It is with much regret I am writing to let you know Hornsby Shire Council has been informed by the state government it will no longer fund the development of the much-needed recreational facilities at Westleigh Park.

As you are probably aware, work has been underway on this development for over five years, with millions of dollars already outlaid, contracts signed, and thousands of hours devoted to providing our residents with vital sporting facilities.

Council has regularly updated the state government about progress and followed due diligence in meeting all our agreed milestones, so my fellow Councillors and I are struggling to understand the reasons behind this inexplicable decision. Council has cooperated with the state government by accepting additional housing targets above what we already planned for in our Hornsby Town Centre masterplan. The additional housing targets come with the promise of funds for infrastructure, so to take away this already allocated money is ridiculous.

Council was granted $40 million from the previous state government to create these facilities. This was part of $90 million given to us as compensation for the loss of a large part of the southern territory of Hornsby Shire to the City of Parramatta during the council amalgamations.

On behalf of my fellow Councillors, I would like to reassure you that we will do everything possible to still deliver this project, and we will investigate every opportunity to retain these funds which our community deserves.

At this time, we are reviewing our options with our legal team, major stakeholders and fellow Councillors. We will advise residents as we make further decisions.

If you feel passionate about this issue, I encourage you to write to the Premier for New South Wales, the Minister for Sport, the Minister for Local Government, the Minister for Planning and your local member. For further information and contact details of the Members of Parliament visit our website.