OUR district image was being trashed on national TV when Treasurer and some time Enviro Minister Matt Keane proudly announced the waste problem for an out of control Sydney population would be resolved by energy from waste incinerators in four regional locations - us, Goulburn, Parkes and the Richmond Valley around Casino.
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And it seemed in the Minister's choice of words that it's a done deal, long before any public consultation. No mention of the health and environmental concerns the government accepted for scuttling the plans for Eastern Creek or why the same concerns don't equally apply in the regions.
Goulburn Council already takes 20 per cent of Sydney's waste after falling years ago for a royalty sweetener rejected by Lithgow after a huge public outcry. Blue Mountains Council needs to join forces in opposition or face endless convoys of trash trucks through their towns.
Love your concrete
BACK during what Council with a twisted sense of humour called a Main Street 'revitalisation' the pavers were ripped up in Cook Plaza and replaced with a concrete based surface that in the Summer blisters anyone foolish enough to walk by and would never win awards for style. Now it seems the same bland surface is to be inflicted on the Main Street footpaths, splurging a new $1.9 million grant replacing pavers. Perhaps the incoming Council in December will have more imagination. Grants to Portland Pool and Secret Creek will be put to better use.
Growth centre
THERE are no doubt businesses that failed to survive the long lockdown but it was encouraging this week to see two attractively housed new businesses opening in what's called the 'lower end' of Main Street. A well stocked bicycle shop owned by internationally known racer Mark Renshaw is where Bevvy's Bakery once held sway. And our relocating florist, Bouquets by Design, is the first tenant for a new CBD landmark in the stylishly restored 1800s vintage sandstone building across the lane from the Commercial Hotel.
Too good to lose
ONE of our three remaining pubs, the Gaudry (aka The Lithgow) has gone on the market. After a stylish makeover it's one of the most important features of our social life so hopefully will not go the same way as its predecessors, particularly Tatts and Central, that these days present a bland reminder of what used to be in our streetscape with their new cheap accommodation roles.
At least the former Court House Hotel left in place its traditional signage to add a little colour to the street.