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Saleyards agenda continues
The Development of Bathurst Saleyards remains firmly on Council’s agenda with discussions held in a confidential session at Council’s ordinary meeting last night. Whilst details of the meeting can not be released the process of selective tendering, approved by Council at its 5 April meeting, is proceeding to the next stage of detailed submission. ‘The timetable has shifted back slightly to enable Councillors to be fully informed on all options available to them. No decision has been made at this point, only to seek more detailed information from three applicants who responded to the EOI,’ Cr Norm Mann, Mayor of Bathurst said. ‘Once the information has been received and reviewed properly it will again come back to Council for full consideration,’ Cr Mann added. The process being undertaken will enable Council to make a long term decision on the saleyards.
Changes to Federal electoral boundaries unacceptable
Bathurst Regional Council will voice its opposition to the proposed redistribution of Federal Electoral Boundaries within NSW after learning that the Bathurst Region Local Government Area, (LGA), will be split into two Federal electoral areas. Advice from the Australian Electoral Commission indicates that the redistribution is based on dividing the areas on equal population. ‘Under the current proposal the Bathurst Region LGA falls under both the Macquarie and Calare Federal areas,’ Deputy Mayor of Bathurst, Cr Paul Toole said. ‘Council agrees that this is unacceptable, and although we do not have a preference for either Calare or Macquarie we will be writing to the Redistribution Committee for NSW requesting that our LGA stay as a whole under the one Federal electoral area,’ Cr Toole added. Council encourages the community to lodge any complaints in writing by Friday 28 July 2006.
Havannah Street Elm trees to be replaced
Diseased Elm trees from lower Havannah Street will be replaced with Chinese Elms, (Ulmus parvifolia) following a decision by Bathurst Regional Council at its meeting last night. Over the past months Council has consulted with the public and residents of Havannah Street regarding the removal of the Elm trees receiving feedback both for and against the proposal. ‘Council had a number of concerns about the safety of the diseased elms and following consultation with residents and the community and talks with Country Energy regarding powerlines Council has decided to go ahead with the removal and replacement program,’ Cr Mann said. After a thorough planning and selection process the Chinese Elms were selected because they can be easily directionally pruned, have a good spreading habit and dense foliage, less prone to insect damage and disease and are tolerant to Bathurst’s climate.
Mount Pano rama to host officials training courses
Bathurst residents will have the opportunity to become accredited marshals for motor sport events at Mount Pano rama with two training courses to be held next month. Council in conjunction with the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS), and the Bathurst Light Car Club will host training sessions for motor sport officials in late August with a view to encouraging more members of the local community to become involved in the activities of motor sport. ‘The training was instigated by Bathurst Regional Council and represents a grass roots opportunity for enthusiastic people to enter the world of motor sport, which could ultimately lead to involvement across Australia and overseas for the right people,’ Council’s Bathurst V8 1000 delegate, Cr Paul Haysom said. The training will be carried out at the pit complex at Mount Pano rama, and CAMS will provide all the necessary information and documents for participants to become accredited marshals. Information packs are currently available from Bathurst Regional Council on Council’s website at www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au.
Winery gets the go ahead
Bathurst Regional Council has approved a development application for the building of a winery, restaurant and cellar door sales business on Limekilns Road. The application includes the construction of a two storey building, vehicle parking and manoeuvring areas and a request for cellar door sales. The application complies with the provisions of the Development Control Plan ‘ Rural Lands, and given that the proposal is for a rural industry it is considered to be compatible with existing land uses in the vicinity of the site. Council approved the proposal given its beliefs the business will provide a benefit to the economy of the Bathurst Region through tourism and product sales.
Solar Car Challenge receives support from Council
The Region’s high school students will have the opportunity to battle it out on a specially made mini Mount Panorama racing circuit at the second Mount Panorama Solar Car Challenge this December. Bathurst Regional Council will donate the costs of using the Mount Panorama Pit Complex and assist with construction of a mini circuit in the Pit Paddock. The event, which was first held in Bathurst in December 2005, provides the opportunity for High School Science students to plan, develop and build a solar car under a strict set of guidelines. Students will race their remote control car, taking it in turns to ‘drive’ at the Mount Panorama Pit Complex on a specially designed miniature Mount Panorama circuit.
Sister City delegates arrive this weekend.
Bathurst will host delegates from Ohkuma next week as the ‘Wings of Hope’ group make their annual visit to the Region. The group, who will be in Bathurst from Saturday 22nd – 30th July, includes around 12 junior high school students, 2 official delegates and an interpreter. Students will attend intense English lessons at Charles Sturt University each morning next week and will then get to know the local area through an activities program. A number of activities have been planned during the week for both students and adults with the official members from Ohkuma meeting with the Mayor and General Manager on Monday followed by a number of social functions being hosted by Sister City Working Party members throughout the week.