Last Sunday the Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull and Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack visited Forbes to announce the government’s $1 million drought assistance to 60 councils in drought affected states.
Forbes Shire Council being one of them, the funds will secure for projects that have the biggest impact on our community during these times of drought.
It was agreed at our Forbes Shire Council meeting last Thursday, to make water from our depot available to rural ratepayers free of charge. As it stands our standpipe at the depot needs upgrading to ensure it is safe for public use and the money from this government assistance will therefore be put to good use. A special mention must be paid to the hosts of Sunday’s announcement, HE Silos and the Morrison family, who did an outstanding job representing the Forbes business community, the farmers and manufacturers of grain handling equipment. The announcement was held at their premises in Forbes and I personally thank them for their hospitality and how they handled the situation.
Level 1 water restrictions are now in place for our shire. This level of restriction is more about time constraints than quantities but we ask that the community be considerate of this as well.
The wonderful Reading Downtown Day is on again this week. This year we have Philip Donato coming to Forbes to read to the school children in what should be a great day for all.
Have a great week!
Mayor
Graeme Miller