As we emerge from COVID, communities around Australia will be looking at strategies, events, businesses and solutions to kick start their respective areas of interest trying to create and build on jobs and opportunity, Bathurst will be no different.

A suite of successful opportunities for the region in the past has been the hosting of sport, recreation events, programs, tournaments, education and other leisure experiences all filling accommodation providers, shopping in local businesses or purchasing local product.

Bathurst Regional Council has major capital works projects along Hereford Street football complex that will expand and diversify the events and activities that can be hosted in the region at this location.

A second significant redevelopment is the Bathurst Sportsground project that will see a fit-for-purpose cricket project that will offer opportunities for Morse Park, the sportsground and Carrington Park to put sports tourism front and centre for the attention of Bathurst residents.

A third project is the Edgell Lane wetland reserve that is at the embryonic stage as a potential tourism environment project.

This presents a new opportunity for this community and people would be well advised to reach out to the producers of the ABC Gardening Australia or like styled television productions to seek out ideas that have been developed around Australia.

The question of the willingness of Bathurst interest groups and volunteers to actively lobby, plan and host potential activities is something that is yet to be apparent and time will tell about people's energy to promote any future project.

While the presence of a significant water supply at Ben Chifley Dam gives some comfort, we must be wary of the future as a growing population places pressure on usage levels.

The list of vacant commercial shops, office spaces working from home conditions and commercial engagement challenges from online shopping are all part of the challenge.

2022 will present most assuredly challenges as we all seek recovery.

While media focus has been on the prospect of the private hospital medical centre, an understanding of the diversified areas of attention for the region's future people will need to have their skates on as we move to improve the status quo.

Tony Thorpe, Bathurst