Hawkesbury far behind neighbours in disaster preparedness
Falling behind our neighbours in disaster infrastructure
Business
Hawkesbury Council Planning Director Resigns Amid Ongoing Concerns
Hawkesbury City Council’s Director of City Planning, Meagan Ang, has resigned from her position effective 13 October 2025. Ms Ang was appointed to the role in 2023 after the General Manager Elizabeth Richardson successfully persuaded Councillors to abandon one of the long-standing cornerstones of the public service — merit-based recruitment.
Dual Occupancy Reform Brings Rural Housing Debate to the Hawkesbury
The Hawkesbury played host this past weekend to John Ruddick MLC, Chair of the NSW Parliament’s Select Committee on Rural Housing and Second Dwellings Reform, who met with local landowners and community leaders to discuss the future of dual occupancy in rural areas. The visit was warmly received, with
New Rent Rules: What Hawkesbury Renters Need to Know
NSW has changed rules so rent increases can only happen once a year.
Hawkesbury has one of the few women at the very top of Australia’s real estate industry
Cindy Cash Ray White North Richmond
Council Claims Progress – But Big Planning Jobs Still on Hold
Hawkesbury Council is patting itself on the back
Richmond Accountant Banned for 10 Years by ASIC
Richmond Christopher M Edwards Solicitors and Accountants, has been banned for ten years from providing financial services by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC). Mr Edwards has the right to appeal this decision before the Administrative Review Tribunal. The ban, which took effect on 15 September 2025, also prohibits
A New Chapter for Tractor 828
Since taking over on July 1st, Joanne Sepping is determined to uphold this Ebenezer café’s country charm and tasty menu that keep local faces returning.
North Richmond at the Forefront of Horse Cloning
Catalina Equine that has become the heart of Australia’s horse cloning
Hawkesbury Council Pushes for 40% Rate Rise
Hawkesbury ratepayers are being warned to brace for one of the biggest rate hikes in the Council’s history, with a plan now on the table to raise rates by almost 40% over four years. At the Council meeting on 9 September, councillors considered a proposal for a Special Rate
Council Votes for 80% Rent Rise on Not-for-Profit Childcare Centres
Hawkesbury City Council has voted to increase rents on community-based early childhood education centres operating from Council-owned buildings, phasing them up to 80 per cent of commercial rates over the next four years. Under the decision, centres will face a 20 per cent rise this year, with annual increases continuing
Redbank Village Welcomes Stage 2
A new chapter now open in North Richmond with specialty stores and amenities.
Push for ‘Water Curtain’ to Shield Western Sydney from Bushfires
Fire chiefs, residents, business and community leaders renew call for roadside water tanks to stop bushfires from entering Western Sydney
Tragic Fire Destroys Historic Loxley on Bellbird Hill
A devastating fire last night has gutted one of the Hawkesbury’s most beloved heritage venues, Loxley on Bellbird Hill at Kurrajong. The alarm was raised at 7:06pm, with emergency crews on site in under ten minutes. Despite their swift response, the blaze tore through the historic property, leaving
Local Excellence: 2025 Hawkesbury Business Awards Shine Spotlight on Community Spirit
Winners are grinners. The results of the Hawkesbury Business Awards!
Hawkesbury tradies & homeowners are being sold rainforest timber at Bunnings
Why Our Home Decks Are Damaging the Rainforest
Work begins on new flood-resilient Richmond Bridge
Two long-anticipated infrastructure projects are now moving forward in the Hawkesbury, with the Federal Albanese and NSW Minns Labor Governments joining forces to deliver more than $600 million in road upgrades aimed at easing congestion, improving safety, and strengthening flood resilience. Work has commenced on the enabling works for the
Collaboration Key to $100M BLOR Upgrade
Local voices in the room pushing to make sure the upgrades reflect what is needed.
Hawkesbury lagging in EV charger rollout as state network expands
Hawkesbury’s presence in the public EV charging network remains virtually non-existent, and there has been no significant investment in kerbside or rapid charging infrastructure.
Charity bike race sparks business backlash
Some businesses object to the potential closure of BLOR for a day to allow charity bike race while organisers say it will bring tourists to the Hawkesbury.
Tradie ladies rise: Government push and local champions like Alana Bathgate drive more women into the trades
HAWKESBURY GAZETTE | WOMEN IN TRADES FEATURE A major federal and state government initiative is making waves in the Hawkesbury and beyond, offering free apprenticeship training in trades and placing a strong emphasis on more women taking part in traditionally male-dominated industries like construction, engineering, and manufacturing. The Fee-Free TAFE Skills
Good prospects for Hawkesbury tourism and local jobs
There are almost three times as many international visitors staying overnight in the Hawkesbury as there are people living here permanently.
Industrial land shortage strangling local productivity, say Hawkesbury businesses
“We pay about $800,000 a year in combined rent, and we’d much rather put that towards purchasing a suitable industrial site — but there’s just nothing available in the Hawkesbury.”
Hawkesbury Council endorses Detached Dual Occupancy
As the region grapples with population growth, rising living costs, and disaster recovery challenges, the introduction of detached dual occupancy could ease pressure while maintaining the unique landscape and lifestyle of the Hawkesbury.