Council supports Tourism Snowy Mountains – Mayoral Column 26 June 2018

Last week, the second Ordinary Council Meeting for June was held in the Cooma Council Chambers.

In public forum, Vickie Pollard from the Nimmitabel Advancement Group (NAG) addressed Council. Vickie was seeking Council’s support for NAG to produce 7000 brochures promoting the town’s rich history. Later in the meeting, Council resolved to support NAG’s efforts.

Councillors considered a report by the University of Canberra that outlined a tourism governance strategy for our Council. The report recommended that Council supports Tourism Snowy Mountains (TSM) to market and promote the region. Council resolved to contribute $40,000 this financial year and $60,000 next financial year to TSM.

I updated Councillors on my attendance at the Australian Local Government Association’s National General Assembly. I was joined at the National General Assembly by General Manager Joe Vescio.

I was impressed with the calibre of presenters. We heard from Federal and State Government ministers and shadow ministers who spoke about their commitment to improving the standard of living in rural areas.

If you would like to know more about living rurally, then next week there is an information evening being held in Jindabyne. Council has partnered with South East Local Land Services to facilitate the event on Thursday 5 July in the Jindabyne Memorial Hall. There will be guest speakers discussing a range of issues including: Weeds, recycling and waste management, straying stock, and wildlife rescue.

Across the Snowy Monaro region each year there is a wonderful range of events. Council supports these events through the consideration of donation and sponsorship requests from community organisations, events and individuals.

If you’re seeking Council support between July-December 2018, please don’t forget your application must be submitted by the end of this month.

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Don Furner and Alan Tongue from the Canberra Raiders. The pair met with Mayors from the Canberra Region Joint Organisation to explain their training programs that target mental health, domestic violence, respectful relationships and suicide prevention. It was very informative, and each of the Mayors found the meeting very beneficial.

Mayor John Rooney Snowy Monaro Regional Council