POLITICS
Mark Hodges MP
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02 9686 3110 castlehill @ parliament . nsw . gov . au Suite 1A , 19-21 Terminus Street , Castle Hill NSW 2154
Authorised by Mark Hodges MP , Suite 1A , 19-21 Terminus Street , Castle Hill NSW 2154 . Funded using Parliamentary Entitlements .
McHappy Day a big hit in Dural and Castle Hill
with Mark Hodges MP
I was very pleased to attend the Dural and Castle Hill McDonald ’ s Restaurants for McHappy Day this year . I was joined by The Hills Shire Councillors , Deputy Mayor Mitchell Blue , Councillors Reena Jethi , Frank De Masi , and Jessica Brazier .
The great work Ronald McDonald House Charities does in the wider community to support our children can never be underestimated . When a child is diagnosed with a serious illness , it impacts the whole family . Ronald McDonald House Charities provide a range of programs to help families stay together and close to the care they need .
I commend the efforts and work of the Ronald McDonald House Charites and all those who provide care for children and their families in difficult situations . It was great to see so many enthusiastic Hills Shire residents enjoying the day and supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities ( RMHC ).
For every Big Mac sold on Saturday 18 November , $ 2 was donated to the charities .
It was wonderful to see the support from the community for this cause and I would like to especially thank Deputy Mayor Mitchell Blue , Councillors Reena Jethi , Frank De Masi , and Jessica Brazier for giving up their time on McHappy Day to support Ronald McDonald House Charities .
McHappy Day with Mitchell Blue and Reena Jethi .
POLITICS
The Hills Shire Council paves the way for a smart future with a Smart Places Strategic Framework
The Hills Shire Council has unveiled a plan poised to guide the rollout of smart technologies within The Hills . The creation of Smart Places can have a tangible impact on the lives of people who live , work and play in an area , as well as economic productivity and environmental sustainability .
The draft Smart Places Strategic Framework , currently on public exhibition , presents a long-term strategy to stimulate innovation , tackle urban challenges , attract investment and improve the overall liveability of the region by implementing technology into the urban environment .
The evolution of The Hills into a Smart Place is already well underway . High quality digital infrastructure is present across much of the Shire and there are many examples of new and exciting initiatives being implemented throughout using evolving technologies and systems . Some examples of these existing initiatives include :
• Flood warning systems on some bridges
• Remote access to Council sporting facilities
• Solar panels at Council ’ s Administration Building
• Electric vehicle charging stations at
the Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre
• Water level sensors in some dams
• Free public Wi-Fi in major retail centres
• Facilitating the submission of forms , payments and applications online
• Increased utilisation of QR Codes The draft Framework seeks to build on the success of these initiatives and aims to establish and communicate a strategic direction for the continued transformation of the Shire into a Smart Place . It is intended to facilitate further discussion , collaboration , investigation , decision-making and action by stakeholders .
Mayor of The Hills Shire , Dr Peter Gangemi said the draft Framework demonstrates Council ’ s support for fostering innovation and driving economic benefits for the Shire .
“ Becoming a Smart Place is the way of the future ,” Mayor Gangemi said .
“ This Framework provides a basis for considering how technologies can be responsibly incorporated into our public areas to enhance them and make these spaces even better .
“ We are encouraging innovation through technology that can be used to increase resilience and safety during natural disasters while encouraging the uptake of energyefficient technologies to help our local environment thrive .
“ The draft Framework also explores how technologies can better support the local economy , making commercial areas more attractive for businesses to set up shop here .
“ I ’ m really proud of this document , and I encourage residents , businesses , industry groups and other interested stakeholders to take a look and provide feedback .”
The draft Framework flags potential opportunities and sets some clear decision-making principles that will assist consideration of future initiatives . These include smart lighting , additional CCTV , night-time wayfinding systems and incorporating innovative technology into street furniture , such as outdoor benches that allow visitors to charge their devices while enjoying public areas .
The draft Framework complements
Castle Hill Heritage Park .
the recently exhibited draft Precinct Plans for Norwest , Rouse Hill , and Castle Hill Strategic Centres , Council ’ s Draft Public Domain Strategy and Council ’ s recently adopted Economic Growth Plan .
Residents and stakeholders are invited to ‘ have their say ’ on the draft Smart Places Strategic Framework via Council ’ s website , www . thehills . nsw . gov . au and by searching ‘ Draft Smart Places Strategic Framework ’.
The draft Smart Places Strategic Framework will remain on exhibition until Monday 11 December 2023 .
20 ISSUE 102 // DECEMBER 2023 MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY HOLIDAYS ! theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT