NSW · Greater Sydney (north-west) · Local council, made simple
The Hills Shire Council
One of Australia's fastest-growing council areas, on Sydney's north-west fringe — around 215,600 people across Castle Hill, Kellyville, Norwest, Bella Vista and Box Hill, anchored by the Norwest Business Park and the Sydney Metro Northwest rail corridor. The council runs the local services you use every week — waste, roads, libraries, development — and sets your rates. Here's the snapshot, then the stuff that affects your week.
Everyday essentials
The things people actually need from the council — fast.
Get to know your council
The basics, in one tap — open any card for key facts and a link to the official source.
This year's rate rise, how it compares across NSW, and why bills differ.
2025–26 rate peg: 6.2%
Open →Budget & financesHow financially healthy the council is, measured against official benchmarks.
Meets 7 of 9 OLG financial benchmarks
Open →Crime & safetyThe Hills Shire's recorded crime rates, side by side with the NSW average.
All 12 major offences below the NSW rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsWho represents you, by ward — and where to read their official profiles.
Mayor: Dr Michelle Byrne (Liberal)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, and how voting works.
Next election: Sat 9 Sep 2028
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council and report a problem.
Customer service: (02) 9843 0555
Open →City profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: ~215,600 (2023–24)
Open →What's happening
30 updatesAuto-collected from The Hills Shire Council's public channels and drafted in plain language (pending review).
- Policy
Amendments to The Hills DCP relating to the West Gables Precinct
Published on 03 November 2026 At its meeting on 16 June 2026, Council resolved to adopt draft amendments to Part D Section 17 – Box Hill North of The Hills Development Control Plan 2012 (DCP 2012) in support of the West Gables Planning Proposal.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Draft VPA - 40 Memorial Avenue and 1 Free Settlers Drive, Bella Vista
Published on 02 November 2026 Council is publicly exhibiting a draft Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) applicable to 40 Memorial Avenue and 1 Free Settlers Drive, Bella Vista.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Council's Community Environment Centre Celebrates 20 Years
Published on 02 November 2026 Hills Shire residents are invited to celebrate 20 years of the Community Environment Centre at a free celebration event on Sunday 29 November 2026.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Council Earmarks Site for Future SES Headquarters
Published on 30 October 2026 A new headquarters for The Hills State Emergency Service (SES) Unit is a step closer, with Council earmarking a site at Balmoral Road Reserve, Kellyville for the future facility.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
New Park for Box Hill Moves Forward
Published on 28 October 2026 Box Hill residents are a step closer to enjoying a new neighbourhood park, with The Hills Shire Council appointing a contractor to deliver Stockhorse Avenue Reserve.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Proposed Council Operations Centre and Recreation Facilities at Gables
Published on 27 October 2026 Have Your Say on a a Council-initiated planning proposal to facilitate a Council Operations Centre and recreational facilities at 183 and 191 Maguires Road, Gables.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Hills Businesses to Benefit from Free Digital Skills Program
Published on 20 October 2026 Small and micro-business owners across The Hills now have access to FREE digital skills training and resources after The Hills Shire Council was selected as a partner in the Australian Government’s Digital Solutions Program.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Save the Date for Hills Christmas Events
Published on 19 October 2026 The Hills Shire’s Christmas event extravaganza is back for the 2026 festive season, featuring a boutique Christmas market, the region’s biggest Christmas light display and a festive party for younger residents at Bella Vista Farm.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Expressions of Interest Open for Disability Inclusion Reference Group
Published on 16 October 2026 People with disability, carers and professionals working across disability, access and inclusion are invited to apply for The Hills Shire Council’s Disability Inclusion Reference Group.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
The Hills Shire Council's Top 10 Advocacy Priorities Revealed
Published on 15 October 2026 The Hills Shire Council will be calling on candidates at the next state and federal elections to commit to a series of infrastructure and policy priorities to improve life for people living in Sydney’s North West.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
2027 Australia Day Award Nominations Now Open
Published on 29 September 2026 The Hills Shire Council invites residents to nominate an individual or community group for a 2027 Australia Day Award in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the local community.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Event
Free Spring School Holiday Activities for Kids in The Hills
Published on 28 September 2026 Council’s free school holiday program is back this spring, offering a range of activities for children and young people across The Hills to enjoy.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Housekeeping & Miscellaneous Amendments to The Hills LEP & DCP
Published on 28 September 2026 Council is publicly exhibiting housekeeping and miscellaneous amendments to The Hills Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2019 and The Hills Development Control Plan (DCP) 2012.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Council Adopts Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026-2030
Published on 24 September 2026 The Hills Shire Council has adopted its Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2026-2030, reaffirming its commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible community for people with disabilities.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
New Citizens Welcomed to The Hills on Australian Citizenship Day
Published on 21 September 2026 The Hills Shire Council has welcomed its newest Australian citizens at a special Australian Citizenship Day ceremony, celebrating belonging, community and the many cultures that enrich Australia.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
New Australians Share Their Citizenship Journey
Published on 21 September 2026 Australian Citizenship Day is a celebration of belonging, community and the many cultures that enrich Australia. We spoke with two of these new citizens about their citizenship journey and what becoming an Australian citizen means to them.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Echoes Moon Garden Now Open at Bella Vista Farm
Published on 18 September 2026 The gates of historic Bella Vista Farm have swung open for guests to enter a magical nocturnal garden in the heart of Sydney’s north-west.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
New Shared Path Improves Safety and Connectivity in Norwest
Published on 15 September 2026 People walking and riding bikes in Norwest will benefit from safer, more convenient and better-connected travel following the completion of The Hills Shire Council's Norwest Boulevard Shared Path project, funded by the NSW Government through the Get NSW Active program.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
What you need to know about H5 bird flu
Published on 15 September 2026 The NSW Government has issued some information on H5 bird flu.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Development
Amendments to The Hills Development Control Plan - Box Hill North
Published on 31 August 2026 Amendments to The Hills Development Control Plan 2012 Part D Section 17 Box Hill North (10/2025/PLP) .
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Four Weeks to Fire Ready Returns to Help Hills Residents Prepare
Published on 07 September 2026 The Hills Shire Council, in partnership with the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), is urging residents to take action and prepare for bush fire season through its annual Four Weeks to Fire Ready initiative.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Election
Councillor Frank De Masi Re-Elected as Deputy Mayor of The Hills Shire
Published on 27 August 2026 Councillor Frank De Masi will serve as Deputy Mayor of The Hills Shire for a third consecutive term after being re-elected by his fellow Councillors.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Tender Awarded for Annangrove Road Upgrade
Published on 17 August 2026 A $51 million major upgrade to one of the Hills’ busiest roads is a step closer after The Hills Shire Council awarded a tender for the Annangrove Road Upgrade.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Development
Amendments to The Hills Development Control Plan 2012 (9/2021/PLP)
Published on 25 August 2026 Amendments to The Hills Development Control Plan 2012 - Living Choice Facility Glenhaven (9/2021/PLP).
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Waste
Free E-Waste Plus Drop-Off Event Returns for Hills Residents
Published on 14 August 2026 The Hills Shire Council's E-Waste PLUS Drop-Off Event is returning to Castle Hill Showground on Saturday 19 September, giving Hills residents a free and easy way to dispose of electronic waste and other recyclable materials.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Development
Learn which development applications may no longer be notified and how you can stay informed.
Learn which development applications may no longer be notified and how you can stay informed.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
What’s Happening in The Hills This September 2026 - OBF Edition
Published on 01 September 2026 Discover the best ways to experience this year's 2026 Orange Blossom Festival.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Mayor welcomes NSW Government's free asbestos disposal trial
Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne welcomed the NSW Government's announcement of a free asbestos disposal trial for households, due to begin in 2027.
What this means for you: If you're renovating or clearing a property with asbestos materials, a free disposal trial is planned to start in 2027 — details are set by the NSW Government, not the council.
- Have your say
Public hearing: proposal to reclassify land at Woodchester Close Reserve
The council is holding a public hearing on a planning proposal to reclassify and rezone council-owned open space at Woodchester Close Reserve from 'Community' to 'Operational' land.
What this means for you: If you live near Woodchester Close Reserve, this hearing is your chance to have a say before any change to how this council land is classified and zoned.
- Development
Castle Hill Showground Arena set for major transformation
The council unveiled plans to upgrade the 136-year-old Aub Juleff Arena at Castle Hill Showground, co-funded by $11.475M in NSW Government infrastructure grants.
What this means for you: Expect design exhibition and, in time, construction works at Castle Hill Showground; residents can review plans and have their say via the council's Have Your Say page.
Email alerts aren't switched on yet
We haven't started sending email, so we're not taking addresses for now. New items from The Hills Shire Councilshow up under “What's happening” above as we find them, each linked to its official source.