Hornsby Council is proposing a "one-off" levy of 5.8% rates increase, to pay for the purchase of Hornsby Quarry. Of course all future rate increases will be on top of this increase.
The levy will cost residents about $65 a year. The levy should have paid off the quarry by end 2015, but council intends that the increase be permanent. After paying off the quarry, the levy will then be used to rebuild the Hornsby Aquatic Center and the George St overpass, and to develop recreational facilities at Old Mans Valley. It will also be used generally to construct and upgrade footpaths and playgrounds, and the community centre. It would be nice to be sure that the levy will continue to be used for these purposes in perpetuity, these promises tend to be forgotten with time and one can imagine the money ending up just going to general revenue in time.
Apparently there were very few responses from the community (on yoursay@hornsby) so the council assumes the community is not concerned by the increase. A final decision on the levy will be made in May or June, so if you do have any views on this topic now is the time to send an email to the yoursay@hornsby site.
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