Potential water scheme
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If you live between Scone and Murrurundi and you are interested in being part of a potential Rural Water Supply Scheme it is not too late.
The council met with over 80 rural land owners last week and is now seeking firm commitments from potential rural water scheme users before a decision is made on whether the rural water scheme is viable or not.
In the very near future, information and a ‘Demand Assessment Survey’ will be sent to landholders who live along and close to the proposed Murrurundi water pipeline route.
These are to be returned to the council by the end of May.
As the scheme can only be developed in conjunction with the planned Scone to Murrurundi pipeline, this is a once in a generation opportunity.
Council’s four year plans
Thanks to everyone who came along to our public meetings around the council’s draft Development Program and Operational Plan (DPOP).
The mood at all four meetings was positive and it is a great opportunity to hear people’s views and concerns face to face.
It is not too late for you to have your say.
Written submissions are accepted up until Monday, June 1.
You can read the draft DPOP on the council’s website at www.upperhunter.nsw.gov.au and you can even leave your comments on the website under ‘Say It’ (although ironically you will need to type them).
Furry friends
There is a saying in politics - if you want a friend, get a dog.
I haven’t found local government to be at all like that, but I am a big fan of our four legged friends.
Michelle and I had our last “puppy” for 17 years and are still recovering from her loss, but the good news is that we have half a dozen staff dogs on Cressfield to release our affection on and we will be encouraging their owners to bring them down to Bark in the Park this Saturday at White Park.
A special “get well” to Scooby who has just had back surgery and will not be attending the festivities!
This fun day for all the family is an initiative of Pet Medical which the council is very happy to support with help from a NSW Government Responsible Pet Ownership grant.
There will be a lot of activities and entertainment for you, your best friend, and your kids to enjoy.
You could also pick up a discounted certificate for micro-chipping, vaccination or desexing (for the dog).
Horse Capital of Australia
It was another great Scone and Upper Hunter Horse Festival.
I saw the Scone Cup from outside the gates of the race track whilst rattling a donation tin for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
I must say a huge thank you to all those who donated as it looks like we may have collected record contributions.
Everyone looked very nice in their finery (at least going in) and the racing carnival and all the festival events got good media coverage, which will continue to encourage tourists to ‘Come on up!’
The next big event is the Rosto Olives Festival of the Fleeces Running of the Sheep in Merriwa on Saturday, June 6.
Hope to see you there.
Flying foxes flown
Not quite as popular as dogs, horses or even sheep are flying foxes.
They are however a protected species and there is not a lot anyone can do to get rid of them when they fly in and take up residence.
The council took a precautionary approach to the foxes’ increased presence in Aberdeen’s St Andrews Reserve, contacting groups that use the campdraft facilities, erecting warning signs and generally getting the message out.
Fortunately the latest report is that for the time being at least, the flying foxes have moved on, presumably heading for warmer climates.
The council will continue to develop, with interested parties, a camp management plan.
There are legal avenues we may be able to take that could make the area just a little less ‘homey’ to flying foxes in the future.