The town of Scone needs change.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
And, it’s going to take everyone’s support and commitment to make it happen.
That’s the message that Scone Revitalisation Committee Chairperson Cr James Burns is reinforcing following Bulahdelah Chamber president John Sahyoun’s comments on the Scone bypass last week.
“The Scone bypass is just the catalyst, the town was in desperate need of undergoing revitalisation anyway,” Cr Burns said.
“At the moment, we are still in the community consultation process but real action is happening now.
“We have 12 people on the revitalisation committee including two Chamber members and local business owners – so it’s more of a community based group.
“Thoroughbred Hotel owner Peter Allen is also on the committee – if he can revitalise the hotel, he can offer us a lot when it comes to bringing new life to our town.”
Cr James Burns said the Bulahdelah Chamber president mentioned some good points last week and it was important to continue to stay positive.
“It’s excellent to hear from another community that has come through the bypass process and benefited from it,” Cr Burns said.
“What I would add to John Sahyoun’s comments is that while it has been the experience of other townships to implement a post bypass survival plan – we are actually working on ours now.”
“We are increasing our online presence and promotion of the town in conjunction with Upper Hunter Country Tourism,” he said.
Cr Burns said during the process he actively encourages community members that have any issues to contact him.
“Tell us why you believe something isn’t going to work – because then we can work on combating that,” he said.
With the $120 million bypass looming nearer, shortlisted companies have been invited to submit tenders for construction with award for contract expected before the end of 2017.
Cr Burns said they are looking towards local suppliers and tenders during the process.
“We have a lot of material that can be utilised locally, which will create jobs and boost the local economy – it is also better for the overall spend of the project,” he said.
Scone Chamber of Commerce president Ben Wyndham has reinforced the importance of supporting local business now more than ever.
“August was a very busy month for local business leading up to Christmas, and we encourage people to continue to shop locally in the lead up,” Mr Wyndham said.
“We are in consultation with business owners in town, council and the RMS to keep business rolling – and things are improving.
“Once the bypass is in we have to accept the road so we are doing everything we can to prepare for that,” he said.
Cr James Burns contact details can be found at the Upper Hunter Shire Council website and the Scone Chamber of Commerce can be contacted here.
See related story: