Christmas 2023 Mayoral Message

Christmas 2023 Mayoral Message

18 December, 2023

As the Christmas break approaches, it is an opportune time to pause and reflect on the year just passed, and to think about the year ahead. When I did this, I was filled with gratitude and warmth for the wonderful community that makes the Lithgow local government area so special.

During 2023 the Council has continued to bring forward projects that will shape the future of the Lithgow local government area including:

Re-instating an interim access to residences and businesses in the Wolgan Valley via the Donkey Steps. It will take some time before a new permanent road is constructed and open to the public. So, the Council is continuing to work with the Wolgan Valley community to ensure their safety and well-being.  The construction of a new water trunk main in Portland has reduced interruptions to the water service for residents. This will also enable growth in Portland including the proposed development of the Portland Foundations site which will deliver 350 houses. The Resource Recovery Centre at the Lithgow Landfill was opened in October.  This Centre has been well received by the community who have embraced the Reuse Shed where items in good condition are available for reuse and upcycling or repurposing into creative projects for our popular annual Waste to Art Competition.    The Council is also working toward the introduction of a FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) service in March.  Residents across the Lithgow LGA who currently receive a kerb-side service will receive a new green bin and a handy little kitchen caddy for your food scraps. The Cullen Bullen Sewerage Treatment Plant and enabling works on each property in the village have been substantially completed.

The Council is also continuing to progress key projects to assist in the transition of the local economy. With technical designs and environmental studies completed for the Clarence to Wallerawang Pipeline Project, the Council is working to ensure that the project will meet the water supply needs of the community now and into the future.  This project is key to enabling industrial growth and development, diversifying the economy, and implementing the Lithgow Emerging Economy Plan (LEEP). LEEP proposes to take advantage of our location and skills base to attract advanced manufacturing and industry, establish a Health Precinct and more government services, and expand the city’s natural, historical, and cultural tourism opportunities.

Working together, we can create a brighter and more inclusive future for all.

On behalf of the entire Lithgow City Council, I wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  May the holiday season fill your hearts with peace and happiness.