From the Mayor's Desk: Finding other ways to engage with the community

Published on 12 July 2021

With the State Government extending restrictions in regional New South Wales for another week, we again find ourselves unable to engage with our community face-to-face as much as we would like.

Thankfully, you can still have your say on the key projects Kempsey Shire Council are considering through our Your Say Macleay website. I love this platform’s ability to hear from more of the community and give everyone a chance to submit their great ideas for the future of the Kempsey Shire.

Live on Your Say Macleay at the moment is a survey where you can help Council develop the first stage of our Reconciliation Action Plan. This is the first of four steps in Council’s effort as an organisation to become more inclusive of our First Nations people and we want your help.

Another initiative Council is working on is the adoption of a Biodiversity Strategy. One of our greatest challenges is protecting our natural environment while enabling growth in our region. We have an amazing natural resource that is impacted by weather events, invasive species and population growth and we want to improve biodiversity in the Shire for future generations to come. So please, when the draft Biodiversity Strategy is on public exhibition in late July, have a look and have your say.

On 19 July, construction is set to commence on the West Kempsey BMX Pump Track, a project that the community has built in partnership with Council. Through Your Say Macleay, the community helped finalise design plans for the track and surrounding area, planning a recreational activity for all and I am so excited to see this come to life.

Plus, keep an eye out for the new dates for the Gladstone and Smithtown Community Catch-up which has sadly had to be further postponed.

Nominate someone amazing for the 2022 Australian of the Year Awards

There are some truly amazing people in our community. It seems a long way off, but nominations for the national 2022 Australian of the Year Awards close soon and this is your chance nominate someone inspiring. Let’s celebrate individuals who show what it means to be Australian!

Nominate someone amazing in our community through the Australian of Year website before 31 July 2021.