I am very excited about what I believe we can achieve in the next four years as a team. I also wish to welcome our three new councillors and express my pleasure at working with the five existing councillors again - continuity with a dash of renewed vigour, a great recipe for productivity!

The last council left us with plenty to get on with and complete, including bridges, road sealing and infrastructure projects like Moonan Cutting, Middlebrook Bridge, and the Scone to Murrurundi Water Pipeline.

There are also ongoing issues such as the Scone Bypass and Rail Overpass where we must ensure we get the best outcome for the community.

White Park upgrade

We have just received confirmation that we have funding ($1.4 million) to help pay for a roof over the events arena in White Park.

This is fabulous news and a credit to all those who have pushed for White Park upgrades for many years. It cements in place Council' s absolute commitment to upgrade the whole area into a world-class equine and recreational precinct for many different user groups.

New Cassilis Sewerage System

We have also received confirmation that Council has received $1.22 million funding under the NSW Government’s Regional Water and Waste Water Program, to introduce a much- needed village sewerage system in Cassilis over the next few years.

For over a decade there has been concern at the environmental impact of some onsite septic systems currently in use in the village.

Studies have found the existing on-site sewage management systems in Cassilis pose a range of environmental and public health risks, and are considered unsustainable. The introduction of a village sewerage system will benefit the local community and agricultural industry for many years to come.

The full cost of the project is estimated at $2.2 million, which includes gravity reticulation, pumping station and a sewerage treatment plant. Council is planning to hold an information session on the 19 th October 2016 at Cassilis Community Centre and further information will be provided shortly.

We will continue on with building our community engagement and I would love to hear any ideas you may have about how we can reach and interact with you about council and community issues.

Another area we will be developing is our environmental sustainability and all that that entails. I dare say that a couple of our new councillors will add their weight to this and I look forward to the outcomes.

Pools opening

Before I sign off for the first time in this term of Council can I remind you all that the Upper Hunter Shire pools are opening soon: Scone on 1 October; Merriwa on 4 October; and Murrurundi on 12 October.

You may call Council or visit our website for opening times and contact details, and if you are interested in swimming lessons, call the pools directly.