Mayoral Notes

 

This week our nation’s heritage was celebrated with a number of events held across the Parkes Shire for Australia Day. We welcomed media personality Susie Elelman as our Australia Day Ambassador for 2017. She presented the Australia Day Awards at the official ceremonies at Parkes and Peak Hill. Congratulations is extended to all the nominees and recipients of our Citizen, Sporting and Cultural Awards – all of whom make wonderful contributions to our community. Parkes celebrated Australia Day in style with an Australian-themed art show in the Coventry Room. The exhibition runs until tomorrow afternoon, and I encourage everyone to go along. Entry is a gold coin donation.

Construction on the new Water Treatment Plant achieved a major project milestone with the final concrete pour on the potable water reservoirs. The two 2.7 mega-litre reservoirs required 60 tonne of steel reinforcement and 300 cubic metres of concrete, all of which was procured locally from regional operators. The next phase will see the aluminium roof members installed, expected to be complete by 21st February.

Residents are encouraged to conserve water, following an increase in water us- age over summer. The high temperatures experienced in recent weeks resulted in an increased demand for water as locals attempted to stay cool. Currently, the Parkes Shire is on Level 1 water restrictions, which limit the use of garden watering systems to outside the hours of 10am and 5pm. In order to avoid tightening of restrictions, our community needs to make efforts to limit water usage. For some helpful tips on how to con- serve water and reduce your water bill, visit www.parkes.nsw.gov.au.