Councillor Cr Maxine Booby reflects on years of progress

This will be my final letter as a councillor as I will not be standing for re-election in September.

I hope someone will be a candidate in the forthcoming election who will have the shire interests at heart and focus on the Wee Waa, Pilliga and Gwabegar areas of the Narrabri Shire.

I have represented the community as a councillor for nine years.

It has been a busy and eventful time learning about the vital actions of local government in the functioning of the shire and its communities.

Local government (ie. council) provides the basic platform for the functioning of our society and how we live.

The old saying of ‘roads, rates and rubbish’ describes the fundamentals of living conditions today.

I have learnt about oxidisation of bitumen roads, coloidial soils, maintenance of council assets, how garbage is treated and the rules for the setting of rates, fees and charges to name a few things.

I have learned to observe other towns and the different infrastructure and attractions to bring ideas to our shire.

During the last two terms of council much has been achieved in Narrabri Shire.

In 2012 mining was new and rapidly expanding.

Narrabri Shire Council was among the first to establish VPAs (voluntary planning agreements) with money from mining put to community benefit.

As a result, money and other commitments from mine development contributed to the loan repayments of The Crossing Theatre, Narrabri Aquatic Centre, improvements to the Boggabri Pool and Caravan Park, Vickery Park and a dedicated building for child care in Boggabri.

Road improvement, Harparary Bridge, Tarriaro Bridge, Baan Baa water supply and CBD enhancements across the shire were also funded from VPA funds.

Mining has given employment and learning to many in our shire.

With the coming of Inland Rail, Narrabri Shire Council has focused on achieving the best outcomes for the shire and its world-class agricultural produce.

North and south access to this important rail route is vital and council has worked diligently towards this goal.

The Northern NSW Inland Port (N2IP) is becoming a reality with government support in the amount of $24.6 million combined from both federal and state governments.

The N2IP development will be an industrial area which will encourage industry needing access to major transport routes of rail and road.

Two, maybe three, solar farms are progessing in the Narrabri and Wee Waa area bringing employment and skills to our area.

It is not all permanent employment but it allows our young workers to gain skills and qualifications for future work.

Yarrie Lake and the Pilliga bore baths continue to attract tourists to the shire. This encourages others to come through the internet, social media and word of mouth. There is nothing like a hot soak for relaxation!

CBD improvements in Boggabri, Narrabri and Wee Waa have and continue to make the town centres attractive places to visit and live.

Wee Waa CBD is still a work in progress with the Anzac corner and the roundabout design to be completed.

The ‘green space’ in Rose Street complements the area and is used frequently.

Our parks look great.

New exercise and play equipment has been put into all parks in the shire towns.

Council has begun work on the Bellata Recreation Precinct plan, which is now fully funded.

The playground is in and the multi-court complex is getting started.

Wee Waa is in a state of change at present.

A new high school is in planning and Narrabri Shire Council and Wee Waa community are working closely with the Department of Education to achieve a ‘state-of-the-art’ school for the students and staff.

The NAB and ANZ bank closures have been a concern to all – residents, business and council.

There is access at the Post Office for small transactions, however, this situation for many doesn’t meet all needs.

Narrabri Shire Council and the Chamber of Commerce have lobbied the banks with little success.

One can only hope this situation will improve in the future.

With the development of the Narrabri gas project will come employment and new businesses.

A community benefit fund is being negotiated and this will benefit the Narrabri shire with funds for new projects aimed at meeting the needs of the Shire and communities into the future.

Roads, rates and rubbish is the core of council and community and keeping towns attractive with sporting areas, parks and CBDs that add to the ambience and liveability of the area.

Cultural activities, education and tourism are vital to communities for stimulation and growth.

Local government touches many aspects of our lives.

Local government (ie your council) conducts the business of daily life that makes our towns and villages the place where we want to be.

Wee Waa Show planned for late August and the music muster in October will bring some sense of ‘normal’ to us.

However, a ‘new normal’ will continue to exist with the ongoing COVID threat.

Change is part of our lives and we are probably more conscious of it now.

A change of elected councillors is in the air for September.

A newly elected council will have the ongoing task and planning for the future and continued development of Narrabri Shire.

It is often complex and time consuming but is worthwhile when experiencing the changes that occur in our prosperous communities.

Thank you to everyone who has supported Fred and myself during the past nine years.

When I was elected to council, little did anyone realise they were getting a ‘two for one’ package.

Fred has been a tremendous support with travelling, unexpected hours away from family and understanding the joys and frustration of representation.

My thanks also go to the group of close friends who, in the last three years, have given us a roof and bed for many nights each month so I could continue my duties as your councillor.

I have enjoyed representing the people of the town and shire and learning from council.

I have pride in how our shire and communities have grown knowing some small decisions in a team make significant change.

Thank you everyone for your trust, belief and support in me as your councillor these last nine years.

Now it is time for the next Narrabri Shire Council in September.

Cr Maxine Booby