Last week’s council meeting highlighted significant progress across the shire, including the adoption of the 2023/2024 Annual Report. The report showcases achievements such as hosting 23 cultural events, a 33 per cent reduction in energy consumption, and $22.1 million in grant funding for transport infrastructure.
Tourism and cultural sectors also flourished, with nearly 35,000 visitors to the Visitor Information Centre and 18,000 guests at The Crossing Theatre.
Financial data remains in draft form and will be finalised early next year.
The design for the Wee Waa Levee Upgrade was also endorsed, following unanimous community support during the public exhibition phase.
This approval allows us to move forward with seeking grant funding and investigating a staged approach to ensure the project is manageable.
The levee upgrade is critical to improving flood resilience in Wee Waa and safeguarding the community.
Several infrastructure projects are advancing rapidly. Installation of the shire’s new splash pad equipment began this week, and we are on track to have them operational by Christmas.
Meanwhile, the bulk water filling stations on Old Gunnedah Road, Kamilaroi Highway, and Yarrie Lake Road are nearing completion and are expected to be online shortly. These stations, equipped with multiple connection points, will be a valuable resource for residents and visitors alike.
Health remains a significant focus for council. In Wee Waa, the Collaborative Care project group is conducting a survey to understand residents’ experiences with local health
services.
This survey, open until Sunday, December 15, aims to identify priorities and barriers to access. It is an opportunity for the community to have their say, and I encourage everyone to participate.
The findings will guide efforts to improve healthcare services in the region.
There is also a partition doing the rounds in Wee Waa and beyond. In order to have the Wee Waa Hospital debated in state parliament 10,000 signatures need to be collected. Please support this community initiative.
Council continues to seek input on the Community Strategic Plan, which guides long-term planning for the shire.
Today, December 5, our Community Engagement Officer will be at the Narrabri Community Kiosk from 9am to 2pm. Tomorrow, December 6, they will host a pop-up at the Wee Waa Mardi Gras from 5pm to 8pm.
These sessions provide a chance for residents to share their perspectives and priorities.
For those unable to attend, an online survey is available on council’s website.
This Saturday, December 7, council will hold a free microchipping day for dogs and cats at Panton Cottage from 8am to 12pm.
Residents bringing their pets must be over 18 and should bring ID. This is an excellent opportunity for pet owners to ensure their animals are registered and safe.
Looking ahead to Australia Day 2025, council pools across the shire will offer free entry, with pools open from 12pm to 6pm.
Entertainment will include Monster Island, providing fun activities for all ages. Last year’s event drew 634 participants, and we anticipate strong community involvement again next year.
Next week, on Friday, December 13, I will represent Narrabri Shire at the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into Rural and Remote Health to present our council’s perspective on the challenges facing local hospitals. The lack of adequate support from Hunter New England Health remains a critical issue, and I will advocate strongly for the improvements our region requires.
With Christmas almost here please do not forget to support our local businesses across our shire. For many businesses Christmas trade makes a huge difference to their bottom lines.
There are plenty of choices across our retail precincts for those last-minute gifts.
