Bushfire briefing from authorities - Mayoral Column 25 September 2019

At the Ordinary Council Meeting held last week, Councillors adopted the Youth Strategy 2019-2022. This strategy sets out a framework for Council to continue its engagement with the region’s young people, and in turn create a community where young people actively participate in social, civic and economic opportunities.

The Snowy Monaro Youth Council has worked hard, alongside Council’s Youth Development Officers, to see the strategy come to fruition. Well done to those who provided feedback and helped shaped this important document.

Discussion took place at last Thursday’s Council meeting regarding a 2018 Council resolution to remove the bin enclosure at the entrance to the Delegate Transfer Station and to close the bin enclosure located at Cathcart.

These disposal points are unmanned, and have previously been a ‘dumping ground’ for all sorts of waste including problem waste materials. The sites are also being used by residents from outside the Snowy Monaro area, which is a cost borne by Snowy Monaro ratepayers.

Council’s Waste Committee has recommended that direct consultation be held with the three Bombala-based Councillors prior to carrying out further community consultation. This will occur in the coming weeks.

I encourage people to look at Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2017-2021. Council has resolved to support the implementation of the proposed 2020 actions.

The DIAP outlines Council’s 40 current strategies for supporting inclusion and lists a further 34 actions for Council to undertake to continue building a more inclusive and liveable community. The DIAP can be found on Council’s website or copies made available by contacting Council.

Council will receive a briefing from bush fire authorities on the potential dangers facing our region. With the bush fire danger period upon us, it is important we are aware of the possible issues we might confront. Being forewarned is forearmed.

On Sunday 29 September, the Cooma Landfill host the annual Household Chemical CleanOut program. The event is being held between 10am to 2.30pm.

CleanOut is a free service for the safe disposal of a range of common household chemicals which could cause harm to human health and the environment if not disposed of correctly.

Councillor Peter Beer Mayor of Snowy Monaro Regional Council