At the May Ordinary Meeting of Lithgow City Council, a number of important matters for the Lithgow area were addressed by the Council.
The Mayor recognised the successful return of Ironfest in April after a several year hiatus. This iconic event drew thousands of visitors from all over the country to the Foundations for a weekend of unique ‘makers markets’, craftsmanship demonstrations and displays. Council proudly supported the event with $20,000 sponsorship which assisted in the successful staging of the event.
The Council resolved to continue delivering support for local events by committing to sponsorship of $20,000 for this year’s Beatlesfest following a successful inaugural event in 2023. Support for these types of events contributes to the development and sustainability of the local tourism industry.
The Seven Valleys Destination Action Plan was adopted following community consultation. The final version of the Plan was amended following feedback provided by the community. The Plan will guide the Council and the local tourism network toward a stronger tourism economy for the area.
The South Bowenfels ‘Three Trees Estate’ Housing initiative forms part of Council’s commitment to delivering quality, affordable housing in a range of different configurations. The development will see the creation of 46 new lots in the subdivision with an anticipated 80 dwellings being created through the construction of diverse housing types including compact detached homes, duplexes, multi-dwellings and multi-unit terrace style homes.
The Council will now call for Expressions of Interest for proposals that may include either partnering with Council in the development of the initiative or purchasing the site.
Two road naming proposals for new roads in Portland being created as part of the housing development at the Foundations in Portland have been referred for public comment. Yesteryears Lane and Casino Way have been selected because of their cultural significance to the Portland Community, Yesteryears Lane was selected in recognition of the Signs of Yesteryear by the “Wallnuts”, a group of signwriters who have contributed a number of vintage signs around the Portland Village, preserving the art of hand painted vintage signage and creating a unique look for Portland Main Street. Casino Way was selected in recognition of the casino building, which formed part of the cement works and acted as an impromptu hospital for workers injured at the cement works.
In a Mayoral Minute, Mayor Statham acknowledged the recent passing of local theatre legend, teacher, and longtime volunteer Mrs Rae Burton. In recognition of Mrs Burton’s commitment to the Lithgow Community the Mayor proposed that a dedication in memory of Mrs Burtons be established at the Union Theatre, the site where Mrs Burton directed countless musicals and entertained the Lithgow community for decades.
The Council also approved the awarding of a contract for the installation of projection lighting at the Blast Furnace Park. The upgrades will provide evening lighting to enhance the attraction of the Blast Furnace and was made possible through the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities fund and Council’s development contributions.
After a tender process to identify the Cox’s River Road Reconstruction Project the Council appointed Gacey and Son Earthmoving to deliver the project. This has been funded under the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions grant program for a total of $900,000.
A proposal to lease a parcel of Council owned land adjacent to Lake Lyell to EnergyAustralia for the purpose of a workers accommodation facility (if the pumped hydro construction was to occur) was deferred to a future Council meeting. This deferral will allow Councillors to be provided more information about the proposed lease arrangement and other options for accommodation facilities for the project.
Council also discussed the outcomes of the Latrobe Valley study visit undertaken by some Councillors and senior Council staff. The La Trobe Valley is currently undergoing an economic transition, similar to the situation within the Lithgow area. The study team met with representatives of the major power station providers, unions, the local council and businesses, as well as visiting the TAFE trade schools and the Science and Technology centres developed to support the development of STEM skills for local high school students. The study visit provided an invaluable insight into how issues and opportunities that will be arising across the Lithgow area may need to be prepared for and managed.
The Council meeting can be viewed, and the full reports accessed, online at www.council.lithgow.com
The next council meeting will take place on Monday, 24 June at 6pm in the Council Chambers, 180 Mort Street, Lithgow.