WITH the uncertainty of council amalgamation no longer an issue, it’s full steam ahead for Tilligerry according to Councillor Steve Tucker.

“By not consulting those affected, the state government was taught a very bitter lesson when they lost the by-election in Orange. I don’t think they will ever raise the issue again,” he told News Of The Area.

“Council has borrowed $6,000,000 for infrastructure development. “I’m thinking of hiving off $1,000,000 for a ‘ big ticket’ project for Tilligerry.”

“Tourism seems to have the biggest potential for creating ongoing prosperity. In particular, it will create part time work for our young people.”

Cr Tucker said the peace and tranquillity of the area is proving popular with day trippers and holiday makers.

“You can see this already after the $1.3 million dollar makeover of Henderson Park,” he said.

“I tend to favour a relocation of the old school buildings from the isolated spot on top of the hill to McCann Park. In tandem with an Arts centre, a tourist information set up and possibly a museum located in the vacated fire station, it would then become a focal point for  market days, fairs, car boot sales and  tourist traffic.”

Another undeveloped site is the large reserve behind the Mallabula jetty.

Cr Tucker believes It will need to be made more ‘people friendly’ by removing the barrier on the access road and given a makeover with seating, BBQs play equipment and other public amenities.

“Of course we need to consider the wider community views and I’ll be drawing together a ‘think tank’ of business people and social groups to come up with a forward vision.”

“Bruce [Mayor MacKenzie] and I would like to thank all those residents who swamped our local member and the state government with phone calls, letters and emails over the amalgamation proposal. People power can move mountains at times.”

 

By Geoff WALKER