Hawkesbury City Council

Hawkesbury City Council plays a crucial role in shaping the future of our region. We provide services and facilities to more than 67,000 residents living in urban and rural communities spread across an area of 2,800 square kilometres making us the largest local government area in metropolitan NSW.

The Hawkesbury takes its name from the Hawkesbury River, which flows through our boundaries. Within the Hawkesbury there are four river valleys, fertile flood plains and wetlands, hills, ridges and gorges.

The Traditional Owners and Custodians of our land are the Darug and Darkinjung people. We pay our respects to all Elders, past, present and emerging and acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First People of this country.

In 1810, Governor Macquarie established five towns in the area – Windsor, Richmond, Wilberforce, Pitt Town and Castlereagh. There are now 65 rural and hinterland towns and villages located in the City with the main centres being Windsor, Richmond and North Richmond.

The region has a long agricultural history and the area currently leads production in vegetables, cultivated turf, poultry, meat and eggs.

Within the Hawkesbury there is a high security RAAF aviation facility which sits alongside an education precinct. We have a strong agricultural, equine and tourism industry.

The structure of Hawkesbury City Council consists of a General Manager and three Directors each in charge of specific areas of Council’s day to day operations.

The organisational structure diagram shows the lines of accountability.  All staff are ultimately accountable through the General Manager to the Council and the Council is accountable to the citizens of Hawkesbury. The Council comprises 12 elected people called Councillors. The local government area is not divided into wards therefore each Councillor represents the whole of the Hawkesbury. Council elections are held every four years.

Council’s annual budget is over $70 million.

Services:

Local government and infrastructure management across 2,800 sq km
Planning and development for rural, urban, and historical communities
Cultural heritage recognition and support for First Nations communities
Challenges:

Managing growth while protecting agricultural and natural lands
Preserving Aboriginal and colonial heritage
Providing equitable services to a geographically dispersed population
Best For:

Residents who value community, heritage, and a natural lifestyle
Agribusinesses and equine industries needing council support
Tourists and locals seeking scenic beauty and rich history