Dear Members,
Here is an update of the work the Trust executive has been doing over the past few months.
Meeting with Hornsby State Member Matt Kean
On Friday March 1 at 4:30pm the President and two vice Presidents had a meeting with our local state member Mr Matt Kean. Only the night before the government was placed in caretaker mode. He no longer had ministerial responsibilities and was very much enjoying being able to spend more time in the Hornsby community. If you have been following him on social media he has been busy “Running for Hornsby” – he suggested you find and watch the video clip and you will see what I mean by this.
Matt was very generous with his time allowing us to continue the conversation from 30-45 minutes before he had to attend a function in Parramatta.
Our discussions on North Connex revolved around returning the street to the local community. He complemented to the work of a past President of the Trust and the thoughtfulness, details and the analysis of his written submission to his office. Matt agreed to hold the relevant authorities accountable to their commitment to returning the streets to the local community.
Though most of the Pennant Hills to Epping cycle path is in the seat of Epping, the discussion about the flow on effects to Pennant Hills was informative. It was particularly interesting to learn how best to work with different arms of government organisations, the processes involved and how far $5 million actually goes. Lessons that we hope we can adopt if we can get a Pennant Hills to Hornsby to cycle path.
The Pennant Hills place plan is a project of perpetual motion. We discussed the interrelationship between the local council and the state government, the strategic implications of the Greater Sydney Commission and the North District Plan. At the local council level there is the use of the terminology “place” which is the contemporary language and the focus of what the local council is planning to do.
We hope to hear more about this place plan in 2019. In relation to the bigger picture it seems we have or will meet our shires housing requirements, any future higher density development, if it happens, is most likely to be in the area of Hornsby CBD and the future does depend on the government of the day.
On another topic, here is a summary of the key items we have discussed at the February and March Trust committee meetings.
Committee Meeting Discussion Points
This month we would like to share with you four of many issues we have discussed at committee meetings and for which we don’t have the answers.
- We have had several discussions about the need a plan for Pennant Hills. A good plan recognises that some areas are not suitable for commercial use, there is the heritage aspect to consider, the natural amenity of the area and the Councils soon to be released place plan concept.
- North Connex is always a point of discussion particularly the giving the streets back to the community but like many people how this is achieved is a different discussion
- Communication with and between members is a question we continue to work with. We have tried emails, Facebook, revamped the web site. We work hard to provide information for the membership but would like ideas on how we can get constructive feedback from members.
- Aligned with the communication we often discuss what service can we provide to the community? Do you have any ideas? Let us know!
Noel Oxley, President
Keen to do something for the community in Pennant Hills? Join the Trust as a Member for only $20 per household per year. Or join the Executive and engage in discussions about topic such as above. Contact us if you want to know more.