All of this has been fantastic for our water supplies and I can report as of Sunday morning our storages were at 49.6 per cent, and that Gosling Creek and Spring Creek dams were overflowing.

This water was making its way down the creeks and waterways and into Summer Hill Creek and Suma Park Dam.

In fact the flow Sunday was at 1000 megs-a-day and is still running at about 700 megs-a-day.

So by the time you read this we will be well and truly over the 50 per cent mark.

It is worth noting it was only mid-last week we were able to report reaching 40 per cent.

This puts the city in a very good place coming into summer and shows that with our sustainable water management policy, and ongoing projects, our city can maintain its growth and security.

But we will have droughts into the future and we are all part of the solution.

The Orange community has demonstrated its effective and efficient use of its water and its ongoing work into recycling initiatives, including stormwater harvesting.

I have mentioned in this column previously that Council has a number of projects it is working on to ensure our sustainable future.

Last week I meet with the Deputy Prime Minister at the opening of the Federal Regional Programs Branch of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications. Another 40 odd jobs for Orange, and who knows how many to come.

It is great to actually see decentralisation happening and we have been at the forefront of attracting both State and Federal Government to Orange (look at the new building to house the Department of Primary Industry and others).

On top of this think about the decentralisation of Paraway (part of The Macquarie Bank) to Orange, another 30 plus staff.

But we must not rest on our laurels and during the previous week we have discussed what we have and what we need to sustain that growth with various State and Federal Ministers including the Deputy Prime Minister, The Minister for Resources and Water Keith Pitt and MLCs Farraway and Ward.

Tuesday we will be meeting with the Deputy Premier John Barilaro, particularly on our proposed Health precinct.

Now we have surety of the funding, and with work underway on the $25 million sports precinct, we are seeking State Government support for the Conservatorium, Planetarium (note: we have $10 million already from the Federal Government).

Our other major push is for further funding for road infrastructure, particularly for the Southern Distributor.

The section that has been finished is proving to be a welcomed addition to the area.

It was pleasing to meet with a group of volunteers with a fantastic project they are undertaking to make access to Federal Falls via a trail they are proposing following Boree Creek from Lidster, where the Rural Fire Station is situated on the Cargo Road to the bottom of Federal Falls.

This will be a 'shared Track' for biking, walking, jogging and will eventually see a 6-7km track following the creek to Federal Falls, and a loop - a total of 25km - back to the Lidster Fire station.

This will be undertaken by expert track builders from Canberra and much of the invasive weed control work, which is quite prevalent in The Mount Canobolas Precinct, will undertaken by young people learning Conservation skills with Skillset.

The volunteer group undertaking this proposal have engaged State Forests RFS, Local Land Council and Councils.

This legacy project, whilst in the early stages, will require funding and they are already in the process of seeking regional and Government funding.

This will be a great asset for tourism, for locals and of course a signature place for Mountain Biking.

We will certainly be helping in anyway possible and supporting the volunteer group as this is a great way to restore the biodiversity and the natural beauty of this area, before it is totally denuded by invasive vegetation and animals.

The Lake Canobolas Scout camp is undergoing a multi-million dollar restoration which will again provide opportunities for locals and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the Lake Canobolas precinct.

The earth sanctuary next door has been developed into a mountain biking track, but it is open for all to walk throughout the many acres that are being restored to natural vegetation and habitat for native birds and animals.

These with Borenore Caves are worth taking a day or two to visit and explore.

The wet weather causes havoc with our roads and unfortunately results in potholes, please report any to council. Finally I would alert you to a new (fantastic report) Council staff have produced. It is a spreadsheet of all maintenance, repair and building projects; where they are, timelines etc. It is available on Council's website.

Keep warm and please be courteous to all those who are endeavouring to keep us all safe in these dreaded COVID times.