The De Havilland Jet near Apex Park has been fenced off for some time and will have to come down for an assessment because of its safety risk to the public.

The De Havilland Jet, which flew during the Korean war, has been a well-known landmark at Lake Forbes since 1971.

The jet crash landed just west of Forbes in the 1950’s, and was then grounded and used as a training aircraft before it was purchased by the Forbes Shire Council for the 50th anniversary of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

The Australian made aircraft has survived a battering over the years but sadly the general wear and tear combined with acidic pigeon droppings has caused the nose to separate from the jet’s body. This has led to a decision to take the plane down from its display pole near Apex Park as it has become a public safety risk.

“It would be remiss not to take it down. It’s quite dangerous,” said Forbes Shire Mayor Phyliss Miller. She reassured the community that the plane would be back eventually. “We need to take it down to assess what needs to be done to restore it, we then need to do a budget for that and then we will fix it and put it back up on the pole. We are not taking the plane away,” she said in a video message on Facebook this week.

She said it was very important to keep the plan on the pole, and that the various rumours circulating about the plane were not true. 

Mike De La Hunt from the HARS Parkes Aviation Museum, who has repaired aircraft of the same model, told the ABC he estimated it could cost anywhere between $10,000 to $100,000, depending on how many volunteers put their hands up.

“It should come down quickly if the goal is to preserve its significant history,” he said. “In similar cases, we have replaced the wooden features with fibreglass to preserve its appearance but making it weatherproof and lightweight.

It won’t be straightforward, but it will certainly be worthwhile, there is no reason it couldn’t be up the for another 20 odd years,” said Mike.

The Central West Industrial Park in Forbes is set on its way to become a reality following a $10 million commitment from the NSW Government this week. 

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole was in Forbes on Wednesday for the announcement and said it would pay for the final stage of the project that involved the construction of remaining infrastructure, the installation of gas, electricity and water infrastructure, and the installation of NBN. 

“By investing in projects like this, the NSW Government is helping to strengthen economic growth and drive the state’s recovery from COVID-19,” he said. 

NSW Upper House MP Sam Farraway said the project was a game-changer for the region and ensured Forbes would be ready for growth and investment in the future. 

“This project is extremely timely given the tremendous growth predicted for Forbes over the next 20 years. Forbes Shire population is expected to increase by 32% making it one of the top 20 areas of growth in NSW.” 

Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM welcomed the funding from the NSW Government, saying the Central West, which boasts access to the most affordable water in the region, is ripe for the development of businesses reliant on water. 

“Strategically located on the Newell Highway, halfway between Melbourne and Brisbane, with approved B Double access to the site, it presents great benefits for industrial developments,” the Mayor said. 

The funding builds on the $4 million contribution from the Regional Recovery Partnerships program. The $14.5 million project is funded in partnership with the Federal Government, NSW Government and Forbes Shire Council. 

Jacqueline Hodges from Forbes is a 2022 RAS Foundation Rural Scholarship recipient.

Investing in the next generation of bright young minds, the Royal Agricultural Society Foundation (RASF) has this week announced the recipients of its 2022 RAS Foundation Rural Scholarships.

Designed to financially support rural and regional students, studying at university, college or TAFE, the scholarships are aimed at students who are passionate about applying their knowledge and skills within regional communities.

Sixty-nine students have been selected for this year’s Scholarship programs, with local Forbes woman Jacqueline Hodges among the recipients. 

Jacqueline is studying a Masters of Clinical Psychology through Charles Sturt University. “I am passionate about helping young people, especially Aboriginal youth. My goal is to help youth achieve good mental health and develop skills to support their mental health throughout their life,” said Jacqueline.

RASF Manager, Cecilia Logan, said the Foundation is proud to support recipients in pursuing their dream careers.

“This year’s recipients have demonstrated a strong desire to give back to country NSW, and we are delighted to play a role in helping them achieve their goals,” Cecilia said.

Applications for the 2023 RASF Rural Scholarship program open 1st July. For further information, please visit www.rasf.org.au.