Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) is proactively working behind-the-scenes on a range of projects designed to further improve the region’s liveability and focus on securing the future of the Local Government Area.
In the next 12 months, DRC will complete an optimisation study of the John Gilbert Water Treatment Plant. An external consultant has been engaged to undertake the study with the intention to identify short, medium and long-term priorities for capital works. The study will also perform assessments and subsequent scoring of the facility from a public health compliance and environmental compliance perspective. It would look at opportunities to value-add through combining of tasks and identifying future proofing options.
“The aim is to future proof the John Gilbert Water Treatment Plant and proactively understand how Council can get the most out of the facility. We want the facility to be more resilient and adapt with the changing climate, river conditions and growing population,” Dubbo Regional Council Mayor Mathew Dickerson said.
“Being future focused is a key strategy of the draft 2023/2024 operational plan in relation to infrastructure, environmental sustainability and housing. This forward thinking and strategic planning is vital to continue to ensure infrastructure meets the current and future needs of the community.”
“The Dubbo Region is a great place to live, work, play and stay and we want to plan for the future, one that secures ongoing economic growth, future proofs vital infrastructure and allows for adaptability to an ever-changing climate,” Clr Dickerson said
Council has also partnered with the University of NSW, the NSW Government and Maitland City Council as part of the Smart and Cool Places project. This project measures temperatures over a 12-month period, with simulations testing on how different urban development approaches can impact heat.
As part of the data collection, 10 sensors have been installed on street signs in Dubbo and a drone will fly over these areas to measure surface temperatures.
“Southlakes and South Dubbo are areas being investigated to observe heat in the differing urban environments. The information gathered will help better understand areas vulnerable to heat and allow Council to investigate ways to mitigate and develop adaptations to cool our suburbs.”
“Council has also been taking necessary action to explore new prospects and create business cases for specific opportunities such as a Hydrogen Hub and the extension of the Dubbo Regional Airport runway.”
“Developing business cases for new opportunities is an important strategic planning stage, this ensures Council has plans already in place should an opportunity arise in the future to progress these business cases,” Clr Dickerson said.
The draft 2023/2024 budget, delivery and operational plans are currently on display with community feedback invited until 5pm, Monday 29 May 2023. View the associated documents and further information at or view hard copies at Council’s Customer Experience Centres in both Dubbo and Wellington and the Macquarie Regional Library branches in Dubbo and Wellington.
