Anyone who attended this year’s Nyngan Ag Expo would have been impressed and I’m sure enjoyed another great display of exhibitors, stall holders, events and refreshments. Congratulations and thanks to Peter, Robyn and all members of their committee who worked very hard for this great success. The large number of locals and visitors who attended, and the incredible number of stall holders who keep coming back, ensures the day remains cemented in our annual district calendar of events as a very unique, special and safe family event.
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Special mention about the recent ‘Backroads’ ABC feature TV program about Bogan Shire. A lot of favourable comments have been made about the tidy appearance of the town, our tourist attractions, the friendly and caring community who live here and the care extended to some international communities and projects. A pity a few people and projects who were initially filmed didn’t feature, but this was one of the better ‘Backroads’ and should steer a few more travellers our way.
We attended the first Orana Joint Organisations meeting in Narromine last week as members, joining Gilgandra, Warren, Narromine, Mid-Western and Warrumbungle Shires. All these councils resolved to not contribute any more to the operation of the Joint Organisation (JO) than they did to the previous Orana Regional Organisations of Councils (OROC). A draft budget was discussed and adopted by the meeting, showing that unless the State Government contributes more than the initial $300,000 to the cost of the Orana JO, it will be unsustainable and won’t continue. A consultant will try and obtain projects that will benefit all Councils from their individual strategic plans. Most rural and regional councils have joined one of the states’ eleven Joint Organisations, but the State Government will need to ensure JOs get some early runs on the board to the benefit of councils like ours to meet expectations.
Reports to our last council meeting indicated some State Government representatives were in town asking people if they supported our projects submitted for the second round of the State’s Stronger Country Communities funding. We hope those approached agreed with our major projects, mainly with improvements to the swimming pool, some seniors rental accommodation, and a recreational pathway from the shearing shed to the river.
As the drought and the effect it is having on farmers continues to escalate, the media, Governments, service clubs, charities and special coordinators are organising and providing assistance. It is very much appreciated. I sincerely hope the organisers of these fund drives and appeals will find a fair way to allocate and distribute this assistance as all farming families, small businesses and rural communities that are adversely affected.
Ray Donald OAM Mayor, Bogan Shire Council
