Mayoral Column - 3 June 2020

Our region is starting to see visitors return following the easing of travel restrictions within NSW. With confirmation last week a snow season will commence later this month, we anticipate an influx of visitors to the Snowy Monaro in coming weeks. As much as we may have missed the beach, they too have missed our mountains, towns and friendly service.

Our businesses have endured months of hardship. A winter season is important to our region and if we all follow NSW Health guidelines and continue to practice good personal hygiene, we can enjoy a safe snow season.

As a region dependent on tourism for jobs and economic growth, I encourage all Snowy Monaro residents to provide a friendly and safe welcome.

Whilst there will be a partial closure of Kosciuszko National Park this long weekend, plus access restrictions from June 22, all our resorts and agencies are working together to minimise the potential of COVID-19 outbreaks. It won’t be a normal season by any means, but it’s great to have a winter season, for our local economy, residents and guests.

Our visitor centres are reopening across the region this week and it’s a great time for people to enjoy other areas of the region, beyond the park.

The Bombala and Cooma libraries have also reopened thanks to eased COVID-19 restrictions. Our library staff have measures in place to protect you.

Bushfire recovery continues to be an important focus. Affected landholders have participated in an informative webinar to learn more about the region’s cleanup process. A copy of the webinar can be found on the Council’s website in the bushfire recovery section.

The Laing O’Rourke engineering team has arrived in the region and are headed to the Bredbo, Bumbalong, Countegany, Peak View and Numeralla areas to finalise scoping works. Their cleanup machinery is expected to be on the ground within the next fortnight before arriving in the Rockton, Creewah, Bombala, and Delegate areas later this month.

It’s not too late to register for the cleanup service - call Service NSW on 13 77 88.

I join you in once again welcoming visitors to our region. Continue practising good hygiene and maintaining social distancing, we all have a part to play to stay COVID-safe.

Councillor Peter Beer Mayor of Snowy Monaro Regional Council