Published on 23 June 2021
Last week Council adopted the 2021-22 Operational Plan and Budget and it is going to be an extremely positive year for the community with a $43 million Capital Works Program. Council’s capacity to continue to deliver such a significant works program is a result of sound financial management and prudent decision making. This is a fantastic result in light of COVD-19 and the financial uncertainty experienced over the last year. Despite this, Council remains in surplus.
We know how many of our residents love getting outdoors before or after work with their furry best mate. Council has developed a draft Off Leash Dog Exercise Area Plan that will go on public exhibition next week. Prior to developing the plan Council asked residents how the community would like to see these spaces improved. We received a huge response with 177 surveys submitted giving us valuable feedback. The biggest concern was ensuring the areas were fenced to ensure the safety of dogs. Thanks to this feedback Council plans to fence five of the off leash areas and is proposing establishing four new spaces in Ellalong, Cliftleigh, Weston, Bridges Hill and Bellbird. To find out more visit our off leash areas page or to provide feedback visit Have your say page.
Another highlight from the latest meeting of Council was the draft Youth Engagement Strategy that will shortly be placed on public exhibition. It is with pride Council presents the Strategy to the community as it has been developed through listening to our young people. Over 650 people were consulted in the development of the Strategy that focusses on young people about to enter high school through to early adulthood. The Strategy referred to as YES provides direction for Council to support better outcomes for our young people. Visit Council’s website to view YES and find out more.
Congratulations to Ron Jackson for being named on this year's Queen's Birthday honours list. You have made a significant contribution to our community and in 2017 we recognised this by naming you the Cessnock Senior Citizen of the Year. Your passion for music and helping people has transpired into something truly special. Many of us have witnessed firsthand the joy your music brings residents in our aged care facilities. Congratulations on being recognised with an Order of Australia Medal. You truly are a worthy recipient of such prestigious recognition.
It was wonderful to attend the Grand Opening of the Branxton Lions Community Hub last Friday. Council was pleased to support the Club with the construction of the new and improved storage facility. Supporting service clubs is more important than ever before. It has been a difficult time to fundraise during the COVID-19 environment, yet despite this our clubs have continued to be a strong presence in our community. We wish you all the best for the year ahead.