January Community Update A summary of business from the Council meeting

Lithgow Council takes bold action to secure the future of the Lithgow area.

The current Council has engaged significantly with the community about their priorities. As an outcome, the Council has made a major commitment to improving the city’s infrastructure, growing the local economy and improving services. To create the capacity for these activities, councillors endorsed that an application be made to IPART for a permanent increase to land rates.

The overall income from land rates will increase by a maximum of 45.7% (including a 3.7% rate peg), but the average resident will have their increase limited to 27.7% (including 3.7% rate peg).

Wolgan Valley access.

The Wolgan Road was closed to traffic in early November 2022 because of immediate concerns regarding slope stability. This has stranded a community of about 150 residents. Businesses have also been gravely affected, including the Emirates One&Only Resort. 

Council has worked alongside Public Works and Peter Gracey (the contractor) who have excelled in their management and construction of an emergency access (Old Coach Road) and an alternate route, Donkey Steps over difficult terrain for residents. The support of the Mingaan Wiradjuri Aboriginal Corporation, who have assisted in assessment and safeguarding of any indigenous heritage, is also acknowledged.

A detailed geotechnical report has found that the Wolgan Road is built upon highly erodible material and any attempt to maintain this route for long term access will be extremely difficult. As a backstop, the Council has commenced work on the identification of an alternate, permanent resilient access route as a matter of priority.  Council will also actively explore all avenues to secure funding and move forward with minimal delay.

The well-being of residents in the Wolgan Valley is a priority for Council and we continue to work closely with residents, the Wolgan Valley Association and businesses of the valley to ensure their needs are met.

Lithgow Community Private Hospital

Council is continuing to make the case for the retention of specialist medical services provided by the Lithgow Community Private (LCP) Hospital. 

The Council has been advised that negotiations are continuing between Lithgow Community Private Hospital and the Local Health District.   Council has also been advised that LCP has made a formal request to the State Government for funding to partially restore losses from the covid pandemic and to replace a lung function machine that has reached the end of its life. 

The Council is concerned that in the absence of an appropriate arrangement between the parties, some risk remains that the Lithgow community could suffer a loss or reduction of the specialist medical services provided by Lithgow Community private.

The Council will continue to be active in advocating for a long-term agreement which ensures that these much-needed specialist medical services will continue to be available in Lithgow.   

“Living within the Environment”, Waste Management & Resource Recovery Strategy

Council adopted the Waste Management & Resource Recovery Strategy 2022-2026  “Living within the Environment”.  The strategy recognises waste as a resource and focuses actions on reducing, reusing and recycling.

Key actions include developing a kerbside organics (FOGO) implementation plan, finishing construction of the Resource Recovery Centre and undertaking material separation on site to match available recycling markets.

Community Cultural Protocol – working together as one with our Aboriginal Community

Council has affirmed its commitment to work together with our Aboriginal Community to protect and improve the interests of all Aboriginal people in the Lithgow area.  

The Community Cultural Protocol fosters unity, ownership, participation, and leadership while contributing to the social, cultural and economic activities of the wider community within the Seven Valleys.  

The protocol is a valuable guide for organisations seeking to engage with our local Aboriginal people and is available for viewing on Council’s website here  

The complete 23 January Council Agenda is available on Council’s website