Budgets carried forward for Gunnedah shire village signs, saleyard workshop, cultural master plan

Gunnedah Shire Council has provided an update on three projects underway but not completed last financial year.

Council’s village entry sign project has been delayed due to an assessment of existing infrastructure being unsuitable.

The project aims to update signage on approach roads at Breeza, Carroll, Curlewis, Emerald Hill, Kelvin, Mullaley and Tambar Springs.

It has been 20 years since the signs were last updated.

Earlier this year council carried out a community survey for input on the structure and layout of the proposed designs.

A report to council in June explained that local consultation and design options have been completed, but an unexpected complication in possible changed requirements of the “frangibility” of the sign poles has delayed the project.

Council was “imminently” expecting confirmation of the new requirements when the matter was raised at the June meeting. This was to occur before the new designs could be brought reviewed by elected representatives.

Installation of the new signage was expected in the first half of the 2025-26 financial year.

The sign project was budgeted for $153,699 with $128,918 remaining to be carried forward in 2025-26 to complete the work.

Councillor Juliana McArthur enquired whether the remaining budget would be sufficient to finish the project, including installation at seven villages.

Director of community and development, Andrew Johns, said he had the same reservations but was told the remaining funds would “ample” to finish the new signs. In fact, he expected some money from the project would be returned to council’s general revenue.

Also delayed was the Saleyards Small Plant and Equipment project.

Council recently celebrated the official opening of the $27.4 million Gunnedah Saleyards redevelopment but some minor works remain at the facility.

The report to council detailed the new project was budgeted for $31,050 but expenditure was delayed due to construction delays on site.

Completion and fit out of the staff workshop was underway, but according to the report, final items may not be installed until the first quarter of the new year.

Mr Johns said council would wait until the building was accessible before making the purchases required for the workshop.

The council director said the new workshop would replace an existing shed on site that was built in the 1950s and deemed “very inadequate” for contemporary requirements.

Meanwhile, council will also rollover $350,000 for the Cultural Precinct Master Plan.

The document was considered an important legacy project for council, contributing to the future ‘liveability’ of the shire.

It was considered especially valuable as the Gunnedah Town Hall will soon celebrate its centenary.

The report to council highlighted the funding was earmarked for final design and approvals, allowing council to be ‘shovel ready’ for new grant opportunities.

Council said the project was delayed due to a lack of appropriate grant opportunities in recent years, with the need for final design and approvals to be current when seeking funding. It was, however, listed as a “high priority project” for early in 2025/26.