A focus on developing and upgrading Moree Plains Shire’s water infrastructure, and a renewed push to redevelop Moree’s civic precinct are just some of the major plans on Moree Plains Shire Council’s agenda for the next few years.
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Council recently released its draft community strategic plan, delivery program and operational plan following months of community engagement to identify what’s most important to residents today and into the future.
At the May 25 council meeting the newly-elected councillors approved the three drafted documents, which are now on public exhibition.
As part of its 10-year community strategic plan, council aims to create an inclusive, caring community, sustainable spaces and places and a vibrant regional economy.
The four-year delivery program outlines how the current council will achieve these goals.
One of the most significant planning and community development projects tabled in the delivery plan is the Moree Civic Precinct redevelopment, with $4 million allocated for the project in the 2017/18 budget.
The redevelopment project to upgrade the Moree Memorial Hall into a cinema, performing arts and conference space has been on council’s agenda for a number of years now, however a lack of funding has prevented the project from becoming a reality.
A number of water projects have also been included in the delivery plan for the next four years, with the biggest being the Halls Creek water infrastructure project which sees $6.24 million allocated in next year’s budget.
Other significant water projects budgeted for the next financial year include the Ashley and Biniguy potable water projects ($4.13 million and $3.96 million respectively), the Boggabilla to Toomelah pipeline project ($2 million), the resevoir contract ($1 million plus $200,000 in 2018/19).
Over the next four years significant funding has been allocated to flood mitigation in Pallamallawa with $13,500 for the 2017/18 financial year, $1.56 million for 2018/19, and $1.5 million for the 2020/21 budget.
Flood mitigation in Moree is also on the agenda with a total of $800,000 in the budget over the next four years, while significant funding has also been budgeted for the water main renewal program and water meter renewals.
The Mungindi Water Treatment Plant renewal will receive $100,000 in funding next year and $4.31 million for the 2018/19 financial year.
Contributions and conversations with the public have shaped the new community strategic plan, with a number of shared priorities emerging from community feedback.
Among the most important priorities were the sustainability of our road network; the future of freight movements; retaining our regular, reliable air service; reliability of the internet; crime prevention initiatives and making the Moree Plains more liveable – all issues which are addressed in the new 10-year plan.
Mayor Katrina Humphries thanked locals for speaking up, on behalf of her fellow councillors.
“Your contributions have helped us put together the community’s 10 year plan and our four year program of activities and programs,” she said.
“If you’re interested in our immediate plans and projects, our next annual operational plan and budget 2017-2018 is also on our website.
“But the time to Speak Up continues.”
Cr Humphries encouraged community members to read the draft documents and provide comment or suggestion by 4pm on Wednesday, June 21.
Council will consider feedback and adopt the final documents prior to June 30, 2017.
Each of these documents is now available for review by the public and can be found on www.mpsc.nsw.gov.au or at council and the library.
Written submissions should be directed to the general manager by post, by hand or by emailing speakupmoree@mpsc.nsw.gov.au.
