A number of major projects are well underway including the long-awaited Mudgee Regional Art Gallery and Cultural Precinct after Council secured $5.3 million from the NSW and Australian Governments. I look forward to the opening of this modern purpose-built facility in June 2021. Glen Willow Stage 2 is full steam ahead after $16.95 million in grant funding was delivered from the state and federal governments. In support of our community through COVID-19, Council also partnered with local GPs to establish a dedicated testing clinic at the Mudgee Showground and provided rate relief options.

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In response to major storm events that led to a Boil Water Alert in November 2019, Council installed new technology to help alert plant operators to take preventive measures. Meanwhile a new town water disinfection system was installed and the Charbon residential area was connected to Council's reticulated sewer network. Council has completed over 50% of the water mains replacement in Gulgong, with 10.5km completed and 6.8km of unlined cast iron pipes in Gulgong still to be replaced.

Prior to the outbreak of the pandemic, Council hosted a number of successful events including the third annual Charity Shield at Glen Willow which brought $1.78 million to the local economy. In response to COVID-19, Council launched a dedicated website for the promotion and support of local business. The Local Business Booster Policy was also adopted, providing $213,000 in financial assistance to those local businesses that were financially impacted by COVID-19.

The first section of a three-year project to upgrade 10km of Wollar Road through the Munghorn Gap National Park was completed and the remaining 17km of Wollar Road was sealed creating a completely sealed link from our region to the Hunter Valley via the Bylong Valley Way.

Council undertook the first of its quarterly audits with great success in the areas of Procurement Framework, Contract Management, Work Health and Safety and Asset Management departments. Council continues to work collaboratively with other organisations, including NSW Health and I was proud to be involved along with various other individuals and community groups in the development of the new $70 million Mudgee Hospital which is now officially open.

I wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas and New Year and I look forward to working with the community, Council staff and my fellow Councillors to achieve the best outcomes possible for our community in 2021.