The past 12 months were a successful and defining year of significant achievements for the Gunnedah Shire and its residents.

Gunnedah Shire Council highlights a number of key initiatives as it looks back on a year in review, before Councillors move into the second year of their term.
“Looking back over the past 12 months, I’m very proud of our achievements, both large and small for the people of our growing area and delighted that we have commenced planning for many more great things to come,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“I want to congratulate every Councillor on the way in which they have worked to ensure that as elected members our focus is to work together as a strong team to guarantee success for our community.

The development of the 10-year Community Strategic Plan (CSP) has set the future blueprint for the Gunnedah Shire. Engaging with the community and building on their ideas has formed the direction for the next 10 years and has resulted in the commencement of many projects that are underway.

“It has been exciting for Council to see the roll-out of initiatives that originated from community suggestions and feedback we received when developing the CSP,” Cr Chaffey said.

“We have a strong focus on tourism, economic development, increasing the livability of our Shire, maintaining infrastructure and services to suit our growing community and looking at ways to attract more people to Gunnedah.”

• Improving vibrancy of the Shire was a priority for the community, a number of projects have begun including beautification to town entrances, roundabouts and villages, murals, planter boxes in the main street and improved traffic conditions to Chandos Street.
• The design was finalised for the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex upgrade and a contractor selected to commence construction in October. Council has also lodged an expression of interest with the State Government’s Resources for Regions fund to support construction of additional elements of the master plan.
• The Blackjack Creek Mitigation Project has moved to the next stage with a design concept finalised and contractor engaged. The Project is aimed at reducing the impact of flooding from Blackjack Creek to properties and residences in the Wandobah Road area. Works on the project are expected to begin in November.
• Council was successful in obtaining $1.8million from Restart NSW towards the completion of the Sewerage Treatment Plant Upgrade.
• The concept plan for the Livvi’s Place Inclusive Playground was accepted and Council has applied for funding through the Stronger Country Communities Program, as well as allocating seed funding to the project.
• Council was awarded $2.6 million in funding from the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund for the Curlewis Pipeline Project. The project will enable Curlewis to connect to Gunnedah’s town water supply.
• Council has continued to work in conjunction with the State Government to ensure the biggest infrastructure project in Gunnedah’s history goes ahead – the second road over rail pass. Council has also continued to work closely with the State on the police station upgrades.
• Council was successful with an expression of interest to Restart NSW for $6.5 million to invest in creating a world class koala park in Gunnedah as a tourist attraction and significant boost for the Shire. A detailed application will follow and is expected to be finished by October.
• An Economic Development Manager was appointed to reflect Council’s focus on further developing and diversifying Gunnedah’s economy.
• Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program was reviewed, which resulted in bolstering the program to see increased support and access for thriving local businesses.

“The Gunnedah Shire Council has a very strong focus on economic development and ensuring we remain sustainable, diversify our economy and are able to provide many job opportunities in our community for years to come,” Cr Chaffey said.

Moving forward, Council will also be focusing on roads, including seeking funding for Bloomfield Street and Grain Valley Way, as well as working in conjunction with national and international partners to see a multi-species abattoir built in the Gunnedah Shire.

“A very special thank you must go to our State Member of Parliament, the Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson for his efforts to support our direction, and our Federal Member of Parliament, Member for Parkes Mark Coulton for his dedication and support on many projects throughout the last 12 months,” Cr Chaffey said.

“We have some great projects underway that are not only a benefit to our community now, but into the future, and we are looking forward to working with the community on many more.”

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Shire Councillors, back from left, Cr David Moses, Cr Rob Hooke, Cr Owen Hasler, Cr Murray O’Keefe, Cr John Campbell and Cr Ann Luke. Front: Deputy Mayor Gae Swain, Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Cr Colleen Fuller.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.