There’s only a month to go until the Bathurst Winter Festival. The two-week celebration transforms our city into a hub of visual excitement, creativity and fun from July 7 to 22.
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Festival favourites including the McDonald’s Bathurst Ice Rink, ferris wheel, markets and avenue of food will return along with all new illuminations.
One of the crowd favourites this year will be the House of Mirrors - a fascinating walk-through installation of a labyrinth of endless mirrors.
It consists of kaleidoscopic-like chambers, voids, doorways and breaks, the purest and most traditional form of a mirrored maze.
The festival contributes greatly to the local economy and last year’s Winter Festival is a finalist in the NSW Local Government Awards for Local Economic Contribution.
Each year local businesses thrive in what has traditionally been a quiet time of year with visitors out and about in the CBD on festival nights.
I encourage more businesses to become involved in the festival by hosting events and promotions over the two weeks.
Businesses who register will receive promotion via the Winter Festival website and social media page.
Businesses can also get involved by entering the Illuminate Your Business Competition.
For more, visit www.bathurstwinterfestival.com.au.
Mayor Graeme Hanger
Parking fines slashed
TEN common parking fines will be cut by 25 per cent when issued by the NSW Government as part of a major overhaul from July 1, 2018. The fines are:
- Park continuously for longer than permitted
- Park after meter expired
- Park without current ticket displayed
- Not stand vehicle in marked parking space
- Park after ticket expired
- Remain in ticket-operated loading zone after ticket expired
- Stand vehicle in area longer than allowed
- Park without current loading zone ticket
- Stop in restricted parking area
- Park without paying meter fee
At present the State Government sets parking fine levels, with the current minimum for parking fines $110.
New legislation will allow local governments and other authorities the flexibility to also charge lower amounts.
Most parking fines in NSW are issued by local councils, and the NSW Government is calling on local government authorities to follow the government’s lead.
Fines should be a deterrent, fair, and not used as an easy revenue option.
A new website will be launched to seek community feedback on parking fines and signs. Drivers can also upload pictures of confusing parking signs in their communities. Visit www.nswfinesreview.com.au.
New Crown land laws
A NEW, more transparent approach to Crown land management comes into effect on July 1, 2018.
The new Crown Land Management Act 2016 will deliver a streamlined and more consistent approach to Crown land management in NSW, a culmination of a review and community engagement.
Among other changes, communities throughout NSW will have the opportunity to be more involved in decisions on Crown land management.
For more, visit www.industry.nsw.gov.au
Community building partnership funding
APPLICATIONS for this year’s 2018 Community Building Partnership Fund close at 5pm next Friday, June 15.
A range of structures or refurbishments that support the community are eligible for funding and I urge local councils and not-for-profit groups to apply.
Applications might be for a new clubhouse kitchen, an access ramp, toilet block repairs or a shade sail in a playground.
Applicants must read the program guidelines to ensure their club or organisation and proposed project are eligible.
For more information, visit www.nsw.gov.au/cbp.
