Proposals to improve access to local stores for wheel-chairs and prams, and a program that's putting a photo archive online, were on the agenda of the latest (15 April) Council meeting.
PLANS: New Plans of Management for local parks, including Cook Park, will go on exhibition for community comment. The updated plans outline how the parks can be used.
Shopfront ramps to be considered for Council budget
A proposal to subsidise the costs of Orange stores installing a ramp at the front of this shop will be considered for inclusion in this year's Council budget.
Last night's meeting supported a motion from Cr Steven Peterson which called for the measure, to improve access to local shops.
The Council's Ageing & Access Community Committee wants the Council to begin a subsidy program to encourage businesses to install a ramp. The meeting heard that many stores in Orange's CBD have a single step at their entrance, presenting a significant barrier to wheelchairs, prams, four-wheel walkers, and other mobility aids.
Last night's meeting also decided to buy a portable walkway from funds in this year's budget.
The meeting supported Council buying a 10 metre long walkway which would provide a stable, temporary surface that can be deployed over wet or uneven ground at events in Cook Park or Robertson Park, increasing accessibility for all attendees.
Digitisation of newspaper photographs to be considered for Council budget
A proposal to fund the digitisation of a newspaper photo archive will be considered during this year's budget process.
The draft budget is due to be placed in exhibition for community comment for 28 days at the Council's May meeting.
The digitisation proposal will be added to the list of potential extra budget items to be considered, along with other community feedback.
Last night's meeting heard the proposal is to spend $25,000 a year over the next four years to scan thousands of photograph negatives and add them to the 'Recollect' online archive.
Management plans for Orange's key parks go on exhibition for comment
The way Orange City Council plans to manage the city's key parks, including Cook Park, Robertson Park, Orange Botanic Gardens and local reserves, is up for community comment.
Last night's meeting considered new draft 'Plans of Management' for local parks and decided to place them on exhibition for community comment.
The new plans update previous versions and have already been approved by government departments. The plans outline how a park or reserve will be used and managed in the future.
Under state regulations, Councils have to ensure that any activities planned on the reserves are expressly authorised in the adopted plan and that native title delegations are met.
Council to increase support for carer's expenses
The amount of support available to Councillors who are principal carers of their children will increase following a decision at last night's Council meeting.
Last night's meeting adopted a change in the policy which covers payment to Councillors for child care expenses incurred while the Councillors are completing their duties.
The policy will lead to an increase in the maximum reimbursement up to $1200 per year per Councillor increased each year by CPI.
