Hornsby Shire Council has endorsed a draft 10-year financial plan that it says will help maintain services, infrastructure and community assets while ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
Adopted at the 10 June meeting, the draft Long Term Financial Plan 2026/27–2035/36 outlines how Council will fund services and respond to the needs of a growing community over the next decade.
Council said its financial position has improved over the past year, with its projected 10-year average annual cash surplus increasing to $3.6 million, up $1.3 million from the previous plan.
Mayor Warren Waddell said the draft plan demonstrates Council’s commitment to responsible financial management and delivering on community priorities.
The plan will be on public exhibition until 9 July before returning to Council for final adoption.
Councillors also endorsed submissions raising concerns about two proposed NSW Government planning reforms.
Council argued that proposed changes to complying development approvals could add complexity, increase costs and lead to adverse impacts on neighbouring properties. It also questioned a proposed targeted assessment pathway, saying planning decisions should continue to consider factors such as site suitability, development impacts and the public interest.
The submissions will be sent to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, with Council seeking amendments to the reforms.
Other decisions from the meeting included adopting the draft Hornsby Shire Destination Management Plan, progressing planning proposals for the Hornsby Town Centre Special Entertainment Precinct and council-led advertising signage, approving several heritage studies for exhibition, increasing councillor and mayoral fees by 3.7%, and reinstating the 2022 Code of Meeting Practice.
