THE heralding of the new year has afforded the shire's mayor the chance to not only download on what's planned, but also reflect on his final nine months in office.
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Councillor Paul Maytom will be stepping down from both the role of mayor and councillor when local government elections are held in September.
However, before then, he said there is still plenty to do and he doesn't plan on letting the ball drop.
Cr Maytom said there several big projects set for completion in 2021.
Two of those include the upgrade of the Leeton pool, which is slated to be finished by the end of the month, while phase three of the CBD redevelopment will be completed, with phase four in Chelmsford Place to progress after the securing of funding.
Painting of art deco facades in Pine Avenue and Wade Avenue will be completed, while the Roxy Theatre redevelopment will get started.
In terms of road upgrades there are several areas on the agenda, including Back Whitton Road.
Wamoon's sewerage scheme project will also be starting, while murals and silo art in Whitton will get underway and be wrapped up in 2021.
In Leeton, a light installation will also be installed for the water towers in Chelmsford Place.
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Cr Maytom said he would also be making sure a feasibility study for a heated pool will also be undertaken.
"That is in the budget so it will be completed ... that's to look into whether or not a heated pool can be done here, possible costings etc," he said.
In terms of setting Leeton shire up for future success, Cr Maytom said there were an number of initiatives on the boil, including:
- Finalising a detailed design and securing funding for the full development of the WRConnect Freight MultiModal precinct at Wumbulgal in collaboration with Griffith City Council.
- Complete a housing strategy for Leeton shire and promote a life-style village opportunity for new retirees (hopefully private but, if necessary, council to consider doing a feasibility study).
- Complete a feasibility study and business case for expanded long daycare early learning services.
- Complete a development control plan to provide developers with clarity around development requirements and to ensure Council inherits assets that are fit for purpose.
- Update the Leeton Shire Economic Development Strategy to ensure local businesses are supported to grow and new businesses are attracted to set up.
- Attract a strong cohort of candidates for the upcoming local government elections in September - council needs a good mix of progressive people on the governing body who are strategic, have the ability to monitor progress, have financial acumen and who ask probing questions. A diverse set of backgrounds is always very useful as this brings diversity and depth to council deliberations.
Advocacy is also on council's agenda on issues such as water and health, according to Cr Maytom.
"Water security for the MIA, including trading practices that see the MIA optimised before water is sold into other valleys," he said.
"(We need) improved hospital services, including a doctor on call 24/7 for emergency department, an obstetrician based in Leeton (we want a full birthing service back), a fully functioning theatre and acute short term mental health capability.
"Also, improved ambulance response times for emergencies in Leeton and improved community mental health support services that are locally based and are time sensitive."
