Further InFormatIon
This document provides a snapshot summary of Council’s Annual Community Report for 2008/2009. Copies of the full Annual Community Report 2008/2009 including financial statements can be obtained by:
n Accessing our website: www.thehills.nsw.gov.au n Email: council@thehills.nsw.gov.au
n Writing to us at: The Hills Shire Council PO Box 75
Castle Hill NSW 1765
n Sending a customer request through Council’s website:
www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/external/Erequest.aspx n Visiting Council’s Customer Service Centres:
Council Administration Centre at 129 Showground Road, Castle Hill 8.30am - 4.30pm
Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) Libraries at Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, Carlingford, Dural and Rouse Hill (see website for addresses and opening hours).
n Central Switchboard Phone: 9843 0555 Fax: 9843 0409 n TTY number: 8850 5622
DX Address: 8455 Castle Hill.
our FInancIal SnapShot
The Hills Shire Council is debt free and has once again finished the year in a sound financial position with a surplus of $32.96 million. Council’s principal sources of income are general rates, fees and charges, grants and contributions. The contributions provided by the development sector include both assets for new subdivisions and also cash contributions for the future provision of community infrastructure such as new roads, community centres, libraries, open space and recreation facilities. A breakdown of where the money is raised and where it is spent can be viewed in the tables below. The largest capital outlays in 2008/2009 were for community land acquisitions ($5.1 million); Eastern Ring Road construction and Main Street Development ($13.6 million);
development of Bruce purser Reserve, Kellyville ($1.3 million) and Wrights Road Reserve ($2.9 million).
Council has a conservative investment policy which has avoided direct exposure to sub-prime mortgage or equity markets resulting in favourable returns compared to other councils. Although challenges exist concerning growth in the Shire and the maintenance of infrastructure assets, Council’s financial position is strong and lays a positive platform to provide for the needs of the community.
Where the money IS raISed
Where the money IS Spent
target Key
> 110% of the target 100% – 109% of the target 50% - 99% of the target < 50% of the target
Grants &
Contributions User Charges
& Fees Other Revenue 0
$10,000
$20,000
$30,000
$40,000
$50,000
$60,000
$70,000
$80,000
Rates & Annual Charges
Protected Environment Balanced
Urban Growth Proactive
Leadership Vibrant Communities 0
$5,000
$10,000
$15,000
$20,000
$25,000
$30,000
$35,000
$40,000
Modern Local Economy
$ ‘000 Actual 2007-08
$ ‘000 Actual 2008-09
$ ‘000 Actual 2007-08
$ ‘000 Actual 2008-09 71,724
68,222
33,97532,118
7,166 6,091 17,622
12,070
12,985 15,832
34,831
27,064 30,378
37,865
18,704 17,614
627 607 Grants &
Contributions User Charges
& Fees Other Revenue 0
$10,000
$20,000
$30,000
$40,000
$50,000
$60,000
$70,000
$80,000
Rates & Annual Charges
Protected Environment Balanced
Urban Growth Proactive
Leadership Vibrant Communities 0
$5,000
$10,000
$15,000
$20,000
$25,000
$30,000
$35,000
$40,000
Modern Local Economy
$ ‘000 Actual 2007-08
$ ‘000 Actual 2008-09
$ ‘000 Actual 2007-08
$ ‘000 Actual 2008-09 71,724
68,222
33,97532,118
7,166 6,091 17,622
12,070
12,985 15,832
34,831
27,064 30,378
37,865
18,704 17,614
627 607
Hills 2026
growing our future
AnnuAl Community RepoRt 2008 - 2009
snapshot
$12,985,000
$34,831,000
$18,704,000
$627,000
proactively leading our community
by considering new innovative ways of working with groups and organisations to achieve outcomes that benefit the community as a whole and developing and implementing a very clear plan for the future”.
creating vibrant communities
by enhancing our unique local spirit and encouraging high levels of volunteering, involvement in sports, connection with neighbours and family.
balancing urban growth
by managing growth provide infrastructure and urban and rural land to bring economic vitality, more jobs and additional revenue to fund and support community development activities.
protecting the environment
by monitoring and managing future impacts on our natural environment to ensure our Shire continues to have clean air, water and food towards the future.
modern local economy
by improving job opportunities and transport options to ensure our community have time to spend with their families.
n People who agree there are opportunities to have a ‘real say’ on issues that affect their lives
n Community satisfaction with Council’s financial management approach
n Community satisfaction with Council’s preparation for future changes in the Shire
n Community satisfaction with Council’s professional conduct n Council staff satisfied with working at The Hills Shire Council n Community satisfaction with Council provided services
n Community satisfaction with ovals and sporting facilities n Community satisfaction with parks and gardens n Community satisfaction with lighting of public areas n Community satisfaction with emergency services
n Community satisfaction with provision of community events n Community satisfaction with support for volunteer organisations n Community satisfaction with access to services and facilities for older people n Community satisfaction with access to services and facilities for young people
quALiTY OF LiFE MEASuRES TREND ACTiONS/TARgETS ACHiEVED WE SPENT
28
94 12
5 2
4 9 2 0
n Community satisfaction with town centre and village atmosphere
n Community satisfaction with commercial and building developments
n Community satisfaction with generation of employment opportunities in the Shire
5 26 2 0
n Community satisfaction with air quality
n Community satisfaction with management of noise pollution n Community satisfaction with preservation of open space and sensitive
environmental areas
n Community satisfaction with preservation of plants and animals in their natural habitat
n Community satisfaction with bushland regeneration and weed control n Community satisfaction with water quality
16 39 11 1
n Community satisfaction with traffic and parking enforcement n Community satisfaction with footpaths and cycleways n Community satisfaction with residential road surfaces n Community satisfaction with low density housing development n Community satisfaction with medium density housing development n Community satisfaction with streetscapes
n Community satisfaction with heritage buildings – protection
