This strategy defines a vision of a water sensitive future for Hornsby Shire, and outlines the broad steps for Council to take to transition towards this future. 

Since the early 1990s, Council has led the way in the implementation of water sensitive urban design, largely through the catchment remediation program. Despite this proactive approach, challenges still exist, such as changing government priorities, impacts from existing and future development and increasing pressure on water systems from climate change. Council needs to plan wisely to adequately service a growing population in a warming and drying climate, while ensuring sustainable, environmental, and liveability outcomes for the region.

The purpose of this strategy is to provide a framework for orienting and coordinating strategic action across the many different stakeholders who will need to collaborate for Hornsby Shire’s envisioned water future to be achieved. The strategy provides a snapshot of Hornsby Shire’s performance and transition progress at this point in time and in relation to moving forward identifies actions designed to progress Hornsby Shire’s transition towards a water sensitive city.

The Water Sensitive Hornsby Strategy fits under the Environmental Sustainability Strategy – Sustainable Hornsby 2040 and is part of the Sustainability theme of the Community Strategic Plan.

Artistic representations of water sensitive city outcomes including urban greening, improved amenity, recreation, and social cohesion. Source: CRCWSC