A good crowd was in attendance at the Narrabri Chamber of Commerce’s first meeting for 2021 last Tuesday night at the Narrabri RSL Club.

The meeting chaired by president Russell Stewart covered many topics.

Mr Stewart updated the meeting on the status of the Yarrie Lake exploration bore for which the state government has provided a grant of $450,000.

Along with the funds raised by the Collins Park Lighting Committee a total of $530,000 is available.

The Yarrie Lake Trust needs to sign off on the application for the $450,000.

The trust has raised concerns it would like addressed before signing and to that end a consultant has been employed costing $14,000 which will be paid for from the Collins Park lights money.

The consultant’s decision should be available at the end of the month.

The deadline for completion of the test bore details to receive the funding is June 30, 2021.

Mr Stewart thanked those responsible for the erection, decorating and dismantling of the chamber’s Christmas tree, “an exercise in logistics that went like clock work, thanks to the organiser,” he said.

He announced that the chamber would be organising a Christmas festival this year, COVID permitting.

Also announced was the Business Awards gala event to be held in September.

Mr Stewart congratulated all involved in the Festival of Rugby, a quality event which was very well run.

Mayor Ron Campbell, who was in attendance, addressed questions that were raised regarding the Inland Rail route.

Concerns have been raised about its proximity to town and perceived noise problems as well as the actual route itself.

He said that the council put in a submission which he said was representative of the whole community.

Cr Campbell also spoke of the shared pathway and updates to come which will enhance the whole project.

He said that Santos is releasing $2 million from the VPA ahead of time to assist with the upgrade.

Cr Campbell said that council had given the approval to Bunnings however there is a hiccough from a government department and they are awaiting sign off. Cr Campbell said they expected the development to start in the next few months.

Chamber members are reminded the next meeting is the annual general meeting and will be held on Tuesday, March 9 at the RSL at 6pm.

To order photos from this page click here