General Manager Column - 25 September 2024

Published on 25 September 2024

The new $1.8 million Watagan Creek Bridge 1 and neighbouring $1.25 million Watagan Creek Bridge 3 in Laguna are now open for public use, with the major works completed marking a significant upgrade for the region.

Compared to their ageing and narrow-laned timber predecessors, the brand new dual lane concrete bridges feature an increase in width, sealed bridge surfaces, provision for safe pedestrian access, and the installation of new line markings.

Along with boosting connectivity and safety for our community, construction of the new concrete bridges will also reduce annual maintenance costs by 80%, which is good news for ratepayers.

I’d like to extend my thanks to the NSW Government for fully funding the Watagan Creek Bridge 1 major works under the Fixing Country Bridges Program, and Coastal Works for their execution of the project.

In other news, we're calling on members of the community to nominate outstanding locals for our 2025 Australia Day Awards.

Applications are open and residents are encouraged to nominate fellow citizens and organisations across a number of categories including Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, the Maree Callaghan Award - Young Female Achiever, Community Event of the Year, Sports Award, Environment Award, Young Citizen Environment Award, Heritage Award, and Community Awards.

The winners will be honoured at our annual Australia Day Event on 26 January 2025 at the Performance Arts Culture Cessnock. If you know someone or an organisation you'd like to nominate, I encourage you to visit the webpage to learn more. Don’t forget to submit your nominations before Sunday 6 November 2024.

We’re holding our next community repair café on Saturday 26 October, and you can get involved. If you have skills in areas such as bike repairs, electrical work, sewing, or any other handy crafts, we would love to have you on board. This is a great opportunity to share your expertise, help others, and contribute to our community's efforts in sustainability. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY expert or just eager to lend a hand, please email environment@cessnock.nsw.gov.au.

Finally, don’t forget our free mattress drop-off is back on Saturday 19 October, from 8am – 12pm at Mount View Basin Car Park, Mount View Road, Cessnock.