Deputy Premier visit equals win for Snowy Monaro region - Mayoral Column 29 August 2018

What a week it’s been for our region! We welcomed Premier Gladys Berejiklian to Cooma last Wednesday for a number of exciting announcements.

I had the pleasure of joining the Premier, Deputy Premier John Barilaro, MLC Bronnie Taylor and Minister for Transport Andrew Constance where the NSW Government announced they would fund a feasibility study to investigate a rail line from Canberra Airport to Eden.

The study will examine a preferred route and cost estimates of reopening the rail line between Queanbeyan and Bombala, and then onto the port of Eden. Establishing a rail corridor in our region will provide a significant boost to the region’s economy.

The Cooma and Monaro Progress Association (CMPA) has done a fantastic job in advocating for the re-establishment of the rail line, and its extension to Eden.

Recently, through financial assistance from Council, the CMPA conducted their own feasibility study and presented a very promising case to Council. Well done to all involved with the CMPA. I joined the Premier for a morning tea in Cooma with community leaders from across our region in attendance. This was a great occasion where two special presentations were made.

Carolyn Ewart, whom I’m sure many of you will know, received a Premier’s Award for her dedicated service to the Snowy Monaro community. Carolyn is involved in many wonderful local organisations, including the Country Universities Centre Snowy Monaro, and Monaro Committee for Cancer Research.

Carolyn has worked tirelessly to provide the region’s young people with access to the same educational facilities and opportunities that are available in larger metropolitan areas. Congratulations, Carolyn.

A second presentation was made to the Monaro Family Support Service. The Deputy Premier announced $120,000 to assist the organisation. MFSS operates across the Snowy Monaro and is focussed on working with parents and carers to ensure the wellbeing of children and the safety of all family members.

To finish a busy day, we headed to the Mulach St in Cooma to meet members of the Cooma Men’s Shed. Council has provided the Men’s Shed with a block of land to build their new premises. Council is pleased to support this fantastic community organisation. The Deputy Premier announced $150,000 for a new shed to be constructed.

Mayor John Rooney Snowy Monaro Regional Council