News and events in Ku-ring-gai
No images? Click here
From the Mayor
At Ku-ring-gai we believe that housing increases must be supported by infrastructure plans that are respectfully consulted with the community and appropriately funded.
But despite all efforts to negotiate reasonable terms on Transport Oriented Development (‘TOD’), the NSW Government has imposed 20,000 new dwellings at Gordon, Killara, Lindfield and Roseville station. As context, the former government required 4,000.
A second set of ‘Low- and Mid-Rise’ changes will be imposed on other suburbs in July.
We certainly welcome new residents to the area, but they will not have the infrastructure to give them the life they deserve – and as a Council we play a role in their wellbeing.
Last week Council voted unanimously to identify infrastructure scenarios that support the imposed TOD uplift. We will consult the community in the coming nine months.
However, the infrastructure will not be properly funded. These 20,000 households will pay the State over $210 million in Housing Contributions. In my meetings with the Planning Minister he did not commit a single cent to local infrastructure. Instead our future residents will fund projects out west.
Council has also been quietly acquiring land to support the open space and active transport needs of our future residents, with Cameron Park being an example. However the sudden imposition of the TOD has resulted in cost escalations by tens of millions in ratepayer funds. I had pre-empted this since November through multiple requests for a 12-month extension, but the Planning Minister did not afford this to Ku-ring-gai despite giving other councils similar extensions.
Under these unjust circumstances, Council unanimously voted last week to take legal action against the State Government. The decision is not taken lightly and is not our preferred path, but it is supported by legal advice on prospects. If successful, there will be significant savings in infrastructure costs. We will keep you updated on this matter.
Next week sees the start of National Reconciliation Week and the Gai-mariagal Festival, which aims to improve our understanding of the culture of First Nations people.
As part of National Volunteer Week we will host movie days to thank our hundreds of hard working local volunteers. On 22 May (Wear Orange Wednesday) we will also light up the Council Chambers in orange to thank our SES Volunteers.
News
Council's legal action on housing planCouncil unanimously voted on 8 May to take action against the NSW Government’s transport-oriented development housing policy. |
Keeping Ku-ring-gai GreenWe're holding a free community tree event on Saturday 25 May to raise awareness of the value of trees and protect and grow our local tree canopy. |
Chasing waterfallsIt's been waterfall weather and many of our bushwalk tracks have some secret and not so secret falls to discover. Image: Emma Keen Infiiniteloopphotos |
Nominate a local businessTime to back your favourite business with the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Local Business Awards now open for nominations until 28 May. |
Council elections candidate informationThe NSW Electoral Commission is holding a series of webinars for candidates in the lead-up to the 2024 council elections. |
What's on
Try croquetWe're wrapping up this year's Heritage Festival with a come and try croquet day. Have fun discovering this ancient sport!
|
Local solar talksFind out why solar energy makes sense and how to install it in your home.
|
Reduce bills and carbon footprintJoin Mayor Sam Ngai and other speakers as they discuss how to reduce power bills and create a healthy, efficient home.
|
Lindfield Fun RunRoad closures will be in place for the Lindfield Fun Run this Sunday. Good luck to all those taking part!
|
St Ives ShowRoll up, roll up the St Ives Show is on this weekend. There's food, stalls, exhibitions, rides, music and more in one of Sydney’s oldest shows.
|
Kids proms concertJoin the Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra and get up close to musicians and their instruments.
|
Ku-ring-gai demographicsHear about the latest data from the 2021 Census results and what it means for Ku-ring-gai’s population and local economy.
|
Art Centre Gai-mariagal eventsCelebrate indigenous art at the Ku-ring-gai Art Centre including Country Connections exhibition and dot art classes. A reminder you can still book for Term 2 classes for adults and children. |
Reducing risks & early interventionWe are hosting a two-part parent webinar on 'Responding to drug and alcohol use in young people’.
|
Thank you volunteers!As part of National Volunteers Week we are treating our volunteers to a free movie day to watch The Fall Guy.
|
Chemical CleanOutFree drop off and safe disposal of your paints, pesticides, gas bottles and other household chemicals.
|
Navigating business insuranceJoin us for information and guidance on how to get best value insurance for your business.
|
Gai-mariagal Festival
Celebrate Ku-ring-gai’s indigenous culture!
We have a wonderful line up of events for the Gai-mariagal Festival, which celebrates the First Nations Peoples’ culture and heritage in northern Sydney.
Some highlights throughout the festival include:
- Walangari sand painting at Lindfield Village Green
- County Connections Art Exhibition
- Free weaving workshops
- Warakirri dining experience
26 May - 11 July
Your say
Public hearing - reclassification of 261 Mona Vale Road, St Ives
A public hearing is being held on the planning proposal to reclassify Council's land at 261 Mona Vale Road, St Ives from community land to operational land.
23 May
Public hearing - reclassification of 1192 Pacific Highway, Pymble
A public hearing is being held on the planning proposal to reclassify Council's land at 1192 Pacific Highway, Pymble from community land to operational land.
23 May
Reclassification of 47 Warrane Road, Roseville Chase
Council invites comments from the community on the reclassification of land at 47 Warrane Road, Roseville Chase from operational land to community land.
Closes 27 May
Dumaresq Street park
Council is creating a new public open space at 9 Dumaresq Street Gordon and seeking community feedback on the concept plan.
Closes 12 June
Jobs and DA consents
