Cr Phillip Diprose moved a motion at the March Weddin Shire Council meeting to fight for more accurate numbers in a report.
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The motion was seconded by Cr Jan Parlett and was seeking approval from Council "that the Planning Service and Development Team, Western NSW Local Health District be requested to align the population projections contained within the recently released Grenfell MPS Clinical Services Plan 2020-2030 with what is contained within our 2017-2026 Community Strategic Plan viz. 'to grow our resident population to in excess of 4,700 people by 2026."
"When I read the clinical services plan I was very concerned about the projections on population, basically if that was extrapolated that means we'd have no people here in about 80 years," Cr Diprose said.
According to Cr Diprose the motion is basically referring that projection to the right area where they can discuss it and Council can actually have the opportunity to point out all of the work that has been done that he and Cr Parlett believe will potentially change the projections.
"I think we'd be remiss if we don't address this issue given the work that we've done with the wellness plan and the work that Stephen Sykes has done, the work that the Weddin Health Council have done for years even prior to our wellness plan to try and get numbers identified and the needs met," Cr Parlett said.
Cr Parlett pointed out a previous report from the Department of Planning in regards to incorrect figures and assumptions about Orange and how things have now changed in the Weddin Shire between COVID and new industry in the area.
"I think we've got a really good argument to put forward and we do need to do this because it can affect our numbers in beds down the track," Cr Parlett said. "We don't want to be short. A couple of percentage means a few beds and a few beds to us is really important. It may not be in your city areas but here it is crucial."
The motion moved unanimously.