LAST week I received plenty of comments regarding my concerns about the budgeted costs for painting at Mount Panorama next financial year, but here’s another doosey.
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The operating plan for 2017-18 is budgeting $2.5 million – yes, $2.5 million – for a new animal pound. Really?
The new pound must be designed by Versace with gold-plated water bowls and underfloor heating.
Maybe the general manager can explain why this amount of money needs to be spent on an animal pound.
The BMX track, too, has an additional $1.5 million allocated in the budget. I can see the benefit in a clubhouse amenities block but $1 million on sewer and water mains is questionable.
Pleasingly, though, Proctor Park is budgeted to receive a long overdue $2 million upgrade. This facility is embarrassing, especially the surface on the main oval which last year was closed more often than not during that wet winter.
Likewise, good news for Bathurst hockey with a new synthetic surface on Turf 2 - again, long overdue.
Water park in the winter not such a hot prospect
I STILL think the lunar cycle is influencing the thinking of our councillors.
Last week, Cr Greg Westman, talking on local radio, was singing the praises of Stage 2 of the adventure playground which includes some water features.
Cr Westman claimed that despite some negative feedback about whether Bathurst needed “water features” considering our short summers, these proposed water features would be used all year round.
I can’t see on the plans how this could be so unless designers have hidden instant water heaters, outdoor heaters or pop-up steam baths as I assumed the water features during winter would become a serious public liability risk, forming a mini ice skating rink.
Ratepayers should not get too excited about the proposed water features in Stage 2. The plan is no Wet ’n’ Wild, simply a few water cannons and spray towers.
Bit of a pothole in the GM’s suggestion to ratepayers
BATHURST Regional Council general manager David Sherley rattled a few cages recently when he suggested ratepayers should notify council of potholes and any other problems.
I agree council can’t be everywhere and assistance is required but when council does not have a system in place to inspect its assets, his statements are a bit rich.
May I advise the GM that two significant road deformations are evident in George Street opposite Sweet Caramel and they have been for months, some 300 metres from his office.
Thumbs Up
PROCTOR Park finally getting an upgrade, considering the participation rate of football in Bathurst. Football is currently the poor relative of hockey, rugby union, rugby league and cricket in the region.
Thumbs Down
COUNCILLOR Greg Westman suggesting on local radio that the water features in Stage 2 in the adventure playground would be used all year round. Maybe council is constructing seasonal hot and cold water cannons and spray towers. What BS!
