Residents of villages in the Dubbo region have had their say about major capital works and priorities for the future.
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Roads, stormwater and amenity were on the list of items raised by people from Eumungerie, Ballimore and Wongarbon at forums this week.
Dubbo Regional Council went to the villages to consult as part of work on a new draft 2040 Community Strategic Plan.
The plan will be the overarching document from which major capital works, long-term actions and annual priorities are established.
Council city strategy services manager Steven Jennings welcomed the input, say the turnout was “small but passionate”.
The first stop on the roadshow was Eumungerie on Tuesday evening.
Roads, drainage and stormwater were some of the key issues raised there, Mr Jennings said.
“The locals talked about the cenotaph and the great work that’s been done there, and some need there for some further work,” he said.
Eumungerie residents regarded a local camping area as a highlight, and wanted to see more promotion of it, the council officer said.
On Wednesday Ballimore residents echoed those sentiments about their camping area being an attraction, Mr Jennings said.
There was some discussion there about long-term planning and zoning in the village and trying to get some more people out there to live in Ballimore to add to that local feel, he said.
They also took the opportunity to talk big-ticket items.
“The Ballimore locals, because we are looking at a 23-year plan, did raise the idea of a pool, which we’d have to throw into the mix,” Mr Jennings said.
“And making sure local roads are well looked after.”
At Wongarbon on Thursday evening flooding and stormwater issues, and again roads, were “quite high on the agenda”.
“Wongarbon saw they have a great role as providing that dormitory suburb type situation from Dubbo, which is a good thing,” Mr Jennings said.
“And then also looking at that those more longer term development opportunities for Wongarbon to encourage more people in the village and also to encourage more housing opportunities as well.”
The 2040 roadshow will move to Stuart Town on Tuesday and Geurie on Thursday.
Mr Jennings reported council-wide about 200 surveys had been completed and talks with industry stakeholders were taking place.
Faye Wheeler
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
