2024 council elections: candidates for Hornsby Council profiled
Several candidates have revealed their priorities after putting their hats in the ring for Hornsby Council ahead of the upcoming election. Meet the people vying to represent you.
Hornsby
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The 2024 local election is right around the corner, with less than one month before voters descend on polling booths across the state to choose who will be their next councillors and mayor.
In Hornsby, a number of currently sitting councillors have put their hats in the ring for re-election, among a number of newcomers and other community figures.
This publication has reached out to each candidate running for Hornsby Shire Council and asked to provide a short introduction as well as how they will represent the people of Hornsby.
Most wards have a group of candidates from each party, with one lead candidate per group.
Some lead candidates chose to respond to questions on behalf of their group, while others chose to respond individually.
Not all candidates responded to questions, but any additional further responses will be updated below.
Mayor
Tania Salitra is the Greens mayoral candidate and also the lead Greens candidate for Ward C. She is one of the current sitting councillors for Ward A.
“Representing Ward A this term, I’ve worked hard to secure fairer parking for river residents at Brooklyn, helped Galston residents try to save their park from development into an industrial estate; and instigated Hornsby’s first multicultural festival,” she said.
“I’ve advocated to find alternative solutions to the pedestrian safety and traffic issues along New Line Rd and against further sub-division of the rural lands; but these issues were not supported by our Liberal majority council.
“With the threat of over-development increasing significantly since Mayor Philip Ruddock was ousted for resisting property developer interests, our bushland shire needs strong leadership that will not bow to political party donors. This term, only your Greens councillors opposed over-development.
“Cherrybrook Metro development, affordable housing, protection of our natural environment and heritage, bushfire preparedness, poor bus services and New Line Rd are key issues I intend to tackle in the new term, for Ward C. I will only support appropriate development that is well-located near good public transport and infrastructure.
“I offer my dedication, commitment, and strong ethical values to residents across the shire as mayor and to Ward C, where I live. Equipped with a diverse set of skills, integrity and an agile mindset; I have a vision to deliver a council that is genuinely responsive to community consultation and a brighter future for everyone.”
Ward A - Asquith, Arcadia, Berowra, Berowra Heights, Brooklyn, Berrilee, Calabash, Cowan, Canoelands, Dangar Island, Dural, Fiddletown, Forest Glen, Glenorie, Galston, Glenhaven, Hornsby Heights, Laughtondale, Mt Colah, Mt Kuring-gai, Maroota, Middle Dural, Singletons Mill
The Greens
Olivia Simons is the lead Greens candidate for Ward A, with running mates Peter Dickson and David Field.
The Brooklyn woman and mother told this publication she is excited by the prospect of civic service following a career in IT.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward and how do you intend to tackle this as councillor?
Caring for country, conserving and regenerating lands, waterways, habitats and wildlife is essential; while community-led initiatives such as land care, social, community and sporting groups are the backbone of our shire. They build social connections, strengthen our neighbourhoods and deserve strong support from the council. Ward A is predominantly natural bushland, semi-rural and rural land. These provide precious recreational areas and act as a valuable green buffer for the Sydney basin. As a councillor I want these qualities preserved for future generations to enjoy and to retain the character of village and rural living.
What have you found is a major issue in the Hornsby LGA (not just your ward) and how do you intend to address this as a councillor?
Across the LGA housing availability, format and affordability is a major issue. As a councillor, I will require development of urban areas to be done in a way that improves amenity at street level, by ensuring sufficient sunlight, green space, canopy and recreational areas. I also believe council should require a greater percentage of affordable housing as a proportion of new development applications.
Do you support high-density housing in your ward?
I do not support high-density, or high-rise in Ward A and believe planning and placemaking must emanate from community needs for essential services and civic infrastructure. Specifically, I do not support a proposal to construct industrial units on land in Galston that is currently a community recreational space.
Independents
Kate Friend is the second independent candidate for Ward A, under lead candidate Nathan Tilbury.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how do you intend to tackle this as a councillor?
One of the major issues in our ward is overdevelopment in areas where the infrastructure is not equipped to handle it. This is particularly prevalent north of Hornsby along the Pacific Highway and in the Dural and Galston areas. As a councillor, I would ensure that development is regulated and aligned with each area’s infrastructure capacity. I would work with the community to make sure they have their say on any large development proposals before they go ahead, and I will oppose any inappropriate development.
What have you found is a major issue in the Hornsby LGA (not just your ward) and how do you intend to address this as a councillor?
A major concern of mine and one that spurred me to run for local council is the involvement of developers in political parties with vested interests who seek to influence the decision of local council.
In my opinion, local council should be made up of local people interested in making a difference to better their community, rather than developers who are interested in lining their pockets. Each councillor should consider every issue in an impartial way, and make decisions for the benefit for the whole community.
Do you support high-density housing in your ward?
High-density housing is certainly the way of the future in terms of long-term housing affordability, environmental sustainability and population growth. However, this needs to be planned along with the state government to ensure that adequate infrastructure is in place to be able to handle it. This includes better roads, public transport, open spaces and playing fields, schools adequate tree cover, shops and facilities supporting the growth of this area.
Ward B - Hornsby, Normanhurst, Pennant Hills, Thornleigh, Wahroonga, Waitara, Westleigh
The Greens
Monika Ball is the lead Greens candidate for Ward B, and the current sitting councillor Ward B.
The long-term Pennant Hills resident said her focus turned to social and environmental causes after spending 20 years in the corporate sector.
“I now advocate for the wellbeing of our people and our environment,” she said.
“B Ward challenges are not strictly tied to B ward. They will be felt shire-wide. They include increased population densities, forty-thousand more vehicles on our roads by 206, waste crisis peaking at 2030 and major tree canopy loss.
“These are human induced problems. What a warming climate throws at us will be an added challenge.
“Our roads can’t take more cars and pollution. We need suburbs that are fit for human health and habitation, serviced by efficient public transport, shaded streets that are walkable and cycleable and centres that enable human connection.
“Housing needs to be energy efficient, made from sustainable materials, affordable, and accessible for all manner of abilities, as our population grows and ages. Buildings must be surrounded by green space with deep-planted trees and are best suited along public transport corridors.
“Waste services will cost us all more unless we radically reduce consumption, compost all food waste and convert to a circular economy.”
Independents
Tom Sellers is the lead independent candidate for Ward B, along with running mates Nathan Calder and Millie Scott.
“Over the last four years, this council has pursued projects that have raised capital expenditure to its highest level ever recorded,” he said.
“This high spending council has decided to target big projects such as the Hornsby Skybridge and the multiple ovals at Westleigh Park.
“While these projects are great ideas, local council is not built to bring these ideas to life. When these projects run over budget, have staffing issues or incur increased maintenance cost, it is local council that will be responsible to pay the difference.
“This is why we have seen a rate rise of 31 per cent over four years to budget for these big projects. I believe that this council needs to refocus its attention on maintaining a strong quality of local infrastructure rather than wasting resources on unrealistic dreams.
“I can’t wait to see everyone out and about over this election period and please email me at tomwsellers@gmail.com with any questions you have about my campaign.”
Ilan Weihart is an independent candidate for Ward B. Unlike other the other independent candidates for this ward, Mr Weihart is not grouped and is running alone.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how do you intend to tackle this as a councillor?
Currently, I cannot help but feel that our ward is neglected. Speaking with members of our community, we are not sure what our ward councillors are doing and most residents do not know who they are. My aim, should I be elected, is to communicate regularly with residents and update them on council activities in relation to our ward. A real priority of mine is to encourage residents in my ward to be proactive and take part in the decisions taken that concern both our ward and the entire LGA.
What have you found is a major issue in the Hornsby LGA (not just your ward) and how do you intend to address this as a councillor?
Hornsby is a great place to live, unfortunately it lacks leadership and vision. The biggest issue is the new unacceptable rezoning proposal that the council and state government are pushing forward. This plan completely ignores the need to redevelop areas with old small strata residential buildings that do not comply with all the new requirements ie, solar panel, disabled access, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and more. It’s disappointing that we have a mayor that is on record saying that he does not understand the plans. We agreed last year to go for a walk so that I could give him the perspective from my area that is so clearly lacking in the proposal. He chose to disregard our agreement, and the voice of our local area went unheard. This is emblematic of the issues I have with our current representatives and what has driven me to run for council. We have a beautiful bush that we need to protect, however, the bush is for all residents and it should be opened to sporting and other activities.
Do you support high-density housing in your ward?
Yes, simply because its needed. If rezoning does not happen the area around the shopping centre will continue to decay. Instead of focusing on critical reforms to housing, we have councillors that are convinced that we need additional 50,000sqm of offices in Hornsby or to build towers above the shopping centre. This is unacceptable and I hope I can get the support needed to stop it.
Ward C - Beecroft, Castle Hill, Cheltenham, Cherrybrook, North Epping, West Pennant Hills
Independent
Benjamin Caswell is the lead independent candidate for Ward C, along with running mates Elizabeth Cardelli and James Rowland.
Mr Caswell said he has lived and worked in Hornsby his whole life, with family roots starting in the area almost a century ago.
He currently works as a childcare coordinator and serves in various community organisations, with his roles varying from treasurer to a volunteer member.
What have you identified as a major issue within your ward and how do you intend to tackle this as councillor?
Improving the current facilities for use in all weather and review current access to public toilets. Ward C has been mostly left out of the forecasted budget which allows room for items to be put forward but there needs to be a councillor to fight for Ward C, which is why I’m standing as an independent option. I would also push for increased budget to footpaths across the shire to allow further works to be conducted in Ward C.
What have you found is a major issue in the Hornsby LGA (not just your ward) and how do you intend to address this as a councillor?
Over-development is a key concern across Hornsby as this has flow-on effects to other parts of the council. For example, if Galston and Dural in the semi-rural areas of the shire increase their development at a rate that is not measured, this will then flow into Ward C with traffic through Cherrybrook, which is already at a standstill in peak-hour traffic on New Line Road. I’d push for appropriate and measured development across the Shire, with transparency the key to this process.
Do you support high-density housing in your ward?
I support higher density around transport hubs and population centres, such as the Cherrybrook precinct. However, the current Labor plan includes far too many for Cherrybrook and will fight to have it amended to a more suitable density so that services and roads aren’t overwhelmed.
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