Bathurst civic body tackling concerns
In just over two years, the Bathurst Residents and Ratepayers Organisation has made its mark through highlighting important community issues and building bridges with other role players.
At the organisation’s recent AGM, members and visitors heard about action taken and plans to address a range of concerns, including the use of the commonage – “a very important community resource” according to chairperson Elizabeth Milne.
“There are pristine sections of the commonage that could become a tourist attraction; the commonage is an income source for cattle and livestock owners; the crop fields and vegetable tunnels can be resuscitated to relieve families that are food distressed.
“The sustainable use of the commonage is an important long-term project for the village,” Milne said.
Other concerns included the future of the fire-damaged Centenary Hall, the area’s electricity supply, maintenance of the gravel roads, safety and security, stray cattle, dogs leaving their owners’ properties, the state of the municipal landfill site, the proposed refurbishment of The Big Pineapple, and the development of walking trails – both for the use of residents and as a tourist attraction.
Member Chris Boyd will prepare a presentation in January for the broader Bathurst community regarding a proposal for a special rates area (SRA).
To achieve its objectives, the organisation has sought to engage constructively with local government officials and representatives, while also employing the Public Access to Information Act to obtain key information about decisions and policies that affect the area.
The AGM’s guest speaker was former Ndlambe councillor Ray Schenk, who shared insights on his work as a councillor.
He emphasised the importance of respectful, productive relationships between community representatives, including councillors and municipal officials.
Schenk, who was a councillor for 11 years, explained the correct processes to use when reporting service delivery problems.
He verbally “mapped” local government for his audience, explaining the laws that govern its operations; the area Ndlambe covers; its sources of funding; and the timelines for its legislated budgeting and public consultation processes.
Schenk emphasised how important it was for members of the public to attend and engage in the IDP process, to give input into budget priorities.
The main business of the AGM then proceeded, with the existing committee re-elected. Milne said anyone who wanted to focus on any specific area could contact her at 065-730- 0473, treasurer Warwick Lewarne at 072-474-2813, or secretary Clare Rothwell at 061-237-4173.