Mayoral Column 25 March 2020

Like all of Australia, the Snowy Monaro is in shock following the announcements that non-essential services will be restricted in response to COVID-19. Not only is our region still dealing with the effects of bush fires and floods but it appears we will be in for a longer period of uncertainty.

In response to the announcement made over the weekend by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Council will be closing all our indoor sporting venues including the Jindabyne swimming pool, Cooma basketball stadium, along with all halls used for sports and fitness activities.

I can assure you that Council will continue to deliver all essential services, as it did during the bush fire emergency. While the future is unknown, similar to the bushfire emergency, we will continue to update the community with our service delivery levels based on health and medical advice from the State and Federal Government.

Council cannot stress enough the importance of social distancing and frequent hand washing or the use of sanitizer when out in public, as recommended by NSW Health.

As your Mayor, I ask you to say up to date with current information and announcements as we battle this oncoming pandemic.

Last week's Council meeting was moved from Jindabyne due to COVID-19 concerns, with the meeting held in the Cooma office council chambers.

The main discussions were around the progress and upgrade of the Bombala and Delegate water treatment plants. There were a number of presentations to the Council. These discussed road access to properties and the Berridale beautification project.

It was refreshing to hear from the Snowy Hydro team last week on the progress being made with the Snowy 2.0 project. I thank Snowy Hydro for their public presentations which provided the community with the latest Snowy 2.0 information.

I would like to thank all our residents for acting in a cooperative manner in regards to the COVID-19 virus. There will be difficult times in the coming months. Let's come together as a community so we can see our way through it.

Councillor Peter Beer Mayor of Snowy Monaro Regional Council