Cr Kidd said he was optimistic about 2021 being a good year for the community.

"2021 will see many large community projects well into their establishment, the Conservatorium, Art Gallery, Sports Precinct, the Future City CBD development, the showground amenities and the list goes on," he said.

"It is important that we work together as a community for the better good of as many as possible. There will be issues (including developments that will not please all), but as long as a consensus prevails Orange will progress.

"Some people have said we don't need a Conservatorium. They say 'I'd prefer our potholes to be fixed.' You won't always get everyone agreeing on something."

Cr Kidd said Orange should remain open to visitors and tourists allowing for coronavirus restrictions.

"We cannot 'shut the door' as some would like. That is a selfish attitude and reminds me how Orange would be if that same call was made in 1950, 1970, 1990 or 2010.

"If there was an outbreak in Orange and the number were rising rapidly you should look at some containment lines. [But] we're nowhere like that," he said. "In 2021 let's all be part of the solution not part of the problem."

He said Australia had survived crises including wars and recessions. "As we turn to 2021, I am optimistic the drought has subsided in large parts of the country.

"A vaccine has been developed for COVID-19 and we know through expert medical work how to contain and minimise the spread of diseases, which will undoubtedly come again."

He said 2020 had been a year of "chaos, stress and uncertainty."

Cr Kidd said the council put a number of measures in place to support its staff and enabled council meeting to continue.

"There has been millions of dollars in capital works, and millions in development applications. Council has been successful in getting millions of dollars for roads and footpaths infrastructure, water infrastructure (seen as leaders in Australia), the sports precinct confirmed ($24 million), the Southern Distributor ($18 million plus to date), the gallery extension, Conservatorium/planetarium, major works at the showground, Brabham Park upgrades, Wade Park Cricket Centre of Excellence and the Future City plans," he said.

"Orange has also seen a number of new businesses establishing themselves and the real estate market has 'boomed' with many people making the move to Orange as a preferred place to work, enjoy and some to retire. Our education and health facilities and opportunities are second to none.

"Orange has more greenspace than most towns and cities in Australia. The standard used is hectares per thousand head of population. It is four hectares per 1000. Orange is close to 18 hectares per 1000 head of population. In simple terms over 10 per cent of Orange's urban area is green space.

"This does not include golf courses etc and there are over 600 hectares of regional and rural parks including the Lake Canobolas and Gosling Creek precincts."