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If a rate variation is approved, on what will the money be spent?
Updated 11 January 2010
Council will use the additional funds to replace the Hornsby Aquatic Centre, to replace the pedestrian overbridge at Hornsby and to provide additional recreational facilities in the area of Old Mans Valley. Council will also allocate $1.5 million per ward for local ward-based projects which will be determined by Councillors in collaboration with residents. You can suggest/nominate your preferred local infrastructure projects by logging on to Council's web site at www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au
Originally, the only proposal to which Council was committed was the replacement of the Hornsby Aquatic Centre in a form yet to be finalised in detail. This proposal has a high priority as the Hornsby Aquatic Centre is the only 50 metre pool within the Shire with a grandstand. It is used consistently by the general community and is the main facility available for schools within the Shire for annual swimming carnivals. The pool is also used for learn to swim activities.
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Comment 1 22 Oct 2009, 12:30 PM
Why is there a photo of a crack in the footbridge when this isn't even definitely getting funding. This seems a bit manipulative.
I think the Council should come up with a more solid plan on how it would like to spend the funding before I agree to the increase. Even some broad areas such as 'road improvements', 'community buildings'.
To give us one project and some 'under consideration seems a bit lazy.
Comment 1.1 22 Oct 2009, 11:39 PM
Thank God we are finally doing something about this long standing issue of infrustructure maintnenance and renewal. Bring it on, this is what we need. If not a rate variation, maybe a special levy in order to catch up with the backlog of maintnenace / asset replacement on an aging infrastructure.
However, we really need two other critierias:
1. Stop building new assets if we can't even maintain what we have !!! S94 capital infrustructure funds needs to be spent wisely, and hopefully on asset renewal !
2. Lets also get the STATE and or Fed Governments involved in this and invite them to come to the table to at least contribute by matching the Councils revenue towards this important cause. This is such a big problem that council will not be able to fund the required infrustructure maintnenance required. Each councils Strategic Assets Management Plan would be able to illustrate this.
Comment 1.2 4 Nov 2009, 12:57 PM
The photo of the footbridge shows an expansion joint (thats the big zig zag). This is normal to allow for movement. It looks like some remedial work has been done on the corners of the concrete work but this is normal. Surely they're not trying to pass off the expansion gaps as cracks??!!
Comment 2 15 Nov 2009, 3:32 PM
Firstly: The term infrastructure has been used since 1927 to refer collectively to the roads, bridges, rail lines, and similar public works that are required for an industrial economy, or a portion of it, to function. None of the listed above fall under this term therefore I consider this proposal null..... What is listed above is merely construction projects. and just what drainage are they talking about and what open space improvements do they mean exactly... these are broad terms leaving items open to a wide interpretation.
I say no to all of these items they have not properly shown a reason for raising levies to increase revenue.
Comment 3 16 Feb 2010, 4:01 PM
Old Man Valley is the longest delayed project and needs to be done. If we don't the council will have spained thumbs from all the twiddling. The pedestrian bridge appeared OK, it seems to work.
It is a pity that Hornsby does not attract any state or federal funding, just look at our hospital!!
Comment 4 7 Apr 2010, 10:34 PM
Future infrastructure should include cycling infrastructure and mountain biking trails. These could be used to commute and get so many people exercising. Its something that has essentially been ignored by Council yet is something that so many people would use. About 1% of the cost of a new swimming pool could built a mountain bike trail network that could cater for as many users as the pool itself!
Comment 4.1 12 Apr 2010, 4:11 PM
Given the dearth of mountain bike (cycling) facilities in the Sydney area, a small investment by Council would attract visitors and resultant trade and commerce into the area. Hornsby has some ideal areas for mountain bike facilities located close to the commercial hub, which would benefit.
Comment 4.2 12 Apr 2010, 4:15 PM
A lot of mountain bike trails worldwide are also maintained by volunteer labour. The riders themselves are happy to work hard on maintaining tracks once good sustainable tracks are developed. The costs would therefore be extremely low.
Comment 4.3 13 Apr 2010, 12:55 PM
Agree that cycling offers significant health and environmental benefits that the council should promote for both cyclelanes and offroad mtb activities for all types of users.
Comment 4.3.1 14 Apr 2010, 6:07 PM
Mountain biking trails. Pretty sure it obvious that there is enough support and i don't think i need to go on about the benefits, but just to remind you of some.
The costs would be minimal, it doesn't take up much space or destroy the area, it will help support a healthier lifestyle for residents and locals, will help the economy in many forms (i won't go on about it), will atttract riders from all around Sydney, help everyone appreciate and enjoy Hornsby's surrounding bushland in a sustainable manner, help support one of Australia's fastest growing sports which is in need of more facilities, and much more.
Comment 5 18 Apr 2010, 12:08 PM
Why start with a question about what to spend infrastructure levy money on when ratepayers haven't yet agreed that they are willing to pay a third levy above their normal rates or to pay this every year for 20 years?
Council should look after the assets it has and should get rid of the ones it can't afford to maintain. This is simply common sense.
Comment 6 18 Apr 2010, 5:17 PM
The trouble with all these increases they mean well but deliver nothing. I remember the environmetal level with the water rates. What did we get water that had to be boiled to drink. The 3x3 petrol tax, we got toll roads. Thrust me until conucil can write down everything it wants to do and be legally binding dont ask for a penny. They have charges for everything so dont charge for something you have already paided for. It make me sick to see government at all levels keep rising taxes to paid for basic needs. 60 years ago NSW built habour bridges, 173 railway station, dams, road etc. Now we cant build sand castles. Governemnts have to budget just like everyone else.