Gunnedah Shire Council to spend big in 2021 on infrastructure build for major projects

The koala park, redevelopment of the Gunnedah Saleyards and works around Clifton and Rangari roads are among the projects that are contributing to the above average cost.

The inflated figure is a representation of the region's growth according to mayor Jamie Chaffey, who praised council for its pro-expansion attitude during Wednesday's ordinary meeting.

"It must be noted the exceptional work of not only the elected members of this room but also this organisation and by the general manager and everybody within the team that has a significant role to play," he said.

"It's great to see fantastic results and we are 100 per cent committed to continue to deliver for our community."

Other outcomes from the meeting included the passing of a motion to place the 2017-22 Delivery Program on public exhibition for 28 days, as council plans to extend it for a further year following the postponement of local government elections.

A motion was also passed to subsidise the fees for North West Medical to use the Gunnedah Showground as a drive through vaccination clinic from April 23 to 30, using money from the Facility Hire Fund.

A number of committee and conference appointments were also made throughout the meeting.

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Councillors Ann Luke, Owen Hasler and John Campbell accepted nominations to sit on the Arts and Cultural Grant assessment panel.

Cr Luke, Gae Swain and Rob Hooke were selected to sit on the advisory group of the Section 356 Small Grants program, which is designed to assist businesses in improving access to their premises or services.

Deputy mayor Cr Hooke will also attend the 2021 Waste Conference on behalf of GSC.

One of the most important events council attends is the annual Murray Darling Association conference, which will this year be attended by councillors Chaffey and Campbell.

Cr Campbell is the chair of Region 11 of the association and also sits on the executive of that peak body, which deals with the Murray Darling Basin plan and how it effects local government.

This year will be the conference's 77^th year, and Cr Chaffey said it was crucial to be present at the event.

"I myself have been to every conference since I've been in local government now for four and a half years," he said.

"It's about, right across the four different states, local government representatives coming together, hearing from experts around water and all issues to do with communities who rely on water as we plan for how to survive in the future.

"So it's good to hear what other councils are doing to manage as a utility provider for their communities, but also as they plan for strong economies and tourism right across the four states and to see what we can learn and share."

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