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2022: THE YEAR THAT WAS
This will be our last Council Happenings publication for the year of 2022. Where has the year gone?
As we look back on the year that was, it’s amazing how far we have come and what we have achieved in 12 months.
It’s been a record year of grant funding received across a number of high-priority infrastructure projects, we have certainly been busy building a better future for our shire. Our $19 million Fixing Country Bridges program of works is more than halfway complete, we were lucky enough to secure additional funding to cover the shortfall of rising material costs and weather delays, so we are grateful for the NSW Government for coming to party on that this week.
Projects like these make a difference to the day-to-day lives of locals. Better local roads in our regions mean safer trips to school or the shops, and more efficient journeys for freight operators and primary producers.
We also broke ground on capital works projects to enhance community facilities including the heavily consulted $1.08 million Dungog Library extension project, which is scheduled for practical completion in March 2023. The Gresford Sporting Complex amenities project, worth almost $927,000, was also realised.
This year has also focused on setting an exciting vision for what our shire is going to look like over the next ten years, with considerable work and consultation undertaken from a cultural, economic and social perspective. We continue to champion Dungog shire to all levels of government and through the development of a new Advocacy Strategy, which focuses on government partnerships that will enable economic growth in the region. Meaningful partnerships will support improved public and private infrastructure.
And who could forget the two significant flooding events that impacted the progress of our roads and bridges upgrades. We were sorry to hear of its effect on some local agricultural lands. However, we are proud of how we worked together as a community to support each other in these challenging times.
From all of us here at Council we wish you all a merry and safe Christmas and hope you all enjoy the holiday season and a well-earned break.
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