Mayoral Column 15 January 2020

Once again we’ve experienced another uncertain weekend with increased fire danger across the Snowy Monaro. There has been plenty of smoke, and sadly the further loss of a number of homes.

Thank you to all our firefighters and emergency service personnel for your continued efforts in keeping our communities safe. No doubt, you look forward to some respite in the near future.

When you see a firefighter next, please thank them for their hard work and commitment to protecting our towns and villages. Without their dedication, there would be greater property loss and loss of life.

Thanks should also go to all those behind the scenes. No matter your role, I thank you on behalf of Council and its residents.

On Sunday, I joined Council’s Chief Executive Officer Peter Bascomb to meet with the coordinator of the Regional Recovery Committee Dick Adams.

A former senior police commander, Dick will oversee the regional recovery effort. We hope this committee swings into action quickly to help the bush fire affected areas of our region.

Some of the immediate recovery priorities will be: assessing damage and needs, putting a roof over everyone’s head, stabilising infrastructure systems, clean-ups, and re-establishing businesses.

A number of people have approached me expressing their shock at the loss of our unique mountain habitats, including the loss of native animals and historical structures.

We have seen many of the historical mountain huts in Kosciuszko National Park destroyed. The beautiful Kiandra Courthouse has been lost as well as dozens of houses in Cabramurra.

The loss of the Selwyn Snow Resort will be felt by Adaminaby and towns in the northern part of our region.

As the weeks and months progress, we will have a greater understanding of the impacts the fires will have on the Snowy Monaro’s economy.

Finally, I finish this column on a sad note, that two respected members of the Bombala community passed away last week. These incidents, while not a result of the current fires, are still very tragic and I offer my heartfelt condolences to friends and family.

Councillor Peter Beer Mayor of Snowy Monaro Regional Council