Editors Picks
Featured
15 June 2024
GROUP AIMS TO MAKE HILLS MORE INCLUSIVE
Council services under accessibility spotlight
A GROUP of seven Hills Shire residents with professional or lived experience of disability have been chosen to form Council’s first-ever external Disability Inclusion Action Plan Reference Group.
02 June 2024
NEW TRAFFIC LIGHTS AT KELLYVILLE INTERSECTIONS
TWO critical intersections at North Kellyville have been given the green light for upgrades to improve overall safety, accessibility, and traffic flow.
The Hills Shire Council awarded the tender to transform the intersections at Withers and Barry Roads and Hezlett and Barry Roads to signalised intersections at a recent council meeting.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Peter Gangemi said he’s looking forward to seeing this key North Kellyville project completed.
“Continuing to upgrade our roads and intersections is of paramount importance as more families move into The Hills” Mayor Gangemi said.
“I am looking forward to seeing the Barry Road bypass improve connectivity and safety for motorists and pedestrians.
“I want to thank our residents for their patience as this project continues through to the next stage of construction. I encourage them to drive to the construction speed limits and follow directions and signage.”
The project's key features include the construction of a four-way fully signalised intersection to replace the existing three-way roundabout between Withers and Barry Roads.
A new link road, Barry Road Bypass, will be developed to connect with the existing intersection at Hezlett Road, which will also be upgraded to a three-way signalised intersection.
In addition, a shared pathway from Armbruster Avenue to Withers Road will also be built alongside Hezlett Road.
The project is expected to commence in June 2024 and is anticipated to take 12 months to complete, weather permitting.
For more information, visit Council’s website, www.thehills.nsw.gov.au.
02 June 2024
COUNCILS BATTLE OVER WINSTON HILLS
THE Hills Shire Council has proposed a minor boundary adjustment in Winston Hills in response to an attempt by the City of Parramatta to move Hills homes and businesses south of the border.
Council will submit a proposed boundary adjustment to the NSW Local Government Minister to remove an anomaly that sees part of The Winston hotel site reside in The Hills Shire, while the rest is in the City of Parramatta.
City of Parramatta’s proposal is for all homes in the Langdon Apartments and businesses at the Winston Hills Shopping Centre site, as well as The Winston to become part of Parramatta LGA.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Peter Gangemi said Council was determined to keep the homes and businesses in the Shire.
“The boundary anomaly that sees The Winston split by two local government areas needs to be resolved, but it should not come at the expense of homes and businesses on land that has been part of The Hills Shire for more than 100 years,” Mayor Gangemi said.
“I have personally spoken with the residents, and the vast majority have no intention of leaving the Shire. They are deeply rooted in The Hills community and wish to continue being a part of it. Their presence and contribution to the Shire are invaluable, and I urge the Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig MP, to consider their sentiments.
“We’re proposing a much more measured solution that moves the boundary down the centre of Caroline Chisholm Drive, bringing the entire Winston hotel site within a single local government area.”
Council’s proposal was unanimously approved by Council at its meeting on April 9.
29 May 2024
COLES TOP RANKED FOR INCLUSION
COLES Group has been ranked number one in the Access and Inclusion Index 2023 by the Australian Disability Network for its commitment to closing the disability inclusion gap. Coles' initiatives include expanding Quiet Hour, implementing Disability Confidence Training, and launching an Autism Support Hub. With 7.6% of its 120,000 employees identifying as disabled, Coles continues to enhance workplace inclusivity and accessibility for customers and employees with disabilities.
29 May 2024
PIZZA HUT FINED $2,502,500
PIZZA Pan Group Pty Ltd, trading as Pizza Hut Australia, was fined $2,502,500 for breaching Australian spam laws by sending over 10 million unauthorized marketing messages from January to May 2023. An ACMA investigation found that Pizza Hut sent 5.9 million messages to customers who had not consented or had withdrawn consent and 4.4 million without an unsubscribe option. Pizza Hut has committed to a three-year compliance review and regular reporting to ACMA.
29 May 2024
SEATBELT RULES CAMERA ENFORCED
STARTING July 1, 2024, Transport for NSW will enforce seatbelt rules using mobile phone detection cameras. A new advertising campaign launching Sunday will remind drivers of this change. Secretary Josh Murray emphasizes the serious consequences of not wearing seatbelts, citing 150 fatalities between 2019 and 2023 due to improper restraint. The campaign will highlight correct seatbelt use and the importance of driver responsibility for passenger safety.
29 May 2024
CALL FOR REVIEW OF HARDSHIP
THE Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) supports ASIC's call for lenders to better assist customers facing financial hardship. ASIC's report highlights lenders' shortcomings in providing adequate hardship support. AFCA's data shows a 25% increase in financial difficulty complaints in 2023, with a third related to home loans. AFCA urges lenders to offer individualized assistance and avoid "cookie cutter" responses. AFCA continues to monitor these trends to address systemic issues.
