Hornsby Shire Council has announced their intention to create a planning proposal to rezone land at 1 and 3 Johnson Road, Galston, to an E4 General Industrial Zone, despite there being no community consultation prior to passing the motion on 14th June 2023 to prepare the planning proposal.

Concerned residents of the community stated that Hornsby Shire Council has a legal obligation to include community consultation as part of the planning proposal process.

"Hornsby Shire Council has not followed all environmental planning laws, so must immediately announce a community consultation process," said a resident.

By section 3.33(2)(e) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW), Hornsby Shire Council must include “details of the community consultation that is to be undertaken before consideration is given to the making of the proposed instrument”.

However, a statement provided by the Hornsby Shire Council outlines that the resolved preparation of the planning proposal for rezoning will endeavour to seek community feedback in the coming months.

“The report to Council included discussion about undertaking preliminary consultation with the community, including adjoining residents, prior to lodging the planning proposal. It is intended that this will be undertaken in August or September this year.” A spokesperson for Hornsby Shire Council.

“Once the planning proposal has been prepared it will be lodged and will follow the statutory process determined by the NSW Department of Planning from that point,” stated the Council.

The passing of the rezoning motion to Council comes after a period between July 2022 (when Hornsby Shire Council approved a cost-benefit analysis on the rezoning) and 14 June 2023, during which time a feasibility study and financial analysis were prepared to support the planning proposal.

The motion has been met with community outcry as 1 and 3 Johnson Road are semi-rural, and they believe rezoning those lots to E4 General Industrial is not in keeping with the area’s amenity. Rezoning the lots to public recreation and environmental conservation is the communities determination.

Council, however adamant that community members will have their chance to voice concerns in the coming future.

“There will be a number of opportunities for the community to provide feedback and input into the planning proposal during its preparation and assessment, and as part of the statutory public exhibition of the proposal.”