In their submission to the competition, Cootamundra Shire described their vision for 2023 as “a thriving, lively shire of around 8000 set within a picturesque rural environment. Its people have chosen to live here because of the community spirit, the prosperous economy, the affordable lifestyle, the rural setting, the different choices of lifestyle, the health, education, cultural and retail services, and the easy access to Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, the mountains, the outback and the coast”.

Mayor Jim Slattery could not be more pleased with the win saying while council does what they do for the community, rather than accolades, credit such as the AR Bluett Award shows them they are on the right track. 

Some of the projects which were incorporated into Cootamundra Shire’s submission were the new indoor heated pool, the fenced off-leash dog training area, Muttama Creek improvements including the exercise equipment near the skate park, the potential heritage listing of the former WWII Inland Aircraft Fuel Depot, Claron Park Estate, the new LEP which gives surety to landholders about the future of agriculture and the replacement of public amenities blocks including at Albert Park.

The introduction of green waste bins to households made the list, as did the rehabilitation of the former gasworks site, the new filtration system in the effluent reuse scheme, the partnership with soil rehabilitation company EESI and the continuing evolution of the Arts Centre. 

Each of these projects have been undertaken by council in the last 12 months. 

Cr Slattery said following Council’s written submission three judges from the Local Government Association visited Cootamundra in early September to look at the various projects comparing them to those of the more than 100 other rural councils which exist in NSW.

“We knew they were impressed but they don’t give anything away; there was no hint we would win,” Cr Slattery said. 

“It is based on the overall performance of councils so to see us up there was a great honour,” he added.

He praised the Council staff for putting together the submission saying it was due to their effort, Cootamundra were able to take out the award. 

Council colleague Cr Rosalind Wight said while it was a huge accolade for council to receive the honour, the AR Bluett Award really belongs to the whole community. 

“When the judges walked into our town it was apparent we are a very community-minded town and that is because of the people who live here,” Cr Wight said. 

“While the backing of council is important we are here for the community and projects like the heated pool were undertaken in response to community wishes,” she added.

About the award 

THE AR Bluett Memorial Award is contested each year by councils in NSW who would like to be recognised as being the most progressive in the state. 

Entry is open to all NSW councils irrespective of size or resources. 

Albert Robert Bluett was considered an outstanding figure in Local Government, serving as secretary and solicitor to the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW for 30 years.

He helped to write the Local Government Act of 1919.

Following Bluett’s death in April 1944, the councils of NSW subscribed to a fund as a permanent memorial to his work. 

This money funds the bronze plaques, awarded to the winning councils each year.