Hills Shire Council elections: Meet mayor Dr Peter Gangemi

The new mayor of Hills Shire Council has fired a warning to developers as he sets out his stall. Find out what his key infrastructure priorities will be.

The newly elected Hills Shire Council mayor has pledged to push back against overdevelopment and fight urban sprawl.

Dr Peter Gangemi set out his stall in an interview with The Hills Shire Times after taking over the role as mayor.

He said: “I believe The Hills is the greatest place on Earth, and that’s why it is important to maintain the character of what makes our area unique.

“I will push back against over development, as well as urban sprawl in our rural regions, and make sure developers contribute to the stated values and priorities of council.

“I want to make sure we maintain the character of the Hills — now and as we grow.

“This is the best place in the world to raise a family … We live on the rural fringe amongst beautiful areas of bushland, we have excellent schools, family-friendly suburbs, an abundance of open spaces and an incredibly generous and giving community.”

Mayoral photo of Dr Peter Gangemi. Picture: The Hills Shire Council

In 2012, he became the youngest councillor ever elected to The Hills Shire Council.

Over his nine years as councillor, Mayor Gangemi has served as the chairman of The Hills Bush Fire Management Committee and advocated for the new Box Hill and Nelson Community Centre.

Speaking of his proudest achievements he said he helped secure additional funding for victims from the 2021 floods and was heavily involved in the decision to name the ‘Gables’ (a new suburb) and Anthony Skarratt Reserve.

Mayor Gangemi at the swearing in ceremony.

On his background he said he has a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from UNSW and works as an acoustic engineer.

He said his skills as an engineer would also serve him well as mayor.

“To be a successful engineer requires hard work, great organisation, the ability to listen and communicate at a high level and putting other people first … these skills are very useful (for) a Mayor that works for residents and delivers for the community,” he explained.

Mayor Gangemi aims to build a Hills Shire that the whole community is proud of

He is also a passionate runner and has completed ten marathons.

The stamina required for such will also no doubt stand him in good stead for his current role.

Speaking of his priorities as mayor he said he is focused on advocating for key infrastructure to be fast-tracked, particularly in newer growth areas such as North Kellyville and Box Hill.

“Some of this infrastructure we can deliver,” he said. “However, so much of it relies on the investment of the State Government. They need to fund new schools, key roads and pave the way for Council to have approvals for local road upgrades.”

One of the projects at the top of his list is the upgrade of Hezlett Road and Samantha Riley Drive.

“Council has been working hard to complete this final piece of the upgrade, which has been impacted by ongoing wet weather and the Covid pandemic,” Mayor Gangemi said.

“I want to thank residents for their patience and understanding as we transform a rural thoroughfare into a four-lane carriageway that will support our community”.

Other projects he said he is keen to deliver on are the reopening of Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre, the transformation of Kellyville Memorial Park into a Rugby League Centre of Excellence, and helping the Pioneer Theatre continue to grow as an entertainment hub.

Mayor Gangemi speaking at a Hills Shire event.

As previously revealed by the Hills Shire Times, Mayor Gangemi’s first term as mayor has got off to a rocky start after he was referred to ICAC.

Mayor Gangemi refutes any allegations of wrongdoing, telling the Times his focus as mayor will remain on delivering outcomes that are important to Hills residents.

“That is what I am focused on – helping to fast track infrastructure in the new release areas, fighting against overdevelopment, supporting small business to create more local jobs and helping to deliver improvements to sports fields, parks, footpaths, playgrounds and community facilities.”