MEDIA RELEASE 7 June 2019

Explore minerals this Saturday

It will be a rockin’ day out for the whole family with a jumping castle, face painting, children’s activities and talks by Ross Pogson from the Australian Museum and Warren Somerville. The event will celebrate the opening of The Chapman Collection at the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum – Remarkable Minerals from the Australian Museum. Come to the AFMM this Saturday, 8 June from 10.00am. Entry is $5 per person (free for under 5s).

Bathurst Winter Festival

The Bathurst Winter Festival is on from 6 – 21 July.Tickets are now on sale for the McDonald’s Bathurst Ice Rink. Tickets are $8 for ages 2 - 13, $12 for ages 14 and up. Special sessions will also be offered for children, experienced skaters and adults. To book a session, visit www.bathurstwinterfestival.com.au

Bathurst Jobs Expo

More than 50 exhibitors, employers, and education and training providers are expected to feature at this year's Bathurst Jobs Expo at BMEC provide information regarding job opportunities and assistance with career change or development. Save the date - Tuesday 30 July from 9am-3pm.

Temporary closure of Marsden Lane

Marsden Lane will be temporarily closed to traffic between Hughes Street and Clairvaux Lane on Monday 17 June to Friday 12 July. The road closure is necessary to realign a water supply main along Marsden Lane. Resident traffic can access Marsden Lane during the period of the closure. Alternative access is available via Hughes Street.

For more information phone 6333 6100.

@ the Library

Make Music Day Livestream

To celebrate International Make Music Day, Bathurst Library is hosting a special livestream from the Sydney Opera House on Friday, June 21 at 6.15pm. Be entertained by local vocal quartet, High Tops, then sit back and enjoy a livestream of ‘Music of the Oud’, starring charismatic composer Joseph Tawadros and his oud (Egyptian lute) accompanied by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

Bookings essential - register at eventbrite.com.au or phone 6333 6281.

Author talk: Amanda Hampson

Amanda Hampson will discuss her latest book Sixty Summers. The book is an entertaining and astute tale about three women who travel to Europe to recapture the carefree days of their youth. The free talk is on Friday, 21 June at 10.30am. Bookings are essential. Register at eventbrite.com.au or phone 6333 6281.

YourSay Bathurst

Council is currently seeking feedback on the following projects via the YourSay Bathurst website:

· Duramana Master Plan

· Laffing Waters Master Plan

· Destination Management Plan

· Draft Delivery Program 2019-2023 & Operational Plan 2019-2020

· Local Environment Plan Changes

· Bathurst Library Survey

· Australian Fossil & Mineral Museum consultation

Youth Council Recruitment

Applications to join the Youth Council are open for people aged 15-18 years until 12 June. For further information or to apply visit bathurst.nsw.gov.au.au/youth or by phoning 6333 6523.

For more news visit yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/newscentre

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 31 May 2019

Bathurst Winter Festival

The Bathurst Winter Festival is on from 6 – 21 July.Tickets are now on sale for the McDonald’s Bathurst Ice Rink. Tickets are $8 for ages 2 - 13, $12 for ages 14 and up. Special sessions will also be offered for children, experienced skaters and adults. To book a session, visit www.bathurstwinterfestival.com.au

Bathurst Jobs Expo

More than 50 exhibitors, employers, and education and training providers are expected to feature at this year's Bathurst Jobs Expo at BMEC provide information regarding job opportunities and assistance with career change or development. Save the date - Tuesday 30 July from 9am-3pm.

Pet Desexing Program

The pet desexing program is run by Council in partnership with the RSPCA. This program is open to pensioners and low-income earners who are residents of the Bathurst LGA, and it will run from Monday, 10 June to Friday 21 June. The subsidised cost for desexing is as follows.

Dog Female $65.00

Male $50.00

Cat Female $50.00

Male $35.00

The cost of microchipping is included for both dogs and cats. First vaccinations are included for dogs only. Pain relief and hospitalisation are included in the cost for both dogs and cats. Places are limited and bookings are essential. To reserve a place, contact one of the following surgeries:

Stewart Street Veterinary Hospital 6331 1222

Durham Street Veterinary Clinic 6334 2009

Bathurst Veterinary Hospital 6332 5800

Free concert at the Courthouse

Sydney Youth Orchestra’s Peter Seymour Orchestra will be in Bathurst on Sunday, 2 June from 11.30am on the Courthouse lawn. Presenting works by Haydn and Mozart, this special pop-up performance is supported by Mitchell Conservatorium.

Temporary closure of Marsden Lane

Marsden Lane will be temporarily closed to traffic between Hughes Street and Clairvaux Lane on Monday 17 June to Friday 12 July. The road closure is necessary to realign a water supply main along Marsden Lane. Resident traffic can access Marsden Lane during the period of the closure. Alternative access is available via Hughes Street.

For more information phone 6333 6100.

@ the Library

New FanClub

The new monthly FanClub is for people aged from aged 12-24 who are interested in fanfiction. It’s a chance to meet other enthusiasts, discuss ideas and get advice. The club will meet on Monday, 3 June from 4.30pm-5.30pm. Phone 6333 6281 to register or for more information.

Author talk: Amanda Hampson

Amanda Hampson will discuss her latest book Sixty Summers. The book is an entertaining and astute tale about three women who travel to Europe to recapture the carefree days of their youth. The free talk is on Friday, 21 June at 10.30am. Bookings are essential. Register at eventbrite.com.au or phone 6333 6281.

YourSay Bathurst

Council is currently seeking feedback on the following projects via the YourSay Bathurst website:

· Destination Management Plan

· Bathurst Library Survey

· Development Control Plan Changes

· Heritage Conservation Area Review

· Draft Delivery Program 2019-2023 & Operational Plan 2019-2020

· Local Environment Plan Changes

· Australian Fossil & Mineral Museum consultation

Youth Council Recruitment

Applications to join the Youth Council are open for people aged 15-18 years. Applications are open until 12 June. For further information or to apply visit bathurst.nsw.gov.au.au/youth or by phoning 6333 6523.

For more news visit yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/newscentre

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 27 May 2019

Bathurst Regional Council has shortlisted three expressions of interests (EOI) for a potential fifth event at Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit.

Mayor Graeme Hanger OAM said the three EOIs to make the shortlist are from:

· Australian Racing Group & CAMS

· Mountain Motor Sports and

· Supercars

"Council will now seek additional information from each of the shortlisted parties to further assess the suitability of their submission and is unable to comment further until this process is complete."

Council called for EOIs for a potential fifth event in March this year receiving a strong response with six EOIs lodged.

The circuit currently hosts four major events annually which require full track closures - the Bathurst 12 Hour, the Bathurst 6 Hour, the Bathurst 1000 and Challenge Bathurst.

Ends

More information: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 24 May 2019

Bathurst Winter Festival

The Bathurst Winter Festival is on from 6 – 21 July.Tickets are now on sale for the McDonald’s Bathurst Ice Rink. Tickets are $8 for ages 2 - 13, $12 for ages 14 and up. Special sessions will also be offered for children, experienced skaters and adults. To book a session, visit www.bathurstwinterfestival.com.au

Notice of environmental burn

A low intensity burn is proposed at Hillview Estate Reserve at Napoleon Reef on Saturday 25 May, subject to weather conditions. The aim of the burn is to encourage the regrowth of a diverse range of native grasses, herbs and wildflowers within the bushland reserve.

There is potential for smoke to impact surrounding residents and roads. A letterbox drop will be conducted to notify surrounding residents of measures to prepare their properties.

Pet Desexing Program

The pet desexing program is run by Council in partnership with the RSPCA. This program is open to pensioners and low-income earners who are residents of the Bathurst LGA, and it will run from Monday, 10 June to Friday 21 June. The subsidised cost for desexing is as follows.

Dog Female $65.00

Male $50.00

Cat Female $50.00

Male $35.00

The cost of microchipping is included for both dogs and cats. First vaccinations are included

for dogs only. Pain relief and hospitalisation are included in the cost for both dogs and cats.

Places are limited and bookings are essential. To reserve a place, contact one of the following surgeries:

Stewart Street Veterinary Hospital 6331 1222

Durham Street Veterinary Clinic 6334 2009

Bathurst Veterinary Hospital 6332 5800

@ the Library

New FanClub

The new monthly FanClub is for people aged from aged 12-24 who are interested in fanfiction. It’s a chance to meet other enthusiasts, discuss ideas and get advice. The club will meet on Monday, 3 June from 4.30pm-5.30pm. Phone 6333 6281 to register or for more information.

Author talk: Amanda Hampson

Amanda Hampson will discuss her latest book Sixty Summers. The book is an entertaining and astute tale about three women who travel to Europe to recapture the carefree days of their youth. The free talk is on Friday, 21 June at 10.30am. Bookings are essential. Register at eventbrite.com.au or phone 6333 6281.

YourSay Bathurst

Council is currently seeking feedback on the following projects via the YourSay Bathurst website:

· Destination Management Plan

· Bathurst Library Survey

· Development Control Plan Changes

· Heritage Conservation Area Review

· Draft Delivery Program 2019-2023 & Operational Plan 2019-2020

· Local Environment Plan Changes

· Australian Fossil & Mineral Museum consultation

Youth Council Recruitment

Applications to join the Youth Council are open for people aged 15-18 years. Applications are open until 12 June. For further information or to apply visit bathurst.nsw.gov.au.au/youth or by phoning 6333 6523.

Heritage Assistance Grants

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

Bathurst Region Heritage Fund

Provides small grants 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.

Applications for funding must be made on Council’s application form which is available on Council’s website at www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au or from the Civic Centre. The closing date for applications is 31 May.

For more information call 6333 6211.

For more news visit yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/newscentre

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 23 May 2019

In order to guide the future strategic direction of tourism in the Bathurst region and ensure a strong future for this important industry, Bathurst Regional Council will be preparing a new Destination Management Plan (DMP) in 2019.

Mayor Graeme Hanger OAM said it was important for the community and industry to have their say on the priorities for the new plan.

“Tourism is a strong and growing industry in our region, with more than 895,000 visitors bringing over $213 million in to the local Bathurst economy in the past year.”

“Actioning the previous plan has allowed the development of key assets that support the promotion of our region in the complex and competitive environment of the contemporary digital age of tourism marketing and destination management”.

The consultation period will run from May 22 to June 10 and will include a series of public consultation forums and industry stakeholder workshops. There is also the opportunity to complete an online survey or speak directly with a member of the project team.

“The new plan will guide the continuing growth of tourism in our region over the next five years,” Mayor Hanger said.

“Both a new State-wide and regional Destination Network plan have also been completed in the last 12 months, making this a timely exercise for Council to ensure that we also align with the priorities of these plans and the industry trends that they have identified”.

The previous Bathurst Region DMP was completed in January 2015 and adopted by Council in June 2015. The DMP set out recommendations and an activities program to guide tourism over a five-year period. A review of the recommended actions in late 2018 showed that all six priorities have been achieved with over 80% of all sub-actions either complete or in progress.

The new plan will be drafted following the consultation period and will be placed on public exhibition in later this year. You can have your say at the forum or online at the Bathurst YourSay website. For more information phone 1300 103 446 or email tourism@bathurst.nsw.gov.au

Public consultation forum dates

Thursday 30 May 2019 6.00pm - 8.00pm
Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre

Friday 31 May 2019 9.00am - 11.00am
Bathurst RSL Club, Courtyard Room

Saturday 1 June 2019 10.00am - 12.00pm
Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre

ENDS
Media contact: Media Officer

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage and the Proposed Go Kart Track at McPhillamy Park Mount Panorama

History/Background

· Council has worked closely with the Aboriginal community in preparing an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment for the proposed Go Kart track development.

· The proposed Go Kart track development includes the track, pit lane, carpark and paddock area. The track will be located to the southern extent of McPhillamy Park.

· The original Development Application (DA) was submitted by the Bathurst Go Kart Club for a 950m go kart track, and was approved by Council on 28 September 2015.

· An application to modify the development consent was submitted by Council on behalf of the Go Kart Club, and was approved by Council in December 2018.

· The application to modify the development consent was made to extend the track to 1100m to make it an international standard track.

· Prior to considering the application to modify the development consent Council engaged Extent Heritage to prepare an Aboriginal Due Diligence report followed by an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Report (ACHAR) for the proposed development (see below for more information).

· Current status – Council has commenced preliminary works on site, including demolition of the existing 1980s house and removal of redundant communications infrastructure.

Aboriginal Cultural Due Diligence

· A due diligence assessment (to determine if harm is likely to be caused to an Aboriginal object) was undertaken in respect of the original development application.

· Further due diligence was undertaken when the application to modify the development application was lodged.

· The due diligence report for the modified development application found that since the original Development Application (DA) was lodged and approved, four additional sites had been registered on the Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System (AHIMS) database by the Wiradyuri Traditional Owners group. Two of these sites are located within and around the subject area of the Go Kart Track development.

The due diligence report concluded that:

· The proposed development will be a high impact activity.

· There are two registered sites in the subject area, and as such an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit (AHIP) approval may be required if relics are found.

· No objects/relics had been identified to date and it is likely that there is low potential for sub-surface archaeological deposits.

· Consultation with Aboriginal communities have identified that the land has significant intangible cultural heritage values to the Aboriginal community.

· There is significant opposition from the Wiradyuri Traditional Owners group for the development to proceed.

· There is support from the Bathurst Local Aboriginal Lands Council for the development to proceed.

Council staff then met with representatives of the Wiradyuri Traditional Owners Central West Aboriginal Corporation and the Bathurst Local Aboriginal Lands Council on 7 March 2017. Extent Heritage was engaged to help facilitate discussions with both parties.

In summary those meetings reiterated:

· The opposition from the Wiradyuri Traditional Owners group for the development to proceed.

· The support from the Bathurst Local Aboriginal Land Council for the development to proceed.

The meetings also highlighted the need for Council to more accurately document the values, places and features of the Mount Panorama precinct that are of cultural significance as a means to develop a cultural heritage management plan for the entire Mountain to inform operational activities.

As a result, Council further engaged Extent Heritage to:

· Proceed with an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment (ACHA) to determine if an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit (AHIP) application was needed with respect specifically to the application for modification for the Go Kart Track development.

· Undertake anthropological investigations to verify the claims of significance being made in relation to Mount Panorama.

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment of the Go Kart Track Modification

· The Assessment was prepared in accordance with NSW Office and Environment Guidelines. The key aim of the ACHA is to confirm the presence or absence of Aboriginal objects, as defined by the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.

· Aboriginal consultation was undertaken in accordance with the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Consultation Requirements for Proponents (DECCW 2010).

· The Registered Aboriginal Partkes (RAPs) for the project were: Bathurst Local Aboriginal Land Council, Dhuuluu-yala Enterprises, Wiradyuri Traditional Owners Central West Aboriginal Corporation, Bathurst Wiradyuri and Aboriginal Community Elders, Warrabinga Native Title Claimants Aboriginal Corporation, Mooka, and Murra Bidgee Mullangari Aboriginal Corporation.

· Four of the RAPs were engaged to participate in the archaeological survey: Bathurst Local Aboriginal Land Council, Dhuuluu-yala Enterprises, Wiradyuri Traditional Owners Central West Aboriginal Corporation, and Bathurst Wiradyuri and Aboriginal Community Elders.

· The ACHA was also informed by the separate anthropological assessment undertaken for Council by Professor David Trigger and Dr Gaynor Macdonald, with assistance from Extent Heritage, which included ethno-historical research and interviews with key informants and knowledge holders who speak for Bathurst Wiradjuri country.

· Council separately engaged arborists, Agile Arbor, to investigate a number of scar and forked trees within the study area. The arborist report was consolidated into the ACHA.

Key Findings

The key findings of the ACHA were as follows.

· The study area contains five registered Aboriginal sites. None of the five registered sites were found to contain Aboriginal objects as defined by the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974:

· The ACHA concluded that the study area has a nil-low potential to contain buried sub-surface archaeological deposits.

· No Aboriginal objects as defined by the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 have been identified within the proposed Go Kart Track development area. The subject land does not currently form part of a gazetted Aboriginal Place.

· The proposed development does not currently require approval of an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit (AHIP) and development may proceed with caution

The key findings of the anthropological investigations were as follows:

· The anthropological study found that parts of the Mountain have intangible cultural heritage values to the local Aboriginal community.

· Mt Panorama Wahluu has contemporary cultural values to the local Aboriginal community due to these traditional associations, and also as part of a movement of cultural revitalisation and reconnection currently underway across Wiradjuri country.

Declaration of Mount Panorama – State Government

· The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) has received a nomination for the declaration of Mount Panorama (or parts thereof) as an Aboriginal Place under the National Parks and Wildlife Act.

· It is also understood that OEH is considering whether a celebratory declaration either as an Aboriginal Place or State Heritage Listing under the NSW Heritage Act is a more appropriate approach than a declaration/listing that would control the use of land and/or warrant additional approval processes.

Heritage Protection Application under Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection (ATSIHP) Act 1984, Mount Panorama, Bathurst (Federal)

· Council has received advice from the Federal Department of Environment and Energy that it has received applications (section 9 - emergency protection and section 10 longer term protection) to protect parts of Mount Panorama.

· Both declarations can be made where it is considered to be an area that is a significant Aboriginal area and is under threat.

· No such declaration has yet been made by the Federal Government.

Conclusion

· Council has worked closely with the Aboriginal community in preparing an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment for the proposed Go Kart track development.

· The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment for the Go Kart track development has found that no Aboriginal objects as defined by the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 have been identified within the works area for the proposed Go Kart track development.

· The proposed development does not currently require approval of an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit (AHIP) and development may proceed with caution.

· Preliminary works have commenced on site including demolition of the 1980s house and redundant communications infrastructure.

· The Go Kart track will be an international attraction for Bathurst by capitalising on Mount Panorama’s fame. It will be the first international go kart track in NSW.

· Council is aware that there have been applications lodged with the State and Federal Governments for protection of the Mountain in terms of Aboriginal Cultural heritage. No State or Federal Declaration has been made in relation to the Aboriginal significance of Mount Panorama.

· Council has prepared a detailed report on a range of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Matters. A full copy of that report can be accessed via Council's Business Paper 15 May 2019.

See full report - page 29.

MEDIA RELEASE 17 May 2019

What’s News at Bathurst Regional Council

Begonia house closing soon

This is the last chance to see the begonia house in Machattie Park. The display will close on Friday, 24 May.

Notice of environmental burn

A low intensity burn is proposed at Hillview Estate Reserve at Napoleon Reef on Saturday 25 May, subject to weather conditions. The aim of the burn is to encourage the regrowth of a diverse range of native grasses, herbs and wildflowers within the bushland reserve.

There is potential for smoke to impact surrounding residents and roads. A letterbox drop will be conducted to notify surrounding residents of measures to prepare their properties.

Waste 2 Art Exhibition

The Waste 2 Art Exhibition is open at BMEC featuring 108 artworks inspired by waste.

The free exhibition is on until Sunday,19 May. For more information visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au

Heritage Assistance Grants

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

Bathurst Region Heritage Fund

Provides small grants 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.

Applications for funding must be made on Council’s application form which is available on Council’s website at www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au or from the Civic Centre. The closing date for applications is 31 May.

For more information call 6333 6211.

@ the Library

National Simultaneous Storytime

The Library will host National Simultaneous Storytime on Wednesday, May 22 at 11.00am

The book Alpacas with Maracas will be read as part of this nationwide effort to get one million kids reading. Entry is free.

Be Connected

Be Connected (free tech help) 29 April – 5 July (Mondays & Fridays only). The service offers free one-on-one technology assistance between 10am – 12noon on Mondays and Fridays. Bookings essential.

Talk

Thursday 23 May - Avoiding Scams, 11am.

For more information visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/library

YourSay Bathurst

Council is currently seeking feedback on the following projects via the YourSay Bathurst website:

· Bathurst Library Survey

· Draft Delivery Program 2019-2023 & Operational Plan 2019-2020

· Development Control Plan Changes

· Heritage Conservation Area Review

· Australian Fossil & Mineral Museum consultation

· Local Environment Plan Changes

Bathurst Family Fun Day

A free family fun day will be held on Saturday, 18 May from 11.00am – 2.00pm at Bicentennial Park. Enjoy activities, games, food and entertainment. For more information phone Centacare on 6331 8944.

Get involved in the Bathurst Winter Festival

Expressions of interest are now open for local businesses, community groups and food vendors to be involved in the Winter Festival. There are several ways to participate. To find out more visit bathurstwinterfestival.com.au or call 6333 6111.

Youth Council Recruitment

Applications to join the Youth Council will open on Wednesday, 15 May for people aged 15-18 years. Applications are open until 12 June. For further information or to apply visit bathurst.nsw.gov.au.au/youth or by phoning 6333 6523.

For more news visit yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/newscentre

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 15 May 2019

Bathurst Regional Council has advertised the tender for construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Mitre/Suttor/Lambert Streets West Bathurst.

The project, now in the early planning and consultation stages, will include the relocation of the existing carpark and realignment of utilities and services including gas and water.

Mayor Graeme Hanger OAM said Council has listened to the community and staff are now undertaking preliminary works.

“A consulting engineering firm has been engaged to prepare construction drawings and staff have commenced engaging the stakeholders that will be most impacted,” he said.

“The project timeline, cost and level of disruption, at this early stage are still being determined, however it is expected there will be traffic impacts, including full closures of the intersection, for more than nine months,” he said.

Regular project updates will be published on the YourSay Bathurst website to keep the community informed on the project’s progress.

For more news visit yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/newscentre

Ends

More information: Media Officer

MEDIA RELEASE 15 May 2019

A survey on Bathurst Library is now available on the YourSay Bathurst website to gather information that will help develop a strategic plan to guide future library services.

The survey is open to all Bathurst residents to have direct input and make a positive difference to the future of Bathurst Library.

Mayor Graeme Hanger OAM encouraged everyone to get involved.

“The library is a great community facility offering a variety of services to all members of our community. This is an opportunity to provide your feedback, whether you use the library or not,” he said.

Bathurst Library has been operating at the current site for over 30 years providing high quality experiences for the community. The development of the Bathurst Library Strategic Plan will provide a framework for future library projects that meet the community’s needs and expectations.

The survey is anonymous, and all questions are optional. It is available on the YourSay Bathurst website and closes midnight Friday, 7 June.

Ends

More information: Media Officer