In our August Ordinary Meeting of Council we resolved to waive the fees for the use of Council’s outdoor movie screen for The Armidale Relay For Life Cancer Council fundraising event to be held on September 13-14, 2014. 

Relay For Life is a fun and moving overnight experience that raises vital funds for Cancer Council’s research, prevention, information and support services. The Relay is a chance for the local community to recognise and celebrate local cancer survivors, patients and their carers, to honour and remember loved ones lost to cancer and to raise money to help save more lives.To find out how you can join a team or support the Armidale Relay for Life, please visit www.relayforlife.org.au 

Upgrades to Guyra Showground electrical supply

Under the Public Reserves Management Fund Program, Council has been granted $26,000 to be used for the upgrade of electrical infrastructure used by campers and stall holders at the Guyra Showground.

Council is not obligated to match this funding dollar for dollar, so it is a great bonus for the Showground facilities, with no cost to be incurred by rate payers.

These upgrades will mean a reduction in the number of extension cords required during an event, making the area a lot safer for visitors and those using the facilities.

Win for Healthy Highlanders

Guyra Shire Council has been recognised for its contribution to tackling heart disease at the 2014 Heart Foundation Healthy Community Awards, announced on August 7, 2014 in Sydney.

Council was named the New South Wales Winner in the ‘Councils with populations of 15,000 or less’ category. The award was in recognition for the very successful initiative, the Healthy Highlanders program, and also recognises the huge effort by the Guyra community, who got behind this project and committed to living healthier lives through physical activity and healthy eating.

“Guyra Shire Council won this award due to its strong initiatives in hard-to-reach communities, such as the ‘Healthy Highlanders’ program and the Guyra and Tingha community gardens , and the Heart Foundation congratulates all those involved,“ said Kerry Doyle, Chief Executive of the Heart Foundation NSW.

This award has gained us an automatic nomination in the national Heart Foundation Awards at a Gala dinner to be held in Coffs Harbour at the Local Government Annual Conference on Monday, October 20, 2014.

Joint Regional Planning Panel decision on new Tomato Farm

On Wednesday, August 6, 2014 the Joint Regional Planning Panel from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment held a public determination meeting in the Council Chambers regarding the Development Application for the new tomato farm

They resolved at this meeting to defer their decision until such time as additional information can be provided.

At this stage, a new determination date has not yet been set, however we will notify the community when this information comes to hand.

Water Restrictions

Following on from recent rainfall in the area, Council staff measured dam levels to ascertain if water restrictions were still necessary. Unfortunately, while some parts of the shire received quite heavy rainfall, the catchment area received only showers. Dam levels now sit at 70% which is equal to measurements taken during January 2014; this is a great result. 

However, with warmer Spring weather approaching Council has decided not to lift current water restrictions. These restrictions are no sprinkers or fixed hoses and hand watering only, for a period of only 2 hours per day.

Council staff will continue to monitor dam levels on a regular basis and the community will be kept informed of any changes to the current restrictions.

Black Mountain Community Meeting

On Tuesday, September 16 at 6pm, Council will be holding a Community Consultation Meeting at the Black Mountain Public School. All Black Mountain residents are encouraged to come along to discuss and raise any issues relevant to their local area.