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What services and infrastructure should Council provide now and in the future and how should these services be paid for?
Council must balance a limited ability to generate income with continually increasing expectations for improved services and facilities.
By telling us what services and facilities are important to you, you are providing information we can use to adjust service levels and cost effectively meet community expectations.
Tell us about those services you value and those you think are less important.
Tell us about the infrastructure you believe we need now and in the future.
Most importantly give us your opinions about Council services and infrastructure and about how any improvements you desire should be paid for.
This online discussion forum has concluded. You can still browse the site but the discussion area will no longer accept new comments or votes.
Comment 1 7 Feb 2010, 8:33 PM
There should be more activities in the middle of the mall and this would not necessary require Council to spend. These could include night noodle markets with free music, multicultural festivals, themed celebrations e.g. Valentines, New Years, Christmas, Australia Day. The middle of the mall is the only public space that is central to Hornsby and it would be better if the community could enjoy activities, and particularly in the evenings or weekends.
I definitely think the west side and east side should be joined by a large thoroughfare similar to Chatswood. This would create a bigger public space and provide better atmosphere to the west side of Hornsby.
Comment 1.1 7 Apr 2010, 2:18 PM
This whole internet consultation with the ratepayers is not
noticing the big elephant in the corner.
Some dates that you need to think about;
May 2005 Crude oil production stopped rising.
June 2008 Crude oil plus all liquids reached Peak.
September 2008 The world economy crashed.
Late 2010 First sign of tight oil supplies expected.
2014 Oil production starts its long decline.
2020 Available oil at 50% of current availability.
The question should be what steps will council take to
mitigate the effects of higher unemployment and higher costs ?
Comment 1.2 12 Apr 2010, 4:11 PM
I certainly agree that any plan to introduce more community cultural activities into the Mall area is worthwhile. While the Mall area is central, it is an area shared by shoppers, and this make it suitable only for certain activities. Markets as we have seen previously seem to work well, but anything on a larger scale involving more people, structures and perfomance space may not be suitable. The Hornsby Park near the pool is the logical location, and could be put to good use in this way. Combined with proper parking facilities and appropriate access to Old Man Valley this precinct could be an ideal focus for a range of community events
Comment 2 6 Apr 2010, 11:09 AM
A sustainable purpose built mountain bike single track that will be maintained by voluteer labour from local riders.
Comment 3 7 Apr 2010, 10:42 PM
Cycling and in particularly mountain biking has been ignored for decades. It continues to grow in popularity and the demand is starting to be met by unofficial trails. We need some properly designed and built mountain bike trails. We dont need another poorly designed and unsustainable trail. We need sustainable trails, these are cheap to build (about 10% of the cost of a concrete cycleway and about 1% of the cost of a swimming centre). Yet they could cater for tens of thousands of users, promote commuting, bike use, get kids doing something constructive as well as getting them to appreciate out bush. This community needs to move towards green forms of transport. Mountain bike trails can help achieve this.
Comment 3.1 12 Apr 2010, 6:01 PM
This is a great idea - trails that are properly built and maintained (by volunteer mountain bikers, of which there are a great many) can have as little environmental impact as walking trails (see www.imba.com/resources/conservation/index.html & www.imba.com/resources/trail_building/images/nstbd_p41-modalities.jpg). Any environmental damage woould be negated by a properly constructed trail. It seems the rest of the world are reasonably proactive towards this form of exercise/recreation/sport, but Sydney lacks even ONE mountain bike specific trail. The benefits to local business and even local tourism. With great trails, many riders and their families will come.
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Comment 3.2 12 Apr 2010, 8:53 PM
Totally agree. Cycling is both a healthy lifestyle and has a low if not zero carbon footprint. Mountain bike trails are low cost to construct and if done properly will last for years, providing an outdoor experience for the younger generation who will be tomorrows rate payers and voters.
Further more mountain bikers for by far the biggest group of uncatered for stake holders in the shire. Estimated out mtb ownership around 7000 in this shire alone.
MTB trails does not require the build of "concrete trails" that mean the removal of vegetation or special expensive construction. Furthermore unlike sports fields that need to be watered, moved, fertilised etc, MTB trails require minimum maintenance and considering the strong volunteer ethic amongst mountain bicycle riders maintenance will be a low ongoing cost but the trails will provide a long term good investment for the shire.
Comment 3.2.1 15 Apr 2010, 6:45 AM
I also strongly support the creation of mountain bike trails in Hornsby Shire. Sydney has a notable lack of legal mountain bike trails when compared to some much smaller cities, Canberra for example. There is a particular lack of facilities for beginning riders, which undermines participation in this healthy, low impact sport.
If the trail maintenance days which used to be held at Manly Dam are any indication, Council would have no problem recruiting volunteers to build and maintain the tracks.
In areas of degraded bushland, like parts of Hornsby Quarry and Old Man's Valley, the construction of trails could help promote bush regeneration efforts. There are many examples worldwide, and in Australia, which demonstrate that mountain biking can have a positive effect on the environment.
The economic impact of a mountain bike trail network would be positive as well. Mountain bikers can be relied upon to spend money locally, in bike shops, cafes, restaurants.
I thank Hornsby Council for their support for mountain biking and look forward to lending a hand when trail building begins.
Comment 3.3 16 Apr 2010, 10:42 AM
The popularity of cycling and indeed mountain biking is evident to those who frequent the area around Browns Waterhole. While the fire trails are good and access is appreciated,having purpose built and maintained tracks would be great. While I hear noise about the potential environmental impacts when I talk to the bush regeneration volunteer's and bush walkers all seem to have a positive response and the MTB community understand coexistence very well.
Comment 4 8 Apr 2010, 9:32 AM
Hornsby, especially the old mans valley precinct offers some of the greatest potential for sustainable mountain bike trails in NSW. Local community riding groups currently have no suitable, specific trails to ride in the area and Sydney in general lacks facilities for the fastest growing and most popular recreational activity in Australia.
As a younger member of the Hornsby Shire community I have seen plenty of highschool aged teens turn off mountain biking due to lack of local support of places to ride. These young people have now turned to anti-social behavior, lack fitness and well being and spend their money more…
Comment 5 8 Apr 2010, 10:17 AM
Like mentioned, sustainable, purpose-built mountainbike trails must be on the cards. It is ridiculous if the council still thinks there isn't enough support.
At the moment The Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has a plan for building a Mountain biking facility in the middle of town. It will be in the area that surrounds a park and another aspect of the proposal is to regenerate the scrubland that surrounds the park. The council's director of infrastucture services was very poisitive and says "It makes very good use of the site" and "The cost of construction for the trails is likely to be minimal". This all relates closely to the situation there is with Old Man's Valley.
Hornsby is a unique place, having lots of units, shops, houses, centres, etc. But is also surrounded by lots of great bushland. But even though the council calls it the "bushland shire", they don't take advantage of the fact we are surrounded by a great area and don't use it to it's potential. Mountain biking, while being a small investment, could give Hornsby a new perspective away from the busy shopping centres and packed units and really use the bush in a sustainable manner.
Comment 5.1 9 Apr 2010, 11:46 PM
Removed by moderator - the comment was spam
Comment 5.2 12 Apr 2010, 4:18 PM
Excellent MTB riding can be enjoyed in many parts of the shire, although restricted to firetrails and bush tracks. Old Man Valley offers an opportunity to introduce MTB specific trails, ableit limited by space. This would allow council to observe usage and environmental impact. Areas in Berowra Valley Bushland Park would be ideal for sustainable mountain bike single tracks, and an army of volunteer bikers are available to help build and maintain these tracks. Lets make Hornsby Shire one of the few "MTB" friendly shires in Sydney. This would encourage biking enthusiasts from across northern Sydney to visit our shire and enjoy these facilities.
Comment 5.3 12 Apr 2010, 10:34 PM
I agree - and it's not just youngsters. I am 40 and took up Mountain bike riding to fight growing weight and obesity, I have noticed many riders out there at least my age and some must be even in their 60's. Got some great advice on chain lubrication from an old guy in the blue mountains who looked like Santa Claus!
Comment 5.3.1 13 Apr 2010, 11:52 AM
Totally agree - am 46 and loving mountain biking for fitness and health and social interaction. I ride with 5 friends all in 40s/ 50s. Also we bring plenty of visitor dollars with us, including restaurant spending, bike shops, convienience stores etc.
Comment 6 9 Apr 2010, 11:43 PM
Provide Purpose built Mountain Bike Trails please.
Council has spent over $130 000 on walking track upgrades in the last 2 years alone. $70 000 of this was external grant funded. No money has been spent for on-ground mountain bike management but is desperately needed.
Secondly it is known that MTB track volunteers have offered and would continue to be involved in track maintenance, this has never been the case for the needy area of walking track maintenance (for illegal and authorised walking tracks in bushland).
Comment 7 12 Apr 2010, 5:00 PM
I believe that it needs to be pointed out that mountain bikers are not all teenagers. I'm in my forties as are my frequent riding companions.Our main aim is to stay on the trails (and our bikes)and not the vegetation. With that being said I have encountered riders of all age groups and of both sexes. This is a sport/recreational past time that encourages outdoor activity and fitness which seems sadly lacking these days and importantly excludes no-one. The council has a responsibility to provide a venue for this large and diverse group of cyclists as much as it has for table tennis or skateboarding for example.The Shire can only benefit from the building of such dedicated mountain bike trails, the influx of visitors that could then frequent our cafes,restaurants and lets not forget our local bike shops etc.
Comment 7.1 12 Apr 2010, 5:32 PM
I am 62, ride both road and mountain bikes for pleasure and competition up to state level. A feature article in the SMH's "Good Weekend" magazine of 2 April clearly illustrates the economic, tourism and recreational benefits that New Zealand is deriving from the considerable investment in the development of MTB facilities. The same is happening in the USA, UK and many parts of Europe and certain Australian cities such as Canberra and Adelaide.
Comment 7.1.1 13 Apr 2010, 1:16 PM
Agree with this Big Time. I am going 50 and ride both MTB & Road competitively. The economic & health benifits to a region like ours are potentially enormous. Combining a maintained legal MTB facility in our area with the awesome road riding loops would make our region a mecca for riders.
Do we have the leaders who can realise the vision?
Comment 7.1.2 15 Apr 2010, 11:17 AM
Heartily agree. Having been to Rotorua NZ purely for a mountain biking holiday, I have seen the way the infrastructure supports a healthy local economy for a sport that is itself healthy. Leadership, please.
Comment 7.1.2.1 17 Apr 2010, 8:26 PM
Totally agree too. I'm in my 40's and regularly ride with others of a similar age and younger. We love being out in the bush, respecting the environment, spending time together, keeping fit and breathing the fresh air. Wouldn't it be great to have places other than the local fire trails and some illegal tracks to ride. It is also so great to see and experience the courtesy and friendship that other riders express out on the trail. Mountain Bike riders seem so much more friendly and accommodating than others out exercising!
Comment 8 12 Apr 2010, 5:32 PM
A purpose built and maintained MTB track in Hornsby will provide a significant boost to local cafe's, bike shops, petrol stations, and associated service organisations as bikers are starved of good facilities in the CBD and will come in their droves. There is already a significant volunteer base to sustain this facility and there are plenty of other examples of this being done successfully (Ourimbah, Yellowmundi).
For those of you with concerns that this facility will get out of hand and lead to the destruction of flora and fauna, keep in mind that even a mountain bike can't ride off a trail. The whole point of this facility is that there are no/few trails to ride on so it is nonsense to think that riders will head off the trail and damage the bush. It risks their equiment and is nearly impossible to do, and more importantly no fun at all. A well designed trail will have the ability to sanction areas in need of repair so the trail is still functional but maintainable.
I hope Hornsby Council have the vision to embrace something that is a significant industry in other states and countries.
Comment 9 12 Apr 2010, 6:10 PM
As a 35YO professional i've been riding for over 10 years off road and have more recently in the past 2 years seen its participation rate increase significantly. In the past 3 weeks alone i have ridden off road with people aged between 11 & 65, it truly is one sport for all ages.
A structured well thought out graded circuit of mountain bike trails over the Shire would be a great opportunity for local residents and visitors to experience what the shire has to offer.
Building of these trails should consider the local mtb community and professional bodies to ensure sustainable trails are constructed. Much can be learnt from the likes of Sparrow Hill and Mt Stromlo in the Canbera area to name a few.
As can be seen on various other sites there is no shortage of volunteers to assist with building and maintaining any trails the council may wish to have built.
Comment 10 12 Apr 2010, 9:47 PM
I would strongly support more cycling trails in Hornsby. I am a responsible rider in my 40's and would like something as simple as being allowed to ride a bicycle in our beautiful bushland.
Comment 11 12 Apr 2010, 10:00 PM
I live in an Western Sydney Council and work for an Inner-City Council
Neither of these have anything to offer in the way of off-road cycling.
Consequently, I don't spend much recreational time cycling in those areas, nor do I spend much of my money in those areas.
I travel to other areas that offer those facilities places like Manly Dam, Yellowmundee and Ourimbah.
If Hornsby Shire was to offer me mountain bike activity areas, I would spend time there and could even move there, one day.
How about it Council? Give me a reason to want to come to the Hornsby area.
Put some support and funding into activities like mountain biking.
We don't want expensive infrastructure like velodromes or asphalt paved roads to ride on.
Comment 12 13 Apr 2010, 1:49 PM
As a local cyclist I am craving mtb tracks that can ride with travelling at least 40 mins. The are countless examples all over Australia of how mountain biking trails can be created and maintained with very minimal effect of the environment.
Comment 13 13 Apr 2010, 4:39 PM
I am 33 and have been mountain biking for over 12 years now. In the last few years i have been entering organised events/races and my eyes were opened to what can be done if the community/clubs and government bodies get together and work as a team to create professionally built enviro sustainable MTB trails. We are lucky to have all of the bushland around Sydney and it is time that we make it available for everyone to use. You are always going to have minorities within groups that do the wrong thing but this is not just limited to more…
Comment 14 13 Apr 2010, 4:55 PM
I would like to comment on the mountain bike plan I am 54 years old and totally love muntain biking I have been keen rider for over 20 years.Justlast weekend I drove to the mountains to ride and saw coffee shops full of bikes, families out riding together people actually having fun when is someone on the local councils going to realise that we are not going to destroy the bush with sustainable low cost trails built by volunteers.
Comment 15 17 Apr 2010, 1:16 AM
I'd like to encourage the Council to endorse the proposal to develop mountain biking trails in the Old Man's Valley area. As a coordinator of a school mountain biking team and a rider myself I find the lack of local trails a real problem. There are so many kids taking up this sport and very few local places to ride. The result is either excessive travel, illegal trail construction or quitting - none of which are desirable.
We are effectively forced to travel outside of Hornsby Shire to pursue our sport even though local lands are ideal for riding. Most mountain more…
Comment 16 18 Apr 2010, 2:46 PM
I was heartened to read in the Hornsby Advocate that Hornsby Council have already invested in proper detailed planning about options for mountain biking in the Hornsby area. I am 47 and have been mountain biking for the last seven years. Unfortunately I have to travel out of the area to access purpose built mountain bike single track. If you have ever been to Canberra this is a fantastic example of what can be acheived. Despite the negative comments from environmental groups about mountain biking through bushland, world research shows that properly constructed trails are in fact very sustainable to more…
Comment 17 18 Apr 2010, 5:07 PM
I would like to see council keep up the good work of fox baiting. Old Man valley is now getting back to what it once was.
Comment 17.1 19 Apr 2010, 10:23 PM
I too was pleased to see the recent media attention in the Advocate about building interest in Mountain bike trails. This sport/activity is something that can be enjoyed by all age groups and families and really gets people out and about enjoying the great bush land australia has to offer. It was only a few years ago that the then U.S president George Bush got out onto a track in St Ives while on a visit here and rode his mountain bike around.
I am a 31 year old Berowra resident and rate payer. I would be thrilled to join more…