The city is going through an extended growth spurt, adding sporting infrastructure as it adds residential developments and citizens.

In the past few years, Bathurst has been boosted by the new harness racing complex and Bathurst Bike Park in the Mount Panorama precinct, while more than $80 million is being spent on improving the long-term eyesore that is the Great Western Highway through Kelso.

Further improvements to the Great Western Highway and Bells Line of Road (where overtaking lanes are being added) through the Blue Mountains are bringing Sydney and its population of almost five million ever closer.

Bathurst Regional Council’s budget for the next financial year is set to reflect the needs of a growing city.

Not only has the budget risen by more than $10 million on the current financial year, it features $60 million for capital works projects – including $15 million for work on the development of the second track and new industrial precinct at Mount Panorama.

Those sceptical about the second track ever being built – and they have had good reason to be sceptical in the past – might be getting ready to change their mind as each new step in this process is completed.

Council’s new Bathurst Business Hub website launched yesterday is also an important innovation for a growing city.

Not only will it seek to provide support for businesses already in the city, it will be a resource for businesses thinking about moving to the city.

Bathurst has developed some serious momentum in the past few years, but no council can be certain about what is around the corner.

Planning and judicious spending are important, so let’s hope that’s what we’re getting.