Mayoral Column - Wednesday 13 May 2020

Due to the efforts of our health care workers and the public’s cooperation in following social distancing requirements, we are now starting to see COVID-19 restrictions ease across the state and nation.

Life in the Snowy Monaro will start returning to some form of normality following Premier Berejiklian’s announcement that up to 10 people can gather outdoors, equipment outdoors can be used and up to five visitors to a household at any one time as of Friday 15 May.

Council is discussing how the relaxed restrictions will look at a local level and what the changes mean for Council’s services and facilities. Once the changes are known, an update will be provided for our community.

On Wednesday this week, bushfire affected landholders are encouraged to participate in an information webinar to learn more about the funding opportunities available to repair damaged fencing in the Snowy Monaro.

The session will be held on Wednesday 13 May from 5.30pm and you can join online. A link can be found at Council’s website, the Snowy Monaro Bushfire Recovery Facebook page or by contacting Council on 1300 345 345.

I welcome the announcement from the NSW Government that $310 million will be directed to drought relief funding across the state. The Snowy Monaro is still in severe drought and this is an ongoing problem for our farmers and the region.

Planning for the upgrade of the Cooma Hub is underway and the region’s young people are encouraged to help shape its redesign.

Council was awarded $169,000 through the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund to upgrade this dedicated youth space. Council will work in partnership with YMCA NSW and a youth working group to deliver the upgrade. The improved facility will be home to a study space, and a music and performance area.

Thank you to Member for Monaro John Barilaro and Minister for Regional Youth Bronnie Taylor for their support in upgrading the Hub.

You have until 5pm today (Wednesday 15 May) to submit an application for the latest round of Council’s donation and sponsorship program. Further details are available online or by contacting Council on 1300 345 345.

Councillor Peter Beer Mayor of Snowy Monaro Regional Council