POLITICS
Mark Hodges MP
MEMBER FOR CASTLE HILL
AS YOUR STATE MP, I AM HERE TO:
• Help you with any State Government matters.
• Provide Justice of the Peace services.
• Assist in accessing NSW Government services, assistance or grants.
• Arrange congratulatory messages.
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.
Major shift in rezoning for Cherrybrook Precinct
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by Mark Hodges MP Member for Castle Hill
The Minns Labor Government’ s NSW Department of Planning has placed an updated rezoning proposal for the Cherrybrook Precinct on public exhibition.
The draft proposal represents a significant shift from earlier plans, with homes in Cherrybrook, and West Pennant Hills, specifically including properties between Coonara Avenue, Glenhope Road, Willunga Place, Matthew Way in West Pennant Hills.
The proposal forecasts an additional 5,200 homes over the next 20 years, and a
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total of 9,350 new homes by 2061.
I have written to the Planning Minister and the Minns Labor Government to raise concerns about the lack of detail regarding investment in local infrastructure to support the scale of growth proposed.
Specifically, I am seeking clarity on:
• The proposed rezoning process, the extent of community consultation undertaken, and the potential impact on local residents;
• Whether planned infrastructure is intended to support all additional housing projected through to 2061;
• The impact on local primary and
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high schools, many of which are already operating at capacity;
• The effect on local and state roads, particularly the much-needed upgrade to New Line Road, which has had its funding deferred in recent budgets by the Minns Labor Government; and
• Plans to improve access to the Cherrybrook Metro Station, including additional commuter parking and improved bus services.
I remain concerned that adequate forward planning for essential infrastructure has not taken place. This follows public comments made by the
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Planning Minister in 2024, in which he stated that community concerns about 8,000 new homes in Cherrybrook were“ categorically false”.
I have also met with The Hills Shire Council, who share these concerns.
I understand that The Hills Shire Council and the West Pennant Hills Valley Progress Association will be making a formal submission to the NSW Government.
You’ re welcome to share your views with me by contacting my office.
Authorised by Mark Hodges MP. Funded using parliamentary entitlements.
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Christmas: a time for hope
with Alex Hawke Federal Member for Mitchell
Christmas is a time when we come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Christmas is also a season to be grateful for the blessings of peace and prosperity we enjoy as a nation.
As 2025 draws to a close, we are reminded of the importance of standing firm in our convictions while engaging in respectful and thoughtful dialogue. It’ s how we build understanding, strengthen communities, and honour the dignity of every person.
As your local member it has been an honour to serve our community in 2025. In 2026, I will continue to take up the fight to preserve the country we all love and represent the interests of the residents of the Mitchell electorate in our Federal Parliament.
On behalf of my family, Amelia, Jack, Lachlan, Thomas and Jonathan, I wish
you and your family a happy and holy Christmas, and a safe and prosperous 2026.
The Christmas period can be daunting for those who are financially stretched, experiencing loneliness or in a crisis, particularly with the current cost of living pressures. It is important we look after each other and lean into our community during these tougher times.
• Hills Community Aid- https:// hca. org. au / emergencyrelief / or phone 9639 860
• The Salvation Army( Salvos) – Norwest Region – Rouse Hill Corps – phone 8878 0143 https:// www. salvationarmy. org. au / christmas / need-help-thischristmas /
• St Vincent de Paul( Vinnies) https:// www. vinnies. org. au / nsw / find-help – or phone 131812
• Lifeline Australia https:// www. lifeline. org. au / or phone 13 11 14
Hills Community Aid Hills Community Aid( HCA) has been providing social, financial and educational programs that assist, strengthen and connect our Hills community for 55 years.
Thank you to the Executive Officer, Mici Beer, and HCA staff and volunteers for the positive impact in keeping our communities safe, resilient, and thriving.
Visit www. hca. org. au to learn more about the programs and services they provide.
24 ISSUE 126 // DECEMBER 2025 MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY HOLIDAYS! theindependentmagazine. com. au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT