The awards celebrate inspiration from NSW councils in environmental programs, projects and people.

I am proud to announce that Bathurst Regional Council took out two awards over 79 other entrants, all of whom targeted critical environmental issues.

We received the Roadside Environmental Management Award for the Roadside Vegetation Management Plan, which promotes effective management of roadside vegetation, and the Natural Environment Protection Award for the recovery of the Macquarie River.

I would like to congratulate all staff who were involved in the projects and thank you for your dedication to your role.

This is a great achievement for council and our community.

Festive season

THE spirit of Christmas is alive in Kings Parade.

A giant Christmas tree stands on the William Street side of the park and is surrounded by smaller trees made of pallets and decorated by school-children.

A big thank you to all the schools that helped bring the magic of Christmas to our city centre.

The following schools’ creations are on display:

Whether you are out enjoying the summer sunshine in Kings Parade or doing some Christmas shopping in the city centre, come and view the magnificent decorations.

THE NSW Government will start work on a fast rail network in the next term of government, linking regional centres to each other and Sydney and slashing travel times across the state.

Four potential routes have already been identified and high speed rail expert Professor Andrew McNaughton has now been appointed to confirm the most appropriate routes, train speeds and station locations.

If speeds of over 200 kilometres an hour can be achieved, it has been estimated that travel times along some routes along this network could be reduced by up to 75pc.

The Western Line identified consists of linking Sydney to Lithgow, Bathurst, Orange and Parkes; a huge potential step forward for our region’s economic growth.

A fast rail network will transform NSW unlike any other project and we will make it a reality.

The billion barrier

I’d like to thank everyone who is using the Return and Earn scheme across the Bathurst electorate, as we announce the billionth container being deposited.

I’ve personally seen the countless number of locals using our Return and Earn reverse vending machines. 

Bathurstians and neighbouring residents are really making a conscious effort to do their bit for the environment.

Reaching the one billion drink container mark on the first anniversary of Return and Earn shows that the people of the electorate and NSW are really getting behind it.

Stay summer safe

With summer having officially started, residents across the Bathurst electorate are being urged to be careful.

I’d like to highlight road safety, bushfire risks and proper precautions on our waterways as key concerns.

Whether you’re hitting the road to see loved ones this Christmas, or enjoying our beautiful beaches or rivers for a swim or boat ride, we want everyone to do so safely. 

Air-conditioning rollout

WE’RE thrilled to be delivering on our commitment to provide healthy learning environments in which our students and teachers can thrive, no matter the weather.

Students and teachers around NSW will benefit from new air-conditioning in their school, starting with 13 schools across the electorate.

We’re installing solar panels and ‘smart systems’ alongside the air-conditioning units, so schools can offset their additional energy use and efficiently heat and cool their schools.

Delivering air-conditioning to more schools than ever before is only possible due to the strong economic management of our government.