This week I, along with Parkes Shire Mayor, Ken Keith, met with Scott McLachlan, CEO of Western NSW Local Health District, to discuss the services of our hospitals both here in Forbes and Parkes. We discussed the critical need to ensure enough doctors and especially obstetricians are servicing our region. It was a great relief to hear we are all on the same page and we will all be striving to re-instate all services to both hospitals as soon as possible.
How fantastic was the ALMA Animal Welfare Award win? It was great to visit the vibrant town of Roma. During the stay we had a field trip to see how a local farm works hand-in-hand with a Coal Seam gas mine.
This 4th generation farm breeds Poll Hereford cattle and Santos, the miners, supply their excess water to the farm for irrigation.
The water is treated by Santos to reduce the saline levels in the water to make it fit for purpose. I was very sceptical, but when I saw how it was done and how healthy the cattle were I was amazed! We also visited the Roma saleyards and we think our yards are big, but they take the cake! The yards sell seven to eight thousand cattle each week making them the biggest in Australia.
Forbes has a lot of major works coming up with the Lions Park stormwater starting this week. Please be mindful of the signage, it is there to ensure everybody is safe. The Camp Street Bridge work will begin on August 26, and whilst it may be a bit inconvenient the finished result will be amazing. Minister Paul Toole must be applauded for being on the front foot in doing this bridge work, as the bridge does not have the capacity to handle the increase in the size of heavy vehicles currently using this route.
Unfortunately I will miss the Races this year but I encourage you all to get your glad rags on and go, you won’t be disappointed!
God Bless.
Your Mayor
Phyllis Miller