Last week I was in Western Australia to attend the 2024 National Local Roads, Transport, and Infrastructure Congress which presented a comprehensive program focused on roads, transport, and community infrastructure.
Government leaders, academics, industry bodies, and councils discussed key topics, such as infrastructure to support future housing, renewable energy deployment and integration, active transport innovations and transitioning to a circular economy. This Congress provides a valuable opportunity to expand professional networks and connect with local government suppliers who can support our council initiatives.
It was lovely to catch up with some of our local tradies at the BUILD Forbes Tradies event on Friday night. We love our tradies and as I said on the night, we are very keen to get them listed on our new directory, a great resource for all local businesses and to upskill local trades so they can win council contracts and work. Looking forward to our next event in May.
This week concludes our first week of nose in parking – I know there has been a lot said about this but as I was standing in the street watching traffic on Monday, it was great to see (almost) all the cars nose in. Traffic flowed smoothly and our courteous Forbes drivers shared the road well. It has been a long time since it the CBD masterplan but it really was thoroughly consulted. The work itself has been a bit delayed with Covid and the flood. Let’s see how we all feel in 12 months.
With such a busy finish to the year, it really is exciting that it is beginning to feel like Christmas. The decorations look amazing and the special Christmas lights and show is again being shown at Town Hall from 8.30pm until 11pm. Don’t forget to tune into 88.7FM on your car radio for the full audio-visual experience. It is Carols by Candlelight are on Saturday night. A really lovely family night in Victoria Park, it starts at 7pm – there will be live performances, Santa and plenty of food vendors. Carols begin at 8pm.
Until next week
Phyllis Miller, OAM
Forbes Mayor