Council Update

Conversation with the GM

Free Farm Succession Planning Workshop – A Key to Securing the Future of Your Farm

If you own a farm, succession planning can be one of the most important things you need to do and is something that a lot of families don’t like to think about or discuss.  From a Council perspective, there may be rules around subdividing land or approvals required for developments to supplement on-farm income such as agritourism or farm stay accommodation.

 A crucial and free Farm Succession Planning Workshop is set to take place on Thursday, 27th March 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM at the Blayney Community Centre.

This informative event, presented by Kirsty Evans and Dannielle Ford from Cheney Suthers Law Firm, with the support of Newmont Cadia and Blayney Shire Council, is designed to provide valuable insights into the importance of planning for the future of farming operations.

The workshop will cover essential topics, including:

• The importance of planning for the farm’s future
• Evaluating the financial health and operations of the farm
• Consulting with experts: Councils, financial advisors, accountants, and lawyers
• Identifying key players in the farm’s business
• Setting future goals and a clear transition timeline
• Deciding who will take over the farm
• An overview of estate planning, legal, and tax considerations
• Managing insurance, liabilities, and legal transfers
• Establishing key milestones for the handover process
• Financial planning and support
• Real-life case studies from industry professionals

Kirsty Evans and Dannielle Ford, both highly experienced lawyers at Cheney Suthers, will guide attendees through the essential aspects of farm succession, helping farmers to prepare for a smooth and effective transition to the next generation or new owners.

 

This workshop, with additional support from Newmont Cadia and Blayney Shire Council, aims to provide farmers and landowners with the knowledge and tools needed to successfully plan for the future of their farming operations.

For more information or to reserve your place, please contact Kirsten.cunningham@rdacentralwest.org.au or (02) 6369 1600.

Event Details:
Date: Thursday, 27th March 2025
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: Blayney Community Centre
FREE RSVP: https://events.humanitix.com/farm-succession-planning-masterclass

Council Update

Positions Vacant

Council currently has the following positions available:

• Works Operators – Permanent or Casual
• Parks and Recreation Operators – Permanent or Casual

There is currently no closing date for these positions. Application will be assessed as they come in.

Please refer to Council’s Employment Opportunities page for an Information Package and details on how to apply for these positions.

 

Council Meeting

The March Ordinary Meeting of Council will be held in the Chambers, Blayney Shire Community Centre, on Tuesday 25 March 2025, commencing at 6.00pm. Members of the community are welcome to attend. A copy of the Business Paper will be available on Council’s website prior to the meeting.

You can also tune in live

Documents on Public Exhibition

Following the February Council Meeting, Council is seeking comment on the following documents which are on public exhibition:

• Payment of Expenses and Provision of Facilities to the Mayor and Councillors Policy
• Community Initiated Infrastructure Policy

This document is available for viewing and downloading on Council’s Documents on Public Exhibition page.

Written submissions must be received prior to 5.00pm Thursday 10 April 2025.

 

Public Exhibition – Proposed Bridge Names

Following the February 2025 Ordinary Meeting, Council is seeking comment on the proposed bridge names for:

• Leabeater Street, Lyndhurst – as the Thomas William Toshack Bridge
• Long Swamp Road, Flyers Creek – as the Richard Oswald Rapley Bridge

Information in relation to these names is now on public exhibition on Council’s Documents on Public Exhibition page. 

Council is inviting written submission to be received by 5pm, Tuesday 1 April 2025.

 

Public Exhibition of Plan of Management for Community Land (Crown Reserves) – Open Space, Parks, Sportsgrounds and Community Facilities

Council at its meeting held 25 February 2025 endorsed the Plan of Management for Community Land (Crown Reserves) – Open Space, Parks, Sportsgrounds and Community Facilities for public exhibition. This plan outlines the way Community Crown Land Reserves are managed and is intended to provide a strategic planning and governance framework for the management and use of Crown Land Reserves for which Blayney Shire Council are Crown Land Managers. 

The plan is not proposing changes to Crown Reserves in the Blayney LGA. It is intended to formalise existing use arrangements and assist seamless administration and operation going forward.

Council is seeking feedback and input from the community. Whether you visit any of the Crown Reserves listed in the plan regularly or you would like to in the future, this is your opportunity to have your say on how you would like them to be used and enjoyed by the community. 

To ensure feedback and input is as effective as possible please:

• List all points according to section and page number in the Plan of Management.
• Briefly describe each subject or issue you wish to discuss.
• State which strategies you agree or disagree with and give reasons.
• Suggest alternatives to deal with any issue with which you disagree.

Submissions on the Plan of Management closes 5.00pm Thursday 17 April 2025.

 

Service NSW Mobile Service Centre Visit – Blayney

The Service NSW Mobile Centre will be in Blayney on Thursday 27 March 2025 located in the carpark at the rear of the Blayney Shire Community Centre from 9.00am to 3.00pm.

This Mobile Service delivers access to essential NSW Government services, including:

• Driver licences, proof of identity documents and photo card applications
• Driver Knowledge Tests
• Working With Children Checks
• NDIS Worker Check
• Applying for birth, death and marriage certificates
• Access more than 70 NSW Government rebates and savings.

For more information, please visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/msc