City area plans up for discussion at public meeting

As part of the most comprehensive review of planning strategies ever undertaken in the history of the area, residents in the city and urban areas of the region are invited to have their say at a public meeting on Thursday 13 November at 7pm in the Council Chamber.

The 2 year review program will establish the guidelines for land management in the rural and urban areas of the Region and will ask some of the big questions about what the Bathurst region may look like into the future.

Around 31 meetings with rural and city dwelling residents, interest groups and government agencies are being held in October in the community consultation part of the review.

Bathurst Mayor Cr Norm Mann encourages the community to participate and have a say in the future of the region.

“This major review is not something the Council will undertake again for at least 10 years so now is the time to take an active part in shaping the future of the local region.”

The review of existing strategic plans will include discussion about issues like what is the impact of the development of the Bells Line Motorway? Should residential density in former flood areas be encouraged? Is urban sprawl a problem? What is the impact of the ‘tree change’ push that will see a significant growth in population in the regional areas over the next 10 years?

“This is a huge job for the Council but one that is necessary to ensure that the future of the region is well planned and that the needs of residents well into the future are planned for,” Cr Mann said.

A letterbox drop with meetings times and dates and information on the review has been delivered to all residents of the Region and a discussion paper on each of the strategies is available on the Council website www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au with an online feedback form attached. Hard copies are available from Council’s Department of Environment, Planning and Building Services.

“I encourage the community, State and Federal government agencies, community groups and individuals to be a part of this important project, if you care about the quality of life future generations of residents will have then have your say now”, Cr Mann said.