Parramatta and Hornsby Council end legal battle over boundaries

Parramatta Council and its Hornsby Shire Council neighbours have finally reached a settlement on a long-ongoing legal battle that saw a war of words erupted following the NSW Government’s failed amalgamation policy.

Hornsby mayor Philip Ruddock was in a war of words with Parramatta council over the boundary changes with Epping. Picture: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

• HORNSBY HELD FOR RANSOM BY PARRAMATTA
• PARRAMATTA COUNCIL’S 16 MONTH FIGHT WITH HORNSBY

Parramatta Council and its Hornsby Shire Council neighbours have finally reached a settlement on a long-ongoing legal battle that saw a war of words erupted following the NSW Government’s failed amalgamation policy.

After months of court proceedings, the two councils settled the matter this week, which saw the parties battle over the remaining rates and levies from Epping residents and business, as well as outstanding section 94 development contributions made to Hornsby Council.

Epping became the amalgamation battleground. Picture: AAP IMAGE / Troy Snook

In October last year, a report from Parramatta Council suggest it was owed in excess of $24 million in rates and developer contributions — sparking the decision for the two council to go to war in the courts.

At the time, Parramatta Council issued a $22 million letter of demand to Hornsby, with former mayor Steve Russell claiming residents were being “held for ransom”.

The NSW Government transferred the suburb of Epping from Hornsby to Parramatta Council in May 2016 as part of the local government amalgamation policy, which also saw Parramatta acquire suburbs south of the M2 Motorway — formally part of The Hills Shire Council.

A Parramatta Council spokeswoman said both councils also agreed to maintain the current boundaries as established by the NSW State Government in 2016.

Parramatta Lord Mayor Andrew Wilson was also caught up in the war of words over boundary changes. Picture: AAP IMAGE/ Angelo Velardo

“Both councils are now looking forward to collaborating and working constructively with each other to achieve positive outcomes for all residents in the region,” the spokeswoman said.

Hornsby Mayor Philip Ruddock said Hornsby Council always took a reasonable approach to settling the feud, “despite an aggressive approach from Parramatta”.

“We did not think proceedings should have been brought, but I am pleased both parties have agreed on the amount,” Cr Ruddock said.

“This is the best way forward for ratepayers.

“There are other issues in relation to recompence, which were partly addressed by the State Government and we remain in discussings about the final outcome.”