UPDATE: The Hawkesbury Council meeting on September 19, 2023, unfolded in chaos as community members expressed outrage over critical issues affecting local sports and childcare. The public gallery overflowed, revealing escalating tensions between residents and council officials over pressing community needs.
The meeting revealed serious governance concerns when attendees noted that Mr Kearns, a strategic planner, was seated at the press desk, highlighting significant gaps in leadership and expertise within the council’s planning department. With the Director of City Planning absent and unqualified for the role, Mr Kearns was forced to answer planning questions, raising urgent questions about Work Health and Safety (WHS).
Crucially, the council voted to approve a controversial plan for Turnbull Oval redevelopment, despite community representatives arguing that the proposal neglects essential sporting facilities, especially for women and netball players. Activists fear their concerns will again be ignored, with Council passing the concept plan while promising to address these issues later.
In a move that has sparked fierce backlash, the council also voted to increase rent for not-for-profit early childhood education centers to 80% of commercial lease rates over the next four years. Parents and educators voiced their frustrations, questioning why the council would prioritize revenue over the welfare of children. One prominent voice, Cr Wheeler, argued against this approach, stating, “We subsidize many things… Why are we bleeding 80% out of childcare?”
Tensions escalated further during discussions on the demolition of dressage arenas utilized by Equestrian NSW. Calls for the Mayor to intervene went unanswered, leading to heightened frustration among attendees. The Mayor eventually suspended the meeting as emotions flared, leaving community members disheartened over unresolved issues.
As the meeting concluded around 10:30 PM, attendees left feeling defeated, highlighting the urgency for action in the council’s operations and practices. Critics are questioning the legitimacy of appointments and the council’s overall governance, fearing that personal relationships could undermine merit-based employment, a key principle in public sector operations.
With community members already strategizing their next steps, the atmosphere remains charged with uncertainty and frustration. The implications of these decisions will reverberate throughout the community, making it clear that the council’s current trajectory is unsustainable.
The September meeting encapsulated growing discontent, as Cr Nathan Zamprogno apologized for an outburst during the previous session, mirroring the current climate of discontent within the council. As residents demand accountability, the future of Hawkesbury Council hangs in the balance.
Stay tuned for ongoing coverage as community members mobilize to address these pressing issues.
