Discussions with NSW Minister for Regional Water
Published on 12 July 2018
Council hold productive discussions with NSW Minister for Regional Water During Gilgandra Visit
Gilgandra Shire Council welcomed a visit from the Hon Niall Blair MP Minister for Primary Industries, Minister for Regional Water and Minister for Trade and Investment to Gilgandra on Tuesday.
Ministers Blair‘s visit was part of his road trip through our region to talk to Councils about drought and water security.
Mayor Batten said:
“It was very positive to have Minister Blair in our region to see firsthand the impact drought is having on our community, farming operations and local businesses.”
“We were able to discuss a number of issues including Council’s recent improvements to our water security with installation of new bores which supplements the community’s needs - a project which attracted $1.11 Million funding from the NSW State Government.”
Council, through the State Government’s Safe and Secure Water Program, will be making application and seeking funding to undertake a business case, design and assessment for a new water treatment and sewerage treatment plant. Both these plants are approaching the end of their functional life and will require replacement to comply with current standards and meet future operational needs.
Minister Blair said:
“It’s valuable to travel to communities like Gilgandra to gain a more in depth understanding of the community’s needs. The NSW Government is committed to improving water security and infrastructure in regional and rural areas. Safe and reliable water is fundamental to sustainability, livability and economy of every community in NSW and is being highlighted during this drought.”
Mayor Batten said:
“The current drought and further government support was also discussed. Council put forward some ideas for improvements including relaxing the eligibility criteria for the Farm Innovation Fund to allow for a greater percentage of off farm income to be earned particularly in these tough times where many are forced to look at off farm employment and contracting opportunities.”
“It’s not only farmers doing it tough, the whole community suffers and we gave Minister Blair some ideas to help extend support to rural communities by fast tracking grant applications to invest in infrastructure projects in the regions which will assist local business and the local economy. Council also discussed the opportunity to offer support to Councils and community groups to host events and gatherings where people can just enjoy themselves and to forget about the hardships of the drought, even for a short period.”
Mayor Batten concluded:
“We are aware this drought and the financial, social and mental health impacts are going to be felt by our community for at least a couple of years and Minster Blair was very receptive of our ideas and Council looks forward to working with the NSW Government to seek the best support we can for our community.”
Media Contact
Cr Doug Batten
Mayor
Ph: 68178800