Barrier Daily Truth

Bed sale on hold

Monday, 5th March, 2012

 By Erica Visser

The decision on whether City Council will sell its 40 aged care bed licenses “is not going to happen overnight” or even by the next round of federal funding, according to Council’s General Manager Frank Zaknich.

Council last month received a report on the viability of its Shorty O’Neil Village as an aged care facility.

It suggested that Council’s deficit could be greatly reduced if it was to sell its bed licences to a private operator.

No rates hike

Tuesday, 17th January, 2012

 ...but pressure mounting on Council

By Erica Visser

 Council will struggle with pegged rates of 3.6 per cent over the next year, but it will not seek an increase, according to General Manager Frank Zaknich.

With a forecasted deficit of $700,000, which fails to take into account reduced pool fees and proposed projects such as the Alma Oval lighting, council is already under strain.

However, Mr Zaknich said Council would not seek permission from the State government to apply a higher rate, unlike other NSW councils including Tamworth and Newcastle.

Haul road boost

Friday, 13th January, 2012

...and film studio not forgotten

By Erica Visser

Hopes for federal support for the proposed $8 million haulage road have received a boost, with City Council given the green light to apply for funding.

The project is one of three in the region that will be considered for Regional Development Australia (RDA) funding by the Commonwealth.

A $500,000 RFDS Menindee doctor housing project and a NSW Arid Zone Research upgrade for Fowlers Gap, 110km North of Broken Hill, were also selected.

Council’s new recruit a real asset

Wednesday, 28th December, 2011

INNOVATOR: Council’s new business and service specialist Kate O’Neill says she is looking forward to spending the next five years in the city.

City Council has created a new job after a recent organisation review revealed a greater focus was needed on corporate services and management. 

The revised position of Group Manager of Business Improvement and Corporate Services Specialist has been filled by Kate O’Neill.

Ms O’Neill, who has worked in senior roles in Adelaide and Mount Barker councils, said that she was interested in the job but it was a visit to Broken Hill that sold it to her.

“I came here to see what it was like and I felt at ease. I loved the town and the people have been very welcoming,” Ms O’Neill said.

Community gives Council thumbs up

Thursday, 22nd December, 2011

A recent community survey has shown that people are generally satisfied with  its City Council.

Comparing the results of the 2011 research to 2009, respondents were moderately satisfied with Council’s overall performance in the last 12 months.  

While there was a slight decline in satisfaction compared to 2009, the rating this year was similar to 2008 and higher than in 2006 and 2005.