As I approach the end of my second term as Mayor of Hornsby Shire, also marking the end of over 50 years of public service, I reflect on my deep-rooted connection with local government and passion for my beloved Hornsby Shire.
Like my Shire President father before me, who I watched preside over Council meetings in the 1960s, it is my strong belief that there is nothing more satisfying than to serve my community. I have dedicated my life to improving the lives of others.
Hornsby Shire is a special place. I am passionate about preserving its unique character – both from an environmental and heritage point of view. I have always maintained that our role as a Council is to ensure we meet the development demands that are put upon us in a way which has respect for the special character for the Shire, and in doing so, there needs to be constructive community engagement.
I am proud that during my term of office, I successfully oversaw the adoption of the Hornsby Town Centre Masterplan.
More recently I have advocated on behalf of Council to the NSW Government around its medium density housing reforms. It is important that we get the balance right between development and preserving our precious bushland and open spaces.
Following in my father’s footsteps, who famously coined the phrase ‘The Bushland Shire’, I have tirelessly campaigned to preserve and grow Hornsby Shire Council’s tree canopy – the lungs of Sydney. Under my guidance, Council initiated its successful ‘Greening Our Shire’ campaign, which saw 30,000 trees planted across the Shire, ensuring our bushland is preserved for future generations.
Hornsby Shire has a well-deserved reputation for sound financial management, a strength that has been built upon further during my term of Council. Indeed, during my tenure, my fellow Councillors and I have made tough decisions to ensure continued financial sustainability. I’m proud that Council’s most recent Long Term Financial Plan puts it in good stead to maintain financial sustainability for the next 10 years.
During my time as Mayor, Council progressed major projects for our community including the ambitious plan to build a major recreation space at Hornsby Park, soon to see the first stages come to fruition; the Galston Aquatic Centre upgrades; a new boat ramp at Wisemans Ferry; Storey Park Community Centre; public domain improvements in Asquith and countless parks and playgrounds.
My time in Council has not been without its challenges and shocks. It has been my privilege to be a steady hand, successfully steering Hornsby Shire through the many trials of recent years including the COVID-19 pandemic with all its uncertainties and complications, severe storms and multiple unprecedented floods. My campaign with other Sydney Mayors saw the NSW Government commit substantial funds to repair flood-damaged roads across Sydney, including Hornsby Shire’s rural areas, helping to keep Sydney moving.
I consider myself to be a person for the people. It has been my great pleasure to preside over hundreds of Citizenship Ceremonies, coming face to face with thousands of new residents from all over the world. I have been proud to attend countless community and civic events and helped numerous people through regular Mayoral meetings, which I initiated when I first came to office. My goal to extend the capacity for community consultation has seen Council establish a new digital engagement platform and other initiatives to greatly increase the opportunity for residents’ voices to be heard.
Importantly, under my leadership Councillors have worked together collaboratively to deliver positive outcomes for the people of Hornsby Shire. That’s a rare achievement, where Liberals, Greens and Labor have come together in the best interests of the community.
It has been my pleasure and privilege to dedicate my life to service, and to see out my career in public office by making a difference in my own community has been incredibly special to me. I thank my family – my wife Heather and daughters Caitlin and Kirsty – for their continued support. I also thank my fellow Councillors, the staff of Hornsby Shire Council, and most of all the community, for the opportunity to be your Mayor – it has been an honour.
