LAST week I was happy to be accused of talking rubbish as I highlighted the sad state of some of our garbage bins, but this week it’s another city eyesore that’s caught my attention.
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Bathurst Regional Council fails miserably when it comes to bus shelters. Most are damaged, covered in smeared graffiti and have missing panels, while one is without panels at all.
By contrast, North Sydney Council is known for its heritage-style bus shelters that are well maintained and return advertising revenue to the council.
I’m not sure about advertising billboards but at least they are refreshed and replaced regularly and are kept clean.
Maybe a roll-out of the pictorial postcard as seen in the taxi shelter on Kings Parade is an option but first council needs to either lift its game to maintain what we already have or remove them altogether.
Other cities have bin there, done that – and better
AND while we’re talking about the aesthetics of the city, can I give a nod to the power of social media.
Last week the Western Advocate shared on its Facebook page my piece about the the dodgy garbage bins throughout the CBD and particularly in our centrepiece parks of Kings Parade and Machattie Park.
As a result, two Bathurstians on holidays interstate took the time to sent through photos of garbage receptacles used in other cities and, yes, ours leave a lot to be desired.
Local water policy: From complacent to draconian
I NOTE the continued debate regarding impending water restrictions.
Yes, we had a complacent policy that was possibly out of step in today’s thinking but now we have a proposed draconian policy out of step with other regional cities.
However, for mine, the fact that this major policy shift occurred without any consultation from ratepayers is the greater concern and may come back to bite our elected representatives.
I’d suggest a compromise policy with a 60 per cent dam level trigger would have been more pragmatic.
The ‘asset’ that will end up costing us millions
LAST week, I’m told, a group of interested Bathurstians keen to see a plan take shape on the future use of the old TAFE building in William Street took a tour of the site.
I’m undecided if this asset is indeed an asset to the city or a liability on current and future ratepayers that the State Government gladly divested off their asset register.
However, planning is moving very slowly on what to do with this building.
Honestly, I don't know what future use this building may have - whether it be cultural, commercial or community focused.
Whatever the decision, the cost to adapt for reuse will be substantial, with possibly no change from more than $10 million.
Thumbs up
MORE than 900 runners participating in the Panorama Punish, an event that’s quickly gaining popularity. I still prefer to drive the Mount, though.
Thumbs down
BATHURST Regional Council’s water restrictions policy going from complacent to draconian without consultation with ratepayers.
