News Centre

MEDIA RELEASE 23 April 2020

Water security projects on critical needs list

The Mayor of Bathurst has welcomed the advice that two water security projects for the region will be officially listed on the Water Supply (Critical Needs) Bill 2019.

Mayor Bobby Bourke said the legislation and Council’s inclusion on the critical needs list will reduce the timeframe for construction and commissioning of the Winburndale Pipeline and Stormwater Harvesting projects.

“I would like to extend my gratitude to the State Government for their support, in particular the Minister for Water Melinda Pavey MP and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole,” he said.

“This is a step in the right direction to secure our region’s water supply and confirms the commitment of the State Government in working together with Council on vital infrastructure projects that support our community and region.”

The inclusion on the list follows a commitment from the State Government of more than $14 million towards water security projects which includes $2.25m towards strengthening works at Winburndale Dam and $12 million towards water security projects.

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer
M: 0448 685 340 E: corinne.boer@bathurst.nsw.gov.au

This year’s Bathurst Readers’ and Writers’ Festival will be a special stay-at-home event involving a mix of pre-recorded and live streamed sessions on Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre’s Facebook page from May 1-3.

Mayor Bobby Bourke said the event will be hosted by BMEC and Books Plus and is great opportunity for community engagement and entertainment by celebrating literature and our local creatives.

“The festival works with local playwrights to present short plays online as well as local poets presenting their work,” he said.

The festival will begin on Friday, 1 May with an opening address from the Mayor. This will be followed by “Books You Have Missed”, a session where Books Plus staff and other special guests discuss their favourite books from the past 12 months.

The “Great Festival Read” panel will take place on Sunday, 3 May at 11.00am and will focus on this year’s chosen book, The Yield by Tara June Winch. The Yield combines history, culture and Wiradjuri language and has been nominated for multiple awards. Author, Tara June Winch, was mentored by Nobel Prize winner Wole Soyinka as part of the prestigious Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative.

Festival Sessions:

Friday 1 May

5.50pm - Festival opening

6.00pm - Books You Might Have Missed

Saturday 2 May

10.00am - Storytime With Bathurst Library

11.00am - Multicultural Storytelling Project

2.00pm - Poetry Pickings

6.00pm - Creative Conversation

Sunday 3 May

11.00am - Great Festival Read

1.30pm - Play Readings

2.40pm - Wrap-up and Feedback

For more information about the program, visit www.facebook.com/BMECbathurst or www.bmec.com.au.

To access the events via Zoom instead of Facebook, contact BMEC on 6333 6161.

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer
M: 0448 685 340 E: corinne.boer@bathurst.nsw.gov.au

MEDIA RELEASE 17 April 2020

Waste 2 Art goes online

Keeping in the spirit of doing things differently, this year’s Waste 2 Art will be held as an online event.

The popular community competition and exhibition challenges the community's perception of “rubbish” and celebrates recycling in the form of art and craft.

Mayor Bobby Bourke said the exhibition is an innovate way to approach education about waste.

“Waste 2 Art is a great way to get students, community groups and individuals to create a new life for materials that would have otherwise ended up in landfill,” he said.

The 2020 exhibition has a focus on aluminum and steel cans; however, artworks do not need to include these. A range of categories and prizes will be on offer, with winning artworks having the opportunity to be entered in the 2021 Regional Exhibition.

With the event moving online, participants are encouraged to get creative from their homes. Entrants must create an artwork including some element of recycled waste that would’ve otherwise been considered useless. The competition is open to all residents of the Bathurst region.

Three photographs of the creation, along with an entry form and a half page descriptive brief must be emailed to waste2art@bathurst.nsw.gov.au by 4.00pm on Tuesday, May 19.

For more information, head to www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au or call the Waste 2 Art coordinator on

6333 6544.

ENDS

Media contact: Media Contact
M: 0448 685 340 E: corinne.boer@bathurst.nsw.gov.au

MEDIA RELEASE 17 April 2020

What’s News at Bathurst Regional Council

Vision Bathurst 2040

A draft Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) has been prepared for the Bathurst Region, called Vision Bathurst 2040, which sets the direction for land-use issues over the next 20 years. The purpose of the LSPS is to guide how land is used in the Bathurst Region to achieve desirable economic, social and environmental outcomes. Vision Bathurst 2040 will outline how Council will manage land-use change as the region towards a population of approximately 55,000 over the next 20 years.

The draft LSPS is available online from www.yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/visionbathurst. Should you be unable to download the document, please contact Council on 6333 6211 to arrange for the draft to be posted to you. Please take account of additional postal times for receipt of the hard copy.

Submissions must be made to Council by 20 May 2020. Submissions made can be included without alteration (including name and address) in reports that available to the public in Council business papers.

Our City: BRAG Town

Bathurst Regional Art Gallery are creating a collaborative digital collage “Our City: BRAG Town”. People are encouraged to design their own home, park, shop or other parts of town to form part of a digital city layout. To submit your design, download a section of town via the BRAG website www.bathurstart.com.au.

Designs can be made digitally, via Photoshop, Paint or a similar software and uploaded to the BRAG website. For hand-drawn designs, you can print a section of the town and then scan or photograph your drawing to upload. Alternatively, designs can be posted on Instagram and entered by tagging @bathurstregionalartgallery and using #BRAGourcity #bragtown.

#TakeAMoment Campaign

The Bathurst Visitor Information Centre is inviting the community to “Take a Moment” through an online campaign. The initiative encourages everyone to take a moment of self-care and revitalisation, but also taking a moment to capture an image of the moment to share with your community. Examples of “Take A Moment” could include grabbing takeaway from one Bathurst’s many outstanding restaurants, a moment to sip a cup of coffee or a moment to exercise outdoors. Use the #TakeAMoment when sharing on social media and go to visitbathurst.com.au for inspiration.

Heritage Assistance Grants

Applications are now invited for small grants for the following funds:

Bathurst Region Heritage Fund

Provides fund for the repair and maintenance of older buildings in the region. The program is supported by the NSW Heritage Branch of the Office of Environment and Heritage.

Bathurst CBD Main Street Improvement Fund

Provides small grants to assist property owners and tenants to improve, repair and maintain buildings within the Bathurst CBD. 

Bathurst Region Interpretation Fund

Provides small grants for the preparation of Conservation Management Plans, historic publications and interpretation projects to promote and interpret the region’s history. 

All applications close Friday 29 May 2020. Applications for funding must be made on the Council’s application form which is available on Council’s website at www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au or from our Civic Centre. For more information call 6333 6211.

2020 Clubgrants Scheme

Council invites local community organisations to apply for funding from the 2020 ClubGRANTS Scheme. The program allows registered clubs with annual gaming machine revenue of exceeding $1 million to apply a percentage of their gaming machine revenue to community development and support projects.

Applications close at 4.00pm Friday 24 April 2020. Further information regarding ClubGRANTS funding guidelines, categories and application forms are available on Council’s website www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au or call Council on 6333 6523.

Financial Assistance COVID-19 Stimulus Measures

Council at its meeting on 15 April resolved to provide a range of financial assistance and stimulus measures to assist local businesses and the Bathurst community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The individual financial assistance measures are detailed in Mayoral Minute presented to the meeting and are up to $408,000 in value.

Council is inviting submissions on the report for a period of 28 days from organisations and individuals in relation to Councils proposed assistance measures. For more information and to review the report in full, visit www.yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au. Should you be unable to download the document, please contact Council on 6333 6111 to arrange for the draft to be posted to you. Please take account of additional postal times for receipt of the hard copy.

Submissions must be made to Council by 4.00pm Monday 18 May 2020. Submissions can be lodged via YourSay Bathurst or in writing to the General Manager, Private Mail bag 17, Bathurst 2795.

Bathurst Writers’ & Readers’ Festival

The 2020 Bathurst Writers’ and Readers’ Festival will be a special, stay-at-home event held from Friday 1 May to Sunday 3 May. All events will be live streamed or pre-recorded on the BMEC Bathurst Facebook page. Chances for engagement will be available in the Facebook live streams and on Instagram by using the hashtag #bathurstreaders and tagging @bmec_bx.

The program:

Friday 1 May

5.50pm 2020 Festival Opening

6.00pm Books You Might Have Missed

Saturday 2 May

10.00am Storytime With Bathurst Library

11.00am Multicultural Storytelling Project

2.00pm Poetry Pickings

6.00pm Creative Conversation

Sunday 3 May

11.00am Great Festival Read

1.30pm Play Readings

2.40pm Wrap-up and Feedback

For more information, visit the BMEC Bathurst Facebook page www.facebook.com/BMECbathurst

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer
M: 0448 685 340 E: corinne.boer@bathurst.nsw.gov.au

MEDIA RELEASE 17 April 2020

A draft Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) has been prepared for the Bathurst Region, called Vision Bathurst 2040.

The purpose of the LSPS is to guide how land is used in the Bathurst region over the next 20 years to achieve desirable economic, social and environmental outcomes. Vision Bathurst 2040 outlines how Council will manage land use change as the region moves towards a population of approximately 55,000 over the next 20 years. Council resolved to place the LSPS on public exhibition at its meeting held on 15 April.

The LSPS is an important document for the region. The LSPS covers land uses including housing, recreation, transport, industry, public open space, cultural activities, agriculture, business, tourism and natural areas.

Mayor Bobby Bourke said the recent bushfires and current health crisis highlight the ongoing importance of long-term land use planning.

“Council encourages our community to share their thoughts on this key strategic document. The draft LSPS can be accessed online at Council’s YourSay website and Council staff are available during normal business hours to answer any questions you may have about the document,” he said.

“The draft LSPS will be used to guide decisions that Council makes about how land will be used and provide clarity on the types of development that are likely to be supported in certain areas and those that may not.”

The document also identifies actions to improve the region’s water security, to protect farming land, natural areas and towns from the impacts of our changing climate and sets out actions to reinvigorate town centres, manage residential development and promote the protection of the region’s environment and its heritage and culture.

Importantly the LSPS builds on and consolidates Council’s previous consultations and strategies that have been completed over the past decade.

Visit https://yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/BathurstLSPS before 20 May 2020 to:

• download the complete draft LSPS;
• make a submission; and
• find out how to talk to Council staff about the project.

All feedback will be used to refine the draft and make sure it aligns with community expectations for land use over the next 20 years.

All feedback must be received by Council by 20 May 2020.

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 17 April 2020

The NRL match between Panthers and Cronulla Sharks, which was scheduled to be played at Carrington Park on May 10 will not proceed.

Mayor Bobby Bourke said is the decision was disappointing news for everyone involved.

"While the situation is unfortunate, the decision was made in line with advice from the State and Federal Government health authorities to best protect the health of our community, fans, players and staff," he said.

"I look forward to continuing the relationship and welcoming the Panthers back to our city in 2021 for a bigger and better season".

Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher said this decision, while disappointing for all involved, is ultimately in the best interests of the club, the fans and the Bathurst community.

“Despite the challenging circumstances, I can assure you that Panthers remains steadfast in its long-term commitment to the Bathurst region.

“We are already looking forward to bringing the NRL back to Carrington Park in 2021.”

The Panthers visit brings numerous benefits to the community especially in promoting grassroots Rugby League in regional centres. Each year the Panthers team undertakes community engagement activities such as the coaching clinics for children. The social benefits from these activities contribute strongly to an inclusive sporting community.

All purchased tickets will receive a full refund. Tickets purchased by credit or debit card will be refunded in full (including ticket insurance premium and refundable ticket purchase, if relevant) and patrons do not need to take any action. Ticket purchasers will receive an email from Ticketek to the email address tickets were purchased from with instructions detailing the refund process. Patrons should allow approximately 20 working days for the refund to appear in their account.

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer
M: 0448 685 340 E: corinne.boer@bathurst.nsw.gov.au

MEDIA RELEASE 15 April 2020

Council will tonight consider a range of stimulus measures to assist local businesses and the community intended to help sustain and rebuild the local economy, as part of a Mayoral Minute.

Mayor Bobby Bourke said this is an unprecedented health emergency and Council plays an important role in sustaining and driving our local economy.

“Council will do all we can to support our residents, businesses and preserve the very fabric of our community”, he said.

The following measures will be considered:

Assistance to businesses

Council is proposing to waive a range of fees or charges for local businesses such as:

• Cafes and restaurants
• Hairdressers and skin businesses
• Bed and breakfasts
• Temporary food outlets

Changes to the current procurement policy will also be considered to provide greater opportunities for local businesses and suppliers.

Hardship claims for rates

Cases of hardship as a result COVID-19 will be considered on an individual case by case basis. Council will work with ratepayers and businesses to establish repayment plans this may include consideration of the waiving, or deferring, of interest penalties for the short term.

Retention of Council services and staff

Council is ensuring the provision of vital services to the community, in particular, water, sewer, waste, finance (creditors), health and building, planning, engineering and childcare, and where able to do so, the provision of services by alternative methods such as library, art gallery and museum services.

Council is a major contributor to the economy employing around 400 staff members and will be a major driver of the local economy during the recovery phase. It is important that Council staff are employed and continue to spend their income in the local economy to support businesses in keeping their doors open. It is anticipated that Federal and State programs will be announced in the future will provide opportunities for local government.

At this stage, Council has predicted a loss of revenue of approximately $465 000 and the initial stimulus measures that are proposed will cost $410 000 with an impact on Council’s budget of almost $900K. This figure is expected to rise significantly as the crisis continues.

Recovery Phase

Council is planning towards the economic and community recovery period by continuing to build on services that are provided to the community.

A strategy is being developed to assist businesses when the economy enters a period of recovery. An array of shop local marketing materials and campaigns will be prepared for roll out at the appropriate time. The recovery period will include, but is not limited to, an expanded Jobs Expo to assist with employment, expanded BizMonth program, extensive promotion of the Buy Local Gift Card (including competitions and associated messaging), and a revamped Business Leaders Lunch.

Current initiatives include:

• Revamp of the Bathurst Business Hub website to provide businesses with easier access to the latest State and Federal Government announcements, stimulus packages and resources
• Extensive update of the Evojobs platform
• Regular eNewsletters to Council’s business database
• Buy Local Gift Card competition
• Promotion of a series of online webinars for business owners

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

M: 0448 685 340 E: corinne.boer@bathurst.nsw.gov.au

MEDIA RELEASE 9 April 2020

Please do not visit the Waste Management Centre

Council is urging residents not to use the Waste Management Centre unless it is essential.

Mayor Bobby Bourke said the number of people utilising the facility had increased recently.

“Our community is doing a wonderful job adhering to the State and Federal Governments’ advice to stay at home,” he said.

“I am asking residents to please think about their health and safety and to put off a trip to the Waste Management Centre at this time. Residents are encouraged to store any waste that cannot be placed in the kerbside bins until travel restrictions are relaxed.”

For enquiries please contact Council on 6333 6111.

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 9 April 2020

Tender awarded for new bridge at Winburndale Rivulet

Council has approved the tender for the design and construction of a new bridge at the Winburndale Rivulet on the Bridle Track.

The previous bridge was washed away during heavy rains in January 2019. The tender was awarded to Bridge and Marine Engineering Pty Ltd for $789,848.40 at Council’s meeting in March.

Mayor Bobby Bourke said the project was made possible with assistance from the Federal Government’s Natural Disaster Release and Recovery Arrangements Program.

“I would like to thank the Federal Government for supporting this project,” he said.

“This will allow Council to design and construct a sturdy new bridge for residents who live in the area that will last well into the future. Council will take the opportunity to raise the height of the bridge and install a longer river crossing when the work takes place. Council will meet the cost of this additional work jointly with the State Government.”

Access along the Bridle Track will remain in place throughout the duration of the project. The project is expected to take six months to complete.

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 7 April 2020

Water consumption in Bathurst has dropped significantly with the city’s daily water usage down to less than half the consumption rate of 2018.

Mayor Bobby Bourke has praised the community for working together to preserve the city’s water supply.

“Bathurst’s daily water usage is averaging less than 10 megalitres per day compared to 17 megalitres in 2019 and 22 megalitres in 2018,” he said.

“I would like to commend everyone for your commitment to reducing consumption and saving water. In the last five weeks we have reduced usage down to 133 litres per person per day and I urge everyone to keep up the great work because you are making a difference. We are still experiencing one of the worst droughts in history and it is important we continue to work together to save water.”

Extreme level water restrictions are still in place which are as follows:

• Watering only permitted before 10am or after 4pm;

• On Sundays and Wednesdays only;

• For a maximum of 30 mins water running time (one tap only);

• Using buckets and/or watering cans - No hoses or microsprays or watering systems.

For more information please visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/waterrestrctions or phone the Water Restrictions Hotline on 6333 1683

ENDS

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