Hornsby Shire Council has taken a significant step toward reshaping the region’s economic future, endorsing a wide-ranging Planning Proposal designed to expand employment opportunities and support local business growth. The decision was made at last night’s General Meeting, where Councillors backed a suite of planning changes intended to modernise the Shire’s commercial and industrial landscape.
The Proposal, which will now be sent to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for review, aims to create a more flexible environment for businesses by broadening the types of commercial and light-industrial activities allowed in key locations. Council officers say the changes are expected to attract new investment, diversify job opportunities, and help ensure the Shire remains competitive in a rapidly evolving economic climate.
Among the most notable amendments are requirements for active street frontages in local centres, designed to increase pedestrian activity and enhance the atmosphere of town hubs. Light industries that do not generate noise or odour will also be permitted in several of the larger centres, a move intended to support emerging business models without disrupting residential amenity.
Industrial areas across Mount Kuring-Gai, Asquith, Thornleigh and Dural are set for major changes, with building height limits increasing to 20 metres to accommodate modern facilities. In Dural, the floor space ratio within the industrial precinct will rise from 0.7:1 to 1:1, unlocking additional development potential for local operators.
Other measures include a new 150-square-metre size limit for food and drink premises in industrial zones, aimed at preserving industrial land for core employment uses, and the removal of serviced apartments from non-residential floor-space calculations to safeguard commercial capacity.
Deputy Mayor Janelle McIntosh described the Proposal as a strategic investment in the Shire’s future economic health.
“This is a proactive step toward ensuring Hornsby Shire remains a competitive and attractive place for local business and employment,” Cr McIntosh said. “These changes will help maintain the vibrancy of our centres while giving industry the flexibility it needs to meet future demand.”
The meeting also covered a series of organisational and community matters. Councillors agreed to acknowledge a number of community groups celebrating major anniversaries next year, with a commemorative event to be held at Wallarobba Arts and Cultural Centre in September 2025.
Council also recognised the resignation of long-serving Director of Planning and Compliance, James Farrington, who is departing after three decades of service. Members additionally re-appointed representatives to both the Sydney North Planning Panel and the Hornsby Local Planning Panel, adopted a new Enforcement Policy, and reviewed several internal policies.
Further items included a resolution to write to the NSW Minister for the Environment and local MPs regarding the conservation significance of land at 79–87 Malton Road, Beecroft—following calls from residents for the State Government to purchase the site—as well as updates on the financial progress of the Hornsby Quarry to Hornsby Park rehabilitation project.
The full agenda and detailed minutes from the meeting will be available on Hornsby Shire Council’s website.
