The bypass and overpass
Over the last few years Council has continued to advocate for the best possible design for the Scone Bypass project.
We still have great concerns with the most recent proposal.
There have been many submissions and meetings and the final bypass design, for better or worse, should be announced by Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) soon.
RMS intends to also develop a design for a ‘town centre rail bridge” or overpass that according to their website is due to be on display for community feedback in mid 2016.
However, at our last meeting Council agreed to write to RMS to request that Council be provided the funds to manage the rail overpass project.
Council has always maintained that we were in the best position to do so and the RMS have yet to undertake an environmental assessment on the overpass.
Town revitalisation
For the last six months, Council has been working with the community and consultants to develop Town Centre Revitalisation Masterplans for Aberdeen, Merriwa, Murrurundi and Scone. Many of you have already contributed comments and suggestions and the last push to finalise the plans is on this month.
Get into a Council office or Library to view the draft Masterplan for your town (they are also available on Council’s website but they take a while to download – they are detailed).
Then submit your ideas in writing or come along to a presentation in your town starting at 6pm: Merriwa - 18 April; Aberdeen Hall - 19 April; Murrurundi Bowling Club - 20 April; Scone Council Chambers - 27 April.
Big Blue at the Horse Festival
It is only a few weeks to the Scone & Upper Hunter Horse Festival, which runs for 10 days from 5 May. Council has brought a major artwork to town for the Festival, Big Blue, a 2.2m high sculpture of a draughthorse that you can see at Council’s Scone office.
It is a very impressive piece that was originally installed with the hindquarters facing the Council counter.
After a few days of that view, staff changed it around. The sculpture will later be moved to the Saunders Honda car showroom on Kelly Street to be part of the Festival Window Display competition. If any art collectors are interested in owning Big Blue, contact the Scone Visitor and Information and Horse Centre.
This is a very busy time for the festival committee and I wish them luck.
