Good rain and a busy few weeks

DARRELL TIEMENS, MAYOR, NARRABRI SHIRE COUNCIL

It has been great to see some rain across the shire. It has freshened up our parks and gardens, given the countryside a much-needed lift and brought welcome relief to many of our farmers and graziers.

The timing also suits this year’s CREATE Festival, which has Water as its theme. Artists can take that in any direction they choose, and I am looking forward to seeing the results.

Registrations have been extended until 5pm on Friday 11 September. CREATE is open to everyone, including first-time exhibitors. If you have been considering entering, the extra time might be the push you need. The festival will run from 2 to 18 October.

The recent stormy weather has kept our outdoor crews busy. Teams are clearing fallen branches, mowing parks, repairing irrigation at Cooma Oval and removing graffiti. Road crews will also be grading, patching and slashing at locations across the shire. Please slow down and take care when passing work sites.

There was plenty covered at council’s latest meeting. We unanimously supported investigating additional pedestrian crossings in Narrabri, Wee Waa and Boggabri, along with better access near the Narrabri Aquatic Centre.

Planning, approvals and funding for crossings and access improvements can take time, so it is important to start considering these projects now and do the groundwork early.

A crossing might seem like a small change, but it can make a real difference for children, older residents and people with limited mobility.

Council adopted the new Narrabri Shire Development Control Plan and finalised designs for the new town and village entry signs following community feedback.

Housing was another important topic. Council endorsed a submission to the Productivity Commission explaining why regional housing problems need regional solutions. Policies designed for metropolitan areas do not always account for our distances, workforce shortages, infrastructure needs and development costs.

Council’s draft Social Media Policy is now on public exhibition. It sets clearer expectations for behaviour on council-managed pages and proposes a one-strike warning process when guidelines are breached.

People are welcome to criticise council, disagree with decisions and ask difficult questions. We simply want those conversations to remain respectful.

Submissions close at 5pm on Monday 21 September.

In other good news, the Summit walk and lookout at Mount Kaputar National Park have reopened after the boardwalk upgrade. It is well worth a visit.

Wattle Day will also be celebrated at House on Rose in Wee Waa on Wednesday 2 September from 10am. There will be morning tea and free wattles, with RSVPs due Friday.

And if you are looking for an easy lunch, The Crossing Theatre’s $20 August meal deal includes a choice of popular meals and a drink, with takeaway available. Please also support the many cafes, restaurants and pubs across our towns and villages. Every local purchase helps these businesses thrive and makes our communities better places to live and visit.

There is plenty happening, so please check council’s website for the full details.