Among the myriad of rules the state government impose on councils, some of them relate to minimum standards of public display requirements when new policies are being resolved by council.
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Our council tends to use these standards as they were intended - as an absolute minimum.
One of the areas where I believe we are performing very well at the moment is in the area of consultation and encouraging public submissions.
Unlike the stereotypical view of a council, Dubbo City Council genuinely wants to hear what you have to say about all of council's policies - in particular policies that are in the process of being changed or reviewed.
We typically put these changes on display much longer than the bare minimum and we use a range of different approaches to actively encourage feedback.
Ultimately, council only exists to deliver what is best for the majority of the community in a sustainable manner, so hearing what the public wants is crucial.
One such proposal on public display at the moment is a planning proposal to undertake an amendment to the Dubbo LEP 2011.
This draft amendment will allow for the rezoning of an area of land in South Dubbo from R2 Low Density Residential to R1 General Residential to allow for a greater range of residential development types to occur.
This is an issue that has been discussed since our current LEP was gazetted in 2011 so I would encourage you to take a look at the proposal and let us know your thoughts.
I can guarantee you that this is not a fait accompli and your feedback will be crucial in shaping the final decision.
The highly successful inaugural Your Dubbo program was previously run by council just over a year ago, and with just a few tweaks and improvements, the next campaign is about to start.
The program is open to all businesses in Dubbo and for only a $250 registration fee your business will receive incredible value for money as well as an opportunity to secure one of three $10,000 Business Development grants.
There is an information evening on Monday, February 10 at the Visitors Information Centre, starting at 5.30pm. I encourage all businesses to attend.
The Barden Park upgrade is progressing well with another meeting of the Steering Committee being held this week. One of the items for discussion will be in relation to events for the official opening - tell me what you would like to see at this event at mayor@dubbo.nsw.gov.au
Cr Mathew Dickerson
Mayor of the City of Dubbo