Lithgow City Council COUNCIL CONNECTIONS Dec 2009

Lithgow City Council PO Box 19 Lithgow NSW 2790 Mayoral Message Administration Centre 180 Mort Street, Lithgow Phone: 02 6354 9999 Mayor Neville Castle Fax: 02 6351 4259 [email protected] www.lithgow.nsw.gov.au Christmas is a time to reflect on the This will include a water collection events of the past year and look forward to and reuse system designed to capture Lithgow Visitors Centre the coming year with anticipation, seeking water run-off which will be recycled. Phone: 02 6350 3230 opportunities for growth and development. Major local events are continuing [email protected] Some major works have been to put Lithgow on the map. The recent completed throughout recent months. employment of an Events Coordi- Lithgow Library Rock stabilisation of Wolgan Gap and nator to assist the local community Learning Centre roadwork’s on Wolgan Road has made to develop a diverse range of social, Phone: 6352 9100 travelling to and from the picturesque cultural, recreational and sporting [email protected] a safer journey. The opening events will promote the Lithgow of the Emirates Resort has increased local government area as a premier Eskbank House Museum traffic volumes on the road with visitors destination for hosting events. and employees of the resort. The Resort The Lithgow Skate Park has Phone: 6351 3557 has provided many local jobs and a signif- proven to be a huge success with [email protected] icant boost to the local economy as many families and visitors to the area. In products and services are sourced locally. the New Year, Council staff will be Council Meetings During the school holidays and the working with local youth as part of 18 January 2010 warmer months, people are looking for the Youth Council to develop a range 8 February 2010 a way to cool down and enjoy the long of events to be held at the Park. 1 March 2010 hot days. Recent improvements to the Council is moving in a new 22 March 2010 Lithgow Memorial Pool include the instal- direction developing strategic plans 12 April 2010 lation of a ramp on the eastern side of which will ensure the Lithgow local 3 May 2010 the pool allowing wheelchair access. government area grows and prospers. 24 May 2010 Many of the projects identified in Community input into the 21 June 2010 the first round of the Regional and Local Economic Development Strategy, Communities Infrastructure Program have Business and Retail Study and Rate Instalment Due been completed and Council is well into the Cultural Precinct Study has 28 February 2010 planning stages for projects at the Tony been significant, providing a 31 May 2010 Luchetti Sportsground, Jim Monaghan comprehensive base to develop Athletics Oval, Ashley Grandstand and sustainable community outcomes. Christmas Closure Civic Ballroom. The development of these On behalf of the Councillors and Lithgow City Council will close for facilities will make this precinct more staff at Lithgow City Council, I would business from 4.30pm on marketable providing opportunities for like to wish everyone a safe and 24 December 2009 and will increased cultural and sporting activities. happy Christmas. We look forward re-open at 8.15am A combined development appli- to working with the community Monday 4 January 2010. cation and construction certificate has in 2010 to continue to plan for a been submitted for the resurfacing of sustainable and prosperous future for For emergency services the sand-based hockey turf and other the Lithgow local government area. contact 6354 9999. amenities for the Glanmire Oval Precinct.

Planning for our future Developing quality Providing Encouraging P2 to meet the needs of the P4 facilities through P6 infrastructure P8 community community. asset improvement. for growth and involvement. - 3 - 5 - 7 improving our assets. Planning For The Future

A new way forward Community Strategic Plan for Local Your Guide to the Future Government The Community Strategic Plan will Over the next two years, Council identify the community’s long-term will be working towards ensuring Extensive community engage- aspirations including priorities for the that all members of the community ment is already underway through growth, development and sustain- are kept informed, and able to be forums, advisory committees, ability of the whole local government involved as part of the consultation surveys and workshops which will area. Council will not be respon- process. The community, in turn, inform Council’s new approach sible for delivering every aspect of can become involved by providing to integrated planning. Planning the Community Strategic Plan. It input into the planning process activities have and will result in will work with community groups, through participation in workshops, a number of strategic documents regional, state and federal agencies community forums and surveys. such as a cultural plan, economic to achieve the actions identified development strategy and land within the Community Strategic Plan. use strategy to name just three. These planning documents will all link together to encourage growth Economic Development Strategy and the long-term sustainability of the Lithgow local government Highlighting Opportunities area. Community interest in the devel- • For council to be more proactive in The passing of the amendment opment of an Economic Devel- helping and attracting businesses; to the Local Government Act opment Strategy has been high with • For greater promotion of the area; 1993, on 1 October 2009 in State many business operators partici- • For beautification of Main Parliament requires all NSW pating in workshops and forums. The Street in Lithgow; and Councils to develop an integrated community workshops generated a • For the development of a Branding approach to planning and great deal of interest and provided and Marketing Strategy for the area. reporting. This will see a number excellent material, regarding the of significant changes to the way community’s knowledge of and aspira- Community input is the key to Council undertakes strategic tions for the Local Government Area. making Lithgow’s Economic Devel- planning and reporting including opment Strategy a comprehensive developing a 10 year Community In order to improve business and practical document that will Strategic Plan which will inform: prospects for the area partici- support the sustainable growth of pants have identified the need: the entire Local Government Area. • A four-year Delivery Program; • Annual Operational Plan; and • Resourcing Strategy for Council Business and Retail Study comprised of a Workforce Plan, Asset Management Plan Highlights growth in the sector and long-term Financial Plan. A Business and Retail Study is • 44% of businesses surveyed were Lithgow City Council has currently underway that will identify established over 20 years ago. nominated to be compliant with clear and specific actions required to • 60% of respondents stated that its legislative requirements by 30 address retailing issues and to develop their business had performed June 2012. This will enable an our retail centres. Over 125 local better over the last 12 months. extensive community engagement business owners, in the retail centres • 66% of respondents stated that program to be undertaken to of Lithgow, Portland and , the recession had not had a develop the Community Strategic were surveyed to identify character- negative effect on their business. Plan and to implement the required istics and key issues/opportunities • 80% of those surveyed had changes in corporate processes. that they face. Some key findings employees. of the surveys were as follows: Actions from this Study will be • 52% of respondents had operated included in the Economic Development their business for up to five years only. Strategy. 2 Planning for a sustainable future Investing In Growth

Strategic Land Use Planning Revamped Issues being identified exhibition space NSW Councils are required to The next phase involves the devel- at Eskbank review and develop a new Principal opment of the Land Use Strategy. Greater access to travelling Local Environmental Plan. Local Once completed Council will consult exhibitions, the display of Environmental Plans can impact on the community to ensure that no Council’s art and historic collec- every aspect of a community including issues have been missed and that the tions and opportunities for local where we live, work and play. The Local strategies and actions recommended artists to exhibit will be the focus Environmental Plan is a document that balance community expectations. of the revamped Courtyard Gallery guides decision making on land use. The timeline for the project has at Eskbank House Museum. These plans determine the areas in been extended by the NSW Department As part of the revamp an which various types of development of Planning and Council to ensure that under-lit glass display panel has can be considered; and which areas appropriate resources are allocated to been installed which highlights of open space and environmental the project and that all available infor- bricks from Newbold and Hughes sensitivity need to be protected. mation is considered and utilised in its Brickworks, convict bricks and Council has been working solidly development. The planned delivery a large sandstone block into with external consultants to undertake date for the new Principal Local which is carved a Masonic necessary strategic land use planning Environmental Plan is now late 2011. Compass and Square symbol. to inform the preparation of the new The project is partnered and Council provides a discount Principal Local Environmental Plan. jointly funded by the Planning to members of the Lithgow local This work has led to the preparation Reform Fund Program (PRFP) of government area when they visit of a Draft Land Use Issues Paper that the NSW Department of Planning the museum. Reminisce about the identifies local planning issues and Further information on this project days gone by before television, considers options to be further explored can be obtained from Council’s cars, CDs and the electric within the development of the Land Strategic Land Use Planner Mrs refrigerator were all invented. Use Strategy to address these issues. Sherilyn Hanrahan on 6354 9999. Pack a picnic and enjoy the grounds of the museum and its facilities over the school holidays. Possum the locomotive Lithgow City Council participates in CORSnet is a favorite of both small children and train buffs alike. A new GPS base station will of Lands to host a Continuously allow Council, developers and Operating Reference Station (CORS) Eskbank House corporate industry with access to This system is part of a network of Global specialised GPS devices to record Navigational Satellite Systems (GNSS) Museum highly accurate coordinates. This located around . Located on the makes it easier to pinpoint the Accuracy is enhanced the closer you Cnr Inch & Bennett Sts location of infrastructure and utilities. are to a base station. The base stations Lithgow The system enhances Council’s make corrections to the satellite data current mapping technology removing any inaccuracies caused by making it easier for Council staff changes in the atmosphere. Previously Open to map the location of assets such there were 23 stations operating across Wednesday to Sunday as roads, water mains and sewer the State with the closest to Lithgow 10am – 4pm lines. It will increase efficiencies in being Springwood and Bathurst. asset management, planning work Now that Lithgow has a Phone: 6351 3557 and infrastructure development. base station, accuracy has been Council has entered into a increased to one centimeter. partnership with the Department.

www.lithgow.nsw.gov.au 3 Meeting Your Needs

Stop, Revive, Live Well Lithgow Challenge The Live Well Lithgow Challenge has exercise classes and the reopening Survive this come to an end after 12 big weeks of of the Portland tennis courts. community events and activities. The The success of the program has been program was very successful with over largely due to the many individuals, Christmas 1100 people signing up for the challenge clubs, associations and businesses that between September and November. provided their time, resources, support and Holiday This joint initiative between Lithgow and sponsorship and to everyone in City Council and Sydney West Area the local community that embraced it. Season Health Service was aimed at promoting Special thanks goes to LINC and the healthier lifestyles, encouraging Healthy and Active Lithgow Program, A safe holiday season for everyone to be more active and eat which provided support for many of yourself and your family should more healthily. Our very own Lithgow the Live Well Lithgow initiatives, our be at the forefront of your minds Panther became the mascot for principle sponsor CS Health for providing as we prepare for the coming healthy living in Lithgow and his green the main prize for the challenge festive and holiday season. paw prints supporting the program and other key sponsors Blooms the School holidays, Christmas were a common sight in the area. Chemist and Newnes Hotel Cabins shopping, Christmas Day, Everyone who signed up received for also donating substantial prizes. Boxing Day and New Year are a pedometer and a kit with health Following on from the challenge, all nearly upon us. Whether related information and details the Eat Well Lithgow program was you’re travelling around town of the various Live Well Lithgow recently launched with over 30 local or heading off on holidays, events. Local libraries and doctors’ food retailers promoting healthier food remember to stop, revive, survive surgeries were strong advocates of options when eating out in Lithgow. The and have a safe holiday season. the challenge and instrumental in Live Well in Lithgow program will also Driver fatigue can affect you distributing the kits to many people. continue into 2010 with other initiatives either on a long or short trip. Numerous events were held over aimed at encouraging healthier living. The symptoms of driver fatigue the 12-week period including seminars, To help everyone continue their include feeling sleepy or tired, bushwalks and heritage walks, the healthy habits, a local directory of having poor concentration, healthy lifestyle expo, sports club health and fitness activities has been yawning, tired or sore eyes, open days and supermarket tours. The compiled. This can be downloaded restlessness, missing road signs Challenge also provided the stimulus from www.lithgow.com/livewell. Copies and feeling irritable. Driver fatigue for many initiatives that may continue can also be obtained from Lithgow can severely impair judgment into 2010 such as the new fresh City Council and your local library. and anyone can be affected produce markets, Latin dancing, aqua Always plan your trips and aim to stop at least every two hours. Exit the vehicle, have something to eat or walk around for at least Supporting Community Projects 15 minutes. This takes your mind off the driving task. Make sure you have had sufficient sleep as well. Council’s Financial Assistance program is available to not-for- Driver reviver sites operate profit community groups and organisations seeking to undertake throughout NSW at peak holiday community based projects within the Lithgow local government area. times. These are safe places for motorists, motorcycle riders and A downloadable application form and a copy of Council’s passengers to stop and refresh policy are available from the website or by contacting 6354 9999. with a free cup of tea or coffee. From 2010, Council will call for applications in April and October of each year. Remember to Stop, Revive and Survive this festive season.

4 Supporting the community Working Together

Get your of approval - Drought Ensure you’re Septic Safe Relief Property owners with onsite • Prevent hygiene products and sewage management systems, such toxic chemicals such as disin- Funding as septic tanks and aerated waste fectants, bleaches, nappy $400,000 has been received water systems are responsible for soakers and whiteners entering from the NSW Government to ensuring that their systems are your wastewater system. fund the supply of reticulated well maintained and working well. • Ensure stormwater is diverted water to all towns and villages A failing septic system is a health around tank and wastewater currently on the Fish River Water risk for your family and the community disposal area. Supply in our area. This will and may be causing harm to the • Use products that are labelled help to relieve the pressure on environment. as biodegradable or SepticSafe. the Oberon Dam water supply. To protect your family and friends • Break your laundry washing there are some simple things to up over the week so as to Portland, Wallerawang, look out for which may indicate that not overload your system. Lidsdale, Cullen Bullen, Rydal your system is not working as well • Practice water conservation. and Glen Davis, are currently as it should. These can include: serviced from the Fish River The SepticSafe program is Water Supply which sources • Strong or foul odours around the helping councils and septic system water from Oberon Dam. tank or wastewater disposal area. owners prevent pollution and health • Long grass, spongy ground, problems caused by poorly functioning Staff from Council and State or pooling wastewater in the septic systems. As part of Council’s Water are working on the wastewater disposal area. SepticSafe Strategy Council will project to relieve the pressure • Slow draining fixtures be inspecting all septic systems on the Oberon Dam water and gurgling toilets. within the Local Government Area supply. A number of trials have • Weed growth and native and has started with those in the been undertaken over recent vegetation die off in or near Sydney drinking water catchment. months to supply water from the wastewater disposal area. Council is also conducting Infor- the Lithgow Reticulation Water mation Sessions to inform the Storage System to these areas. Things you can do to community on how to maintain their help your system include: septic system and on the SepticSafe To date these trials have not • Pump out your septic Program. All information sessions been successful. As a result both tank every 3-5 years. will be advertised in the Council State Water and Council staff are • Check your grease trap every 3 Column of the Lithgow Mercury. working with specialist hydraulic months. Further information on the engineers to resolve the water • Check there are no cracks or SepticSafe Program can be found pressure issues so the scheme holes in your tank that will allow on Council’s website including an pests such as mosquitoes into Easy Septic Guide that shows you may proceed as soon as possible. your tank to live and breed. how to manage your septic safely. In addition to this, during 2010 Council will be working Greenwaste Council Clean-Up towards augmentation of the Clarence Transfer System to Collection 2010 2010 boost the Lithgow water supply. 8 February 8 March 12 April

To arrange for collection contact the Council Administration Centre on 6354 9999. www.lithgow.nsw.gov.au 5 Quality Community Facilities Crystal Theatre More Community Facilties to be Improved

A modern facility Families, sporting clubs and rural room, amenities and officials’ room communities will all benefit from to adequately cater for users. retaining old time $208,000 provided under the Federal Kremer Park in Portland will Government’s Regional and Local also benefit from the replacement grandeur Infrastructure Program Round 2. of some out dated and under Queen Elizabeth Park in Lithgow utilised equipment with modern, The newly refurbished will benefit from the replacement of state of the art play equipment. Crystal Theatre at Portland will some out-dated and under-utilised Improved Access to Lithgow provide the community with equipment with modern, state of the Croquet Club will include the access to year-round events. art play equipment. This proposal also construction of ramps from the The recent upgrade has been includes funding for the installation playing fields to the Clubhouse, the result of careful planning to of a Liberty Swing, which will allow concrete paths linking the Clubhouse maintain the heritage integrity children in wheelchairs to actively to James Street and the installation of this fine old theatre whilst participate in recreational activities. of accessible handrails and fencing. improving the facilities for acces- Improvements to Meadow Flat Hall Council is now awaiting the sibility and health standards. will include provision of disabled access, assessment of these projects and The installation of a chair lift installation of kitchen facilities, recon- approval to commence works which will ensure that persons with struction of the existing stage, upgrading will provide major benefits to the limited mobility can access the of amenities, and redesign and recon- community. theatre area of the building. A struction of the front entry area. Improvements to Hermitage Hall in new accessible toilet has been Extensions to the Lithgow Soccer Lithgow include upgrading the existing constructed in the foyer for Clubhouse at Marjorie Jackson Oval amenities to provide disabled access, use in conjunction with the in Lithgow will include an additional and provision of a ramp allowing access improvements to the front entry. change room and storage space, and into the hall (both front and side). Other improvements include refurbishment of the existing change the installation of a heating system and extensions and refur- bishment of the existing kitchen, Sewage Treatment Upgrade as well as a new meeting room and construction of a projection Improved environmental perform- from the Sydney Catchment Authority. room and gallery area on the ance will be the result of a major Lithgow City Council has engaged upper floor of the Theatre. upgrade to the Lithgow Sewerage Haslin Constructions to commence The community of Portland Treatment Plant. the Stage 2 upgrade of the Lithgow feels that the works are a credit The plant will be upgraded using Sewage Treatment Plant. Work will to Council and the builder. The the latest technology to achieve commence in early January with the works will enhance the oppor- best practice in environmental project expected to last 12 months. tunity to develop a vibrant cultural performance which is particularly Council is also proceeding with scene within Portland, building important given its location within the the upgrade of the Wallerawang on current activities focused Sydney Drinking Water Catchment. Sewage Treatment Plant with the around the Crystal Theatre. The project, costing in excess of combined costs of major treatment This work has been made $18 million, will be partly funded plant upgrades to be expected to possible by funding provided through the Country Towns Water cost in the vicinity of $30 million. from the Federal Government and Sewage Scheme and assistance (under the Better Regions and Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program), Faults Hotline 6354 9999 NSW Ministry of Arts, Delta Council encourages community members to report any faults in relation Electricity, Mine Workers Trust to the following facilities: and Lithgow City Council. • Oakey Park Water Treatment Plant • Wallerawang Sewage Treatment Plant • Lithgow Sewage Treatment Plant • Lithgow Solid Waste Facility • Portland Sewage Treatment Plant • Portland Garbage Depot

6 Providing infrastructure growth Improving Our Assets

Round 1 Works Proposed Capital Project Funding Progress Allocation Works Program Lithgow Skate Park $260,000 Completed November – March Civic Ballroom, Lithgow $30,000 Completed Vale Hall, Lithgow $10,000 Completed Rural Road Upgrades Union Theatre $50,000 Completed • Glen Alice Road, Wallerawang Library $64,000 Completed Capertee Valley Wallerawang Boat $35,000 Completed • Glen Davis Road, Crystal Theatre, Portland $80,000 Completed Capertee Valley Design & Project Management $140,000 On going • Turon Gates Road, Lithgow Skate Park - Design & $240,000 90% Complete. Capertee installation of equipment Completion February • Sodwalls/Tarana Road, 2010. Tarana Civic Ballroom, Lithgow $1,070,000 Plans being developed • Rydal/Hampton Road, Tony Luchetti Sports Ground $747,500 Plans being developed Rydal Precinct • Magpie Hollow Road, Bowenfels Ashley Grandstand $660,000 Plans being developed • Browns Gap Road, Glanmire Oval Precinct $1,140,500 Combined Development Hartley Title of StoryApplication/Construction Certificate Lodged Timber Bridge Proposed Round 2 Works Improvements Project Funding Progress • Glen Davis Road, Glen Allocation Davis Queen Elizabeth Park, Lithgow - $55,000 Included in submission Children’s playground for funding Urban Roads Kremer Park, Portland - Children’s $30,000 Included in submission • Lithgow & Portland playground for funding Laneways • Methven Street, Marjorie Jackson Oval, Lithgow $50,000 Included in submission for funding Lithgow • Clwydd Street, Lithgow Lithgow Croquet Club $8,000 Included in submission • James Street, Lithgow for funding • Meadow Flat Hall, Meadow Flat $50,000 Included in submission New Playground for funding Equipment Hermitage Hall, Lithgow $15,000 Included in submission • Lake Wallace, for funding Wallerawang • Queen Elizabeth Park, Wolgan Road Upgrade Lithgow An estimated $1.5 million is Wolgan Gap section of the road along being spent during 2009/10 to with minor widening of the road, improve driver safety on the Wolgan construction of a concrete table drain Road and down the Wolgan Gap. and guard rails. The pavement of the Tree removal and rock bolting has road is being reconstructed and resealed been undertaken to stabilise the loose to provide a safer surface for vehicles and crumbling rock face along the using this dangerous section of the road. www.lithgow.nsw.gov.au 7 Encouraging Community Involvement Lithgow Events are putting Lithgow on the map

Skate Park Lithgow has recently been part of of nearly double in visitor hosting the “best ever” World Masters numbers during this period. A place for Games. The Sydney 2009 World Masters Such was the success of the Games everyone to enjoy Games ran from 11 to 18 October 2009, that a new orienteering competition with Lithgow hosting the orienteering is being planned for 300 competitors Much to the delight of skate- competition. Some 1,146 competitors in the new year in the Lithgow area. board, bike and scooter riders descended into Lithgow for a week Lithgow City Council and Lithgow the new skatepark is proving to filled with action-packed competition. Tourism is already preparing for be a fun place for all the family. Our guests were given a taste of some new and recurrent major One of the exciting things all of the Lithgow seasons during their events. 2010 starts with the “richest about the new park, is that it stay with rain through to sunshine womens’ footrace in ”, has proven to be a great place during their competition, and a touch the Lithgow Flash Gift which is set for families who like to sit near of sago snow falling during the opening down for Saturday 6 March 2010. by and watch both the older and ceremony. The Orienteer’s first battled Portland has been confirmed as younger kids sharing the space, through Ben Bullen State Forest for host for the Australian 4 Day Enduro having fun and learning new skills. the first two rounds of competition. Motorcycle Championship from 8 -11 Another great aspect of Competition was strong with a range April, with the Rally of Lithgow being the park is that not only has it of medals given at the final and closing on the 17 April and Ironfest being been a huge success for our ceremony at Clandulla State Forest. held on the ANZAC long weekend. local youth, it has also received Lithgow Visitor Information a lot of interest from people Centre liaised with the Sydney For further information on outside of Lithgow as well. World Masters Games organisers any upcoming event contact: Council will work with local and Orienteering NSW to make Lithgow Tourism our international visitors welcome. youth to look at events and Tel: 1300 76 02 76 or competitions that can be held at The Lithgow Visitor Inform- www.tourism.lithgow.com the park. ation statistics show an increase What’s on at the Weddings at Library World Heritage Eskbank The featured book of the month Looking for a romantic for January is “Where the Wild Things Wonder Pass and intimate setting Are” by Maurice Sandek. This will Experience the best for your special day? coincide with the release in December the World Heritage Why not have your of this exciting children’s movie. The wedding ceremony or wedding Lithgow Library Learning Centre Area has to offer for photos taken in the grounds will be holding a number of exciting at Eskbank House Museum. activities including craft mornings, a one low price! With the romance of roses colouring competition, children’s story Railway and grandeur of yesteryear time and reading club for adults and Mount Tomah Botanic Eskbank House is the perfect kids during the school holidays based place to celebrate your marriage. on the theme “Read on the Wild Side”. Gardens Eskbank House Museum Author and wildlife photographer is open 10am to 4pm Jan Latta will be featuring her “true to Wednesday to Sunday for life” series of children’s books during Family Pass enquiries and inspection. January. On Thursday 21 January, Jan $125 will be visiting the Lithgow Learning Call 1300 76 02 76 Phone 6351 3557 Centre to talk about her adventures as a wildlife photographer and writer. or visit Sessions will be held throughout the www.tourism.lithgow.com day. 8 There’s always something exciting to do!