21 March 2019

In November 2018, Council adopted a number of advocacy priorities being a new hospital, increased police numbers, additional phone towers to eliminate black spots, TAFE redevelopment and reinstatement of apprentice courses, road funding and a processing precinct.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey is ecstatic with the progress that has been made, most notably with the commitment made by Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson, and supported by all other major candidates, to the redevelopment of the Gunnedah Hospital and associated improvements to health care services.

“The commitment to the hospital is a huge step forward for the Shire and the culmination of a lot of work from a number of groups, such as PRAMS and the Gunnedah Hospital Auxiliary,” Cr Chaffey said.

“I think we have been given a fair hearing and that our collective voices have been heard.”

The recent return of apprenticeship courses to the Gunnedah TAFE, commitments to the upgrade of Rangari Road and funding towards mobile blackspots, along with more police and nurses comes on the back of a successful advocacy program and record infrastructure spend over the last two years.

Some of the recent highlights being:

• Sealing the remainder of Grain Valley Way
• Second Road Over Rail Pass
• Koala Park and Education Centre
• Brand new Gunnedah Police Station
• Bloomfield Street upgrade
• Livvi’s Place Inclusive Playground
• Curlewis Pipeline Project
• Gunnedah Showground upgrades

“A solid commitment of $66 million for Gunnedah this election shows the success of our Council and community in advocating to ensure Gunnedah is at the forefront of the State Election,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Gunnedah is absolutely full of potential and these recent funding commitments backed up by the commitments that have been made during this election, indicates a very exciting future is ahead for the Gunnedah Local Government Area.”

Photo: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.