Blayney Shire Council started this year
under a merger proposal with Orange and Cabonne which created great uncertainty
amongst our community about the future of our Council area. In February, the new Premier declared the
proposed mergers be withdrawn and Blayney Shire has continued to be a stand
alone Council, which has been good news for our organisation and
residents. Despite this uncertainty,
Council remained positive and continued to deliver services whilst completing
significant projects throughout the shire.
One of the largest road projects in our
shire has been the Errowanbang (Southern Cadia Access Route) road project. This
has seen a major upgrade of the road network improving access not only to Cadia
mine but also for our rural residents and visitors to our area.
Our major infrastructure renewal program
commenced this year resulting in the replacement of six timber bridges with new
modern structures able to accommodate heavier vehicles and improve safety for
all road users. This year also saw the completion and official opening of the
new redeveloped Redmond Oval in Millthorpe with a new playing surface,
irrigation and new canteen. This project had been supported by the State government,
Council and Millthorpe residents who raised money for the canteen and
associated projects.
Our Community Development Coordinators
have been appointed and are working closely with our villages and town
associations to attract grant funding and assist the volunteers with their
individual plans and projects. The major
refurbishment of the Visitor Information Centre in Blayney has created a modern
cafe and improved facilities for our volunteers and visitors. Councillors have continued to work with all the
members of our various committees developing plans for future sporting
facilities, Culture Centre and Blayney Main Street improvements.
Blayney Shire's ongoing membership with
our Regional Organisation of Councils (CENTROC) and the Associating of Mining
Related Councils has continued to deliver savings and important networks
throughout the region for the shire.
Through these organisations, we are continuing to advocate for improved
transport links to Sydney and the potential reopening of the Blayney / Demondrille
rail line. Also in partnership with
Central Tablelands Water we are working towards improved water security and
storage for Blayney Shire and the larger region. In addition, Blayney Shire
Council is working with Orange and Cabonne Councils, as well as local tourism
businesses to create an exciting new organisation to promote the very important
and growing tourism industry across the region.
In partnership with Bernardi’s
Marketplace and the Blayney Chronicle, our Healthy and Happiness Wellness
Challenge was a great success with many individuals and teams participating in
extra activities and events to improve their fitness and wellbeing. Council is
pleased to announce Blayney & Villages recently was awarded a $15,000
funding grant by the NSW Government and Heart Foundation to participate in a
NSW Town Challenge in early 2018. We’ll hear more about the programs planned to
support this initiative in the New Year.
I would like to thank all the Council
staff for their ongoing commitment and support of our community in what has
been a very challenging, busy and successful year. We have raised the profile of our Shire
throughout the region with multiple media events and functions and will
continue to promote the area as a wonderful place to live and invest. On behalf of my fellow Councillors I would
like to wish everyone a safe and very Merry Christmas, and a happy and
prosperous 2018.