Council News 29 August 2018
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COUNCIL NEWS 29 AUGUST 2018
The official launch of the 20 Year Economic Vision for Regional NSW was held on Monday 30 July 2018 at the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre with Council represented by the Mayor Cr Liebich and myself.
The plan was launched by the NSW Premier the Hon Gladys Berejiklian MP who together with the Deputy Premier the Hon John Barilaro MP outlined the Economic Vision for NSW for the next 20 years.
The Governments vision for regional NSW is that industries detailed below will drive the states economic future:
Agribusiness and forestry Resources and mining Tourism and hospitality Tertiary education and skills Health and residential care Freight and logistics Defence Advanced manufacturing Renewable Energy Technology-enabled primary industriesTo achieve this vision, the NSW Government will prioritise its focus in regional NSW by applying its principles for future investment.
Leverage existing infrastructure and other technologies in Growth Centres for a digitally connected future. Make regional travel faster and easier between and within regional centres, and to metropolitan areas. Improve freight networks from regional NSW to global gateways, to increase exports Manage vital energy and water resources sustainably to ensure supply will meet long-termregional needs.
The development of the Economic Vision is an important platform for the NSW Government, and one that aims to deliver greater economic and social benefits for individuals, families, communities and businesses over the next 20 years.
As residents are aware, a draft Wellness Plan has been prepared to better facilitate coordination of health services in the Weddin Shire, to better understand the future health needs of an ageing community and to provide data for informed advocacy and improved health service delivery.
The plan was advertised for public comment for 28 days and closed Friday 10 August 2018 with the plan also distributed amongst health agencies that impact and deliver services in the region. It is now proposed to conduct a meeting co-ordinated by Mr Stephen Sykes with various health professionals to discuss the Wellness Plan with a particular focus on the future health needs of the Weddin Shire. A report will then be provided to Council to enable the Weddin Wellness Plan to be formally adopted.
Following adoption a skeleton business plan will be prepared to inform potential investors in health or aged care service providers of opportunities that exist in the Weddin Shire. Consideration will then also be given to the appointment of a partnership agent for an initial period of 12 months (part time) and the establishment of the Weddin Wellness Planning Network to assist in implementing the plan.
Member for Cootamundra the Hon Stephanie Cooke MP has announced the Cootamundra electorate will get its fair share of the State’s rapidly growing tourism pie with the NSW Government announcing the State’s first regional tourism target to double the current spend.
The NSW Government will work with industry to reach an ambitious target of $20 billion in visitor expenditure in rural and regional NSW by 2025, rising to $25 billion in 2030.
A regional tourism target is great news for our local tourism operators and other businesses including accommodation providers, restaurants, hotels and retailers, who all benefit from more visitors coming to town.
A tourism target for rural and regional NSW is a commitment to local operators, businesses, pubs, cafes and hotels – from the coast to the bush – that the NSW Government will ensure everyone gets a fair share of the State’s tourism boom. The regional target will be supported by a range of initiatives by the NSW Government to encourage greater visitation to rural and regional NSW. This includes increased funding for marketing campaigns, more rural and regional events, improved tourism infrastructure and measures to address skills shortages in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
As previously mentioned many organisations in our Shire are struggling to find people to help, quite often they just need an extra hand for a particular task which may be to help stand a marquee, set up some fencing, prepare food, hang signage, decorate a venue, put out chairs etc.
In this regard residents are reminded that the Grenfell Visitor Information Centre is endeavouring to establish an email only database of people who are willing to volunteer a few hours of their time. Organisations will have the opportunity to contact the Visitor Centre and request an email to be sent out to the database with their request for help. The email will state the task they need help with, the date and time. If you are able to help with the organisation their contact details will be in the email so you can contact them directly.
The good news is that to date, the Grenfell Visitor Information Centre has had 17 people sign up to help out organisations in the Shire.
If you would like to be added to this database please contact the Grenfell Visitor Centre by sending through your email address to or calling Ph 6343 2059.
In further good news the Nationals’ Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister the Hon Michael McCormack MP is urging local volunteer organisations to apply for funding under the Volunteer Grants round.
Mr McCormack said community-minded organisations could apply for a share of up to $20 million in funding to support the efforts of their volunteers and can apply for grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 to help with buying equipment such as laptops or to pay for training volunteers.
For more information or to apply, visit the Federal Government’s Grant Connect website: www.grants.gov.au and search using the ID code GO1514 or Ph 6921 4600.
Applications close on Tuesday 18 September 2018.
Council has recently been advised that residents will soon need to switch to the NBN access network which will replace most existing landline phone and internet networks in the area which will be disconnected from 8 February 2019.
To switch, residents will need to contact their phone or internet provider and order an NBN powered plan.
The provider will then arrange for your home to be connected.
Further information is available by visiting www.nbn.com.au
The current exhibition at the Art Gallery is " Art and Science: The Nature of Documentation" in a joint exhibition by artists Matt Georgevits and Lanny Mackenzie. The exhibition opened 24 July and is on display until this Sunday 2 September 2018.
Matt’s work explores his fascination with birds, and the different interpretations that artists have taken to a supposedly emotionless art form of documentation in ornithology. Matt is exploring how people in this area approach the plight of the artist - taking what they see around them & bringing a little something extra to it.
Lanny uses past memories to create her bespoke, woven art using all materials available to her, both natural and recycled. Using intricate weaving techniques, she attempts to explore the space between concept and expression to bring to life her colourful whimsical creations.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the Art Gallery to view the new exhibition.
The Art Gallery is open Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm, Saturday 10am - 3pm & Sunday 10am -2pm.
Finally, a reminder that the Grenfell Show will be held this Friday and Saturday the 31 August – 1 September 2018. The Show is a major event on our Tourism events calendar for the year and no doubt the Show Committee have put in many hours of preparation and planning for the event to ensure it will be another outstanding success.
Dates to Note
Friday 7 September 2018 –Recycling Collection (Grenfell East)
Monday 10 September 2018 – Recycling Collection (Grenfell West)
Street Stalls
Monday 27 – Thursday 30 August 2018 – Grenfell Legacy
WEDDIN SHIRE COUNCIL
WEDDIN LOCAL HERITAGE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Council is seeking expressions of interest from owners of property who may wish to undertake conservation works on structures that could be classed as having historic or heritage value. Conservation work includes repairs, replacement, painting or removal of inappropriate alterations additions.
Each application will be treated on its merit and all ratepayers are eligible to apply.
Applications need to be returned to Council by the 31 August 2018.
Application forms may be obtained from the Shire Office, website, by telephoning the Office on 63431212 or emailed if requested.
WEDDIN SHIRE COUNCIL
SALE OF COUNCIL CAR
Council offers for sale one (1) Council Car as follows:
2013 Toyota Aurion- 4 Door Sedan, light blue colour, petrol, automatic, 140000 km, registration 18/03/2019. Rego. Number – BV19YWInspections can be arranged by contacting Councils Director Engineering Mr Raju Ranjit Ph 6343 1212.
Offers for this vehicle will be received by the undersigned up to 10:00 am Wednesday 19th September 2018.
PO BOX 125 AUTHORISED BY
GRENFELL GLENN CARROLL
GENERAL MANAGER