Forbes Phoenix

Mayoral Notes

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This week we have launched our survey to the community regarding the Housing Strategy for the Forbes Shire. I really encourage everyone to take part in this survey as it will help us plan for the future infrastructure and managing the character and amenity of our existing residential areas.

Forbes is expecting to grow significantly in the next ten years and we need to plan for the future to ensure we have the infrastructure and essential services to accommodate that. This is why we have this strategy and we want the community to let us know what they would like to see available to them in Forbes.

There will be several pop-up sessions available in town for those who don’t have access to online.

Now have you heard the wonderful news? We have a new tenant for the Target site! Kmart will be taking up the space which is wonderful news for the town. More details will be coming soon as they come to hand.

International Women’s Day Cocktail Night? This is coming up on 13 March at the Masonic Lodge. We are so excited about this too and we have a great line up of local legendary ladies speaking at this event. It is a ticketed event and they can be found on 123Tix. All proceeds will be going to Ronald McDonald House Charity in Orange. So many of our residents have had to use this great facility over the years and we would like to pay back some love.

Till next week. God Bless.
Your Mayor,
Phhyllis Miller

Mayoral Notes

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This week General Manager, Steve Loane and myself have gone to the NSW Associated Mining & Energy Related Council meeting in Wollongong which is always interesting. The renewable energy sector is really gaining momentum in our region. The NSW Government is implementing three Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) pi-lots throughout NSW and one of them is the 3,000 megawatt REZ in the Central West of NSW. This is great for our local economies and for jobs in the regions as well. We have two solar farms in the Forbes Shire and potential for others as well.

In last week’s Council Meeting it was raised the need for upgrades to our town security. The program of 50 new CCTV cameras will soon to be rolled out through-out Forbes. The cameras will have a direct relay to our local police station who can then quickly action staff to respond to incidents.

We have also started renovations in Town Hall. This will see a variety of upgrades to this beautiful Heritage building. New light-ing, kitchen and bar area as well as a new floor in the concourse. We remind everyone the Town Hall may be out of action for a while but please contact Council’s Event Officer if you are looking for a space to hold your next function or event we have a few suggested venues that may serve your purpose.

Till next week. God Bless.
Your Mayor,
Phyllis Miller

Council Water Grid Agreement

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Image credit: Adobe Stock

At last week’s Forbes Shire Council meeting the Centroc Water Grid Business Paper was pulled for further discussion by Councillors. The report provided Councillors with details of the Centroc Water Grid proposal between Central Tablelands Water, Parkes Shire Council and Forbes Shire Council. In this report a pipeline was proposed linking Gooloogong to Forbes, and then to form a part of the Central Tablelands County Council Water Supply to outlying towns of Parkes and beyond.

“Unfortunately, we had to defer the matter to our next Council Meeting to give our elected members time to fully understand the matter,” says Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM. “Everyone needs to understand what it means to Forbes and our water security. We are always willing to work with our neighbours, but not at the detriment of others.”

Council’s Manager of Water understands that the modelling did not allow for Council’s potential use of groundwater, or for the fact that in drought years Water NSW operates the system to minimise wastage and extends the existing water supplies for as long as possible, which is much longer than under normal allocation scenarios.

In addition, since the Millennium Drought, there have been changes to Water NSW’s water allocation assessments, factoring in three years of essential water supply when making its annual water allocation determinations. Council has also improved its security position in reducing demand by increasing the water usage charge and undertaking some water recycling works, maintaining its yearly usage at approximately 200ML less than the typical yearly usage used in the 2009 report. Council has also installed a third groundwater bore since that report and can now treat groundwater through both treatment trains at the Water Plant.

Forbes Shire Council will discuss the proposal at the next briefing with a report to come at the December Council meeting for Councillor’s to form a position.

Mayoral Notes

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I would like to thank Deputy Mayor Chris Roylance for writing the column last week and attending a few meetings. I had a shoulder operation and I have tried to take it easy this past week, although I have been very busy on the phone, don’t you worry!

The Forbes Shire Council crew have been working hard on Templar Street. Last weekend the street was planned for closure Saturday afternoon and all-day Sunday to pull up the pavers, but the crew were able to complete the job on Saturday afternoon, which was brilliant! This week they are drilling underground to put in the cabling.

You may have noticed six new picnic tables and chairs around the Lake. Council was helped by Aruma services to install this wonderful new furniture around our much-used walking tracks around the Lake. They are positioned in some great spots for people to stop and have a rest or even a picnic.

I want to congratulate three of our young girls who were successful in being selected into the Wagga City Wanderers FC side.

I would like to congratulate Katie Schultz, Lilly Browne and Josie McKensie on their selection. Also, I want to commend the committee and Doug on their tireless effort and dedication to the sport, the parents and kids of Forbes and district thank you. You really have made soccer a truly wonderful sport for the kids to be involved in, not only through Winter, but all year round too!

God Bless.
Your Mayor, Phyllis Miller

Templar Street To Close For Weekend Road Works

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Forbes Shire Council has pushed ahead with the refurbishment of Templar Street with part road closures that were implemented on Wednesday, 28 October to Thursday, 29 October 2020. The whole of Templar Street will be closed to traffic during Sunday, 1 November, to enable the removal of the existing road base and preparation for the new base to be laid.

“The Northern side of the street, the Dentists side, was closed on Wednesday and Thursday while we removed the islands and pavers,” said Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM.

“This staged approach will ensure the least amount of disruption to our shopping district. Traffic control will be in place and we ask you be patient when in the area as there may be congestion.”

“On Sunday, the whole street will close, and the majority of the work can be done over the weekend, ensuring a minimal amount of disruption to trade and businesses. Our crews will be working around the beautiful trees we have existing in the street already and ensure they don’t receive any damage whilst the work is being carried out.”

“The current pavers will be crushed and then re-used in future road projects ensuring no waste will be incurred because of works being completed in Templar Street,” Phyllis said.

On Monday, 9 November the adjoining laneways of Collit and Meaghers Lane will have pedestrian diversions in place to enable Forbes Shire Council to install power in the vicinity.

The project is due for completion in December 2020. Forbes residents who require more information are encouraged to contact Forbes Shire Councils Major Projects Manager on 02 6850 2300.

Mayoral Notes

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October is Small Business Month, and you all know how much I champion the small businesses here in Forbes. I hope you all support the Forbes Business Chamber in the events they have lined up. The Business Visit was on Thursday and next week is the Tradies Night at the new Mitre 10. Then, last but not least, is our event with Kristy Withers from Incy Interiors.

Networking events like these are so important for our businesses and as you will all know 2020 has been like no other year, and we need to support each other where we can. Due to COVID places are limited and registration has to be lodged before attending.

Templar Street is coming along nicely with both sides now complete with new drainage. The new planter boxes will be planted in the coming weeks and these will act as barriers between the cars and pedestrians on the footpath when the road and footpath are at one level. The planter boxes can be relocated when events are taking place to open up the street and it’s going to look amazing!

Have you all had your say on the naming of Edward Street subdivision? We were out and about last week getting suggestions but if you missed the opportunity you can jump online to inform us of your suggestions at: www.yoursay.forbes.nsw.gov.au. Council is meeting this week and I will report back with the decisions next week.

Until then, God Bless.

Your Mayor,
Phyllis Miller

Mayoral Notes

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The Federal Budget was delivered this week and it has delivered tax cuts for everyone, more support for our aged and welfare recipients and interestingly, incentives for creating jobs. This is great for our Shire in sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, medicine, recycling, farming, and tourism. Incentives are being offered to encourage employers to hire staff and invest in growing their businesses. It is a real win for infrastructure, our youth, and small business.

We are asking the community for names of our new subdivision in Edwards Street and we would like to know what you would like to call this estate. Given agriculture is such a strong and important part of the fabric of our community we are honouring that with the street names being grain types. You do need to voice your suggestions through our “Your Say” portal to have your suggestions count. There is a link on our website at the bottom of the homepage, www.forbes.nsw.gov.au.

How great are school holidays in Forbes!

The children have had so many fun activities to go to like laser tag, rock painting, tie dye workshops, and making flower crowns and scrunchies. The Forbes and District Soccer Club held a two-day workshop as well. Having a family in Forbes is made so easy with these wonderful activities available, not to mention all the wonderful parks and playgrounds we have too.

There has been a new sculpture installed in Albion Park and you must all go and have a look. It is beautiful and the message behind it is one we must all take on board. “I Welcome You with Love”, it represents loyalty, love and a sense of belonging, a beautiful message we would like to present to our Shire.

I would like to finish by wishing all the Year 12 students the best of luck with the HSC next week. God Bless.

Your Mayor,
Phyllis Miller

Mayoral Notes

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What crazy weather we are having this week. It is like four seasons in one week! All the lovely rain we have had is making the region look so wonderful and our sporting fields are looking magnificent. Congratulations to the two football teams who won their Grand Finals on the weekend, well done.

This week we have opened a survey to the community regarding the tourism of the Forbes Shire. We are using the Council’s “Your Say” platform to gather the community’s feedback. It is so important we plan for tourism and ensure we have the right facilities and attractions to create a unique and sustainable holiday destination. We have always believed Forbes is best suited for year-round tourism, not just one or two events. That is where the sculptures and our beautiful waterways come into play, they are accessible all year round.

When the pandemic resolves and travel is again permitted, the competition will be fierce among destinations. We want to stand out from the crowd!

Plans have begun for celebrating NAIDOC this year. It will take place on 13 November and will be a little different with numbers limited to 150, and the schools will be unable to join the public gathering. They will celebrate the day at their respective schools. We are calling on award nominations so be sure to look at our website for more details. Until next week,

God Bless.
Your Mayor Phyllis Miller

Forbes Gets Its Scrap Together

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Forbes residents will be the best in NSW when it comes to recycling their food waste with a new education campaign being piloted by Forbes Shire Council.

Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said Forbes Shire Council volunteered to test the Let’s Get Our Scrap Together campaign, to get more food waste out of the red lid bin and into the green.

“Having a kerbside food waste recycling service already makes us among the best recyclers in NSW,” Phyllis said.

“This new education campaign will help us to be even better.”

The campaign was developed by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to support its kerbside collection program under Waste Less, Recycle More. It follows research that showed on average, only half the available food waste was being correctly disposed of in the green lid FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) bin.

EPA spokesperson Amanda Kane said the campaign is being piloted in Clarence Valley, Kempsey Shire and Forbes Shire council areas, with each council tailoring it to their own community. It will be delivered over the next three months, telling the story of how the green lid bin recycling benefits local farms, how it can take all types of food waste and is something everyone can do.

Forbes Shire Council will be distributing it through its Facebook page as well as letterbox drops, local media advertising and radio ads.

The results of bin audits conducted before and after the program will be compared to determine the success of the campaign. The ambitious goal will be to get all the food that is currently being wasted in the red lid bin disposed of in the green bin instead.

Mayoral Notes

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Wow what a week it has been! Firstly, I am extremely humbled by the award I received on Monday from the Minister for Women in Local Government, Shelly Hancock, for Elected Representative for Regional/Rural Category. It was lovely to be nominated by the staff at Council for starters and I would like to thank the wonderful team of Councillors I work with in Council. To do the important work we do, it really is a team effort, not just one person.

I would also like to encourage women to get involved in local government as it is important that we have equal voices being heard on issues relating to our community. I strongly believe if we all work together great things can be achieved.

I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the Your Say poll on naming the Edward Street subdivision. Please continue to use the Your Say portal often to let us know your input into the direction of projects and decisions that affect our community. The more voices the better!

It is so simple to register and it will allow you to contribute your ideas, participate in surveys, discussion forums and quick polls. Simply go to our webpage www.forbes.nsw.gov.au and down the bottom of the page click on the “Have Your Say” and this will take you to the page where you can share your thoughts with us.

Until next week God Bless.

Your Mayor
Phyllis Miller

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