What wonderful rain we've received over the last two weeks.
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Although Orange did not record amounts like in the north-east and coastal areas of NSW, it was great to see falls in our in the western region.
It certainly has freshened the landscape up, and helped in many of the fire regions.
I was delighted on Monday to announce with MLC Sam Farraway that the Government has revised the triggers and conditions on extraction from the Macquarie River.
This is an integral part of Orange's ongoing water management strategy for future sustainable growth.
Alongside our stormwater harvesting, pipelines across to Carcoar and Cowra, the increase in height of Suma Park wall a few years ago and investigations into as many as 18 other water strategies, we can proudly say that we are at the forefront with our Intergrated Water Management Planning.
A very well attended water forum was held in Dubbo two weeks back and we were asked to present a paper on urban water management and community engagement.
After the forum I have received so many calls from Councils across the state, and interstate, wanting further information on stormwater harvesting and community engagement.
By the way we got down to 129 litres per person, per day, which we believe is the lowest ever recorded.
Congratulations to the organisers of the business event held over the weekend for women. The Huddle had over 450 attendees from all over the state, many of then for a few days of activities. Council contributed a well deserved grant for the event.
Speaking about events this weekend we have Mountain Biking Championships at Kinross Forrest, 8.30am start, as well as a RFS Charity event on Saturday. The Charity event is being held at Brees Planetarium.
Next weekend the Banjo Paterson Poetry Festival begins with a full week of activities.
This year to celebrate Banjo's birthdate, February 17, they are having twilight barbecue at Banjo Paterson Park from 6pm.
Once again Phoebe Litchfield did Orange proud with her bright personality shining as a player in the Charity match held on Sunday, with over $7.5 million raised, and batting with the likes of Brian Lara and Ricky Ponting. A weekend I am sure she will remember for decades to come, congratulations once again.
Our Health Liaison Committee and our Economic Development Committee meet on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively from 8am.
Both of these community advisory committees welcome new members who would like to observe how they function, and to get an appreciation of the important role these committees play. There's over 20 advisory committees and it is important to understand Council is not just about two meetings a month. I can assure you so much of the actual heavy lifting comes from the advisory committees.
This week our staff will meet with the Hoteliers of Orange as part of our engagement with businesses on water management strategies. These workshops have proven to be well received and beneficial.
A new booklet on the Trees of Cook Park has been released by the Orange Rotary Club, many thanks for the excellent work by Malcolm Campbell and others, and funded by Orange City Council.
The Gnoo Blas classic car rally will be on this weekend, with several hundred visitors to Orange.
Cars will be on display all Saturday at Jack Brabham Park before a big dinner on Saturday night, marking 60 years since Orange Centenary Year Australian Touring Car Championship Meeting.
Looking forward to some further follow rain this week, as predicted, and another exciting announcement later in the week.
Orange mayor Reg Kidd
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