UPDATE: The latest Hawkesbury Council meeting on September 19, 2023, revealed significant tensions and controversies that have left community members outraged and questioning governance practices. The public gallery was overflowing as crucial issues took center stage, prompting urgent discussions about the council’s operations and decision-making processes.
During the meeting, Mr Kearns, the Strategic Planner, was notably seated at the press desk, raising eyebrows and sparking serious concerns about the council’s management. With the Director of City Planning absent and Mr Wynn, the In-House Counsel, unable to address planning inquiries, Mr Kearns was forced to rush back and forth, kneeling to respond into the microphone. This unusual setup prompted critical questions about Work Health and Safety standards and the appropriateness of staff roles within the council.
Community members reacted strongly to ongoing governance issues, particularly around the council’s hiring practices. Critics raised alarms over the lack of merit-based recruitment, suggesting that favoritism and cronyism are undermining the integrity of public service. Concerns about how many positions are filled without proper vetting could indicate deeper systemic problems within the council.
As the meeting unfolded, three major community concerns emerged:
1. **Turnbull Oval Redevelopment**: Community sports representatives voiced their frustrations over the inadequacy of the concept plan for the Turnbull Oval, highlighting that it fails to cater to essential sporting needs, particularly for women and netball players. Despite passing the plan, skepticism remains high regarding whether community feedback will be genuinely addressed in future developments.
2. **Childcare Rent Hikes**: The Council voted to increase rents for not-for-profit early childhood education centers to 80% of commercial lease rates over the next four years. This decision, intended to shore up the council’s budget, faced passionate opposition from parents and educators. Cr Wheeler notably challenged the council’s financial priorities, questioning why childcare, which impacts families directly, should be treated as a profit center while substantial subsidies are allocated to sports.
3. **Dressage Arena Dispute**: Tensions escalated over the demolition of dressage arenas used by Equestrian NSW. Community members called for the Mayor to intervene, met with silence that only fueled frustration. The Mayor was ultimately forced to suspend the meeting to allow an agitated community member to exit, showcasing the palpable discord between the council and residents.
By 10:30 PM, the atmosphere in the gallery was one of defeat, with community members leaving bruised and frustrated. Many are already strategizing their next moves to address the unresolved issues raised during the meeting, indicating a community poised for further action.
The meeting opened with Cr Nathan Zamprogno apologizing for an outburst from last month, a reflection of the ill-tempered atmosphere that now characterizes council sessions. This discord underscores a growing disconnect between the council and the community it serves, leaving residents questioning if their voices will ever truly be heard.
As these critical issues unfold, the community remains vigilant, awaiting the council’s response and pushing for accountability in governance. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
