Council nears end of engagement process for Community Strategic Plan

Narrabri Shire Council is entering the final stages of the engagement process for its Community Strategic Plan which has seen input from across the community.

The plan will span the years from 2022 to 2032 and shapes the future direction of Narrabri Shire.

Council has hit the streets across the shire, engaging with groups and individuals about the document.

As part of the consultative process, a presentation was made to the Narrabri and District Chamber of Commerce with the organisation’s members offering considerable feedback for the plan.

Mayor Ron Campbell said the document will guide council towards achieving the goals of the community.

“Council has been out and about across the shire consulting the community about what they want for the region,” he said.

“Council has met with community members in Narrabri, Wee Waa, Baan Baa, Bellata, Boggabri, Pilliga and Gwabegar at a range of locations, including market days, community halls and the Christmas Pop Up Shop.”

“The intention has been to get a really thorough overview of the shire’s priorities and the best way we can then deliver on those needs.”

An online survey was also conducted in conjunction with the community consultation which received more than 200 responses.

A new addition to the consultative process potentially emerged at Tuesday afternoon’s council meeting, after Cr Greg Lamont pushed for continued repairs and maintenance at the Narrabri Lawn Cemetery, in addition to queries about improving the appearance of the Old Narrabri Cemetery.

Cr Lamont, who hopes to see upgrades occur at both cemeteries, said it was a sensitive issue.

He has asked for a report detailing the cost of repairing or resurfacing internal roads at the lawn cemetery as well as ensuring signposting of plots matches the cemetery register.

The motion to seek these details, as well as querying what services are being undertaken at the old cemetery, was moved by Cr Lamont and seconded by Cr Darrell Tiemens.

“I am very mindful of the difficulties we have had with the wet conditions,” Cr Lamont said.

“I would like to see this matter be part of the Community Strategic Plan process.”

Cr Lamont also sought options about engaging corrective services or community service order people to assist in the maintenance of the old cemetery.

In council’s business paper, staff detailed the works budgeted for this financial year.

Responding to Cr Lamont’s suggestion about engaging corrective services for maintenance, council staff said the distance to other correctional facilities would be a deterrent to achieve this type of volunteer work.

Mayor Ron Campbell told the meeting he had raised the matter of upgrades at town cemeteries as a councillor some years ago.

“It has improved since then,” Cr Campbell said.

Final consultation will be conducted as part of the Community Strategic Plan review, with the draft document to be placed on public exhibition for 28 days after the April 2022 ordinary council meeting.