Hornsby Park continues to take shape

Exciting changes are taking shape at Hornsby Park as we prepare to open the first precinct of this brand new space for the community.

Finishing touches at the Crusher Plant Precinct

We’re putting the final touches on the area surrounding the historic Crusher Plant building, featuring the spectacular Southern Lookout. This space will soon provide visitors with breathtaking views across the former quarry.

Current works include improvements along Quarry Road to establish a welcoming arrival plaza for visitors.

July 2025

The Southern Lookout takes shape

We are excited to share a behind-the-scenes look at the construction and transportation of the Southern Lookout viewing deck and access stairs, located at the historic Crusher Plant site at Hornsby Park.

Our contractors are installing these landmark features, which will transform the way residents and visitors experience the bushland setting on the site of the old Hornsby Quarry.

These prefabricated steel structures have been expertly designed for durability, safety, and accessibility, and represent a major milestone in the delivery of Hornsby Park.

The Southern Lookout will offer panoramic views across the former Hornsby Quarry and surrounding bushland, creating a unique space that connects people with the natural landscape and honours the area’s heritage.

June 2025

We prepared a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) to complete Embellishments – Stage 2 at Hornsby Park. These Stage 2 works will build upon the above works across the park and are a vital next step in the path to realising the Master Plan. The proposed works in Old Mans Valley (OMV) will start to fill in some of the remaining pieces of the park.

The Hornsby Park Embellishment – Stage 2 REF assesses possible impacts the project will have on the environment and details steps to be carried out to avoid, minimise, or mitigate those impacts.

Comments closed on Friday, 4 July 2025.

There were 61 submissions received in response to the exhibition. 50 of the submissions focus on the mountain biking aspects of the proposal with the remaining 11 covering broader topics.  All except one expressed some level of support for the proposal. The one submission that expressed opposition to the REF highlighted matters covered by the ten other non Mountain Bike submissions that provided a mixture of views; including concerns, suggestions and recommendations on various topics. Note: two submissions received from the same person on the same day have been combined as one submission.

May 2025

Exciting progress at Hornsby Park

Hornsby Park continues to take shape, with major milestones bringing us closer to a vibrant new recreational space for the community.

The Crusher Plant area draws closer to completion and now features picnic tables and barbecues, which will provide a welcoming spot for visitors to relax. Ongoing investment in vegetation management and habitat creation is enhancing the natural landscape, while the construction of the Western Lookout and Boardwalk is almost complete, with tracks and trails leading to Rosemead Road.

Construction of the Southern Lookout viewing platform is well underway. This striking structure, with its 14-metre-high tapered steel columns, 13-metre flight of stairs and 42-metre-long viewing deck, will offer breathtaking panoramic views across the quarry and surrounding bushland. Meanwhile, work is progressing on the North-Western Lookout, adding even more scenic vantage points to the park.

The final stage of the Hornsby Heritage Steps restoration is advancing, ensuring the long-term durability of these historic steps.

In more great news, work will soon begin on a circulation path around the old quarry, designed for walking and cycling. This addition will enhance the enjoyment of Hornsby Park for residents and visitors alike.

30 April 2025

Update regarding Southern Lookout Deliveries on Quarry Road, Hornsby

The deliveries relating to the Southern Lookout, originally scheduled to start on Thursday 1 May, have been delayed due to wet weather.

The nighttime truck deliveries have therefore been adjusted as follows:

• two trucks scheduled to arrive in Hornsby between 11pm and 1am on Friday 2 / Saturday 3 May
• one truck scheduled to arrive in Hornsby between 11pm and 1am on Monday 5 / Tuesday 6 May

Two further deliveries will be completed during the daytime on Tuesday 6 May / Wednesday 7 May.

The Quarry Road parking restrictions will be as previously advised.

Council apologises for any inconvenience that may be caused during the works.

8 January 2025

Shortly after we started the track works in August 2024, we discovered a nesting pair of Powerful Owls.

As noted in November 2024 – Construction work at Hornsby Quarry has been carefully planned and delivered to incorporate the needs of local Powerful Owls.

It has now been determined that, as is the case every year, the Powerful Owls and their chicks have left the Hornsby Quarry locale for their summer home.

We are therefore able to recommence the previously scheduled track works from Monday 13 January 2025.

The details are per our 19 August 2024 update.

January 2025

The Circulation Works REF was publicly exhibited from 2 December 2024 until 20 January 2025. The purpose of the exhibition was to provide the community with the opportunity to provide feedback on the REF which would then enable Council to consider any possible adjustments to the included elements. The Public Exhibition of the REF was advertised online via Your Say Hornsby, eNews, and the community were invited to provide feedback via an online submission form, in writing or via email.

There were 5 submissions received in response to the exhibition. One submission was very brief “Endorsed. A very well written REF, reads well easily.”. The other submissions provided a mixture of views; including concerns, suggestions and recommendations on various topics.

9 December 2024

Old Mans Valley, part of Hornsby Shire Council’s ambitious Hornsby Park project, will come alive as a vibrant Field of Play thanks to a Thriving Suburbs grant from the Australian Government.

December 2024

We have prepared a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) to complete Circulation Works at Hornsby Park. These Circulation Works will connect the rehabilitation and Stage 1 embellishment works through the completion of the Quarry Loop around the rim of the Quarry. This will enable visitors to safely experience the former quarry.

The Hornsby Park Embellishment – Circulation Works REF assesses possible impacts the project will have on the environment and details steps to be carried out to avoid, minimise, or mitigate those impacts.

Comments on the Hornsby Park Embellishment – Circulation Works REF closed on Monday, 20 January 2025.

November 2024

Construction work at Hornsby Quarry has been carefully planned and delivered to incorporate the needs of local Powerful Owls. The construction team, Council ecologists and Birdlife Australia are working diligently to ensure daily activities at the site are conducted with the utmost consideration for these magnificent birds. Ongoing monitoring of the owls is also undertaken to ensure a safe and suitable environment is maintained for the owls through the construction phase. Council is committed to preserving the habitat as part of the Vegetation Management Plan and Habitat Creation and Enhancement Plan that is being implemented on site. Combined, these plans, and the proactive measures being implemented will protect and support this important species.

19 August 2024

As part of the Stage 1 embellishment works for Hornsby Park, we will be upgrading an existing bush track to become a shared pedestrian / mountain bike connection from Rosemead Road (see 2 and 4a on the map).

An elevated boardwalk (4b) will complete the link to the Western Lookout. Another track (3) will provide a pedestrian link to the North-Western Lookout. Refer to the Stage 1 Embellishment REF for more detail.

The existing fire trail (1) will be used as the access path to deliver material to the works and there will be machinery moving up and down that fire trail from time to time. Our contractors will be working to keep the trail open for walkers and for emergency access. Care should be taken when walking through this area while the works are underway, which will take approximately one month overall (weather permitting).

3 July 2024

Work has commenced on the utilities at the western end of Quarry Road, as part of the development of the former quarry site.

When the works reach the junction of Quarry Road, Dural Street and Frederick Street within the next couple of weeks, a part of Dural Street will be need to be closed and traffic detours and management will be in place. Property access will be maintained at all times.

• View the Traffic Guidance Scheme (PDF 328kb)
• Learn more (PDF 2MB)

31 May 2024

We have prepared a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) under Part 5 of the EP&A Act, to undertake additional drainage works to the north-east of the Hornsby Quarry void to ensure that stormwater is safely conveyed through the site.

The REF was on public exhibition between 31 May and 30 June 2024. No submissions were received.

2 August 2023

As part of Local Government Week, we celebrated by showcasing a few of our team members from across Council.

Meet Project Manager, Trevor Carlyle-Hoggan

29 June 2023

Review of Environmental Factors (REF) Community Engagement Report

Following adoption of the Hornsby Park Master Plan in July 2021, Hornsby Shire Council resolved on 8 March 2023 to undertake Stage 1 Embellishment Works for Hornsby Park. It has been determined that the Stage 1 works can be approved under Part 5 of the New South Wales Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act).

This report summarises feedback and provides responses to submissions received by Hornsby Shire Council during the exhibition of the Hornsby Park Master Plan Stage 1 Review of Environmental Factors (REF).

The REF was publicly exhibited from 27 April until 25 May 2023. The purpose of the exhibition was to provide the community with the opportunity to provide feedback on the REF which would then enable Council to consider any possible adjustments to the Stage 1 elements. The Public Exhibition of the REF was advertised online via Your Say Hornsby, in the local print newspapers, eNews, and the community were invited to provide feedback via an online submission form, in writing or via email.

There were 17 submissions received in response to the exhibition. Seven of these expressed support for the proposal, two were opposed and eight submissions contained mixed views, suggestions or recommendations. Note: two submissions received from the same person on the same day have been combined as one submission.

9 March 2023

$27.9 Million First Stage for Hornsby Park Unveiled

At its general meeting on Wednesday 8 March, Hornsby Shire Council took significant steps forward in the delivery of its major project at Hornsby Park. Councillors determined to progress Hornsby Park by delivering an impressive canopy skywalk and cable bridge through the trees in 2024.

As per the Master Plan adopted in July 2021, Hornsby Park will become a major recreation destination which will be delivered in stages. Following extensive groundworks at the site, Council has responded to our community’s desire to be able to visit and enjoy the site as soon as possible by committing to deliver the first stage of the project.

The almost $28 million attractions will feature an impressive 400m canopy skywalk and cable bridge linking Hornsby Town Centre with the site of the old Crusher Plant on a fully accessible pathway immersing visitors into the bush. In this stage, Council will also begin developing the area around the Crusher Plant with a lookout, a lawn and play area, car park and toilet facilities. Plans also include additional bushwalking tracks and trails leading to two more lookouts to the west and north-west of the site. The first works are targeted to be open to the public in 2024.

“We are pleased that the first stage of this important project will be available next year for the community to enjoy. We have been working hard behind the scenes to make the site safe and preparing it for future uses. While the project as a whole will develop over time, we are excited that this new skywalk will give people to the opportunity to experience this unique destination of outstanding natural beauty and see this huge project taking shape,” said Hornsby Shire Mayor Philip Ruddock. “Delivering the project within a financially responsible framework is critical and we have worked with staff to ensure that we have safeguards in place to minimise any risk”.

December 2022

During 2022, earthworks, drainage and road works continued to progress in and around the quarry site but unfortunately, there were 304 days of delay added to the project timeline due to wet weather, Covid related and other global supply interruptions, site conditions and changes in scope.

As a result, construction of the park infrastructure that will deliver the Master Plan is unlikely to commence until 2025.

We understand the community are very keen to start enjoying the site. Therefore, given the construction delays and taking into account feedback we received about Hornsby Park during the Special Rate Variation engagement, Councillors are exploring options for providing access to the site as early as possible.

In parallel, commercial opportunities are being identified to help fund some elements of the project, during both the build and operating stages.