Hornsby Shire Council has tabled its June 2025 Performance Report and Quarterly Budget Review Statement, confirming a stable financial position and strong progress across key projects and services.
The report, presented at last night's General Meeting, outlines Council's performance against the 2024-2027 Delivery Program and 2024/25 Operational Plan. It shows that 91% of actions and 83% of capital projects are either completed or on track, with a reported budget surplus of $1.67 million for the financial year ending 30 June 2025.
Throughout the year, Council delivered a wide range of community-focused initiatives and infrastructure upgrades. These included the completion of 45 capital projects such as upgraded playgrounds in Castle Hill, Thornleigh, Mount Colah, Dural, Pennant Hills and Beecroft; new dog off-leash areas in Thornleigh and Galston; and upgraded changerooms and public toilets across Cherrybrook, Berowra Waters and Brooklyn.
More than two kilometres of new pathways were constructed at Pennant Hills Park, alongside seven new footpaths and two shared paths in Brooklyn and Pennant Hills. Local road improvements were carried out in Mount Kuring-Gai, Berowra, Asquith and Galston, with nearly 800 metres of roads rehabilitated and over 1,000 metres of kerb and guttering installed.
Council also progressed major projects including Hornsby Park, Westleigh Park and the Galston Village Public Domain. Sustainability efforts were advanced with the installation of electric vehicle chargers in Hornsby and the planning of a new food organics recycling service. Community engagement remained a priority, with nearly 1,000 new citizens welcomed at ceremonies, and hundreds of residents participating in important surveys and consultations.
The report also details the use of Special Rate Variation (SRV) funds, with $3.97 million spent on strategic initiatives such as bushfire mitigation, public amenities, and shared paths.
Hornsby Shire Mayor Warren Waddell said the results demonstrate Council's commitment to delivering tangible improvements across Hornsby Shire while maintaining financial sustainability.
"We're proud of the progress made under our 2024-2027 Delivery Program and Operational Plan, and remain committed to shaping a Shire that's liveable, sustainable and inclusive. I encourage all residents to stay involved and informed through our Your Say Hornsby platform as we continue building a better future together."
Councillor McClelland was elected as Deputy Mayor at the meeting last night for a period of 12 months, following the conclusion of Councillor McIntosh's term. Councillor McIntosh was thanked for her dedicated service as Deputy Mayor by Mayor Waddell and Councillor Greenwood.
Also at last night's meeting, Council:
- Resolved to submit three motions for consideration at the 2025 Annual Conference of Local Government NSW (LGNSW) in November, and determined the nine Councillors who will be voting delegates, with Mayor Waddell attending as an observer
- Adopted the new and reviewed Infrastructure and Major Projects current policies
- Adopted the ordinary schedule of Council meetings and order of business for the period October 2025 to September 2026
- Received and noted, and referred for audit the 2024/25 General Purpose Financial Reports for the year ending 30 June 2025
- Received and noted the contents of the Director's Report on investments and borrowings for the period ending 31 July 2025
- Addressed Councillor Tilbury's Notice of Motion by resolving to provide an Informal Councillor Briefing on handling correspondence or behaviour that may involve harassment, intimidation, threats or hate.
The full agenda of the meeting, along with details of each item discussed, can be found at hornsby.nsw.gov.au. The video recording of the meeting will be available from Friday afternoon.
