"We want to improve the quality of life and service delivery to our ratepayers and residents," Cowra mayor Bill West said in relation to two plans currently on display for public comment.
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The plans, council's Draft Operational Plan and Long Term Financial Plan, have both been reviewed and are now on display for the public to view and provide feedback.
The draft plans include Council's Integrated Delivery Program 2017/2018 to 2020/2021; Operational Plan 2019/2020; Draft 10 Year Financial Plan 2019/2020 to 2027/2028; and Draft Revenue Policy 2019/2020.
"These programs are the blueprint for our operations and activities," mayor Bill West said in a statement released last week.
"They determine how Council works towards the Delivery Program objectives and also includes Council's detailed annual budget and revenue policy including fees and charges."
A low level bridge replacement or repair, the West Cowra sewer system, CBD footpath redevelopment and Wyangala village water system are all key projects identified in the plans.
"With an emphasis on continuing to improve infrastructure development and follow through with long-term infrastructure projects currently in the planning stages, we want to improve the quality of life and service delivery to our ratepayers and residents, we want to make sure the people of the Cowra Shire are happy with the direction Council plans to take," Cr West said.
West Cowra flood mitigation works and the redevelopment of Cowra Aquatic Centre are other initiatives incorporated into Council's draft Integrated Delivery Program, Operational Plan, Financial plan, and Revenue Policy.
Some of the other objectives Council will aim to deliver include:
- Work with the NSW Government in planning for the redevelopment of Cowra Hospital.
- Supporting the retention and expansion of activities at Cowra Agricultural Research Station.
- Continuing to pursue funding for projects identified in the Peace Precinct Masterplan; the Lachlan River Precinct Masterplan; the Cowra Nature-Based Adventure Playground Masterplan and the Sculpture Park Masterplan.
- Advocating strongly for upgrades to Wyangala State Recreation Area.
- Advocate for initiatives that provide greater security for water supply in the shire such as the proposed raising of the Wyangala wall.
- Consulting with sporting clubs in the Cowra Shire to identify and prioritise their infrastructure needs.
- Continuing the push to re-open the Blayney-Demondrille rail line.
"Through continued prudent financial management, Council is in a position to plan for the orderly improvement and/or replacement of major infrastructure such as this while continuing to maintain existing assets and provide high-quality services for the community," Cr West said.
"We encourage the community to read these plans, ask questions if you have them and provide any feedback over the course of the next month," he said.
