Petition is addressed to: OLG

We are deeply concerned that Hawkesbury Council is failing to meet its legislative obligations, consistently mismanaging project budgets, and exposing every initiative to serious risks of cost blowouts or non-completion. The organisation appears unable to attract or retain qualified staff, relying instead on underqualified personnel or costly consultants to fill critical gaps — further inflating expenses. Reports of a toxic workplace culture compound these issues. Our councillors seem unable to reach consensus on matters of public importance, and our General Manager appears increasingly out of touch with community priorities. Taken together, these failures point to systemic dysfunction driven by maladministration or the potential for corrupt practices.

The proposed 40% Special Variation to Rates is not only unjustified — it’s reckless. It amplifies existing dysfunction and, given that Hawkesbury rates already exceed those of neighbouring councils, would impose an even greater burden on ratepayers and struggling families.