Last week I mentioned that Wellington was being let down by several noticeable buildings along our main road that are dilapidated. Largely owned by people from out of town, these buildings are frankly an embarrassment to Wellington and are in extreme contrast to the rest of Wellington that is beautifully set out and picturesque.
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However, it's not just those buildings that need improvement in the town. We have a real opportunity to solidify Wellington's position as one of the most attractive towns in NSW if we plan now.
Last year I was pleased when Clr Greg Mohr moved a motion in council asking for the preparation of a highway beautification masterplan for the town.
The idea is for council to progressively roll out features on the highway through town, particularly the entrances. In fact, right now there is work being done on "that" mound on the Dubbo side of town that acts as a sound barrier to Montefiores.
We all remember a couple of months back when the mound was so overgrown that it obviously had little work done to it for years.
The plan is to progressively upgrade with irrigation and new plantings to transform the mound from being an eyesore to an attractive feature that will greet visitors and residents alike to Wellington as they enter from the Dubbo side of town.
Council staff are actually installing the new irrigation pipes right now. Around 400 trees and shrubs will be planted when the drought breaks.
There is a lot more that can be done.
There are a lot of opportunities on each entrance to have tree-lined boulevards that will further establish Wellington as a being green oasis while boasting environmental credentials. Footpaths, reconstructed guttering and further rolling out of CBD beautification are just a few things that could make Wellington look stunning.
One of Wellington's key strengths it's how pretty it is. People have been saying it for years. We can grow this even further with the right planning and imagination.
Please note, one lane of the Mitchell Highway will be closed for four days between January 14-17 between 7am and 4pm. Traffic control will be in place during this time.
Australia Day
I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at Wellington's Australia Day celebrations in Cameron Park on Saturday, 26 January.
Australia Day in Wellington is a really special event, particularly since the day is held in Cameron Park which is one of the prettiest parks in NSW. Come along from 9am for all the festivities.
I am particularly excited that Wellington will have its first new citizen since the amalgamation. Our new Australian will be presented with their certificate and take the oath during the festivities and I hope it is the start of many who will undertake this very significant event.
I would love to be able to hold regular Citizenship Ceremonies in Wellington. Citizenship is managed by the Department of Immigration and councils are notified when residents have undertaken the process. Dubbo has witnessed a surge in people becoming Australian citizens and I hope that Wellington is also about to have a similar boost.