ambulance paramedics to revive him, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Police have established a crime scene and are preparing a report for the coroner as part of their ongoing investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.

"People were sitting on their roofs, hearing the water hit the wall and ricochet - this loud sound - and then waves of water would rush back across the town," recalled Evans Head resident Lyndall Murray, reflecting on the devastating night of February 2022, when floods ravaged the Richmond Valley in Northern NSW." The turbulation in the water was created by the wall, and that's probably what scared people, clinging to their roofs, the most. They didn't know if they'd survive the night."Two years later, the scars of that disaster remain. Residents are still struggling to rebuild from a catastrophe they believe was made worse by the highway acting as a dam wall. The water stagnated for 12 days, trapped west of the highway, when other communities were able to clean their homes.For more than a decade, locals had warned governments that the new Pacific Highway upgrade would act as a dam, exacerbating floods in communities upstream. When the floods came on February 28, 2022, the devastation was unprecedented. Thousands of homes and businesses across the Northern Rivers region were ravaged. Residents in towns downstream of Lismore, like Woodburn, Broadwater, Coraki and Wardell, had never experienced anything like it. As the Hawkesbury awaits the results of the flood study and final designs for the new Richmond Bridge, concerns are rising about the impact a raised road on the floodplain could have. The parallels to Richmond Valley are hard to ignore. Woodburn resident, Bert Plenkovich OAM, told the ABC in 2022, "Why would you put a highway on the lowest possible area of the floodplain when you have an option to place it on higher ground? We could see that it would hold back flooding."  In the Hawkesbury the former NSW government ignored the advice of their experts to build the bridge south of the current bridge - known as the Purple Route. This route provided the most flood resilience and the least impact on surrounding properties. Instead, the bridge will now be built 50 metres downstream from the current bridge in one of the lowest parts of the floodplain and will require raised roads to ensure it can be accessed in a 15.3-metre flood. Kurrajong Road on the eastern side of the bridge is just 12 metres. The aftermath of the Richmond Valley floods included talk of a class-action lawsuit against the government for damages caused by the highway. However, the toll of the disaster left most residents too exhausted to pursue legal action. "These people lost everything," Murray said. "The $790 million Resilient Homes Grant was rolled out too slowly, and 5,000 homes were rejected for funding in June 2023. "Most of our community are on pensions or disability payments, so when people are trying to make ends meet, any energy left to try and campaign for a class action, lost traction because of the magnitude of the rebuild for the community," she said.Despite the community's efforts to seek accountability, residents remain in the dark about the true extent of the highway's impact on the flooding. A promised investigation into the flood modelling remains hidden from public view. "Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is completing modelling validation in respect of the record flooding that impacted Woodburn in February and March 2022," a TfNSW spokesperson told the Hawkesbury Post. "This modelling is privileged and cannot be released to the public," he said. When we asked why the information was privileged, TfNSW did not respond.The floodwaters in Richmond Valley didn't just inundate homes; they lingered for 12 days, causing severe damage to foundations and leaving entire communities underwater long after the floods receded in other areas. Murray emphasised the difference between Richmond Valley and neighbouring Lismore: "In Lismore, the water came up and down quite quickly. But for 12 days, our water stayed stagnant through people's homes because there was no escape route for the water to reach the wetlands and flow to the ocean."Most believed the key issue was the design of the new road. The drainage holes built under the highway were too small to handle floodwater and debris, effectively blocking the natural flow of water. "If you get one tree branch caught on that drain, there's no water going anywhere," Murray explained.Residents are frustrated with what they see as a systemic failure of government agencies to listen to local voices. "This is a testament to the epic failure of the State government to listen to local knowledge," Murray said. "Experts ignored generations of lived experience from the people who know these floodplains intimately."Despite raising concerns during consultation meetings as early as 2006, locals found their input sidelined or excluded from official records. Some meetings weren't even minuted, forcing residents to fight to have their insights recorded. Even as government agencies promised transparency, crucial design changes ignored local knowledge. A flood-free alternative route was also proposed by residents but ultimately rejected.Rumours persist that cost-cutting measures played a role in the flawed infrastructure design. However, with the investigation's findings kept secret, the community is left in the dark. "We deserve transparency," Murray said. "People who invested their life savings in their homes or businesses deserve to know what went wrong and how it will be fixed. But we've seen nothing from the government."Murray's warning to the Hawkesbury is clear: "These infrastructure projects need to be informed by local knowledge. If they build that bridge and those roads without listening to the people who know the floodplain, it will be a disaster."Residents are taking matters into their own hands. "We've already started preparing for the next flood," Murray said. "We know the water will stay for days again. We're setting up our own crisis management plans because we have no faith the government will be there to help us."Murray's message is simple: "We need accountability from those making these decisions. Until they start listening to locals and applying common sense, we're going to keep facing these disasters, and people will continue to suffer."

Farmers and landowners in Cornwallis and the Richmond Lowlands are facing yet another year of waiting for the repair of the collapsed road and riverbank along the Hawkesbury River. The $18.7 million project, meant to fix the damage that began almost four years ago, has stalled again, pushing potential repairs into 2026 after another delay in the tender process.An investigation by the Hawkesbury Post (HP) revealed that although Hawkesbury City Council (HCC) secured $18.7 million in funding through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements in December 2023, the council delayed announcing this until February 2024. Of the funding, $8.2 million was allocated for a new road and $13.5 million for the reconstruction of the riverbank and drainage. However, despite the urgency, a four-week tender was not issued until June 2024, more than three years after the damage occurred in March 2021.This delay, combined with further tender complications, has only added to the frustration. In June, HCC and Public Works shortlisted six companies and appeared ready to award the contract to local firm Jeffsann Excavations, people familiar with the tender told the Hawkesbury Post. Jeffsann had been working with private landholders Jeremy Bayard and Emmanuel Degabriel to restore parts of their properties.Jeffsann's bid of $13.5 million beat a rival bid from Sutherland-based Haslin Constructions by $2 million. However, in a sudden reversal, Public Works declared that Jeffsann did not qualify for projects over $9 million, despite inviting them to bid three months earlier. Neither HCC nor Public Works have commented on the abrupt change in decision. Jeffsann also declined to comment. One local resident familiar with the process told the HP that "the reality is work on Cornwallis won't commence until March/April, which is during the greatest threat of flooding - meaning that work may stretch into 2026."In response to inquiries, an HCC spokesperson said: "Following extensive evaluation and in accordance with the NSW Government's tendering requirements, it was deemed that the tender responses failed to demonstrate value-for-money, a key requirement of the State and Federal Government funding." The spokesperson added, "a new open tender process will shortly commence with the objective of awarding a contract prior to the end of this calendar year."Meanwhile, local landowners continue to struggle with the worsening damage. "The canyon," as it's referred to, began when a poorly maintained HCC drain collapsed in early 2021. Over the years, the damage has expanded, with significant economic and environmental consequences. Turf farmers have seen their land inundated with silt from the breached riverbanks during floods, destroying millions of dollars' worth of crops. One turf farmer noted that "hundreds of tonnes of extra silt are dumped on our land during floods, causing devastating damage."Even as construction drags on, logistical blunders have piled up. The HP learned that $1.6 million has been spent on new box culverts to replace pipes ordered by HCC that were found to be the wrong size. Those pipes, worth $1 million, have been sitting unused on the riverbank for two years. Although some of the pipes have been repurposed, the tender documents also call for 42 pipes to be crushed and disposed of, which conflicts with HCC's earlier claims that they would be reused.HCC maintains that once the contract is awarded, construction will take approximately 9 -12 months, depending on weather and river conditions. An HCC spokesperson acknowledged the risk of further delays, stating, "Despite the recent dry weather, major storages in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment remain close to their full supply levels, and while ever this remains the case, there remains an elevated risk of a flood, as we saw in April and June this year, should there be a significant rainfall event."Yet, with no firm start date, local farmers and landowners continue to face growing concerns as the riverbank damage remains unaddressed and the tender process restarts.