WORK on a memorial park adjacent to the bypass continues.
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The land is owned by RMS but will be transferred to council at a later date. The two are determining the simplest way to officially name the park, whether it be RMS prior to handover or council after.
As council is not owners of the land, they can’t undertake the process to have the road named officially.
A “fitting” tribute to the fallen servicemen from the shire is being sort.
Council has been approached to undertake organisation of the opening for the park.
Should the naming be ready by then, the event will incorporate both, however in the case this doesn’t happen in time the council is working towards the official opening of the memorial portion of the park.
Mayor Katrina Humphries said this was something they could be immensely proud of.
“It’s something that is very time relevant being the 100-year centenary of the Anzacs and World War I. Many people from this area fought and I commend RMS and councillor (John) Tramby for all the work they have done,” Cr Humphries said.
In line with 100 years of Anzac commemorations the names of all known local soldiers who perished during the First World War have been gathered.
The governor-general will be invited to undertake the official opening of the park.
The budget has been set at $15,000.
The remuneration tribunal has determined the 2015 to 2016 minimum and maximum annual payment for councillors and mayors.
Last year the council chose the maximum amount and this year was no different.
Councillors are able to donate the increase to certain organisations but it’s up to the councillors to do that in their own time.
The increase is 2.5 per cent which is allowed within the budget.
Councillor Rodney Brazel said they were “underpaid”.
“It’s a lot harder to get elected members,” Cr Brazel said.
“Most of them are business people.
“We are worth a lot more than scab wages compared to the other states,” he said.
Cr John Tramby said councillors had some obligation to give back to the community because it had been good to them.
“I feel that it would be appropriate to have some restraint on our own funding to show good faith to the community,” he said.
“At $10,740 we are well compensated for what we do.”
Councillors agreed to the pay increase of an extra $270 and the mayor will receive an extra $590.
The Local Government conference will be held in Sydney during October.
Mayor Humphries and Deputy Mayor Sue Price have been nominated to attend this year’s conference.
The attendance of the councillors will give them the opportunity to discuss matters that are currently affecting the shire.
The fact Moree Plains Shire will be represented ensures council is involved in future policies that are at the best interest for the community.