RATEPAYERS from the Port Macquarie area have been urged to attend a Lunchtime Conversation today to find out about planned works for 2014-2015, including Town Green and Town Square and the new bin system.
Sessions specifically on the one-year operational plan are also planned for Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Laurieton later this month.
Cr Adam Roberts said it was critically important for council to receive community feedback before the operational plan for 2014-2015 was set in stone.
“Once the operational plan is adopted, projects are underway pretty well straight away,” he said.
“We are spending over $180m on projects and services. That is a lot of money. It’s critically important that community members have feedback.
“On top of the $1m extra we put towards road maintenance last year, we are keeping that but also raising that by another $1m and putting another $400,000-$500,000 into footpaths, so there is a really heavy focus on roads and footpaths.
“This is an opportunity to check our priorities. If you think a project is more worthy and should be included, you can give us that feedback and we will have a look at it.”
In addition to the operational plan for 2014-2015, council is also seeking feedback on plans to revamp Town Green and Town Square in central Port Macquarie.
At the Lunchtime Conversations today, ratepayers will also get a chance to learn about the new waste collection system that will start on 1 September.
Householders will have the option of three waste collection services: a 140-litre fortnightly collection, a 240-litre fortnightly collection and a 240-litre weekly collection. The charges will be significantly cheaper for people choosing the smaller bins. Ratepayers can upgrade to a large 360-litre yellow recycling bin free of charge.
The deadline for selecting your bin size is before the end of April to allow plenty of time for the new bins to be ordered and delivered.
Council’s draft operational plan for 20140-2015 will be on exhibition until 2 May. Copies are also available from council offices. A bin hotline is also operational on 6581 8787. For more information on the budget, masterplans for Town Green and Town Square and new bin system visit www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au
***SIDEBAR***
COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSIONS
***Hay Street Forecourt, Port Macquarie – Thursday 3 April 11am – 2pm. All topics.
***Port Macquarie Council office – Thursday 10 April 10.30 – noon. Operational plan only.
***Wauchope Library – Monday 7 April 10.30am – 12.30pm. Operational plan only.
***Laurieton School of Arts – Tuesday 15 April 10.30am – 12.30pm. Operational plan only.
More on the budget in Inside Council, Page 9
