News Centre

MEDIA RELEASE 11 August 2020

Environmental rehabilitation works along Hawthornden Creek at Jacques Park will resume in the coming weeks.

The area has been rehabilitated over the last 10 years and the latest stage is a continuation of works that commenced in April this year with removal of six old poplar trees.

Mayor Bobby Bourke said the removal of the two remaining poplars will be followed by the planting of appropriate trees, shrubs, grasses and other native vegetation along the creek.

“These plants will provide important habitat for local wildlife and will also stabilise the bank to reduce erosion,” he said.

“Community and student volunteers have been heavily involved in this ongoing project since 2010, helping to revegetate Hawthornden Creek at Jacques Park through scheduled community and school tree planting days whilst also learning about the benefits of riparian habitat rehabilitation. A series of community and school tree planting days is being planned to occur later this year for this site.”

For more information on the Hawthornden Creek Jacques Park Environmental Rehabilitation Project, or to register for participation in the community planting days, visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au or phone 6333 6233.

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 10 August 2020

The Bathurst Rail Museum has recorded 10,000 visitors through its doors since the facility opened in February.

The facility was closed to the public on March 23 in line with State and Federal guidelines and remained shut until June 5.

Mayor Bobby Bourke congratulated Renee and her son Finlay who saw the visitation tally click over to 10,000.

“This is a wonderful milestone to achieve in such a short time, especially given the museum was closed to the public one month after it opened,” he said.

“It demonstrates that the Bathurst Rail Museum is a world class facility.”

Patrons can now again relax in style with a snack or a drink from the Refreshment Room cafe in the museum’s historic rail carriage that was recently reopened. Due to social distancing requirements, the capacity of the carriage is 9 persons.

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 7 August 2020

Sunnybright Estate

Council has released Stage B of the Sunnybright Estate Residential Development. The ballot for Stage B will be live streamed on Council’s YouTube channel. Further details are on Council’s website or call the Property Section on 6333 6235.

Consultation for 16 Regional Cities Services Improvement Program

Transport for NSW is seeking feedback from public transport users and the wider community in the Bathurst area about how the local bus network is used, service needs and desires. This will help inform future planning to create a better bus network for Bathurst. Feedback can be submitted online at yoursay.transport.nsw.gov.au/better-bus-network-bathurst, by calling 1800 717 528, emailing regionalcitiesprogram@transport.nsw.gov.au or by post to 16 Regional Cities – Bathurst, Locked Bag 2030, Newcastle NSW 2300.

Comments close Sunday 16 August 2020.

Sporting Association Grants

Each year Council provides a grant scheme to assist local sporting organisations to undertake

specific works or purchase equipment for the advancement of sport in the Bathurst Region.

Sporting organisations that are affiliated with the Bathurst District Sport and Recreation Council

are eligible to apply for these grants. A total of $20,000 has been allocated to this scheme.

Further information and application forms are available from Council’s Recreation Section on

6333 6285 or Council’s website www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au Applications close on Tuesday 29 September.

Tourism Survey

Council needs the help of the community to better understand the impact of visiting friends

and relatives to the Bathurst region economy. You are invited to participate in a short survey

which will assist Council in tourism planning and in ensuring our region is meeting the needs of

visitors both today and into the future. All who complete the survey will go into the draw to win

one of 20 Buy Local Gift Cards to the value of $25. The survey can be accessed at the Tourism

Feedback project on YourSay Bathurst.

Bathurst Library author talks

Dr Nick Fuller

Want to try interval weight loss? Visit the library and hear from expert Dr Nick Fuller about

his new book ‘Interval Weight Loss for Women’ on Thursday 13 August, 6.00pm. Dr Fuller will address all the pitfalls and hurdles women face; providing simple and effective advice.

Bookings are strictly limited and can be made via Eventbrite or by calling the library on 6333 6281

Aerial Weed Spraying

The Upper Macquarie County Council (UMCC) will be conducting two aerial spraying programs in spring and autumn 2020/2021. UMCC will co-ordinate a helicopter and chemical to spray weeds for participating landholders at a competitive price. Spraying is conducted at a minimum of five hectares for serrated tussock (liquid), four hectares (granules) and three hectares for blackberry (liquid).

For more information contact UMCC on 6338 2875

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 7 August 2020

Fifteen Council-owned facilities now have solar panels with BMEC the latest to have the system installed.

The roof-mounted, grid connected system will supplement grid electricity used at BMEC.

Mayor of Bathurst Bobby Bourke said it was important for Council to utilise renewable energy to reduce Council’s carbon footprint in addition to saving costs on electricity consumption.

“The installation of the 90kW system will produce approximately 137 MWh of solar generated electricity per year which is about 45% of the total electricity used at BMEC,” he said.

Since 2009 solar panels have been installed at various Council facilities including:

·Learmonth Park

·Pit Paddock

·Depot

·Pound

·Water Filtration Plant

·Neighbourhood Centre

·Winburndale Cottage

·Waste Water Treatment Plant

·Library Art Gallery

·BVIC

·Aquatic Centre

·National Motor Racing Museum

·Railway Museum

·Scallywags

·BMEC

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 06 August 2020

The Bathurst Rail Museum has won the LG NSW Leo Kelly OAM Arts and Culture Award for the adaptive reuse of an historic building.

The prestigious award celebrates the outstanding achievement by local government organisations in strategic planning for arts and culture.

Mayor Bobby Bourke said the award was an honour and congratulated staff and the community for working together to create this world class facility.

“The Bathurst Rail Museum has been designed to attract international, national and local visitors adding to the suite of museums operated by Bathurst Regional Council including the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum, National Motor Racing Museum and Chifley Home,” he said.

Media Contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 31 July 2020

Consultation for 16 Regional Cities Services Improvement Program

Transport for NSW is seeking feedback from public transport users and the wider community in the Bathurst area about how the local bus network is used, service needs and desires. This will help inform future planning to create a better bus network for Bathurst. Feedback can be submitted online at yoursay.transport.nsw.gov.au/better-bus-network-bathurst, by calling 1800 717 528, emailing regionalcitiesprogram@transport.nsw.gov.au or by post to 16 Regional Cities – Bathurst, Locked Bag 2030, Newcastle NSW 2300.

Comments close Sunday 16 August 2020.

Sporting Association Grants

Each year Council provides a grant scheme to assist local sporting organisations to undertake

specific works or purchase equipment for the advancement of sport in the Bathurst Region.

Sporting organisations that are affiliated with the Bathurst District Sport and Recreation Council

are eligible to apply for these grants. A total of $20,000 has been allocated to this scheme.

Further information and application forms are available from Council’s Recreation Section on

6333 6285 or Council’s website www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au Applications close on Tuesday 29 September.

Tourism Survey

Council needs the help of the community to better understand the impact of visiting friends

and relatives to the Bathurst region economy. You are invited to participate in a short survey

which will assist Council in tourism planning and in ensuring our region is meeting the needs of

visitors both today and into the future. All who complete the survey will go into the draw to win

one of 20 Buy Local Gift Cards to the value of $25. The survey can be accessed at the Tourism

Feedback project on YourSay Bathurst.

Bathurst Library Opening Hours

Bathurst Library is open Monday to Friday 10am – 6pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am - 3pm.

Small groups can library, however groups of 6 or more must book ahead. For more information or to make bookings call the library on 6333 6281 or email library@bathurst.nsw.gov.au

Bathurst Library author talks

Dr Nick Fuller

Want to try interval weight loss? Visit the library and hear from expert Dr Nick Fuller about

his new book ‘Interval Weight Loss for Women’ on Thursday 13 August, 6.00pm. Dr Fuller will address all the pitfalls and hurdles women face; providing simple and effective advice.

Bookings are strictly limited and can be made via Eventbrite or by calling the library on 6333 6281

Aerial Weed Spraying

The Upper Macquarie County Council (UMCC) will be conducting two aerial spraying programs in spring and autumn 2020/2021. UMCC will co-ordinate a helicopter and chemical to spray weeds for participating landholders at a competitive price. Spraying is conducted at a minimum of five hectares for serrated tussock (liquid), four hectares (granules) and three hectares for blackberry (liquid).

For more information contact UMCC on 6338 2875

Bathurst Regional Art Gallery

Entries are closing soon for the ‘Pictures of You’ black and white photograph portrait exhibition. Entries close midnight Sunday 2 August. The exhibition will run at BRAG from Saturday, 15

August until Sunday, 11 October. For more information and to enter visit https://www.bathurstart.com.au/pictures-of-you-entry

ENDS

Media contact: Media Contact

MEDIA RELEASE 31 July 2020

The recent rains and significant inflows have seen the Chifley Dam level rise to 47.1%.

Mayor Bobby Bourke said large inflows were still occurring and while this is great news, residents are reminded that extreme level water restrictions are still in place.

“Our community has been very responsive to the implementation of water restrictions and everyone has done a wonderful job so far in preserving our drinking water supply,” he said.

“Council has no firm figure on when restrictions can be eased and will need to consider forecast rainfall, expected water usage and the time of the year to determine if and when water restrictions could be eased.”

ENDS

Media contact: Corinne Boer Media and Communications Officer P: 02 6333 6179
M: 0448 685 340 E: corinne.boer@bathurst.nsw.gov.au

MEDIA RELEASE 30 July 2020

BMEC is marking the return of theatre to the community with a specially designed local production.

Nicole is throwing a fancy party, and you’re invited. Join Nicole and her friends in this immersive theatrical show; there’ll be games, prizes, and socially distanced bubbles ‘n’ nibbles. Nicole is celebrating a milestone, so what a great opportunity to get dolled up and catch up with old friends.

Mayor Bobby Bourke said the show was a great way to see the return of live performance to Bathurst.

“Seating is strictly limited so book now,” he said.

The production will run from August 5-8 at 7pm at BMEC.

Dress code: Fancy

Ticket Price

$22.00 Adult

$16.00 Concession

For more information or to book visit www.bmec.com.au

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 24 July 2020

Suttor Mitre Lambert Street

The roundabout at the intersection is taking shape however there is still some work to do before the project is completed. Disruption and delays to motorists are to be expected over the next few weeks.

Crews have constructed the concrete ring of the roundabout and median islands on the approaches to the roundabout.

Commencing Monday, 27 July several layers of asphalt will be applied to the intersection. The road resurfacing is expected to take 4-5 days to complete and will take place generally within school hours under road closure. Outside of school hours, during drop-off and pick-up times, the intersection is expected to be open under traffic control conditions. The roadway will be reopened to traffic at the end of each working day around 5.00pm.

Sporting Association Grants

Each year Council provides a grant scheme to assist local sporting organisations to undertake

specific works or purchase equipment for the advancement of sport in the Bathurst Region.

Sporting organisations that are affiliated with the Bathurst District Sport and Recreation Council

are eligible to apply for these grants. A total of $20,000 has been allocated to this scheme.

Further information and application forms are available from Council’s Recreation Section on

6333 6285 or Council’s website www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au Applications close on Tuesday 29 September.

Tourism Survey

Council needs the help of the community to better understand the impact of visiting friends

and relatives to the Bathurst region economy. You are invited to participate in a short survey

which will assist Council in tourism planning and in ensuring our region is meeting the needs of

visitors both today and into the future. All who complete the survey will go into the draw to win

one of 20 Buy Local Gift Cards to the value of $25. The survey can be accessed at the Tourism

Feedback project on YourSay Bathurst.

Bathurst Library Opening Hours

Bathurst Library is open Monday to Friday 10am – 6pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am - 3pm.

Small groups can library, however groups of 6 or more must book ahead. For more information or to make bookings call the library on 6333 6281 or email library@bathurst.nsw.gov.au

Bathurst Library Author talks

For the first time since March the Library will host face to face author talks.

Adam Courtenay

Adam will talk about his latest book “The Ghost & the Bounty Hunter” on Friday 31 July at 6pm.

Dr Nick Fuller

Want to try interval weight loss? Visit the library and hear from expert Dr Nick Fuller about

his new book ‘Interval Weight Loss for Women’ on Thursday 13 August, 6.00pm. Dr Fuller will address all the pitfalls and hurdles women face; providing simple and effective advice.

Bookings are strictly limited and can be made via Eventbrite or by calling the library on 6333 6281

Bathurst Schools to Get Grubby

Do you want your children to have fun and learn about sustainability? Council has joined @dirtgirlworld Australia’s best online sustainability program for children called Get Grubby. The program is free to all pre-schools, child and family day care centres and primary schools in the LGA. See the video http://www.dirtgirlworldgetgrubby.com for more information. Enquiries regarding your child’s centre involvement should be made to environment@bathurst.nsw.gov.au

Backyard Rangers

Would you like a free nest box or insect hotel?

Make a pledge to be a Bathurst Backyard Ranger and keep an eye on the living things in and around your yard. Take a photo of birds, bugs, possums, flowers or trees and upload it via the iNaturalist app.

While you are there, join the Bathurst Backyard Ranger project and you can choose your own wildlife habitat box for your backyard. Once you have joined and uploaded your first photos, an insect hotel or nest box of your choice, plus a Backyards for Wildlife Booklet, will be delivered to your door. For more information visit the Sustainable Facebook page.

BRAG

Pictures of You

Bathurst Regional Art Gallery is delighted to announce a community photo portrait exhibition titled ‘Pictures of You’, with entries to the exhibition open to all members of the Bathurst community.

As restrictions ease, BRAG invites you to share a photographic portrait of someone significant to you.

The portrait could have been taken during isolation, or more recently. The portrait photographs will be black and white (greyscale) to convey sentimentality, nostalgia and unity in these uncertain and unprecedented times.

All entries will be assessed by BRAG staff and a selection will be printed onto high quality archival photo paper to be exhibited at BRAG and digitally on the BRAG website.

Entries to the exhibition are open now and close midnight Wednesday 29 July.

The exhibition will run from 15 August until 11 October. To submit an entry, visit the BRAG website complete the form and upload your image (at full resolution, not cropped, resized or reduced). Selected entries will be notified by Friday 7 August.

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 24 July 2020

EOI for operation of The Junktion

Council has called for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from suitably experienced organisations to operate The Junktion, Reuse and Recovery Centre in Bathurst.

The Junktion is a reuse and recovery centre located adjacent to the Bathurst Waste Management Centre. It allows residents to deliver usable goods for resale which diverts waste from landfill and in the process the operator may generate income which could be used to deliver community services.

Mayor Bobby Bourke said the facility opened in 2010 and currently operates six days per week.

“Residents can recycle their unwanted furniture, electrical equipment, sporting goods, building materials and other household items at no cost,” he said.

Interested parties are required to register via the E-tendering Portal www.tenderlink.com/bathurst

to download the EOI document at no charge. If you experience difficulties accessing the above

website please call the Tenderlink Helpdesk on 1800 233 533.

All electronic EOI’s must be submitted in the format specified in the EOI document. Failure to do so will result in the EOI not being considered by Council. The closing date and time for EOI submissions is 4.00pm on Tuesday, 4 August.

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer