Cobar Shire Council presented a draft of its 2016/2017 Annual Operational Plan and Budget at a public meeting last Wednesday.
Council advised they have a larger than usual budget for fixing and maintaining roads this year, with plans for many local roads to be re-sheeted or resealed in the coming year.
Special Projects Officer Angela Shepherd said these works were much needed as there is always uncertainty in regards to road funding in future years.
According to the information presented at the meeting, Cobar Shire is still behind its neighbouring councils in regards to funding per kilometre of road.
Cobar Shire Council’s new General Manager Peter Vlatko congratulated staff on the budget, saying that even though cash is still tight, he can see the bank account has been going in the right direction over the past few years and is pleased that there is cash in the bank to pay for what has been committed.
At the meeting, staff outlined some of the projects that council is planning to complete over the next financial year.
Among the works are an upgrade to the library arcade and digital upgrades at the Cobar Heritage Museum (with the balcony to also receive some repair work which is due to start at the end of this month).
An amount of $5million will be spent on replacing the Water Treatment Plant and another $390,000 will be spent on upgrading hydrants, valves and water mains across town.
Drummond Park will also receive an upgrade worth $100,000, which is planned to take place in two stages.
Cobar’s other parks have $50,000 set aside for work and upgrades to them as well.
Another $50,000 will be spent on piping raw water to the parks.
The Newey will receive $20,000 worth of staged works.
The largest roadworks planned for the 2016/2017 financial year are the continued widening of Kidman Way South with $4.25million committed to the project.
Mr Vlatko said the community would be pleased to hear that the entry prices at the Cobar Memorial Swimming Pool are to remain the same as last season in an effort to increase patronage. Council is now seeking community feedback on the operating plan and budget which will be presented to council before they adopt the final plan and budget.
