MR ROSS Earl, general manager of Bourke Shire Council, writes on events in the Far West of NSW.
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Far West Initiative. The Discussion Paper in relation to the Initiative was finally released last Friday and can be accessed by visiting the website http://www.nsw.gov.au/far-west-initiative.
As part of the process of ensuring all residents have an understanding of the concept of the Far West Initiative and have the opportunity to have input, the Office of Local Government has indicated it would be undertaking an extensive consultation process which would see meetings held in the vast majority of towns and villages within the area of the Initiative.
The times and dates of the various meetings will be advertised and the Bourke Shire Council will ensure adequate notice is given as to the location and times of the meetings scheduled within the shire.
The consultation will hopefully commence on September 5 and be finalised on October 14. It is proposed to hold a meeting of the Far West Initiative Advisory Committee via video conference prior to the rounds of community consultation commencing on September 5 and prior to the upcoming council elections.
Thousand stories. There are many activities associated with the “Festival of a Thousand Stories” which starts this week. Programs are available at the council offices and the Back O’ Bourke Exhibition Centre. (The festival is a celebration of storytelling, art, poetry and music. It grew out of Bourke’s popular Poets Trek – a two-day literary tour in the footsteps of Henry Lawson, Will Ogilvie and Harry ‘the Breaker’ Morant.)
RFS contributions. Local Government New South Wales (LGNSW) has now taken up the matter of increased contributions to the Rural Fire Service. In the notification of the increases it appeared the changed formula was developed with LGNSW. But, it would appear that is not the case. My understanding is that a number of councils face huge increases.
Farewell. The council will host a function on September 24 to express its appreciation to outgoing Mayor Andrew Lewis for his service to the community as mayor for the past eight years and a councillor for the past 14 years.