Mayor's Column

Published on 14 February 2025

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This Monday I was pleased to attend the Destination Central West (DNCW) networking evening where I was joined by Deputy Mayor Ben Fry and passionate staff and board members of Destination Central West NSW. Through their expert destination marketing and planning resources, DNCW plays a crucial role in helping businesses and government entities thrive in the tourism field. Tourism is an engaging and constantly evolving industry that brings people from all walks of life together; it is an enormous part of Bathurst and something we are honoured to be recognised for. Our city welcomes over 1.2million visitors annually, which contributes more than $450 million to our local economy. We are proud to have a diverse array of cultural services and hallmark events in Bathurst that draw crowds from across the regions, and it is great to have our initiatives supported by the excellent team at DNCW.  

I am happy to share as well that Begonia House is open for 2025! Begonia House is a popular attraction in Machattie Park, with the space brought to life in vibrant colour. Council’s horticultural team takes great pride in preparing the impressive begonia display each year. There are over 90 hybrid species on display, all showcasing their individual charm. This display in town is one of only a handful of large public garden begonia displays in Australia, so make sure you don’t miss it!  

Earlier today I spoke with our local media about the renovations that have commenced at the Indoor Sports Stadium out on Alexander Street. In late 2024, Council was fortunate to be awarded $400,000 of Australian Government funding through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program to aid the project. Upgrades to the Bathurst Indoor Sports Stadium have been needed for quite some time and it is rewarding to have received this local government funding as it permits Council to address the wear and tear of the building. A further $1.15m of funding has also been granted to Basketball NSW as part of the State Government’s Level the Playing Field Program, allowing a full suite of upgrades to occur. This facility is fundamental to our community’s sporting and recreational activities; the restoration works taking place this year will ensure it remains serviceable to our growing community for years to come. I would like to thank Basketball NSW for managing the delivery of all associated works for this project. 

Additionally, the Country Mayors Association of NSW called upon the Australian Government this week to restore the levels of commonwealth funding granted to the Local Government sector. Annual Financial Assistance Grants provided to Local Governments by the Federal Government originally sat at 1% of Commonwealth taxation revenue in 1996. Today, local councils receive just 0.5%. This reduction in revenue assistance contributes to financial instability, something which Councils across the state are facing, not just Bathurst. I look forward to the outcome of this appeal and strongly hope action is taken at a Federal level, as, with continued cost shifting and a declining rate of Federal assistance, it becomes very difficult for councils, especially those like us in Regional NSW, to deliver our services at an appropriate level to what our community needs.  

 

Robert Taylor 

Mayor of Bathurst 

 

 

 

 

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