On Tuesday, World Homelessness Day, the Mayor and other high profile people slept in front of the Council building in Scone to raise community awareness of homelessness in our local community and of the services that exist to support people of all ages caught up in a housing crisis. While the increased number of homeless in Australia is well recognised, the problem in the local community is often hidden. The number of people couch surfing and sleeping in cars and under bridges in our local area is a real problem.

Pipeline to commence soon

The commencement of the 40-kilometre water pipeline will be welcomed by Murrurundi residents who are already experiencing water restrictions even before summer has arrived. The pipeline route is generally located in road reserves however where access is on private land, the owners have been contacted. Construction is expected to commence this year and be completed in 2020, providing a much-needed, secure water supply for Murrurundi.

Children’s Bike Park

I am very excited to announce that in my role as Manager of the Scone Neighbourhood Resource Centre, the service has been funded to build a children’s bike park. Neighbourhood Centre staff will be working with Council, as the owners of Amaroo Park off Lang Place in Scone, to build the facility. When complete children will have roundabouts and give way signs offering another play option at the park and it will also provide early safety lessons for children.

Australia Day 2018

It seems like this day is a long way off but preparations to nominate those we feel contribute a little more in their chosen field or community is now underway. Without your nomination we will not know about these people who go above and beyond every day. The form is simple to complete and you can collect one from any of the Council Administration Offices, Shire Libraries, or it can be downloaded or submitted online from Council’s website under Our Shire/Events/Australia Day. Come on ‘Be Great and Nominate’ someone today! Nominations close 8 November 2017.

Off-Leash Dog Area

There has been a lot of discussion for an off-leash dog area in Scone over the years. The draft masterplan for the Bill Rose Sports Complex is on exhibition and all pet owners will be most excited to see a new feature of a fenced off-leash dog park included.  Also on the plan is a walking and cycling track around the Sports Complex, and an improved playground and picnic area. Council staff are meeting with key sports clubs over coming weeks to discuss the draft plan in detail. Please contact Council on 6540 1100 for more information. Written comments can be forwarded by 30 November 2017 with work on the Sports Complex upgrade to begin in 2018.