Community feedback sought on Proposed Capital Project List

Published on 12 July 2021

Uralla Shire Council has placed its Proposed Capital Project List on public exhibition and is encouraging community members to have their say about which projects they would like to see developed should relevant funding opportunities become available. Having a prioritised list will allow Council to focus on developing ideas past the concept phase and prepare more robust plans that can be used in funding applications.

There are 57 different potential capital projects listed, collected through community feedback and recommendations from Councillors and  staff. 

Projects include creation of bike and walking paths, an amphitheatre in Alma Park, upgrades to swimming pools and local amenities, installation of rainwater tanks on public buildings, development of economic development centres and many more. 

“The community’s input in developing a prioritised list will help Council’s decision-making and guide Council’s operations and allocation of resources,” said Kate Jessep, General Manager. 

“Having a number of ‘shovel-ready’ projects will assist Council to take full advantage of future grant funding programs,” Ms Jessep said. 

Potential projects can be broadly categorised as follows, with some projects on the list fitting into more than one category:

• Council operations & improvements – Projects which increase Council efficiency, increase revenue generated from a service, or reduce ratepayer contributions to improve the services Council provides to the community.

• Economic development – Projects which contribute to the local economy, support local business, and drive tourism.

• Public building & community infrastructure renewal – Renewals to public buildings, for example community halls, public amenities, recreational facilities, and other community infrastructure.

• Public spaces & town beautification – Improvements to parks, community land, and other public spaces.

• Sustainability & environmental initiatives – Projects focused on sustainability for the future of Uralla Shire and environmental/conservation initiatives.

“Community feedback is critical to inform Council’s decision-making in prioritising the projects to best reflect the needs and preferences of the broader Uralla Shire community,” said Mayor Michael Pearce. 

“Projects which are approved for funding will also typically include community consultation in the design stage.” 

“These projects will affect all of the Shire, so Council is encouraging all members of the community to take a look at the project list and have your say,” Mayor Pearce said.

The Proposed Project List is available on Council’s website and paper copies can be collected at Council’s Customer Service Centre or at the Uralla Library. The list contains general project information and estimated cost (if project has gone through preliminary scoping).

Members of the public can submit their feedback through an online submission form or in writing, addressed to the General Manager by letter or email.

Written submissions can be made to Council until 5:00pm, 20 August 2021.

Photo caption: Walking and bike paths are some of the projects included in the proposed capital project list.