From the Mayor’s desk

Traffic bypass proposals for public display

By Mayor of Cowra, Bill West

IT’S welcome back to another busy and productive year for Cowra Shire Council!

In major news, proposals on possible routes developed by our consultants for the heavy vehicle bypass should be on public display within the next few weeks. At this stage, the bypass proposals are scheduled to come before Council in March.

Whilst on traffic movements, council is starting a trial of a “no right turn” from Macquarie St into Kendal St. This trial is to monitor and assess how this initiative may impact traffic movement in the Cowra CBD and other important issues associated with any CBD upgrade

Following the recent council by-election, we also welcome new councillor Kevin Wright into Cowra Council.

I would like to congratulate Councillor Wright and look forward to working with someone who, I am confident, will prove to be a very valuable member of our council.

I also believe it important to acknowledge the unsuccessful candidates in the election and thank them for their being prepared to run for local government. Their preparedness to put their hand up is something we all should appreciate

In other news, our unique Festival of International Understanding starts this weekend with the Youth Ambassador Program Civic Reception at Cowra Services Club from 6pm tomorrow, Saturday, March 2.

A week-long celebration of Sri Lankan food, culture, dance and art, and I encourage all residents to make time to enjoy this special event that only a town like Cowra – with its strong international ties and commitment to harmony and world peace – could conceive. The festival opens officially next Friday, March 8, with the Festival Parade and Carnival the next day, Saturday, March 9.

We all owe thanks to the local and regional fire-fighters who helped battle and contain the fires the district faced this summer

While many of us bemoan the decline in civic involvement in our society, it’s great to see how a community like Cowra’s can pull together to help each other in times of need.

Highlights of the month include the renaming of the Darbys Falls Reserve in honour of local hero, Lynne Sawyers, who has done so much for foster children over a number of years.

In good news for everyone who owns a dog in Cowra, I recently opened council’s new leash-free area at Robinson Park. This great facility, featuring dog agility equipment, jump-throughs and a dog maze, is located in a beautiful spot beside the Lachlan River and is recommended to all local dog-owners.

Right: The opening of Cowra Council’s new leash-free area is good news for both pet owners and our pampered pooch population.

At this official opening, I also revealed new funding initiatives that will help boaters and fishers throughout the shire with a new $20,000 passive boat entry point and parking, and $10,000 for renewal of fishing habitat in the river.

Other initiatives include council getting past round one for Regional Development Australia funding for upgrades to our airport and the iconic Japanese Garden.