The role of elected representatives in our democracy is to represent people not parties, lobbyists or external influences
This quote inspired by Ted Mack, Mayor of North Sydney & Parliamentarian who introduced open government policies in the 1980’s is as relevant today as it was then.
Over the term of this Council, the Trust has been following many issues, some listed below, which will remain critical over the next four years as pressure on development remains high.
The Trust will always work with those who share our concerns and look to the voting records and values of those standing for election to guide us. Who we appoint as our decision makers is, as ever, vital to the outcome.
Lack of transparency
Transparency and accountability to the community in all decision making is critical but this has been lacking with many decisions of importance to the community being made at Council meetings in ‘closed session’ with ‘commercial in confidence’ being used broadly to justify decisions that we believe could have been dealt with more openly for community input:
Relocation of Works Depot – discussion regarding the long term strategy and next steps was held in a closed session at Council’s meeting of 27 November 2023. The relocation site has not been disclosed, but Council’s website reveals a request for tenders for a new Works Depot and Office Upgrade plus storage spaces, located on environmentally sensitive Crown land at Boronia Park. The original decision to move the depot facilities to Lane Cove has already resulted in a financial impost on ratepayers of $200,000+ in addition to the hundreds of lost hours in staff travel.
Sale of Remnant Public Land at Joubert Street South/Euthella Avenue – the decision to progress the sale of this incredibly valuable piece of foreshore for a “minimum consideration” was made in a closed session at Council Meeting on 27 November 2023. The Trust has advocated for the retention of this important remnant piece of foreshore for future generations. Letters were sent and representation made to Council but as yet no reply has been received.
Figtree Park – a request for a breakdown of spending of the $4.75m Grant, made by a councillor on behalf of the community at Council’s meeting of 25 March 2024, resulted in the public gallery being cleared and discussions continuing behind closed doors.
Statement of fiscal responsibility – the claim of fiscal responsibility of a $1.9 million surplus, made in election material HERE is misleading. This projection of a surplus for the current year has not been achieved and relies on asset sales not yet realised. The 2023/24 projected operational budget deficit is $2.9m, as reported in May 2024 Council papers.
Sale of Public ‘Remnant’ Land
There is increased pressure to sell public land and the Trust has raised concerns over:
Land at 16C Vernon St – the Trust made representation at Council’s 29 July meeting. We are calling for this unspoilt natural area on the Lane Cove River, which is accessible to the public and has heritage value, to be saved as public space.
Proposed reclassification of the Fairland Hall land – this land was a gift to the people of Hunters Hill and the Hall has been in continuous use since 1915 and must remain as Community Use classification.
The Loss of Trees and Streetscape
Sadly, as featured in our journals, we have been losing some of the character and charm of our streetscapes with established gardens and mature trees being lost to complying development projects. The Trust is not opposed to sensible infill development but we strongly advocate for adaptive re-use and the retention of our layers of heritage.
While Council has developed an effective Street Tree strategy, they are less able to limit tree loss under NSW planning regulations so, with the pressure to increase density, it is critical that we have strong Local Planning instruments (LEP & DCP) to preserve existing canopy trees, provide sufficient deep soil areas and limit excessive excavations.Reducing the minimum landscape area for residential development in conservation areas, as currently proposed in Council’s revised LEP, does not bode well.
While the above issues have been ongoing major concerns, the community has also been fighting to limit the scale of development, as in the case of the Montefiore proposal. We and other community groups, have recently joined with Council to fight against the Woolwich Marina extension and are hopeful of a positive outcome but long term commitment from Council will be vital.
As always at Council elections, we have our chance to choose those candidates who we trust will share our concerns and values and will best protect our suburbs’ unique heritage and green environment, to ensure we can leave a legacy as intact as possible for the next generation.
Check out Candidates’ websites here:
Independents South Ward: https://www.ourhuntershill.org/
Independents North Ward: https://teamross2110.wixsite.com/huntershill
Liberals South and North Ward: https://www.zacmiles.com.au/about-us
Electoral Commission Links are here:
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