This is a space for you to share ideas, discuss important topics, provide feedback on policy and planning and contribute to the future of your community. &nbsp;

Welcome to YourSay Bathurst

The Bathurst Region Community Strategic Plan (CSP) 2025-2045 and Budget documents are now open for public feedback.From August 2024 to February 2025, we asked the community to share their thoughts on the future of the Bathurst region. Over 2,800 people participated, contributing nearly 6,000 ideas and comments. We&rsquo;ve worked closely with Councillors and staff to create the latest version of the Community Strategic Plan, which outlines a shared vision for our region.Along with the CSP, we&rsquo;re also presenting important planning documents for comment, including:<ul type="disc"><li>The Delivery Program</li><li>The Annual Operating Plan (which includes the 2025/26 budget and Revenue Policy)</li><li>The Long-Term Financial Plan</li></ul>These documents are available in the document library, and help guide Council&rsquo;s decisions for the future. We invite you to review the documents and share your feedback using the <a class="fr-strong" href="https://yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/csp/surveys/bxcspfeedback1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Survey Link</a> by 20 May 2025.After this public review, Council will consider all feedback before endorsing the documents at a meeting on 18 June 2025.Want to learn more about the Community Strategic Plan and how it fits into Council&rsquo;s planning process? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions document.We appreciate your input and look forward to shaping Bathurst&rsquo;s future together! ----------------------------------Previous notification: Your Say Your FutureWith the election of the new Council in October 2024, it&#39;s time to update the Community Strategic Plan. What&#39;s that? The Community Strategic Plan (CSP) is Council and the community&#39;s vision for the future of our region. We&#39;d like to hear from you about what you see as being important, what you love about our community and what your priorities are for the future of our region. Share your thoughts in our survey below. Your feedback will help us draft the Community Strategic Plan in coming months - and we will share the draft document back with the community in the new year before it is adopted by Council by June 2025. If you&#39;d like to know more about the Community Strategic Plan and how it fits with our legislated planning and reporting requirements (the Integrated Planning and Reporting (I P &amp; R) framework) see our frequently asked questions document.

Community Strategic Plan & Budget feedback

Draft Bathurst Region Community Heritage Plan 2025-2029 now on Public ExhibitionAs part of Council&rsquo;s ongoing commitment to the region&rsquo;s heritage and to meet its obligations to Heritage NSW, Council has drafted the next Bathurst Region Community Heritage Plan 2025-2029 (the Heritage Plan). The Heritage Plan aims to guide heritage management within the Bathurst Region and establishes the key objectives and associated actions for heritage management over the next 4 years.The Heritage Plan responds to the Planning Priorities contained in the Bathurst Local Strategic Planning Statement and the objectives of the Bathurst Community Strategic Plan. It provides the detail as to how Council and the community will protect, enhance and promote our heritage &ndash; buildings and places, the natural environment, people and projects and their embedded stories.The Draft Plan is on public exhibition from 22 April to 4pm 20 May 2025. Written submissions can be made in the submission box below, or emailed to <a href="mailto:council@bathurst.nsw.gov.au">council@bathurst.nsw.gov.au</a> What consultation took place?In developing the draft Heritage Plan, Council surveyed the community, held a community workshop and carried out meetings with key heritage stakeholder groups. The purpose of the consultation aimed to:<ul><li>Gauge the community&rsquo;s understanding of Council&rsquo;s heritage management practices,</li><li>Gauge the community&rsquo;s current values as they relate to heritage matters,</li><li>Understand the community opinion on heritage related challenges, and</li><li>Discover how achievements of the Heritage Plan can be better shared with interested parties.</li></ul>Importantly, Council sought to hear from key heritage stakeholder groups AND members of the community who may not be part of a formed heritage group but may be interested in how heritage is managed. Surveys were made available online, and hard copies were available from the Council Civic Centre and the Bathurst Library. 100 paper copies were also distributed, at random, into letterboxes in Raglan, Kelso, Eglinton, Windradyne and to residential renting tenants in the CBD.The full results obtained from all consultation methods are available in the Heritage Plan Engagement Summary in the Document Library. The Summary includes an assessment of the results into actionable items for consideration of adoption in the next Heritage Plan. What were the outcomes of the consultation?The results of the survey identified areas for improvement in the way that Council communicates to the community what heritage services and resources are available and what actions in the Heritage Plan are being achieved generally.Snapshot of Survey Results:<ul><li>61% of survey participants were NOT part of a formed heritage group, suggesting that over half of the responses were from people with an interest in heritage but were perhaps not well informed about heritage matters</li><li>50% knew about the Heritage Plan before doing the survey</li><li>Only 35% of survey participants did not know that there are heritage guidelines available on Council&#39;s website (an action in the Heritage Plan is to have these resources available)</li><li>54% did not know about Council&#39;s free heritage advisory service (an action in the Heritage Plan is to provide this service)</li><li>59% did not know about the Implementation Plan (which periodically outlines how the actions in the Heritage Plan have been achieved)</li><li>81% were interested in receiving updates about key heritage achievements</li></ul>The community workshop and meetings with key stakeholder groups built on the results of the survey and sought specific actions that Council could take against the challenges that the community was most concerned with.Evident in the community&rsquo;s responses was a burgeoning anxiety around the management of development that pushes the boundaries of current allowable height and residential density, a future which Bathurst needs to reckon with as its population increases.Responses also expressed the community&rsquo;s desire to hear a variety of stories about the Bathurst region, representing people from diverse backgrounds and identities, and wanted those stories to be shared with the community in a variety of methods.The community saw value in using Bathurst&rsquo;s heritage as a means to attract tourism both through the sharing of stories and the conservation and adaptive reuse of heritage buildings. There was continued encouragement for Council and the community to adaptively reuse heritage buildings, particularly the former TAFE building, as an opportunity to generate economic activity and income.They also recognised that in taking the very actions that they suggested, that suitable funding would need to be provided.The community raised a number of actions that should be taken to manage heritage. These actions were assessed against the actions in the 2021-2025 Heritage Plan to isolate new actions that could be included in the update.In assessing the feedback received, three core objectives emerged that were designed to protect, enhance and promote the Region&rsquo;s rich heritage in all of its forms. These objectives are:<ol><li>Appreciate and share heritage</li><li>Manage Change</li><li>Activate Heritage</li></ol>Actions from the previous plan and new actions were organised to correspond to these objectives, situating all actions under four subheadings.<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse:collapse;border:none;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 150.25pt;border-width: 1pt medium medium 1pt;border-style: solid none none solid;border-color: black currentcolor currentcolor black;background: black;padding: 0cm 5.4pt;vertical-align: top;" valign="top" width="33.333333333333336%">01 &ndash; Appreciate and share heritage</td><td style="width: 150.25pt;border-width: 1pt medium medium;border-style: solid none none;border-color: black currentcolor currentcolor;border-image: none;background: black;padding: 0cm 5.4pt;vertical-align: top;" valign="top" width="33.333333333333336%">02 &ndash; Manage change</td><td style="width: 150.3pt;border-width: 1pt 1pt medium medium;border-style: solid solid none none;border-color: black black currentcolor currentcolor;background: black;padding: 0cm 5.4pt;vertical-align: top;" valign="top" width="33.333333333333336%">03 &ndash; Activate heritage</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 150.25pt;border-width: 1pt medium 1pt 1pt;border-style: solid none solid solid;border-color: black currentcolor black black;border-image: none;background: white;padding: 0cm 5.4pt;height: 29.75pt;vertical-align: top;" valign="top" width="33.333333333333336%">1.1 Diverse Stories</td><td style="width: 150.25pt;border-width: 1pt medium;border-style: solid none;border-color: black currentcolor;padding: 0cm 5.4pt;height: 29.75pt;vertical-align: top;" valign="top" width="33.333333333333336%">2.1 Coordination with local and state governments</td><td style="width: 150.3pt;border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium;border-style: solid solid solid none;border-color: black black black currentcolor;border-image: none;padding: 0cm 5.4pt;height: 29.75pt;vertical-align: top;" valign="top" width="33.333333333333336%">3.1 Council&rsquo;s facilities as sources of heritage resources</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 150.25pt;border-width: medium medium medium 1pt;border-style: none none none solid;border-color: currentcolor currentcolor currentcolor black;border-image: none;background: white;padding: 0cm 5.4pt;vertical-align: top;" valign="top" width="33.333333333333336%">1.2 Researching and sharing Aboriginal heritage </td><td style="width: 150.25pt;border: medium;padding: 0cm 5.4pt;vertical-align: top;" valign="top" width="33.333333333333336%">2.2 Planning, development and urban design</td><td style="width: 150.3pt;border-width: medium 1pt medium medium;border-style: none solid none none;border-color: currentcolor black currentcolor currentcolor;border-image: none;padding: 0cm 5.4pt;vertical-align: top;" valign="top" width="33.333333333333336%">3.2 The Bathurst Region as a place of heritage tourism</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 150.25pt;border-width: 1pt medium 1pt 1pt;border-style: solid none solid solid;border-color: black currentcolor black black;border-image: none;background: white;padding: 0cm 5.4pt;vertical-align: top;" valign="top" width="33.333333333333336%">1.3 Digital Sharing and collecting </td><td style="width: 150.25pt;border-width: 1pt medium;border-style: solid none;border-color: black currentcolor;padding: 0cm 5.4pt;vertical-align: top;" valign="top" width="33.333333333333336%">2.3 Managing Aboriginal heritage</td><td style="width: 150.3pt;border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium;border-style: solid solid solid none;border-color: black black black currentcolor;border-image: none;padding: 0cm 5.4pt;vertical-align: top;" valign="top" width="33.333333333333336%">3.3 Making use of heritage assets</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 150.25pt;border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt;border-style: none none solid solid;border-color: currentcolor currentcolor black black;background: white;padding: 0cm 5.4pt;vertical-align: top;" valign="top" width="33.333333333333336%">1.4 Tools and training in heritage matters</td><td style="width: 150.25pt;border-width: medium medium 1pt;border-style: none none solid;border-color: currentcolor currentcolor black;border-image: none;padding: 0cm 5.4pt;vertical-align: top;" valign="top" width="33.333333333333336%">2.4 Facilitating good heritage outcomes</td><td style="width: 150.3pt;border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium;border-style: none solid solid none;border-color: currentcolor black black currentcolor;padding: 0cm 5.4pt;vertical-align: top;" valign="top" width="33.333333333333336%">3.4 Rewarding positive heritage outcomes</td></tr></tbody></table> To view the actions that Council and the community can take toward managing heritage in the Region, view the copy of the Draft Bathurst Region Community Heritage Plan 2025-2029 in the Document Library. How will the actions that have been taken be reported? Historically, Council has reported on the actions that have been taken via the Implementation Plan. This is a report that obtained updates from all participating Council departments and Community Heritage Groups and explained what was being done to achieve the actions in the Heritage Plan. This has been, and will remain to be, a useful tool to report to Council and the NSW Government. However, the results of the consultation has identified that while many members of the community were interested in knowing what was being done, they had not heard of the Implementation Plan and/or were disinclined to read it because its format as a report was inaccessible even to those within a heritage community group. The community showed a preference for updates being provided via social media, direct emails and newsletters. How can I keep up to date with what heritage actions are being taken?The best way would be to follow Council&rsquo;s social media handles on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BRCmedia/">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bathurst_council/">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/bathurst-regional-council/posts/?feedView=all">LinkedIn</a>. You can also subscribe to Council&rsquo;s <a href="https://yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/community-heritage-plan">Heritage Plan YourSay</a> page which will enable updates to be sent to your email directly. Council may, from time to time, insert news or reminders of heritage services in its Ratepayer&rsquo;s newsletter and monthly newsletter. To sign up to receive the monthly newsletter, please click <a href="https://confirmsubscription.com/h/y/C01C3E45361DE199">here</a>.

Bathurst Region Community Heritage Plan

Council amends its Policies from time to time. Council is required to seek community input to the proposed changes through a public exhibition period. New, or changes to, Council Policies will be included as part of this section. You are invited to inspect the draft Policies and you may wish to make a submission in writing to Bathurst Regional Council. Any submission objecting to any draft Policy must clearly state the reasons for objection. Council will exhibit the proposed amendment for a period of 28 days.The lodging of a submission is voluntary. However, if you choose not to lodge a submission/objection in writing, your views will not be taken into account by the Council in relation to this matter. Any information that you choose to provide to Council will be used by Council to process this matter. Once lodged with Council the information you provide can be accessed by you and may also be available to third parties including other members of the public and may be included, without alteration (including names and addresses), in Council business papers.

Draft Council Policies and Plans

The purpose of the Local Approvals Policy (LAP) is to specify the circumstances where council approval is not required before carrying out an activity as well outlining the criteria that will be considered in determining an application. It addresses activities such as footway dining, applications relating to public roads, the installation or operation of domestic waste treatment devices, community events, street stalls, busking, fundraising or any other activities on community land and operation of manufactured home estates, caravan parks or camping grounds.The LAP deals with those approvals required under the Local Government Act and provides exemptions from the need to obtain approval and criteria for consideration when approval is required. In accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act, Council is required to prepare and adopt a Local Approvals Policy (LAP) within 12 months of a general election of Councillors.The Bathurst Regional Council Local Approvals Policy applies to all lands within the Bathurst Regional Council Local Government Area.Section 160 of the Local Government Act requires that the draft Local Approvals policy be exhibited for a minimum of 28 days and that submissions be accepted for a minimum of 42 days from the commencement of the exhibition period.

Draft Local Approvals Policy

Tell us what you want from your Library and go in the draw for prizes of up to $100.This survey is open to all Bathurst residents whether they are current users or not of the Library Service. Your honest feedback allows us to identify what works well, what needs improvement. Results of the survey will help the team develop the next Bathurst Library Strategic Plan. The survey is anonymous, and all questions are optional.Membership to Bathurst Library is free to all living, working or studying in the Bathurst LGA. It is also open to people from neighbouring councils with a membership to their local library.Bathurst library is located at 70-78 Keppel Street in Bathurst, and it is open Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 3pm. You can access the Online Library via our website <a href="https://library.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/Home" target="_self">library.bathurst.nsw.gov.au</a> and you can call us on 6333 6281. You can also keep in touch with us via our social media platform: <a href="file://brc.internal/data/Council/CCS/LIBRARY/MANAGER/Planning/Strategic%20Plans/Surveys/facebook.com/Bathurstlibrary">facebook.com/BathurstLibrary</a>.Survey closes on Monday 24 March 2025 at 11am.

Library Survey

Council Initiates 2024/25 Village Planning ProcessThe Bathurst Regional Council has launched the 2024/25 Village Planning process to update the 2015 Village Plans and create a new Villages Strategy for the rural villages within the region. The aim is to improve the quality of life in these villages by addressing local needs and aligning with broader regional goals. The planning process follows five stages:<ol start="1" type="1"><li>Initiation: Review past plans and feedback, creating a discussion paper and a draft strategic plan (Completed).</li><li>Strategy Familiarization &amp; Consultation: The draft strategy and discussion paper will be shared with the community for feedback (Currently underway).</li><li>Strategic Plan Workshops: Workshops to discuss the plan&rsquo;s themes and explore place-based village plans (Proposed for early 2025).</li><li>Draft Villages Strategy: Based on workshop feedback, the strategy will be finalised, followed by a public exhibition and consultation (Expected mid-late 2025).</li><li>Strategy Implementation: Adopting and implementing the strategy, with ongoing monitoring and updates.</li></ol> Additionally, place-based village plans may be developed after the strategy is finalised, focusing on local infrastructure improvements.The process aims to ensure sustainable, community-driven growth across Bathurst&#39;s rural villages.

2024 Village Planning

<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW20634377 BCX8">Bathurst Regional Council is seeking community feedback on the Ngurang Arts Residency (BARN) project to inform future decision making regarding the facility. </div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW20634377 BCX8">The project was identified in the &lsquo;Cultural Vision&rsquo; adopted by Council in June 2017. Between 2019 and 2021, consultation was undertaken with numerous local arts agencies and groups which developed the concept of a performing arts residency further. The project, initially titled the &lsquo;Bathurst Arts Residency NSW&rsquo; (BARN), was successful in receiving grant funding from the NSW State Government in July 2022. Further grant funding has been sought to cover unanticipated cost escalations, with an application currently lodged with the Federal Government&rsquo;s &lsquo;Growing Regions&rsquo; program. The outcome of this application is pending. Council has committed not to utilise internal funds for the construction of the facility. Council has a deadline of December 2026 to complete the project under the current funding agreement. </div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW20634377 BCX8">&lsquo;Ngurang&rsquo;, meaning &ldquo;home, place, camp, nest&rdquo;, was adopted in November 2023 as the final operational name for the facility reflecting First Nations cultural connection. &lsquo;BARN&rsquo; continues to be used as the working project name. </div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW20634377 BCX8">The intent of the facility is to be a place for creative development, rehearsal and training utilised by a range of specialist and community groups supporting the development of the performing arts in the Central West and acting as a creative hub. It would also enable expansion of the Local Stages program, increasing access to development spaces for local artists and retaining talent from the region for local creation of works. </div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW20634377 BCX8">Council is seeking broader community feedback on the project. Specific comments are requested regarding: </div><div class="ListContainerWrapper SCXW20634377 BCX8"><ul class="BulletListStyle1 SCXW20634377 BCX8"><li aria-setsize="-1" class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW20634377 BCX8" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="0" data-font="Arial" data-leveltext="-" data-list-defn-props='{"335551671":0,"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Arial","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"-","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}' data-listid="1">Whether there is significant community support for the premise of the facility and its objectives </li></ul></div><div class="ListContainerWrapper SCXW20634377 BCX8"><ul class="BulletListStyle1 SCXW20634377 BCX8"><li aria-setsize="-1" class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW20634377 BCX8" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Arial" data-leveltext="-" data-list-defn-props='{"335551671":0,"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Arial","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"-","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}' data-listid="1">The financial viability of Council operating the facility, with reference to the economic modelling provided and the project&rsquo;s potential public value. </li></ul></div><div class="ListContainerWrapper SCXW20634377 BCX8"><ul class="BulletListStyle1 SCXW20634377 BCX8"><li aria-setsize="-1" class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW20634377 BCX8" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-font="Arial" data-leveltext="-" data-list-defn-props='{"335551671":0,"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Arial","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"-","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}' data-listid="1">Potential social and economic benefits to the community </li></ul></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW20634377 BCX8">Have your say on the project by completing our survey below. Submissions can also be sent to </div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW20634377 BCX8">Bathurst Regional Council, PMB17, Bathurst 2795 or emailed to <a class="Hyperlink HyperlinkGateOff SCXW20634377 BCX8" href="mailto:council@bathurst.nsw.gov.au" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">council@bathurst.nsw.gov.au</a> </div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW20634377 BCX8">Submissions close 4pm Friday 10 January 2025. </div>The document library includes a range of information relating to the project including applications for grant funding submitted to the NSW and Federal Governments.Image credit: Sibling Architecture

Ngurang Arts Residency (BARN) 

What&#39;s happening?Council has received two Planning Proposals for 34 Busby Street and 50 Busby Street, South Bathurst. The sites are adjacent to each other but the Planning Proposals were submitted as two separate proposals by two separate proponents, each seeking similar amendments to the planning controls under the Bathurst Regional Local Environmental Plan 2014 (LEP 2014). The amendments propose provisions to support a greater density of dwellings on each site, including:<ul style="margin-left: 28.7px;"><li>the rezoning of land to R3 Medium Density Residential</li><li>the increase of building heights being:<ol style="list-style-type: circle;"><li>to 12m for townhouses on the 50 Busby Street site</li><li>to 16m for the apartment building on the 50 Busby Street site</li><li>to 18m for the apartment buildings on the residual site at 34 Busby Street</li></ol></li><li>amendments to minimum lot size for subdivision</li><li>additional permitted use for floor area restricted food and drink premises </li></ul>If you would like to find out more about each of the proposals, please navigate to the respective projects which are linked on the right side of this page. What has Council done so far?A preliminary assessment of the documentation submitted with each of the Planning Proposals has been undertaken and presented to the Ordinary Council Meeting on 19 June 2024 where Council resolved to forward both proposals to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) requesting a Gateway Determination of the Planning Proposals.A &lsquo;Gateway Determination&rsquo; is a preliminary assessment by DPHI of each proposal to determine if the proposals can progress to public exhibition, and if so, what conditions need to be met either before or as part of the public exhibition process. In considering this matter Council requested several conditions be imposed before public exhibition commences.Gateway Determination has been received for both Planning Proposals. Council must now ensure that the relevant conditions of the Gateway Determinations are met before public exhibition can commence. Importantly, at this stage, Council is NOT endorsing:<ul style="list-style-type: disc;margin-left:undefined;"><li>The design of the development of each site.</li><li>The proposed building envelopes that might eventuate to increase building height.</li><li>The resultant residential density.</li></ul>The reports for each Planning Proposal to the June 2024 Council meeting and the Gateway Determination documents for 34 Busby Street are included in the document library.How can I make a submission?Council is treating the two proposals separately. Submissions for each proposal will be invited during the public exhibition period which is not expected to commence until later this year/early 2025. If you would like to be notified or register your interest for when the public exhibition commences for both Planning Proposals, please enter your email in the &#39;Stay Informed&#39; section on this page.Stages of a Planning Proposal The table below outlines the 6 key stages of a Planning Proposal that have or will be undertaken as the Planning Proposals proceed. Further information about the process to amend a Local Environmental Plan are available at the Department&#39;s Local Plan Making Guidelines:<a href="https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-03/lep-making-guideline.pdf">https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-03/lep-making-guideline.pdf</a>Council&#39;s Community Participation Plan guides how Council will exhibit the Planning Proposals:<a href="https://www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/2/council/plans-policies/bathurst-regional-community-participation-plan-am-3.pdf">https://www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/2/council/plans-policies/bathurst-regional-community-participation-plan-am-3.pdf</a>These documents are available in the document library. <table style="width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 17.042%;">Stage </td><td style="width: 19.652%;">Purpose/Intent </td><td style="width: 23.2344%;">Actions </td><td style="width: 19.9591%;">Is it a legislated requirement? </td><td style="width: 19.959%;">Status </td></tr><tr><td style="width: 17.042%;">1. Prelodgement </td><td style="width: 19.652%;">What is the LEP amendment and what should be included in the Planning Proposal. </td><td style="width: 23.2344%;">The proponent sought and received Council&#39;s preliminary requirements for the Planning Proposal. </td><td style="width: 19.9591%;">No. Prelodgement consultation with Council is usual practice and recommended by the NSW Local Plan Making Guidelines. </td><td style="width: 19.959%;">Completed. </td></tr><tr><td style="width: 17.042%;">2.Planning Proposal Assessment </td><td style="width: 19.652%;">The proponent prepares and lodges the Planning Proposal. Council reviews and assesses the Planning Proposal against local Strategic Plans and Policies. Council must decide whether to support and submit the Planning Proposal to DPHI for a Gateway Determination. </td><td style="width: 23.2344%;">Report presented to 19 June 2024 Council meeting. Council resolved to forward the Planning Proposals to DPHI for Gateway Determination. </td><td style="width: 19.9591%;">Yes. Council must assess the Planning Proposal and ensure consistency with Strategic Plans and Policies. </td><td style="width: 19.959%;">Completed. </td></tr><tr><td style="width: 17.042%; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">3. Gateway Determination </td><td style="width: 19.652%; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">DPHI assesses the strategic and site-specific merit of each planning proposal and issues a Gateway Determination. The Gateway Determination specifies if the Planning Proposals may proceed and whether consultation with authorities and government agencies is required. The Gateway Determination also specifies the minimum period for public exhibition. </td><td style="width: 23.2344%; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">The Planning Proposals have been forwarded to DPHI. Council is awaiting the Gateway Determinations for each Planning Proposal.. </td><td style="width: 19.9591%; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Yes. The Planning Proposals cannot proceed unless DPHI has issued a Gateway Determination for each proposal. </td><td style="width: 19.959%; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Completed. </td></tr><tr><td style="width: 17.042%; background-color: rgb(84, 172, 210);">4. Post-Gateway </td><td style="width: 19.652%; background-color: rgb(84, 172, 210);">Council reviews the Gateway Determination and actions any required conditions prior to the public exhibition. </td><td style="width: 23.2344%; background-color: rgb(84, 172, 210);">Council must ensure relevant conditions of the Gateway Determination are met. </td><td style="width: 19.9591%; background-color: rgb(84, 172, 210);">Yes. The Planning Proposal cannot be publicly exhibited until all relevant conditions of the Gateway Determination have been satisfactorily met. </td><td style="width: 19.959%; background-color: rgb(84, 172, 210);">Underway for both 50 Busby and 34 Busby Street. </td></tr><tr><td style="width: 17.042%;">5. Public Exhibition and assessment </td><td style="width: 19.652%;">To consult with the community, key authority and government agencies. Al relevant conditions of the Gateway Determination must be met for public exhibition. </td><td style="width: 23.2344%;">The Planning Proposals are exhibited and notified in accordance with the procedures outlined in Council&#39;s Community Participation Plan (CPP). All adjoining landowners will be notified of the exhibition period. Depending upon the submissions received Council may hold a Submission Hearing (see Council&#39;s CPP). Council must consider all submissions received. </td><td style="width: 19.9591%;">Yes. Council must exhibit the Planning Proposal for a minimum of 28 days or for the minimum period specified in the Gateway Determination. </td><td style="width: 19.959%;">Not yet commenced. </td></tr><tr><td style="width: 17.042%;">6. Finalisation </td><td style="width: 19.652%;">Final assessment of the Planning Proposal considering all submissions received to determine if Council supports finalisation of the Planning Proposal. </td><td style="width: 23.2344%;">A report is presented for formal consideration at a Council meeting. If Council supports finalisation of the Planning Proposal, the draft LEP amendment is prepared, reviewed (legal review) and the LEP amendments are made and notified (in Government Gazette). </td><td style="width: 19.9591%;">Yes. The Minister for Planning (or delegate) makes all amendments to a LEP. </td><td style="width: 19.959%;">Not yet commenced. </td></tr></tbody></table>

Busby Street Planning Proposals

Council is seeking community feedback on the recent NSW Government&rsquo;s Cemetery Reform that has impacted its ability to provide new burial opportunities within the region&rsquo;s active rural cemeteries. At it&rsquo;s Ordinary Meeting held 16 October 2024, Council resolved in part to temporarily suspend further reservations to the region&rsquo;s six active rural cemeteries until it determined an outcome following public consultation, and to commence consultation with village groups concerning the possible closure of selected rural cemeteries within the Bathurst Region for future reservations. The NSW Cemetery Reforms have resulted in a number of statutory and regulatory impositions that cemetery operators are now required to comply with, causing significant financial burden, which Council is not able to fund, or physically be able to administer. In addition, due to the age of the Region&rsquo;s Cemeteries, there are many grave sites that are not able to be identified, creating concerns on the ability to safely find sites that do not already contain burial remains. The NSW Cemetery Reforms have resulted in the following issues for Council:-<ul><li>the significant concerns in respect to the ability to positively identify unused vacant burial plots in many of the Region&rsquo;s rural cemeteries, </li><li>the significant costs that would be required to survey the existing cemetery sites and develop formal burial spaces, noting that it will be difficult to determine free unused space at many cemeteries, and </li><li>the State Governments establishment of the new Cemetery regulatory requirements governing NSW cemetery operations, which Council does not have the physical or financial resources to enact or comply with. </li></ul>The full report informing of the extent of the Cemetery reforms, the additional requirements that would be imposed on Council to legally operate the region&rsquo;s rural cemeteries, and the anticipated costs that Council does not have funding for that would need to be sourced, can be found in the Document Library. Council is seeking comment from residents within the rural community on this important issue. Submissions can be submitted via the feedback form below or can be sent to The General Manager, Bathurst Regional Council, PMB 17, Bathurst NSW 2795, or <a class="fr-strong" href="mailto:council@bathurst.nsw.gov.au">council@bathurst.nsw.gov.au</a>.Submissions will be received up until 10am Tuesday, 3 December 2024

Rural Cemetery Reforms

Bathurst Region Active Transport Strategy &ndash; Have Your SayThe Bathurst Regional Council has secured a grant through the Get NSW Active Program (Transport for NSW) to develop the Bathurst Region Active Transport Strategy (BRATS).What is active transport? Active transport refers to any form of human-powered travel, such as walking, cycling, or using a wheelchair, scooter, or similar modes. The network also supports micro-mobility users, including electric scooters, wheelchairs, and skateboards.What is BRATS? BRATS will serve as the key planning document to guide the prioritization, design, and construction of the Bathurst region&rsquo;s active transport network. This includes footpaths, shared paths, cycleways, and associated infrastructure. The strategy will build on the success of the Bathurst Regional Community Access and Cycling Plan 2011, which has shaped the region&rsquo;s active transport infrastructure over the past decade.BRATS Objectives:<ol start="1" type="1"><li>Enhance active transport opportunities across the Bathurst region.</li><li>Focus on connecting new urban developments to the existing city and, in particular, the Bathurst CBD.</li><li>Support the NSW Government&rsquo;s Movement and Place Framework and implement the Transport for NSW Design of Roads and Streets Manual (DORAS).</li><li>Create a map outlining the future Active Transport Network, including plans for city growth areas.</li><li>Develop concept designs for arterial active transport routes connecting major suburbs to the CBD, and identify upgrade opportunities within suburbs, and the CBD and the region&rsquo;s villages.</li><li>Set priorities, actions, and cost estimates for building the network and associated infrastructure.</li><li>Establish a long-term strategic plan for future priorities and actions.</li></ol>Council is currently seeking consultants to assist in developing BRATS.Have Your Say We want your ideas to shape the future of active transport in Bathurst. Share your suggestions for improving the current network and expanding it to meet future needs.Your input could include:<ul type="disc"><li>Identifying missing footpath and cycling network links, including pedestrian crossings, refuges, and street access points.</li><li>Highlighting areas not connected to the active transport network.</li><li>Suggesting infrastructure improvements like seating, shade, lighting, bike parking, or signage to make the network safer and more user-friendly.</li></ul>How to participate: Log in, drop a pin on the interactive map, and leave a comment describing your improvement ideas.Spread the word! Share this link with your friends and family to help us gather as many ideas as possible. Together, we can create a safer, more connected active transport network for everyone in the Bathurst region.

Bathurst Region Active Transport Strategy

Important Notice: Changes to Street Tree PotsThank You, Bathurst!As part of the Streets as Shared Spaces initiative, the street tree pots have beautified and revitalised our community. After a successful two-year journey, the time has come to decommission these.Key Details:<ul type="disc"><li>Street Tree Pots: Installed as part of a 12-month trial, these pots helped test the concept of urban greening in the Bathurst CBD. While they remain intact, the trial period has now ended, and the Council&rsquo;s current financial constraints make permanent tree planting in the town centre unfeasible at this time.</li></ul>Why the Decommissioning?<ul type="disc"><li>Maintenance challenges: The temporary nature of the projects has led to ongoing maintenance issues and increasing costs, including deterioration of materials and occasional damage.</li><li>Completion of the Temporary Projects: The initiative was intended to be temporary, fulfilling its role in enhancing the space and fostering community engagement. The projects were funded under the NSW Government&#39;s Streets as Shared Spaces Program, whose primary goal was to support the NSW Council&rsquo;s trialling change in the public realm of CBDs. </li></ul>What&rsquo;s Next for the Materials?<ul type="disc"><li>Trees: Will be repurposed in local parks</li><li>Pots: Will be reserved by the council for potential future use. </li><li>Waste: Environmentally responsible disposal of unsuitable materials.</li></ul>Future Vision. While the decommissioning of these pots marks the end of a temporary urban renewal initiative, Bathurst Regional Council remains committed to enhancing public spaces throughout the region. It is anticipated that the decommissioning will be undertaken in late January or early February 2025. If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at 02 6333 6111 or council@bathurst.nsw.gov.au.Thank you for your support and understanding.

Streets as Shared Spaces - Street Trees in CBD 

During the extremes of the last drought, Council considered several short-term critical water projects that could be implemented to provide additional sources of water supply for the Bathurst region. The project that showed the most merit was the Bathurst Water Harvesting Project where modelling showed an increase in the secure yield of approximately 1,500ML per annum. During the drought, this amount of water represented approximately one third of Bathurst&rsquo;s water needs whilst extreme water restrictions remained in place. The Water Harvesting Project contains three main elements, the first being a 36ML storage pond off Morrisett Street, upstream of the Wastewater Treatment Works. This will be filled with river water from a pumping station adjacent to the Macquarie River and pre-treatment systems will be installed at this location to cater for variability in water quality. Once the water is harvested and collected, the water will be pumped via a pipeline to the Water Filtration Plant for full treatment so that is safe to drink (meeting Australian Drinking Water Standards). At the Water Filtration Plant, a new 8ML storage pond is being constructed to hold the harvested water ready to feed into the filtration system for full treatment. The estimated project cost is $21 million. The NSW Government is investing $20 million to deliver major water security projects in Bathurst including the Water Harvesting Scheme and the Winburndale pipeline project. The NSW Government has been working collaboratively with Bathurst Regional Council to help deliver a safer, more secure water supply for residents and businesses over the coming decades.

Water Harvesting

The Asset survey is now CLOSED. Bathurst Regional Council has commissioned Micromex to undertake a survey about Council&rsquo;s assets, its roads, bridges, footpaths and cycleways, buildings, stormwater, and parks and reserves. Council wants to understand your thoughts on how these assets should be looked after now and into the future. Your input will be used to assist Council in managing the demands on Council&rsquo;s budget to deliver and maintain the diverse range of assets to our community. Council is seeking the views of the community to determine what is an appropriate level or standard to maintain our assets, and what are your priorities for the provision of assets (new and existing). We want to know what assets are important to you, and the condition these assets need to be in to meet your needs.For more information and to provide your feedback - complete the Asset survey.Submissions close 4pm, Tuesday 5 November 2024.

Asset survey

Bathurst Flood Study Update

In August 2023 Council made the decision to start a conversation with the community about a proposed special rate variation (SRV) to ensure the long term financial sustainability of the organisation.At the September 2023 meeting Council voted not to progress the SRV proposal.As a result, Council has now mapped out a Pathway to Sustainability, taking into account how Council operates, the environment in which council operates, the needs of our community and our financial position.Council will report regularly to the community on progress being made on initiatives undertaken to enhance Council&rsquo;s sustainability. The first of these include relocation of stored Council records from Orange to Council&rsquo;s Central Tablelands Collection Facility in Bathurst and progressing plans to recover merchant fees. Longer term, the Pathway to Sustainability will also need to include consideration of an SRV at some point in the future, after considering community feedback.Council&#39;s progress on the pathway will be documented with regular updates to the community through Council meetings. A copy of the relevant Pathway to Sustainability reports are included in the Document Library.

Pathway to Sustainability

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Moreton Bay

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Toowomba Council

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2024 Village PlanningPlease refer to the site 2024 Village Planning.Village planning was revisited in 2020, as the Community Strategic Plan and Local Strategic Planning Statement call for a review of the 2015 Village Plans to support sustainable growth and vitality within each Village.Engagement was undertaken with the Rockley, Peel and Sofala village communities, recognising each resident&#39;s crucial role in shaping our villages&#39; future. In a planned and COVID-safe way, A background paper and community survey were prepared and mailed to all residents, and then one-on-one meetings were held in the village halls. An online survey was also available. The Discussion Paper outlined the existing village character and suggested a vision, a range of planning strategies and associated changes to planning controls to align with that vision.These plans were tailored towards traditional land-use control solutions. Other project priorities prevented this work from being completed. However, we want to assure you that Village Planning is being taken up again, and this work will be rolled into this current round of village planning. Your community&#39;s future is our priority.2020 Village Planning The Community strategic plan &amp; Local Strategic Planning Statement calls for a review of the 2015 Village Plans to support sustainable growth and vitality within each Village.Engagement with the Rockley village community has commenced and is being planned in a COVID safe way. A background paper has been prepared to seek feedback from the Rockley Community. The background paper outlines the existing village character and suggests a future vision and a range of planning strategies to achieve that vision.