Blayney Shire Council is the winner of the coveted AR Bluett Memorial Award for Members of the Shires Association of New South Wales. This annual Award, for outstanding progress in delivery of Local Government services to the community, was announced at the recent Shires Association of NSW conference.
Blayney Council completed several major projects during the year to significantly improve the quality of life and public services available to its residents. A relatively small local authority, Council provides a full range of services for its Central Tablelands community.
The Shire has a population of 6,400, with 3000 in Blayney township, and the balance distributed over five villages and the rural area of the Shire.
Council consulted with the community through surveys, holding regular community meetings throughout the Shire and participating on community based committees and working groups. The initiative to secure a medical practitioner for Blayney also demonstrated sound community leadership.
Council has joined forces with neighbouring Councils in a number of projects, including industrial development studies, resource sharing, the Regional Stock Selling Centre and the supplying of gold for the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Medals.
A number of excellent environmental initiatives were also noted, including the Phosphorus Action campaign and Green Power agreement.
The Shire reported a sound financial position and a commitment to continuous improvement of management practices and procedures, including a new network computer system and installation of a Geographic Information System. Other highlights of Blayney’s achievements include the following.
- Completion of the $2.2 million CentrePoint Sport and Leisure Centre
- Main street beautification works in Blayney
- Redevelopment of Heritage Park, Blayney with community support
- A broad program of improvements to Shire public amenities and village infrastructure
- Blayney Industrial Estate Sewer project
- A comprehensive program of public works and recreation services
- Gazetting of a new Local Environment Plan and Development Control Plan for heritage protection in Millthorpe
- Joining with Cabonne, Cowra and Orange Councils to form a single bushfire management structure
- Working in partnership with the mining industry to ensure environmentally sound mining projects are achieved.
Blayney Shire Council has clearly demonstrated the ability of rural towns to deliver excellent services to their communities.
For further information contact Ray Hornery, Blayney Shire Council General Manager, telephone (02) 6368 2104.
