Publisher's Guest
The new Mayor of the Hills Shire Council, Peter Dimbrowsky, was elected at the beginning of September. He is well known for his successful business - he is the proprietor of the multi-award winning restaurant Eurolounge. Peter's business experience provides us with an opportunity for even greater business development in the area and closer links between the local government and the business community.
DG: Peter, Business Round Table is a great idea that I think is going to be highly beneficial to the business community. Could you tell us a little more about your vision and what the project involves?
PD: The Business Round Table initiative is a first for The Hills Shire Council and it aims to build stronger relationships with the Sydney Hills business community. Monthly breakfasts or lunches will be conducted at Council for invited businesses from the Sydney Hills to meet with key Council staff.
The Council's vision is to facilitate sustainable economic development that promotes growth in local business, attracts educated and skilled employees, encourages visitors and expenditure, and facilitates local employment opportunities for residents.
I hope Business Round Tables will build stronger relationships by giving the business community a forum to provide feedback to Council and to exchange ideas with myself in an informal and friendly environment.
DG: You plan significant property development in commercial, retail and residential sectors. There are developments of the Council Land planned to take place. Which areas are to be considered as development projects and at what stage are we at the moment?
PD: Council has recognised that a more entrepreneurial approach needs to be adopted in looking for alternate income streams. We want to provide for the residents of our next generation in order to meet our future financial challenges and to avoid burdening both the business and residential community through higher rates and charges.
Council has a portfolio of operational land holdings and has been reviewing its property strategy at least annually since 1997 with a view to pursuing development opportunities involving projects at commercial, retail and residential level.
Several recent projects were Horizons Residential Tower above the Castle Grand Library, the Radiata Residential Estate at Baulkham Hills and sale of 52 Wrights Road, Kellyville, to Aldi Supermarkets. Current potential projects include the development of Terminus Street Car Park, Pennant/Gay Streets Target site at Castle Hill and vacant residential land at Withers Road, Kellyville, and Hill Road, West Pennant Hills.
There will also be significant investigations and changes by both Council and private enterprise within Castle Hill Main Street/CBD, Baulkham Hills Town Centre and Carlingford Precinct. This will serve the dual purposes of meeting the demand for growth while also delivering to our residents thriving, living centres that will make up a vibrant and enriched community.
DG: What is your opinion on the local business infrastructure? What is Council planning to do to encourage more business people to stay in the area, and is there enough room for more businesses to move to the area?
PD: I am a strong advocate for greater business development in the area, and Sydney Hills' future prosperity is reliant on a business community that is strong, vibrant and progressive.
This Council has a vital role in assisting business and aims to produce an environment to build business enterprise for both new and existing enterprises. The Sydney Hills is a region with a strong and desirable skills base and a great place to do business.
I aim to build a strong and sustainable economy that achieves its vision for the future by educating local, domestic and international markets about our industry capabilities, attracting new investment and visitors to the region, and measuring and promoting our successes.
I am absolutely committed to working with local companies to grow some of the 47,000 jobs needed by 2031. This Council will work to foster economic development while preserving quality of life for our residents to enhance community lifestyle and wellbeing, both now and for future generations.
DG: It's not a secret that the economic situation in our State could be better and that the State Government has not been doing a lot to help local areas. What are your plans to build productive relationships with the State Government to bring more benefits to the Hills Shire?
PD: I look forward to building stronger relationships with government in the future. There can be no better driver for change than local government, but we need to work on building relationships that open doors and give us access at the highest levels.
It is my firm hope that partnering with government and helping them find solutions may provide better outcomes than bickering and disharmony.
This is our opportunity to start working together to get it right for the future - for our community, for our State, and for Australia. I commend this Council for the bi-partisan approach we will be taking in our commitment to building a better Council for our community.
Peter, I would like to thank you for your time and wish you all the best for the next year serving as the Mayor in such a great area with such a huge potential.
Mayor of the Hills Shire Council, Peter Dimbrowsky
with Dmitry Greku, Publisher/Editor, GWP Magazines.
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