State of our Region - End of Term in Review 2021 - 2024

Published on 26 August 2024

Gilgandra Shire Council (Council) has released its State of Our Region Report for the 2021-2024 Council Term. The State of our Region Report is produced at the end of each term of Council, showcasing achievements in line with the Community Strategic Plan and Delivery Program, under the four key themes of Live, Enjoy, Grow, and Lead.

Mayor Doug Batten says he’s proud of Council’s achievements during the past term,

"Council has made significant progress across a broad range of projects, programs and services including the much needed restoration of the rural road network following the 2021 and 2022 flood events.”

Adding,

"Council's involvement in Aged Care and Disability Services has required us to navigate the complexities of the Royal Commission recommendations. One notable outcome has been the recruitment of qualified Filipino staff, enabling us to continue to meet the care standards. Gilgandra is uniquely positioned, being the only council to deliver both aged care and disability services alongside Indigenous-Specific Aged Care at the Jack Towney Hostel."

Some achievements of note under the four guiding themes of Live, Enjoy, Grow and Lead include:

Live

• Infrastructure Development: Restoration efforts post-natural disasters have been a priority, with $3.39 million invested in flood damage restoration works. Key projects include the opening of the new Lucas Bridge, replacement of Jacks Creek Bridge and extensive rural road gravel re-sheeting and resealing programs.
• Aged Care and Disability Services: Council's commitment to providing high-quality aged care and disability services remains steadfast. Recruitment of skilled staff and compliance with new federal standards ensure that residents receive exceptional care, including specialised Indigenous aged care services at Jack Towney Hostel.
• Waste Facility and Carlginda Enterprises: Upgrades to the Gilgandra waste facility included the construction of a second shed to support Carlginda Enterprises in providing recycling services to the local community as well as a quality product for market.

Enjoy

• Cultural Enrichment: The re-opening of the Coo-ee Heritage Centre and galleries including The Meeting Place: Joy Trudgett Gallery has enriched the cultural landscape, offering residents and visitors an immersive experience of the region's heritage and artistic contributions.
• Recreational Facilities: Investments in community facilities such as the Gilgandra Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre amenities as well as the Hunter Park shade sails have fostered a healthier, more active community, providing residents with a number of recreational options.
• Events & Activation: Under the Gums 2023 attracted over 3,000 attendees to the Gilgandra Cultural Precinct (GCP), with over 44% of ticket holders coming from outside the region. A Christmas Wonderland brought the community together, providing the opportunity for local businesses to showcase their products, while activating Miller Street. There were also a number of community lead events supported by Council including the Come Home to Gilgandra Festival, Gilgandra Film Festival, Bendigo Bank Christmas Bonanza Day and Windmill Triple Bowls.
• Beautification: Upgrades to community plazas, Gilgandra Cultural Precinct landscaping, addition of the Sound Shell and Gilgandra Museum murals and upgrades to the windmills adorning the Windmill Walk featuring artwork from Orana Living clients have created inviting spaces for locals and tourists alike.

Grow

• Economic Development: Through initiatives like Grow Gilgandra which includes the Shop Local, BIG Ideas and It’s GREAT programs as well as the Real Country Marketing Campaign, Council has supported local businesses and attracted new investments. These efforts aim to position Gilgandra as a growing hub of innovation and opportunity.
• Infrastructure Investment: Infrastructure projects, including servicing of the Aero Park Estate to allow for the release of the next 22 residential lots for sale, securing industrial land to cater for additional industrial development and planning strategically for the opportunities presented by Inland Rail and Renewable Energy projects.

Lead

• Strategic Planning: The development strategies to guide the future direction of key projects and community services, including the Gilgandra Housing strategy, Community Health Vision, Gilgandra Region Childcare (0-12) Strategy and Village Management Plans. As well as the development of collaborative strategies including the Castlereagh Country Regional Drought Resilience Plan with Warrumbungle Shire Council and Real Country Destination Strategic Plan with Coonamble and Warrumbungle Shire Councils.

Mayor Doug Batten concluded,

“As I conclude my fourteenth year as Mayor, I extend my gratitude to our General Manager, Mr. David Neeves and the committed staff of Council and to the Elected Members for their dedication, which ensures Gilgandra remains a thriving community."

"Our achievements over the past term reflect our unwavering commitment to the people of Gilgandra. We will continue to lead with vision and purpose, ensuring a bright future for the region."

The State of Our Region Report is available for viewing here.

Council will shortly commence community consultation seeking input into the Gilgandra Region Community Strategic Plan – be sure to watch this space as we provide more details on ways you can Have Your Say!