LIVING LOCAL
IN FOCUS: TRIAL CHANGES TO PUBLIC AND OPEN FORUMS
Willoughby City Council is trialling changes to its Public and Open Forums, in an effort to encourage higher rates of community participation and to enhance transparency and governance.
Now set to take place one week prior to General Meetings of Council, the forums will allow Mayor and Councillors more time to adequately consider public feedback and sentiment before the decision-making process occurs.
Residents can register to speak on a matter up to two business days prior to the scheduled event, with speakers able to join the meeting in person or online.
Designed to align with current best practices for public participation in Local Government, the new format has been introduced as a six-month trial, from March to August 2025.
SWING INTO AUTUMN IN CHATSWOOD
From 22 April to 5 May, you can get into the swing of things in Chatswood as we unveil a temporary new addition – a free, giant, bright yellow swing! At almost nine metres tall, it’s the swing of your childhood – but much, much bigger!
Teenagers, adults and kids alike can have a blast and take in views of the surrounds from new angles. Best of all, the swing is also friendly to wheelchair users so it’s loads of fun for anyone willing to take on the adrenaline rush!
Scan for details and discover more events in Willoughby.
HAVE YOUR SAY ON IMPORTANT COUNCIL MATTERS
In February, Council approved Willoughby’s long-term plan, the Community Strategic Plan – Our Future Willoughby 2036. From 29 April to 27 May 2025, the community will be invited to share their thoughts on the supporting plans that will help put this vision into action.
These plans have been updated based on community feedback and explain how local services, projects, and facilities will be delivered. The key documents include the four- year Delivery Program, annual Operational Plan and Budget, and the 10-year Resourcing Strategy and associated Asset Management Plans, which ensure Council has the people, funding, and resources needed for the years ahead.
Scan to Have your say from the end of April, or visit: haveyoursaywilloughby.com.au
Spotted Pardalote Photo by Meredith Foley
DISCOVER WILLOUGHBY WALKS THIS AUTUMN
Willoughby is a collection of stunning landscapes, perfect for bushwalking enthusiasts and what better time than autumn to discover a new bushwalking trail in your local area.
Download the Willoughby Walks app, a free self-guided tour, to explore the area’s rich history and scenery at your own pace. With audio narration and historical photographs, the app brings Willoughby’s cultural heritage to life as you explore local trails and landmarks.
Whether you’re drawn to heritage walks like the Chatswood CBD Heritage Plaques Walk or prefer scenic bushwalks through Castlecrag and Flat Rock Gully, there’s something for everyone.
Scan for more information and to download the app.
KEEP CARDBOARD OUT OF BULKY WASTE
Recycle it instead!
Got a pile of cardboard to get rid of? Don’t put it in your bulky waste collection! Cardboard collected this way won’t be recycled, meaning valuable materials go to landfill. Instead, flatten your cardboard and place it in your yellow- lidded recycling bin. If you have too much, you can drop it off for free at the Cleanaway Artarmon Resource Recovery Centre (located at 12 Lanceley Place, Artarmon). Or, if you have plenty of boxes in good condition, why not consider donating them to someone who is moving!
Keep your bulky waste collections for things like furniture, appliances, whitegoods, and mattresses.
Let’s recycle right and keep our community sustainable!
Scan for details on what’s accepted, or visit: Willoughby Council’s bulky waste page.
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
It’s April already and the wonderful autumn colours are beginning to grace Willoughby and surrounds.
In late February, Council resumed its General Meetings for the year, discussing several important topics, resulting in positive outcomes for the community.
During the meeting, I delivered a Mayoral Minute in response to the NSW Government’s announcement of Stage Two of its Low and Mid-Rise Housing Reforms. The changes, which came into effect on 28 February, override Council’s planning controls and allow higher and denser development. While these changes aim to support and encourage strategically located growth to address Sydney’s housing crisis, Council has several concerns. Specifically, we stress the need for additional infrastructure like schools, and preservation of our urban tree canopy to mitigate climate change and urban heat.
In the same meeting, Council also resolved to trial changes to its Code of Meeting Practice that will see monthly Council Meetings concluded at 10.30pm and Public and Open Forums held one week prior. The changes, which will be implemented for a period of six months, aim to improve governance, transparency and community participation.
As we head further into autumn and the temperatures cool, there’s plenty of great events happening around Willoughby as our multicultural cooking demonstrations continue, Jane Rutter returns to the stage with the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra and kids can join some interactive and informative bushwalks. There’s also something special in store for Chatswood during late April and early May that will be sure to get you into the swing of things this autumn!
Find more info on all of the above, on Council’s website.
Yours in Community,
Tanya Taylor Mayor, Willoughby City Council