This month would have marked the end of term for this current council and as we now head into an unprecedented fifth year it is timely to look at what has been achieved in the past four years.

We have witnessed a growth in the community’s pride in being Bathurstian, cultivated by the Bathurst200 celebrations.

On Proclamation Day we re-instated Macquarie’s Flag Staff, our bicentenary legacy project, which re-tells the shared history of Bathurst since European settlement.

Council continues to promote and develop our local economy, with ongoing opportunities to help develop the skill base of our local businesses through our economic development program including a range of free business workshops each year.

There has also been support for organisations like Simplot and the Bathurst Golf Club, with funds for installing water-saving infrastructure to help reduce operating costs.

Council is continuing to develop our visitor economy and last year adopted the Destination Management Plan which will guide the growth and delivery of this city’s tourism product.

We have an ongoing relationship with Penrith Panthers to bring an NRL fixture to Bathurst annually.

Our budget has grown from $120 million to $210 million per year.

We have invested in infrastructure improvements ranging from the $5 million manganese removal project at the Water Filtration Plant to the construction of the world-class BMX facility, the velodrome and clubhouse at Bathurst Bike Park, along with extensive works at the aerodrome and Mount Panorama.

We introduced a new food and garden waste kerbside collection service which has many environmental benefits.

Our cultural facilities are being upgraded. New air-conditioning and lighting systems have been completed at Bathurst Regional Art Gallery, initial works have been undertaken at the library and we are moving ahead with plans to develop the Bathurst Rail Museum.

We aim to protect, enhance and promote our economy and with it set our community up for a vibrant, prosperous and exciting future.

WHETHER it’s for sport or pleasure, fishing is a great way to relax, unwind and enjoy the beautiful waterways in NSW. 

Events will be held right across the state on Sunday, October 16 for NSW’s inaugural Gone Fishing Day. 

Gone Fishing Day will not only give people the opportunity to try their hand at an enjoyable pastime, but it will also provide education on the importance of habitats, protecting the environment and responsible fishing. 

Events will be run in Lithgow and Bathurst after two local fishing clubs were successful in grant applications for $2000 each to assist in running their events. 

Visit http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/resources/go-fishing-nsw

Morning tea

FAMILY businesses are considered the backbone of the NSW economy, with half a million operating across the country. 

On Monday, September 19 we will celebrate National Family Business Day with the first ever Family Business Morning Tea. 

This is a day of recognition for family businesses, who employ around 50 per cent of the Australian workforce. 

I encourage every family business in the Bathurst electorate to share some time with family, employees and other businesses.