Council Update

Conversation with the GM

Footpaths

Did you know Blayney Shire has approximately 40km of footpath? This is the equivalent of walking from Blayney township to Bathurst!

Active Movement Strategy (AMS)

Council has had an Active Movement Strategy (AMS) since 2016. An AMS is a council driven plan where Council would like to strategically link footpaths, cycleways and walking trails, improves accessibility for all persons that: encourages walking, cycling, and ease of movement for our community.  

Council has used the AMS, to guide grant funding applications and allocations in recent years to deliver thirty-four (34) projects identified within the AMS over the last 5 years for the betterment and improvement of our community. 

Following the last review in 2023, the AMS was considered at this week’s Council Meeting and after being reviewed it was recommended for the updated AMS be placed on public exhibition for a minimum 28 days.

If you are interested in the AMS, all documents will be on the ‘documents on exhibition page’ of Council’s website or contact Council via phone or in person. 

Footpath renewals 

Over the last few years Council has undertaken an extensive amount of community engagement and one of the reoccurring things we hear is why do we build new footpaths when the existing ones seem to need maintenance or replacement? 

Council has primarily used grant funding (rather than Councils’ own cash) to construct new footpaths identified within the AMS. These grant funds are very specific and usually cannot be used to fund existing maintenance activities on existing footpaths. 

With limited grant funding opportunities now available for all councils in NSW, Council is seeking to continue being financially diligent as we shift focus to maintaining and renewing of our existing assets (stormwater, culverts, bridges, roads and in particular our ageing footpath network). 

In the current 2025/26 year, Council doubled the budget allocation for repairs and maintenance to footpaths, which has had a very positive impact on our ageing footpath network and Council is looking to continue this investment as it prepares the 2026/27 and 2027/28 budgets.    

Report an issue

Whilst Council does conduct regular inspections of all our assets, if you see an issue we encourage you to report it. You can do so via phone or our website with the 'Customer Request’ online form.  

Council Update

Australian Government Mobile Service Centre

The Australian Government Mobile Service Centre will be visiting Blayney on Friday, 6 March 2026.

The Mobile Centre will be located in the carpark at the rear of the Blayney Shire Community Centre from 9.30am to 4.00pm.

Visit the Mobile Service Centre to find out about Australian Government payments and services for rural families, older Australians, students, job seekers, people with disability, carers, farmers and self-employed people.

Information about Department of Veterans’ Affairs programs and support services for veterans and their families will also be available.

Staff can also help you create a myGov account.

For more information visit servicesaustralia.gov.au/mobileoffice

Contract EOI 1/2026 – Public Expressions of Interest for Further Development, Improvement or Use of Whites Quarry

Submissions close at 4.00pm Friday 20 March, 2026.

Council invites Public Expressions of Interest (EOI) for suitably qualified individuals or organisations for proposals relating to the further development, improvement, rehabilitation, management and/or use of Council’s Whites Quarry (the site).

Documentation may be obtained from Blayney Shire Council’s e-tendering website: 
https://www.vendorpanel.com.au/blayney/tenders

The Principal shall not be bound to accept any submission.

Positions Vacant

Council currently has the following positions available:

• Team Leader – Signs. Applications close 4 March 2026
• Civil Works Operator. Applications close 31 March 2026

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

 

Youth Week Funding

Community organisations are encouraged to apply for funding to host activities during Youth Week as part of the 2026 Youth Week Small Grants Program.

Youth Week 2026 will take place from 16 April to 26 April and highlight the issues and concerns of local youth aged 12 to 24. This year’s theme is ‘Dream. Dare. Do.”

Grants available are in the amount of $700 to $1,200. Consideration for larger grants will be given for worthy activities.

Don’t miss out! You can find application forms on Council’s National Youth Week page.

Sculptures by the Bush

Sculptures by the Bush 2026 is coming up again soon in April 2026 where Hay Bale Art, Farm Art and Scarecrows dot the Blayney Shire landscape!

Each year, Sculptures by the Bush brings carloads of people into our region which wouldn’t be possible without our amazing community who create these incredible sculptures. Whether you’re a business owner, local resident, school or community group, we encourage you to get involved and get creative!

Keys Dates

• isplay Period: Thursday 2 April to Sunday 26 April 2026
• Registrations Close: 9am Monday 30 March 2026

Visit our Sculptures By The Bush page for more information and photos from last year for inspiration.