Council Comments

Diverting Valuable Resources Away From Landfill

November 20, 2020 By editor

Forbes Shire Council is encouraging commercial and industrial businesses in the Shire to divert over 1,000 tonnes of food waste away from landfill each year and instead send organic food waste to Food Organics Garden Organics collections.

“We have some amazing businesses in Forbes, and we know how keen they are to ensure our environment is kept free of pollution,” says Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM. “Everyone has to be more environmentally aware these days and food organics really has no place in landfill when it can be used by being made into beautiful compostable soil for our farmers and for ourselves to use in our gardens.

“Council wants to provide businesses like cafes, butchers and supermarkets the recognition of taking part in FOGO by accrediting them. Businesses will have access to front and back of house signage, stickers and advertising material that shows their participation. We will also promote these businesses through our media channels.

“We really need to change the way we think about waste because if we don’t, our beautiful clean air will be no longer. The methane gases from decomposing food in our landfill is both toxic and can leach into our soils and groundwater. Given the waterways we have in and around Forbes this is definitely something we do not want to happen here!”

The FOGO business service is $123 per year for a 240-litre bin. Businesses can apply to have more than one bin and multiple pickups per week.

Call Council on 6850 2300 and ask to speak with the Waste and Environmental Specialist for more information.

Mayoral Notes

November 13, 2020 By editor

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

Mayoral Notes

November 6, 2020 By editor

From this week’s Economic Meeting I can report Forbes Council is doing really well in regard to the state of our economy. There have been so many “bad news” stories in the media lately about councils in financial trouble and the general economy struggling, but I would like to tell you all Forbes is sitting ok in the scheme of things. Sure, businesses have had to pivot a little to make sure they can ride out the bumps in the road, and this shows how ingenious our businesses are.

I attended the Council’s Small Business Month breakfast last week and there was a room full of business owners who listened to Kristy Withers of Incy Interiors tell her stories of starting and operating a business in country NSW. The positivity in the room was amazing and great to see everyone come together to share their stories and provide advice where they can.

It also is the people in Forbes that makes us great and I ask you all to think about nominating someone for next year’s Australia Day Citizen of the Year Awards. Nomination forms can be found in Town Hall administration building, and on our website. Australia Day will be different next year with large crowds unable to gather, but I would like to encourage you all to celebrate our National Day with a BBQ, some friends and family around, and to tune into Facebook Live for the announcement of these awards.

Until next week, God bless.
Your Mayor,
Phyllis Miller

Templar Street To Close For Weekend Road Works

October 30, 2020 By editor

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

October 30, 2020 By editor

Templar Street is coming along nicely and is on schedule for work to be completed by December, in time for the Christmas rush.

Our team has been mindful of the businesses in the area and the major works have been completed on a Sunday when the CBD is at its quietest.

This month Council, along with the Business Chamber, have celebrated Small Business Month and on Friday we are holding a Smarter and Stronger Business breakfast with special guest, Kristy Withers from Incy Interiors. As I keep telling you all, we need to support our local businesses and this year has been like no other starting with the drought, fires and now the COVID-19 pandemic, so we need to support one another more than ever.

Given we are heading into the Christmas shopping period, I would like to remind everyone we do have time limits on our CBD parking. Our businesses need parking spaces available for the passing trade as well as the elderly and disabled, so if you require to park all day, this is available in the All Day Parking area in Lawler Street. Our parking officers will be doing the rounds so be warned.

I met with Ronald McDonald House this week and next year on 25 March 2021 we ask you all to wear red and celebrate for this great cause. I will have more news to come on this closer to the date, stay tuned!

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

Mayoral Notes

October 23, 2020 By editor

Last week we had our October Council Meeting, and it was a very productive one. There was a lot of talk about solutions for our rubbish bins in our parks as well as the bins in Meaghers Lane.

The Ninja Park was discussed, we are looking into ensuring the equipment remains safe from flood waters. We know how excited everyone is for this to be built and we want to make sure it serves us for a long time.

Unfortunately, Australia Day 2021 will not be like previous years, but we will still celebrate. In the coming months we will be ask- ing you to nominate our amazing citizens. The fireworks will also go ahead, but from a different location, to ensure everyone can see it from their backyards.

You may have heard about the regional roads review the State Government is conducting. Council will not be handing back any of our regional roads to the State Government and we want you all to know we intend to keep these jobs in our community and keep our roads to a standard we need them to be.

Lastly, I would like to extend a huge congratulations to one of our local businesses, Woolerina, who have celebrated Ethical Clothing Australia Week this week. They have been accredited since 2013, meaning they ensure their workers receive fair pay, safe working conditions, and most of all, are appreciated. Well done Woolerina, we are very proud to have you in our Shire.

God Bless.
Your Mayor, Phyllis Miller

Mayoral Notes

October 16, 2020 By editor

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

October 9, 2020 By editor

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

October 2, 2020 By editor

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

Mayoral Notes

September 25, 2020 By editor

I want to start by thanking my fellow Councillors for giving me the chance to lead our wonderful Council again. I think we have a great team and all of us are so passionate about getting things done for our amazing town.

I am sad to see Councillor Susan Chau stand down from Council, I have loved working with her over the last four years. I do understand the distance and the COVID-19 restrictions have made it difficult for her to be a part of our Council and appreciate her efforts in zooming-in each month.

I would also like to thank Councillor Jenny Webb for her service as Deputy Mayor. Jenny had decided not to contest the position of Deputy this year with her work situation making it very difficult to stand in the Deputy position.

Councillor Chris Roylance is now my Deputy Mayor, and I think he will be great to work with as we have many projects in the works.

The Forbes Pool opens next week and I would like to thank our wonderful staff for their efforts in making sure the pool is ready to open and a special thank you to our user groups for their cooperation in setting the boundaries for a safe and successful season. With COVID-19 the rules are a little different and everyone will need to be patient when entering the Pool as there are new protocols in place.

Until next week, God Bless.
Your Mayor
Phyllis Miller

Diverting Valuable Resources Away From Landfill

Mayoral Notes

Mayoral Notes

Templar Street To Close For Weekend Road Works

Mayoral Notes

Mayoral Notes

Mayoral Notes

Mayoral Notes

Mayoral Notes

Mayoral Notes

CONTACT THE PHOENIX

Submit an Article

CONTACT THE PHOENIX

Submit an Article

Receive The Phoenix via Email