The smart benches and tables are fitted with technology that wirelessly charges mobile devices when they sit on the terminal attached to the seat.

They also enhance the strength of the free wi-fi signal.

The technology is part of the Smart Cities program designed to keep people in our CBD for longer and, in turn, support our economy.

The project cost is $23,008, with $11,504 from council and $11,504 from a NSW Government grant from the Building Community Partnerships Fund.

Disability Inclusion Action Plan

COUNCIL is undertaking community consultation to develop the Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2022-2027.

The DIAP aims to improve and support the inclusion of people living with disability in the Bathurst community.

Council recognises the importance of ensuring the local community's perceptions, ideas and concerns are reflected in the DIAP.

Copies of the survey are available at council's Civic Centre, Bathurst Library and on the Bathurst YourSay website.

The survey will take around 10 minutes to complete.

Mayor and deputy mayor

I AM extremely honoured to be elected as mayor of Bathurst.

I would like to congratulate Cr Monica Morse on being elected as deputy mayor.

I would also like to thank my fellow councillors for their support.

The job as mayor comes with a lot of responsibility and I am proud to represent this wonderful community and help make our region an even better place to live, work and visit.

WE'RE all working hard across our community to keep one another safe, but I urge you to make sure that you know and follow the COVID-19 rules currently in place to keep regional and rural NSW safe as the state remains on high alert.

Given what is happening, it's more important than ever that we continue to follow the rules.

I encourage everyone to visit the NSW Government website for a refresh about what we can and can't do right now, including the rules about wearing a mask while visiting all non-residential indoor premises and capacity limits for businesses.

People in the regions must not enter Greater Sydney, which includes the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour, for any reason unless they are returning to their primary residence, getting the jab or attending a funeral.

Anyone who visits Greater Sydney to receive their COVID-19 vaccination needs to follow strict rules during their trip and, if they cannot, they must follow stay-at-home rules for 14 days upon their return to regional NSW.

My plea is for people to be on alert and understand that the restrictions are in place to protect you and your loved ones.

We've had a couple of recent incidents in the regions, but I would ask people to keep doing what they're doing, which includes getting tested if you have any signs or symptoms.

For further information about regional NSW COVID-19 rules, go to www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/what-you-can-do-nsw.

To find your nearest COVID-19 testing clinic, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics or contact your GP.

And don't forget about checking in

BUSINESSES need to continue to comply with COVID-19 Public Health Orders.

Most importantly, this includes wearing masks and enforcing the QR code check-in.

We know complying with new rules can be tough, which is why we continue to work closely with businesses to help them understand the new requirements and ensure COVID safe practices.

It is vital that businesses are taking reasonable steps to ensure people entering their premises are checking-in, including for takeaway orders.

The Service NSW QR code is not wallpaper, it's there to protect your staff and customers as we battle the Delta variant.

The green tick on the Service NSW app is a safety stamp - it means the contact tracers can do their job keeping the community safe.