Council has a vision for Cobar’s future
Wednesday February 18, 2009
Cobar Shire Council has begun to develop a plan for what it wants Cobar to look like in the future.
Following strategic planning workshops held late last year with representatives from Canterbury City Council, a document has been created with 22 strategic priorities for Cobar Shire Council to focus on.
The document also identifies what Cobar’s 12 councillors believe to be the best and worst things to happen in Cobar over the past decade.
Under each of the 22 priorities identified, councillors were asked to list what outcomes they want for Cobar by 2020, what they believe is happening now on the issues, what council is doing in regard to the issues, and what council plans to do in the next four years on each issue.
According to the strategic plan, council’s top priority for Cobar is ensuring “local shops and businesses are viable and growing”.
Among the identified projects to facilitate that are the main street upgrade works (currently underway), as well as support for Cobar Enterprise Facilitation, developing more shaded car parking areas, and the construction of a town clock.
Another of council’s high priorities is to make sure “the hospital, health and medical services we need are provided here”.
Some of the immediate actions of council on the matter include attempts to attract a dentist to town, lobbying for an ultrasound machine in Cobar, and continual lobbying of the Greater Western Area Health Service for funding and equipment.
Other top 10 priorities for council include: developing new industries other than mining; encouraging tourists to stay longer with vibrant attractions; securing water supplies; providing a variety of recreational facilities; sealing roads for economic development; ensuring Cobar is connected and accessible by road and air; adapt to climate change; seek funding from state and federal governments.
Other strategic priorities focus on children and young people, population growth, employment opportunities, agriculture, future planning, working with community groups, and effective council management.
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