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
3 updatesRecent items from The Hills Shire Council's public channels, in plain language.
- 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.
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