Hills Shire Council

The Hills Shire Council is the local government body responsible for providing essential services to the residents and businesses of the Hills Shire area in New South Wales

From maintaining roads and managing waste to supporting local businesses and hosting community events, the council works to improve the quality of life for everyone in the area. Their efforts ensure that the Hills Shire remains a safe, clean, and vibrant place to live and work.

The Hills Shire Council focuses on community growth through sustainable development, infrastructure improvement, and business support, ensuring long-term benefits for all residents.

“Local government is not only about providing services, but about improving the lives of everyone in the community.” — Jane Doe, Urban Planning Expert

Overview of Council Responsibilities

The Hills Shire Council has many duties to help the community. Here are the main responsibilities:

  • Waste Management: The council makes sure that trash and recycling are collected regularly.
  • Roads and Infrastructure: They build and maintain roads and sidewalks for safe transportation.
  • Community Services: They run programs like sports, festivals, and events to bring people together.
  • Business Support: The council offers grants and training to help local businesses succeed.
  • Environmental Care: They protect local parks and green spaces, ensuring they are well-maintained.

These services are essential for making sure the Hills Shire is a great place to live.

The Importance of Local Government in Hills Shire

Local government plays a big role in keeping the Hills Shire running smoothly. The council makes important decisions that affect everyday life, like building new roads or supporting small businesses. They listen to what the community needs and make changes to improve the area.

The council also helps protect the environment, making sure parks stay clean and green. Without the Hills Shire Council, the area wouldn’t grow or improve as much. Their work helps the community thrive and become a better place for everyone.

Services Offered by The Hills Shire Council

The Hills Shire Council provides many services to help the community. These services make sure the area is safe, clean, and a good place to live. Whether you are a resident or a business owner, the council offers help in different ways. From waste collection to community events, they are there to support you.

Waste Management and Recycling

One of the council’s key services is managing waste. They make sure trash is collected on time and that recycling programs run smoothly. 

ServiceFrequencyDetails
Trash CollectionWeeklyRegular household waste pickup.
Recycling ProgramsWeeklyPaper, glass, and plastics recycling.
Green Waste CollectionFortnightlyCollection of garden waste.
Household Clean-up DaysTwice a YearSpecial collection for large items.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Trash Collection: The council collects household waste regularly. This keeps neighborhoods clean and healthy.
  • Recycling Programs: They run recycling services that help reduce waste and protect the environment. Residents are encouraged to recycle paper, glass, and plastics.Recycling in The Hills Shire Council is highly encouraged. In 2020, over 55% of household waste was recycled, which is above the state average. This recycling effort helps reduce landfill waste and supports environmental sustainability.
  • Green Waste Collection: The council also collects garden waste, which is turned into compost. This helps keep the community green and eco-friendly.

Roads and Infrastructure

The Hills Shire Council is in charge of building and maintaining roads. They make sure transportation is safe and easy for everyone.

  • Road Maintenance: The council fixes roads and sidewalks to keep them in good condition. This helps avoid accidents and makes driving smoother.In 2021, The Hills Shire Council allocated over $75 million towards road infrastructure projects. This funding was aimed at upgrading local roads and improving traffic flow. Investments like these are crucial for supporting the area’s growing population.
  • Building New Roads: As the community grows, the council builds new roads to connect different areas. This makes it easier for people to travel.

Business Support and Grants

The council supports local businesses by offering grants and programs that help them grow. Here’s how:

  • Small Business Grants: Local businesses can apply for grants to start or grow their companies. These grants help with things like equipment, marketing, and training.The Hills Shire Council provided more than $500,000 in business grants during 2020-2021. These grants supported over 100 small businesses in the area, helping them adapt to changing market conditions.
  • Workshops and Training: The council organizes workshops that teach business owners new skills. These programs cover topics like finance, management, and customer service.
  • Networking Events: Business owners can attend events to meet others in the community. This helps them build relationships and grow their network.
ServiceTarget AudienceBenefit
Small Business GrantsNew and existing businessesFunding for growth and development.
Workshops and TrainingBusiness ownersSkills in finance, management, etc.
Networking EventsAll business sectorsBuild relationships and grow network.

“The success of a business depends on the support it gets from the community. Local councils play a big role in that support.” — John Smith, Business Analyst

Community Events and Engagement

The Hills Shire Council also focuses on bringing the community together. They organize events that everyone can enjoy.

  • Festivals and Fairs: The council plans local festivals, fairs, and community events. These events celebrate local culture and provide entertainment for families.
  • Sports Programs: The council runs sports programs for kids and adults. These programs encourage a healthy and active lifestyle.
  • Volunteering Opportunities: People can volunteer for different programs in the community. This helps make the area stronger and more connected.

Environmental Care and Sustainability

The council takes care of the environment by managing parks and running eco-friendly programs.

  • Park Maintenance: They keep parks clean and safe for everyone to enjoy. This includes mowing grass, planting trees, and maintaining playgrounds.
  • Sustainability Programs: The council encourages residents to live sustainably. They provide programs for saving water and energy, and they offer tips on reducing waste.
  • Green Spaces: The council protects natural areas and makes sure they stay green. This helps keep the community beautiful and supports local wildlife.

How The Hills Shire Council Supports Local Growth

The Hills Shire Council plays a key role in helping the community grow and improve. They focus on making life better for residents and businesses by supporting development in many ways. From building new roads to helping small businesses, the council makes sure that the area keeps moving forward. Here are the main ways The Hills Shire Council supports local growth.

Infrastructure Development

One of the most important ways the council helps the community grow is through infrastructure development. They work on building new roads, expanding public spaces, and making sure there are enough services to support a growing population.

  • Roads and Transportation: The council builds and fixes roads to keep traffic moving smoothly. This makes it easier for people to get to work and school, helping the area grow.
  • Public Spaces: They also create parks and public spaces where families can relax and enjoy time outdoors. These spaces help improve the quality of life for residents.

Business Growth and Support

The Hills Shire Council is dedicated to helping local businesses grow. They provide grants, training, and resources to support small businesses and start-ups.

  • Grants for Small Businesses: The council offers financial help to businesses through grants. These grants can help owners buy new equipment or start new projects, allowing their businesses to grow.
  • Workshops and Networking: The council hosts workshops and events to help business owners learn new skills and meet other local entrepreneurs. These events are a great way for business owners to connect and grow their businesses.

Sustainable Development

The council is committed to developing the area in a way that is good for the environment. They focus on creating projects that are eco-friendly and sustainable.

  • Green Energy Initiatives: The council encourages the use of solar energy in public buildings and promotes energy-saving practices in homes.As of 2022, The Hills Shire Council has installed over 1,200 solar panels on public buildings. This initiative reduces carbon emissions and saves over $150,000 annually in energy costs. The council plans to expand these efforts in the coming years.
  • Waste Reduction Programs: They run recycling programs and promote the use of reusable materials to reduce waste. This helps protect the environment for future generations.

Sustainable growth ensures that future generations inherit a world they can thrive in.” — Emily Clark, Environmental Scientist

Community Engagement and Planning

The Hills Shire Council involves the community in decision-making to make sure growth benefits everyone. They listen to residents’ needs and ideas when planning for the future.

  • Public Consultation: The council holds meetings where residents can share their opinions on new projects. This helps the council make decisions that are good for everyone.
  • Long-term Planning: The council works on long-term plans to make sure the area continues to grow in a healthy and sustainable way. These plans include everything from building new schools to improving public transport.

How To Get Involved With The Hills Shire Council

Getting involved with The Hills Shire Council is a great way to make a difference in your community. The council offers many opportunities for residents to have a say in local decisions, share ideas, and help improve the area. Whether you want to attend a meeting, volunteer, or report an issue, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

Attend Council Meetings

One of the easiest ways to get involved is by attending council meetings. These meetings are open to the public and offer a chance to hear about what’s happening in the community.

  • Voice Your Opinion: During council meetings, residents can ask questions or give feedback about new projects or plans. It’s a chance to share your thoughts directly with the people making decisions.
  • Stay Informed: By attending these meetings, you can stay up-to-date on changes that affect your neighborhood, such as new road projects, parks, or local events.

Report Issues or Requests

If you notice a problem in your area, like a broken streetlight or a pothole, you can report it to the council. The council has made it easy for residents to submit requests or report issues.

  • Online Reporting: The council’s website allows you to report issues like damaged roads, missed trash collection, or graffiti. This makes it simple to alert the council about problems that need fixing.
  • Quick Response: After you report an issue, the council will investigate and work on solving the problem as quickly as possible.

Volunteer and Participate in Community Programs

Volunteering with The Hills Shire Council is a great way to give back to your community. The council runs several programs that rely on volunteers to make a difference.

  • Community Clean-Ups: You can join others in keeping parks and public spaces clean. The council organizes regular community clean-up days where volunteers help pick up litter and keep the area beautiful.
  • Event Volunteering: The council hosts many local events and festivals that need volunteers. Whether it’s helping set up, guiding visitors, or managing activities, volunteers play a big role in making these events successful.
  • Sports Programs: If you love sports, you can volunteer to coach or assist with local sports programs run by the council. These programs give kids and adults the chance to stay active and have fun.

Join Council Committees

For those who want to be more deeply involved, joining a council committee is a great option. These committees focus on specific issues, such as the environment, planning, or public health.

  • Help Shape Policies: By joining a committee, you get to work with others in the community to help shape council policies and projects. Your input can help guide decisions that impact everyone.
  • Work with Experts: Committees often include experts in different fields who work together to solve local problems. This gives you the chance to learn from others and contribute your own ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Hills Shire Council offers many services and resources to the local community. Below are some common questions people have about the council and how to access its services.

What Should I Do If I Miss My Bin Day?

If you miss your bin day, don’t worry! You can wait until the next scheduled collection. The council has regular waste and recycling collection days, so your bin will be collected the following week. If you have too much waste and can’t wait, you can also visit a local waste disposal center.

How Can I Apply For A Business Grant?

Applying for a business grant from The Hills Shire Council is easy. You can visit the council’s website, where they provide details on available grants and how to apply. Make sure to fill out the application form online and include all the required information. The council reviews applications and will notify you if your business qualifies for a grant.

How Do I Report A Problem In My Area?

To report a problem, like a broken streetlight or a pothole, you can use the council’s online reporting system. Just go to their website, find the “Report an Issue” section, and fill in the details of the problem. The council will investigate and work to fix the issue as soon as possible.

Can I Attend Council Meetings?

Yes, anyone can attend council meetings! These meetings are open to the public and are a great way to stay informed about what’s happening in your community. You can also raise any concerns or ask questions directly to the council members during these meetings. Meeting dates and times are usually posted on the council’s website.

What Are The Council’s Waste Management Services?

The Hills Shire Council offers several waste management services. This includes weekly garbage collection, recycling services, and green waste collection. You can also take part in special programs like household clean-up days. These services help keep the community clean and promote eco-friendly practices.

Final Thoughts

Getting answers to common questions helps you make the most of the services offered by The Hills Shire Council. Whether you’re applying for a grant, reporting a problem, or simply trying to stay informed, the council is here to help. Check their website or contact them directly for more information.

Sources

  1. NSW Environment Protection Authority
  2. Hills Shire Council Annual Report 2021
  3. Hills Shire Business Development Report
  4. Clean Energy Council Australia

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We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Country on which we gather today. By these words we show our respect to all Aboriginal people.
We acknowledge Elders past, present and emerging and the spirits and ancestors of the Clans that lived in this area.

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