Councillor Jess Jennings asked two months ago for Bathurst Regional Council to write to Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s office requesting that he intervene after the Royal Australian Mint turned down council’s initial request for a commemorative coin. 

However, still no letter has been sent and mayor Gary Rush yesterday confirmed that none would be.

Cr Rush said council was keen to have the PM visit Bathurst during the bicentenary and wanted any correspondence with his office to be “as meaningful as possible”.

Cr Jennings first raised the issue with the bicentenary committee more than 12 months ago because he felt a $2 coin would be an excellent way of raising awareness of the bicentenary and of Bathurst as Australia’s first inland settlement.

He said a $2 coin would be appropriate because it would represent a cent for every year of our history. 

“The bicentenary committee looked into it and the Mint said the process was long and elaborate,” Cr Jennings said. “They were told it would not be feasible to put in a request, so it was knocked on the head at that level. 

“[But] it seems that if normal channels are no longer available, the only option left is through direct power.

“Council should write to the prime minister’s office and ask if he would consider raising it on our behalf.”

Cr Jennings said at a council meeting in September he asked Cr Rush to contact the prime minister directly to see if he would consider helping to make it happen.

“Everyone thought it would be a good idea, but when I asked about it recently, no letter had been sent,” Cr Jennings said.

“There was no explanation why not, and time is running out. If we get the wheels in motion it might still be possible, even if it didn’t happen until the end of next year.

“I don’t see what we have to lose by asking the question. It wouldn’t take much effort to lobby the local member and the prime minister.”

Cr Jennings said the flag staff would be a good symbol to put on the $2 coin, with words about Bathurst’s bicentenary or Australia’s first inland settlement around the edge.

He said such a coin would bring national recognition of the city and encourage overseas visitors with an interest in history to come here. 

However, Cr Rush yesterday said contact had already been made with The Mint who said it was not possible.

Cr Rush said he has also made some inquiries to determine if an approach to the prime minister would serve any purpose, and was told that the Mint operates according to a detailed process.

“In this case no means no,” Cr Rush said.

“While it would have been a nice thing, not having a coin will in no way impact on the bicentenary celebrations. There will be a token for locals as a collectable. 

“We want to continue to make any communication with the PM as meaningful as we can because we are seeking his attendance at the unveiling of the flag staff.”