15/04/2025
๐ด ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ซ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐โ๐ฌ ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฌ๐ด
The Hawkesbury Business Group (HBG) wishes to respond to the recent Hawkesbury Post article suggesting we "bankrolled" the campaign of Mayor Les Sheather. We believe this is a misrepresentation of the facts and does not accurately reflect our role in the 2024 Council elections. As a non-partisan organisation focused on the economic development of the Hawkesbury, we feel it is important to clarify the nature of our support and the values that guide our actions.
In the lead-up to the 2024 Council elections, we offered equal support to all candidates seeking election, either in person or via our public channels. Three candidates, including Les Sheather, received support from HBG in the form of financial assistance and help with social media. This included the production of one-minute videos outlining each candidateโs policy priorities. HBG also paid to promote these videos through the Hawkesbury Post to ensure equal reach and visibility.
These actions were part of a broader effort to foster civic participation and inform the communityโan initiative we remain proud of.
It is important to note that HBG operates independently of any individual memberโs private business interests. HBG was not involved in, nor did it advocate for, the sale or proposed purchase of 295 Sackville Road, Wilberforce. Our broader advocacy for rezoning land for industrial and commercial purposes stems from a critical shortage of such land in the Hawkesbury area. Additionally, the current Local Environmental Plan (LEP), last updated in 2012, does not reflect the evolving needs of our growing community. Modernising the LEP is essential to attract investment, create jobs, and ensure sustainable development.
HBG remains committed to transparency, inclusivity, and open dialogue. Our members live, work, and invest in the Hawkesbury, and our sole focus is the long-term wellbeing and prosperity of this region.
