Hot topics for our region’s growth – the Airport and Tourism
As part of the ‘Growing our Region’ group, four pillars have been identified to focus on for growth – the Airport, Renewable Energy Zone, tourism and expanding and developing existing business in our LGA. The group is looking at the projects that have come from the Community Plan and those that are ‘hot topics’ for the region’s growth to identify and prioritise those. It has been decided that Initial focus will be on the Airport and tourism. These include the mid-term and long-term projects for those pillars and working to develop the plans, including involving key community groups in the consultation.
Armidale Neighbourhood Centre to get a boost in funds to support those in need
Councillors moved a motion to increase support to the Armidale neighbourhood centre. It was acknowledged by all as an important service to assist the community by providing a central place for support and referrals to those in most need, including food relief. Currently Council contributes $20,000 per annum and the proposal was to increase this to $80,000 per annum.
Council partnership grows with new lease and improvements for Backtrack
BackTrack Youthworks, or better known as ‘BackTrack’ is well known in our community as a leader in supporting youth who have experienced significant disadvantage in their lives. Council has been a long-term supporter of the organisation and leased the old Grafton Road depot site to BackTrack in 2007. Now after years of improvements to the site by the organisation, Council’s Community Leasing Policy has ranked BackTrack highly and allowed a 75 percent discount on the commercial lease. As BackTrack plans to improve the assets, this is a win-win situation for both parties with BackTrack being able to grow and continue to do what they do best and Council benefits in the long term with the value of the land.
Fourth Quarter budget review will bring forward unspent funds for current projects
The progress of key strategic and operational plans and reports were noted by Council. Each of Council’s relevant business areas submitted a progress report, based on the six months to June 2022. The main purpose of progress reports it to inform the Council and community about the progress of our Operational Plan actions. It was moved that there will be a reduction in capital expenditure based on the 2021-2022 Fourth Quarter budget review and unspent funds carried forward for the 2022-2023 financial year for projects.
View the September 28 Ordinary Council Consultation Agenda and Attachments
Catch up on the meeting via Council’s You Tube Channel
Published on 12 Oct 2022