Most egregious decisions of Hills Shire Council 2021-24
Due to COVID the term of the current council was foreshortened to three years. But even In three short years the Hills Shire Liberals have racked up a staggering list of poor decisions that reveals the true nature of the majority on this council - reactionary, anti-social, serving vested interests and deeply in denial.
What follows is our shortlist of the most egregious decisions of this council. It’s not complete - a subjective selection. Feel free to comment if we’ve omitted anything you think is important.
2022, January 11 Extraordinary meeting
ITEM-2 RESCISSION MOTION – RENEWABLE ENERGY
The new mayor was so desperate to show his climate-denying colours that he urgently scheduled an extraordinary meeting on January 11, before some new councillors had even been inducted and while many were away. Its purpose was to kill off a decision by the previous (Liberal) council to prepare a Renewable Energy Strategy. The rescission motion was carried with overwhelming support from the new drop-in Liberal councillors.
Against: Hay, Tracey, de Masi, Kasby, Burton
For: Gangemi, Hodges, Brazier, Cox, Jethi, Ellis, Blue. Boneham
Read our report (in advance of the decision) here: URGENT: A Truly Extraordinary Meeting2022, March 22 Ordinary meeting
ITEM 2 DRAFT VOLUNTARY PLANNING AGREEMENT – 55 COONARA AVENUE, WEST PENNANT HILLS (1/2018/PLP)
An amendment was proposed to increase Mirvac’s monetary contribution but was defeated by the Liberal mayor and councillors present. Mirvac's development threatened more than 450 trees from Blue Gum High Forest and Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest adjoining the Cumberland State Forest in West Pennant Hills.
For (the amendment): Kasby, Burton
Against (the amendment): Gangemi, Hodges, de Masi, Ellis, Blue, Brazier, Boneham2022, May 10 Ordinary meeting
ITEM 7 POST EXHIBITION REPORT - CODE OF MEETING PRACTICE
Adopted a revised code of meeting practice that, amongst other things:
- Eliminates the community forum at council meetings;
- Prohibits councillors asking questions without notice;
- Restricts members of the public speaking on listed agenda items.
The motion was carried without the votes being recorded (no division)2022, June 14 Ordinary meeting
ITEM 5 DRAFT HILLS SHIRE PLAN 2022/2023
Annual shire plan with almost no reference to climate change and no significant new climate actions
Against: Kasby, Burton
For: Gangemi, Hodges, Blue, De Masi, Ellis, Boneham, Jethi, Hay, Tracey*
*Note: Voting down the shire plan has potentially serious ramifications for continued council services.
Read our report on the proceedings here: Lifeboats and Icebergs
And our earlier report on the draft plan here: The most reckless and irresponsible government in Australia?
And also this “fun” fact: 2.73 metres of CO2e2022, June 28 Ordinary meeting
ITEM 10 POST EXHIBITION REPORT - DRAFT SOCIAL MEDIA MODERATION POLICY
Adopted a hugely flawed and reactionary social media moderation policy that amongst other things:
- prohibits “political” comments on social media
- prohibits naming councillors in social media comments
Against: Kasby, Tracey
For: Gangemi, Hodges, Blue, De Masi, Ellis, Brazier, Boneham, Cox, Burton
Read our report (in advance of the decision) here: The Hills own "Ministry of Truth"2022, July 12 Ordinary meeting
MAYORAL MINUTE NO. 16/2022 – CALLING FOR THE WARRAGAMBA DAM WALL TO BE RAISED
Cynical, opportunistic motion to call on state govt to raise the Warragamba dam wall while council persists with its utter climate denial.
The motion was carried without the votes being recorded (no division) but Councillor Tracey’s dissent was recorded.
ITEM 11 LOCAL GOVERNMENT NSW ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Council nominated all nine Liberal council members to be voting delegates to the 2022 Local Government NSW Annual Conference. None of the remaining four councillors were assigned voting rights. As a result, at least 43% of Hills Shire voters were disenfranchised with respect to the deliberations of the conference.2022, August 23 Ordinary meeting
ITEM 2 NOTICE OF MOTION - COMMUNITY RECYCLING CENTRE
Although this sensible motion calling for a feasibility report on a Community Recycling Centre was carried, three Liberal councillors still found reason to oppose it.
For: Gangemi, Hodges, Blue, Brazier, Boneham, Cox, Kasby, Burton
Against: De Masi, Ellis, Jethi
ITEM 3 SUBMISSION ON STATE GOVERNMENT EXHIBITION OF DRAFT PLANS FOR CHERRYBROOK STATION PRECINCT (FP115)
An amendment calling for more affordable housing, more accessible dwellings, urban heat protection and energy efficiency, amongst other things was rejected.
For (the amendment): Boneham, Kasby, Burton
Against (the amendment): Gangemi, Hodges, De Masi, Ellis, Blue, Brazier, Cox, Jethi2022, September 27 Ordinary Meeting
ITEM 4 POST EXHIBITION – DRAFT VOLUNTARY PLANNING AGREEMENT – 55 COONARA AVENUE, WEST PENNANT HILLS (FP187)
Council resolved to enter into the Voluntary planning agreement with Mirvac that was first put on exhibition in March. This related to the demolition and redevelopment of the former IBM site at West Pennant Hills. Mirvac’s monetary contribution was, of course, not increased as had been proposed by some councillors in March.
Against: Kasby, Burton, Tracey
For: Gangemi, Hodges, De Masi, Ellis, Blue, Brazier, Boneham, Cox, Jethi2022, October 11 Ordinary meeting
ITEM 2 NOTICE OF MOTION - PROTECTION OF NATIVE WILDLIFE
A motion put by Councillors Kasby and Tracey that council lobby the state government for the protection of native wildlife via enforceable and consistent standards for Fauna Management Plans for developers was defeated.
For: Kasby, Burton, Tracey, Hay
Against: Gangemi, De Masi, Ellis, Blue, Cox, Jethi, Hodges, Boneham2023, February 21 Ordinary meeting
URGENT NOTICE OF MOTION
Councillor Kasby sought to put a motion of urgency to the council seeking to address the matter of the missing witnesses (from the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry) and the potential impact that was having on the council’s reputation. Mayor Gangemi suppressed consideration of the motion and even prevented it being read into the record of the meeting on the grounds, ostensibly, that he did not consider it urgent.
Due to Mayor Gangemi’s abuse of his power, the motion was not considered or voted upon.
Read our report here: Mayor silences critics ... again
And more here: Why Gangemi's motion dump stinks2023, March 14 Ordinary meeting
ITEM 2 NOTICE OF MOTION – TRANSITIONING OUT OF GAS
Councillor Kasby proposed a modest motion seeking a preliminary report on costs and options to reduce and ultimately eliminate council’s own dependence on fossil gas for their own operations. The hostile reception from Liberal councillors led to council resolving to defer the matter to a Councillor workshop or Strategic Planning Workshop within the next three months. Of course this led to it being considered behind closed doors and off the public record. We are not aware of any further outcome from this.
Gangemi and Cox even opposed the deferral for later consideration, apparently being unprepared to consider the matter at all.
Read our report here: Broken Gas Cox2023, June 13 Ordinary meeting
ITEM 1A NOTICE OF MOTION - SYNTHETIC TURF IN PUBLIC SPACES INDEPENDENT REVIEW 2022
Councillor Kasby proposed a motion that council discuss a report by the NSW Chief Scientist on Synthetic Turf in Public Spaces, including presentations from reputable experts. After a motion by Liberal Hodges to remove the second part (receiving presentations from reputable experts) was carried, the amended motion succeeded. Presumably a Councillor Workshop was held but being behind closed doors and with no public record, we have no indication how it progressed nor if there were any tangible outcomes. Proposals to use synthetic turf on 2 of 3 proposed elite rugby fields at Fred Caterson reserve remain unchanged.
ITEM 16 DRAFT HILLS SHIRE PLAN 2023/2024
Annual shire plan with almost no reference to climate change and no significant new climate actions
The motion was carried without the votes being recorded (no division)2023, June 27 Ordinary Meeting
Standing orders suspended to allow Councillor Ellis to address Council
Concluding four months leave of absence after her spectacular and very public disgrace in connection with the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry earlier in the year, Councillor Ellis returned to duty and addressed council at length, though failing to address public concerns in connection with her conduct. Her remarks were reported in the media including here: Rogue councillor’s rant about ‘ruined Sydney suburb.2023, July 11 Ordinary meeting
ITEM 1A NOTICE OF MOTION - COUNCIL TO IMPROVE ITS GOVERNANCE
Earlier in the year, disgraced Councillor Virginia Ellis had emphatically demonstrated her utter contempt for transparency and good governance.
And yet, in advance of this meeting, she gave notice of a motion titled "Council To Improve It's Governance". The motion proposed that the GM prepare a report on at least eight areas of council activity in which the council might improve governance and transparency, informed by recommendations of several recent ICAC investigations.
Between giving notice of the motion and the actual meeting, Councillor Ellis unaccountably had a change of heart and effectively neutered her own motion. The neutered and ineffectual amended motion was passed with only Councillors Burton, Tracey, Kasby and de Masi opposing it - the former three (at least) standing firm for the original motion.2023, July 25 Ordinary Meeting
ITEM 6 LOCAL GOVERNMENT NSW ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Council nominated all nine Liberal council members to be voting delegates to the 2023 Local Government NSW Annual Conference. None of the remaining four councillors were assigned voting rights. As a result, at least 43% of Hills Shire voters were again disenfranchised with respect to the deliberations of the conference.2023, August 22 Ordinary Meeting
ITEM 2 NOTICE OF MOTION – REVIEW OF THE COMPANION ANIMALS ACT – RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP KEEPING CATS SAFE AT HOME
Councillor Kasby proposed a motion calling on the state government to amend the Companion Animals Act so that local councils have the flexibility to decide what cat containment measures are appropriate for their local area. It was defeated along party lines.
For: Kasby, Burton, Tracey
Against: Gangemi, De Masi, Ellis, Blue, Cox, Hodges, Brazier2023, September 12 Ordinary Meeting
ITEM 2 NOTICE OF MOTION - THE VOICE
Councillor Cox proposed a motion that purported to declare council’s neutrality with respect to the approaching Voice referendum. In reality, and in a shameful exhibition of tribal virtue signalling, it was designed to make very clear that the Liberal majority opposes recognising our first nations peoples and/or giving them a voice in decisions concerning them that the constitution already empowers the government to make. The motion was otherwise entirely unnecessary.
An amendment proposed by Councillor Hay sought to add a declaration that councillors be free to express their individual views and opinions, but was defeated along party lines and the original motion was carried instead.
Against: Kasby, Tracey, Hay
For: Gangemi, Blue, Cox, Boneham, De Masi, Jethi, Brazier, Ellis
Read our report here: Fruit Loops ... and Hunter Biden's laptop2023, October 24 Ordinary meeting
ITEM 1B NOTICE OF MOTION - PETITIONS ON THE MASTER PLAN - FRED CATERSON RESERVE
Councillor Kasby proposed an extensive motion including that council accept the petition of more than 16,000 signatories to stop the destruction of parts of Fred Caterson Reserve and that council host a public briefing to engage directly with concerned residents.
An unprecedented number of concerned residents attended, filling the public gallery and overflowing into the foyer. The motion was defeated along party lines.
For: Kasby, Tracey
Against: Gangemi, De Masi, Ellis, Blue, Cox, Jethi, Hodges2023, November 14 Ordinary Meeting
MAYORAL MINUTE NO. 22/2023 – SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON FRED CATERSON RESERVE
Following council’s rejection of a petition with 16,000 signatories at the previous meeting, this mayoral minute presented by Mayor Gangemi sought, amongst other things, to discredit the community members advocating for the protection of the Fred Caterson Reserve. It was carried by the Liberal majority with some Labor support.
Against: Kasby, Tracey
For: Gangemi, De Masi, Ellis, Blue, Cox, Hodges, Boneham, Burton, Hay, Brazier2024, February 6 Ordinary meeting
ITEM 1A NOTICE OF MOTION – DECISION 58 – DRAG STORY TIME EVENTS IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT - LGNSW ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2023
Council overwhelmingly carried a motion proposed by Councillor Cox and described by a UN Human Rights Officer as an “evil devious motion”. Naked bigotry shone through as council assertively but entirely unnecessarily declared that they will not host Drag Queen Storytime events at council venues with the motion wrongly and ignorantly characterising such events as “sexualised material designed to target children”.
Against: Kasby, Tracey
For: Gangemi, De Masi, Ellis, Blue, Cox, Jethi, Brazier, Boneham, Burton, Hay
Read our report here: No Pride, only shame in Hills Shire Council's "evil, devious motion"2024, February 20 Ordinary meeting
ITEM 24 POST EXHIBITION – CODE OF MEETING PRACTICE
Council adopted a revised code of meeting practice that, amongst other things:
- prohibits community members speaking on Notices of Motion put forward by a councillor
- moves consideration of Notices of Motion to the end of the agenda as a transparent measure to discourage public attendance
- effectively prohibits council accepting online petitions
Against: Kasby, Tracey
For: Gangemi, De Masi, Ellis, Blue, Cox, Jethi, Hodges, Boneham, Burton, Hay, Brazier2024, March 26 Ordinary meeting
ITEM 17 SOFT PLASTICS RECYCLING
Councillor Kasby introduced a modest and sensible motion requesting that council staff be asked to prepare a report on “options available to Council to provide residents with a more regular and convenient soft plastic recycling service and the costings to do so”. The motion was defeated along party lines.
For: Kasby, Burton, Hay
Against: Gangemi, De Masi, Ellis, Blue, Cox, Hodges, Boneham, Brazier
Read our report here: Soft plastics - council doesn't want to know2024, June 11 Ordinary meeting
ITEM 19 NOTICE OF MOTION – NET ZERO EMISSIONS
Councillor Kasby put forward a modest motion calling for a report on costs and strategies for council to commit to a corporate net zero emissions policy. It was defeated along party lines.
For: Kasby, Burton, Tracey, Brazier
Against: Gangemi, Ellis, Blue, Cox, Hodges, Boneham, Jethi
ITEM 4 DRAFT HILLS SHIRE PLAN 2024/2025
Annual shire plan with almost no reference to climate change and no significant new climate actions - oh, wait they’ll have an off-the-record briefing behind closed doors!
The motion was carried without the votes being recorded (no division)2024, July 23 Ordinary Meeting
ITEM 23 NOTICE OF MOTION - SYNTHETIC TURF IN ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS
Liberal councillors defeated an important motion brought by Councillor Kasby for a policy to be developed concerning use of synthetic turf in ecologically sensitive areas (such as Fred Caterson Reserve).
For: Kasby, Burton, Tracey
Against: Gangemi, Ellis, Blue, Cox, Jethi, Hodges, Boneham, Brazier2024, August 13 Ordinary Meeting
ITEM 20 NOTICE OF MOTION - MORE AFFORDABLE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE IN THE HILLS
Councillor Kasby’s motion asked the General Manager for a feasibility report on potential means to increase accessibility to and lower the cost of early childhood education and care in the Hills Shire. It was defeated by most of the Liberals and some Labor councillors.
For: Kasby, Tracey, Ellis
Against: Gangemi, de Masi, Blue, Brazier, Boneham, Cox, Jethi, Burton, Hay
ITEM 21 NOTICE OF MOTION - BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT COMPLIANCE
Another straightforward and worthy motion by Councillor Kasby requesting a report to council in connection with the troubled private certification system for building and development compliance - unanimously opposed by Liberal and some Labor councillors.
For: Kasby, Tracey
Against: Gangemi, de Masi, Ellis, Blue, Brazier, Boneham, Cox, Jethi, Burton, Hay
Comments
Post a Comment