THE HILLS SHIRE PLAN 2015 - 2016Executive Summary

The Hills Shire Plan integrates Council’s resource capabilities to the Community’s needs and shows how we are working towards achieving a better quality of life for all who live, work and visit our Shire.

This plan has been prepared in accordance with Integrated Planning and Reporting guidelines. This document is an Executive Summary of the Hills Shire Plan. It addresses the following:

STRATEGIC DIRECTION The Community Strategic Plan termed ‘Hills Future’ articulates the Hills Shire Community’s and Council’s shared vision, values, aspirations and priorities derived from extensive community consultation. This is the first document which makes up The Hills Shire Plan.

DELIVERY PROGRAMCouncil sets its priorities when it was elected and they are renewed annually. More details of these priorities are contained in The Hills Shire Plan (Pages 18 to 41) and also in this Executive Summary.

BUDGET AT A GLANCEAn independent review and analysis of our financial sustainability conducted by the NSW Treasury Corporation in March 2014, has resulted in Council being assessed as

'Strong' with a 'neutral outlook', indicating we would remain strong for at least the next three years.Draft Budget and Long Term Financial Plan can be found in the Hills Shire Plan (Pages 108 to 128).

INFRASTRUCTURECouncil has big plans for our growing region and one of the biggest goals is rejuvenating the Shire’s town centres.

The Baulkham Hills Town Centre will be a focus for us in the year ahead, with plans to modernise and upgrade those areas where people walk, shop and congregate, making the experience of visiting the town centre more pleasant.

We have worked hard to continue to reduce our infrastructure backlog and we remain on target to meet our future goals.

Detailed jobs planned for the next four years on buildings and parks, roads, footpaths and cycleways, traffic and stormwater are listed in the Hills Shire Plan (Pages 80 to 106).

OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIESCouncil is particularly proud of its community events, and pleased to see so many people enjoying high quality cultural events and celebrations close to home.

Other activities that Council is planning to undertake in the next financial year are detailed in the Hills Shire Plan (pages 134 to 166).

HIGHLIGHTS

• Rates income represents 50.2% of total income. The general rate increase of 2.4% equates to 41 cents per week for an average residential assessment of around $1,039 per annum.

• Operating surplus of $96M and this trend is forecast to continue.

• Total budgeted expenditure of $186M.

• Unrestricted current ratio will remain well above benchmarks over the long-term, indicating sound liquidity.

• Council is debt free and has been since 2002.

• High priority given for infrastructure spending of $66M.

• Infrastructure backlog reduced from $52M to $16M by 30 June 2015.

• Sufficient asset renewal spending to maintain assets at acceptable standards.

HILLS SHIRE PLAN SNAPSHOT

SHIRE OF GROWTH

2,057EXTRA PEOPLE

LAST YEAR

OUR POPULATION OF 183,563 IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE TO

1,915APPROVED TO BE BUILT

RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS AVERAGE ANNUAL

INCREASE OF 1%

46% OF

HOUSEHOLDS HAVE AT LEAST

2MOTOR

VEHICLES

250,000 by 2031

BUDGET SNAPSHOT

MANAGING OUR MONEY

WHERE THE RECURRENT MONEY COMES FROM

$142MILLIONIN 2015-16

50.2% Rates

18.8% Domestic Waste & Stormwater

12.6% User Charges & Fees

3.5% Interest & Investment Revenue

2.9% Other Revenue

12% Grants & Contributions - Operating

64,082 RATE ASSESSMENTS

RESIDENTIAL AVERAGE RATES

$1,039z

2.4%$0.41 per week

RECURRENT EXPENDITURE

$116MILLIONIN 2015-16

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

$70 MILLIONIN 2015-16

$186 MILLION

WHERE THE MONEY IS SPENT

$3.7MILLIONINFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING

$12.2MILLIONROAD REHABILITATION

$1.6MILLIONUPGRADING WITHERS ROAD & SAMANTHA RILEY DRIVE

$1.7MILLIONTRAFFIC LIGHTS & ROUNDABOUTS

$3.5MILLIONSTREET LIGHTING

BALANCED URBAN GROWTH - $67.1M

$1.1MILLION

$2.5MILLIONNEW FOOTPATHS & CYCLEWAYS

$3.0MILLIONLAND USE & DEVELOPER CONTRIBUTIONS PLANNING

$10.2MILLIONDEVELOPMENT & SUBDIVISION CERTIFYING

$1.0MILLIONUPGRADING ANNANGROVE ROAD

$0.5MILLIONCARMEN DRIVE PARKING EXTENSION

TRANSPORT

RESPONSIBLE PLANNING

$26.1MILLIONINFRASTRUCTURE ASSET MAINTENANCE

NEW AND MAINTAINING EXISTING BRIDGES

$6.0MILLIONGOVERNANCE ACTIVITIES

PROPERTYDEVELOPMENTACTIVITIES

$3.5MILLIONPURCHASE OF PLANT & EQUIPMENT

PROACTIVE LEADERSHIP - $9.5M

GENERATED MORE THAN $58M IN CASH PROFITS THIS YEAR

GOVERNANCE

$1.1MILLIONENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

$26.1MILLIONWASTE & RECYCLING

PROTECTED ENVIRONMENT - $29.9M

$2.7MILLIONSTORM WATER PROJECTS

MODERN LOCAL ECONOMY - $3.6M

TOP 5POPULATION

GROWTH CENTRE IN

SYDNEY

$9.1BILLIONVALUE ADDED BY ALL INDUSTRIES

$350MILLION

TOURISM GENERATED

$2.7MILLIONCOMMUNITY EVENTS

VIBRANT COMMUNITIES - $76.1M

$1.0MILLIONBAULKHAM HILLS TOWN CENTRE REVITALISATION

$27.9MILLIONACQUIRING LAND FOR OPEN SPACE EMBELLISHMENT

$2.75MILLIONUPGRADE OF PARKS

$3.0MILLIONNEW ARNOLD AVENUE PLAYING FIELDS

$4.3MILLIONNEW CADDIES CREEK PLAYING FIELDS

$3.6MILLIONSES & BUSHFIRE OPERATIONS

$6.6MILLIONLIBRARY SERVICES TO FUND ACTIVE, ENGAGED, LEARNING COMMUNITIES

$5.2MILLIONPROVIDING CHILDCARE SERVICES

$2.1MILLIONPENSIONER SUBSIDIES

$7.0MILLIONHOME & COMMUNITY CARE FOR AGED AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

$4.3MILLIONREGULATORY SERVICES

$1.2MILLIONVARIOUS NEW PARKS - EMBELLISHMENT & FACILITIES

$0.75MILLIONCASTLE GRAND MULTIPURPOSE THEATRE SPACE

$0.50MILLION NEW AMENITIES

PUBLIC PLACES

COMMUNITY BUILDINGS

$2.4MILLIONBRING MOST BUILDINGS UP TO ACCEPTABLE STANDARDS

$3.4MILLIONMAINTAIN ALL TYPES OF COMMUNITY BUILDINGS

COMMUNITY SERVICES

$2.1MILLIONPENSIONER SUBSIDIES

OUR ASSETS & LIABILITIES

LOOKING AHEAD

$95.7MILLIONOPERATING SURPLUS

THIS TREND IS

EXPECTED TO

CONTINUE

Unrestricted current ratio will remain well above benchmarks over the long term inidicating sound liquidity.

Financial sustainability is strong and expected to be for at least three years.

This Budget drives actions now for our Shire’s future. It provides the infrastructure and services to meet our future challenges. It outlines a commitment to retaining our quality of life through projects and planning that foster continued business and population growth.

For more details see The Hills Shire Plan 2013-2017, Year 3 of Plan.

www.thehills.nsw.gov.au

Council is debt free and has been since 2002.

Asset renewal ratio well above industry standards indicating we are renewing our assets, relative to the rate they are depreciating.

ASSETS$274M CASH &

INVESTMENTS

$85M OTHER

$4,024M

INFRASTRUCTURE

A

E

EQUITY$4,348M

LLIABILITIES

$35M

This is the third year of Council's four year term. Council set its priorities when the Council was elected

and this is reviewed annually.

The following priorities are expected to be completed during this Term.

Proactive Leadership,

Creating Vibrant Communities,

Balancing Urban Growth,

Protecting Our Environment and

Building a Modern Local Economy

COMMUNITY VISION

New Actions Commencing 2015/2016

• Determine the utilisation of shop front space available at stage 3 QIC (Castle Towers) development. (1.1.15) Estimated completion - 15/16

Valuing our customers, prudent financial management and sound governance.

Completed Actions

• Prepare and continue communication strategy around managing growth (1.1.4)

• Continue to plan and lobby State and Federal Government in relation to:• bus flyover Excelsior Creek through

to Crane Road (1.1.5) • consider dual use of Richmond airport

for a limited range of commercial and domestic flights in the interim period while Sydney’s future needs about a second airport are being considered - awaiting response of Federal Government (1.1.6)

• legislation changes in compulsory acquisitions re Baulkham Hills Town Centre. (1.1.7)

• traffic lights at the Norwest Blvde/Solent Circuit roundabout (1.1.8)

Lobby State and Federal Government re:• Torrs Street Baulkham Hills, Perry Street

North Rocks and creation of new car parking facilities at Round Corner (1.1.9)

• Carlingford to Epping railway line (1.1.10)

• Initiate developer forums to canvas ways in which Council can encourage knockdown rebuild in existing urban residential areas (1.1.11)

• an overtaking lane on Old Northern Road (1.1.13)

• Pursue Plan of Management by Transurban and RMS for their land and ensure regular maintenance is undertaken - awaiting response from the Federal Government (1.1.14)

Currently in progress and on track for completion

• Seek approval from RMS to build traffic lights at Glenhaven Road/Old Northern Road - funded from Sec 94 A funds. (1.1.12) Estimated completion - 14/15

• Fully implement the Strategic Asset Management Module across all asset classes and use to predict future asset renewals and replacements (1.2.2) From (12/13)

PROACTIVE LEADERSHIP

Active lifestyle, connected and supported community.

Completed Actions

• Develop Recreation Strategy. (4.1.5)• Call for Expressions of Interest from commercial

hospitality operators for use of Bella Vista Farm Park Homestead, buildings adjacent to the Homestead and surrounds. (5.1.5)

• Identify suitable locations for onsite parking to service future commercial adaptive reuse and determine criteria for acceptable level of use for Bella Vista Farm Park Homestead. (5.1.6)

• Develop a Cultural Strategy to include performance, art and exhibition space. (5.1.8)

New actions commencing 2015/2016

• Consolidation of Kenthurst Park be listed for consideration in capital works program and forward estimates. Total project $1.5M, (includes a contribution of $400,000 from soccer club). (5.1.10) Estimated completion - 16/17

• Develop cultural venues ie. Bella Vista, Balcombe Heights, Showground and Castle Grand. (5.2.4) Estimated completion - 16/17

• Develop a Disability Action Plan for existing and new infrastructure activities. (5.3.3) Estimated completion - 15/16

Currently in progress and on track for completion

• Undertake business gap analysis and scoping of leisure precinct around Castle Hill Showground (5.1.7) Estimated completion - 14/15

• Commencement of community engagement program, stakeholder consultation re Sydney Hills Station (Showground) Sporting Precinct with Government, potential partners, 355 Committee, Agricultural Society and sporting groups. (5.1.9) Estimated completion - 16/17

VIBRANT COMMUNITIES

BALANCED URBAN GROWTH

Safe, convenient, accessible transport, responsible planning.

Completed Actions

• Update Roads Hierarchy (6.1.4) • Update Road Strategy (6.1.5) • Investigate commuter car parking incentives for

development sites for M2 bus route (6.1.8) • Initiate discussions with land owners of former bus

depot in North Rocks regarding potential option to lease/use for commuter car parking (6.1.9)

• Conduct feasibility study regarding Russell Street precinct intersection with Windsor Road, connection through to Windermere for lights. Road link to Rifle Range through to Roland Avenue (6.1.11)

• Conduct a traffic analysis study for Round Corner and rejuvenation (6.1.12)

• Develop Crown Road Strategy which includes opportunities to sell redundant land and use the money to upgrade Crown Roads and seek funding to bring them up to a standard for Council to take over after that (6.1.13)

• Finalise the strategy for Norwest Boulevard roundabouts and traffic lights (6.2.5)

• Participate with North West Rail team in liaison groups (6.2.6)

• Conduct feasibility study for traffic modelling on Baulkham Hills Town Centre grade separation between Windsor Road and Old Northern Road/Seven Hills Road to submit to RMS (6.2.7)

• Identify key streets in each ward for street beautification and funding model (7.1.4)

• Prepare a Public Domain Plan re Baulkham Hills Town Centre and consult with community prior to adopting (7.1.5)

Currently in progress and on track for completion

• Update Local Strategy (6.1.3) Estimated completion - 14/15

• Update Transport Direction including the following roads: Showground Road, Green Road, North Rocks Road, Annagrove Road, Kenthurst Road, Memorial Avenue (6.1.6) Estimated completion - 14/15

• Develop car parking policy for Council centres (Castle Hill, Rouse Hill, Baulkham Hills) (6.1.7) Estimated completion - 14/15

• Revisit Master Plan and town planning controls for Baulkham Hills Town Centre (7.1.7) Estimated completion - 14/15

• Develop a strategy to change the former Hills Community Care site into a development site as part of Baulkham Hills Town Centre (7.1.8) Estimated completion - 15/16

• Rezone Bella Vista Farm Park to be consistent with CMP (7.1.9) Estimated completion - 14/15New actions commencing 2015/2016

• Extension of parking area for Carmen Drive shops, Carlingford. (6.1.10)

• Analysis of traffic demand along Glenhaven Road (6.1.14) 15/16• Analysis of traffic demand along Annangrove Road (6.1.15) 16/17• Implement Public Domain Plan re Baulkham Hills Town Centre

(indicative costs only, costs dependant on final plan). (7.1.6)• Master Plan DA re Leisure Precinct around Showground. (7.1.10)• Develop and implement electronically integrated customer

interface that will enable home owners to enquire as to what all of Council's standards are for a particular house on their property. (Referred to as My DCP) (7.2.3)

Our unique natural environment is valued, maintained and enhanced and our natural resources are used wisely.

• Prepare a water guide to accompany the Waterways Direction.

• Carry out urban overland flood study program.

Currently in progress from (12/13)

PROTECTED ENVIRONMENT

New actions commencing 2015/2016

• Finalise studies to identify stormwater backlog or renewal works and address the backlog.(8.2.2)

THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCILEmail: council@thehills.nsw.gov.au

Phone: (02) 9843 0555The Hills Shire Council

PO Box 7064 Baulkham Hills BC NSW 2153

www.thehills.nsw.gov.au