19 December 2017

Gunnedah Shire Council will seek to make a decision regarding its current Shade Sail Installation Program at the December Ordinary Meeting (20 December), with proposals to fast track implementation to meet the needs of the community.

Council has allocated $30,000 in its Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP) over the next four years (2017/18 – 2020/21) for the installation of shade sails over playground equipment in the Gunnedah Shire.

As part of the program, shade sails were constructed at Kitchener and Wolseley parks earlier this year.

Manager Public Facilities Geoff Phillips said during the consultation process for the Community Strategic Plan, Council received feedback on the need for shade over playground equipment within the parks across the Shire.

“It is important for the wellbeing of children and parents using our facilities to have shade and it also encourages the use of the Shire’s parks and playgrounds,” Mr Phillips said.

“With the program being well-received by the community, it has been recommended to Council to extend the program in this financial year by bringing forward the budget allocation of $30,000 from 2018/19 into 2017/18 and condense the project into a three-year program, with the program completion to be in 2019/20.

“Bringing forward the budget will mean Carroll and Mullaley parks will also see shade sails installed this financial year,” he said.

Council will make a decision on Wednesday night.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.