Cootamundra Shire Council has been awarded rural winners of the 2014 A R Bluett Memorial Award.
Council’s submission focused on a broad range of projects part of the recent Community Strategic Plan and a future vision for the region.
Projects that contributed to the award included the construction of a new pool, a fenced dog off-leash and training area, plus major rehabilitation to the former Cootamundra gasworks site.
Other successful projects were the introduction of a kerbside greenwaste collection, new public toilet amenities and the opening of the Cootamundra Creative Arts and Cultural Centre.
Council held a celebration day in December where the award was presented to the community by A.R. Bluett trustee Graeme Fleming.
“When I first joined local government in the early ‘70s and I heard about the Bluett Award I thought it was for the council that made the biggest stuff up.
“Apparently it’s not; it’s actually a very prestigious award as I’ve come to appreciate.
“As members of the local government family and citizens of our town we need to stop and think and promote and celebrate the achievements of your council in Cootamundra.”
Fellow judge of the award Bill Bott AM was also in attendance and highlighted specific projects administered by council in recent years, in particular the design and construction of the Cootamundra Heated Pool.
“What was originally estimated as a $2.5 million project came in at $2.35 million when the staff were able to initiate a number of savings along the way.
“Frankly that’s an achievement that would be the envy of most rural councils right across the state.”
