IT MIGHT be the best vantage point over the city, but next time you’re trekking up to the Oxley Lookout, be sure to caste your gaze towards your feet.
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Tamworth Regional Council (TRC) has completed a much-needed upgrade of the scenic road leading up to the lookout.
As well as a new smoother surface, council has been able to widen the road in some points and a centre line has been added.
The road was reopened late yesterday afternoon, after TRC closed it off during the last week as the works were completed.
“We’ve just done a resurfacing of the road up to the lookout,” TRC acting manager of horticulture and recreation, Murray Russell, said.
“It’s included a bit of tidy-up work on the embankments on either side of the roads, so we’ve been able to maximise the pavement.
“It’s not a whole heap wider, but it’ll be a bit wider than people are used to.”
Mr Russell said the resurfacing could last for up to 60 years.
In the nearer future, the lookout itself will be eyeing off an upgrade.
Early in the new year, work is expected to start on some new picnic shelters which were devised from community consultation in March.
Brand new toilet blocks will also be coming to the lookout by the middle of 2018.
Mayor Col Murray said the community’s top two priorities for the lookout were better public amenities and an improved road surface.
“The number three priority was additional picnic shelters and this is how the $50,000 council set aside for the lookout will be spent,” Cr Murray said.
“The survey participants were also vocal about council tidying up the view with numerous comments about the view being obscured by overgrown trees. I’m happy to advise a more rigorous tree maintenance program will soon be in place.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool Plains Shire Council (LPSC) has resolved to hold a six week trial to determine the demand for an early morning swim session at Werris Creek swimming pool from 6am.
The trials will take place on Tuesday mornings and usage will be monitored to determine if the session should be kept in the future.
Quirindi’s pool will have early sessions on Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 6am and 8.30am.
The Liverpool Plains pools will be open from October 28.