Mayor's Community Message

8 October

GRAND AMBITIONS

At the heart of the proposal to destroy the precious TG Millner Fields for a townhouse development lies two grand ambitions: the owners, North Ryde RSL, want to make a profit from Sydney’s housing crisis and the chief tenants, Eastwood Rugby, want to move to new facilities in faraway Castle Hill.

However, a big problem is looming for Eastwood Rugby’s plan, which is facing significant resident backlash in The Hills over the proposed redevelopment of the 6.8ha Fred Caterson Reserve into a premier rugby union facility.

Early last month, The Fred Caterson Champions Inc, launched by a group of concerned Hills residents, announced it was seeking an urgent legal injunction to stop all proposed work at the site, which it wants retained as environmentally crucial bushland. No work has yet been undertaken, and Eastwood has already announced it will still be playing at TG Millner in season 2026.

The ill-advised housing plan for TG Millner has now mobilised two deeply concerned communities. The question remains – when will the state and federal governments start to listen and realise that Council’s desire to keep TG Millner as active open space for the benefit of the Ryde community for generations to come is the grandest ambition of all.

WOOLIES PLAN

Council has listened to residents’ concerns about a proposed major mixed-use development in Gladesville featuring a Woolworths supermarket and two apartment towers.

At the 23 September 2025 Council Meeting, it was resolved that we will raise urgent concerns with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure regarding the scale and intensity of the development, particularly in relation to excessive building height and density, inadequate affordable housing provision, and lack of justifiable precedent.

Council is in favour of development that increases housing supply and services for the community, provided it is balanced with infrastructure capacity and community needs.

DIWALI CELEBRATION

I’m delighted to announce that Council is expanding its Diwali celebrations for 2025.

Entries are now open for our Diwali Festival of Lights Competition and I’m encouraging all residents to light up and decorate their homes to celebrate this special festival.

The winners in two categories will be announced on 1 November 2025 at our inaugural Diwali Celebration, which is taking place at West Ryde Plaza between 5.00pm and 8.00pm.

For full details, on Diwali celebrations please click here.

Sincerely, 
Trenton Brown – Mayor