Mayoral Column 29 July 2020

We were disappointed to hear of two COVID-19 breaches in our region over the weekend. Monaro Police attended a facility in Thredbo and a party near Jindabyne where numerous breaches of the Public Health Order occurred.

These acts have the potential to jeopardise our winter season. Although delayed due to COVID-19, this winter season is essential for our local businesses and tourism industry.

Our businesses lost most of their summer tourism due to bushfires, and when you add into the mix the ongoing drought and COVID-19, it is important our region can enjoy the benefits of the current snow season. We need to complete our winter season to keep our regional economy going and support our local businesses.

So far, our region has thankfully avoided becoming a COVID-19 hotspot. With border restrictions, social distancing measures and public health advice in place, we must follow all instructions to help prevent any spread of COVID-19. We all have a role to play in keeping our region safe.

We have welcomed rain across the majority of our region. I hope the rain fills the dams, allows the grass to go and provides a boost as we approach spring.

Community organisations who have an idea or project they would like to see come to fruition are encouraged to apply for the latest round of the Boco Rock Community Enhancement Fund.

This is an exciting opportunity for groups in the former Bombala and Cooma-Monaro shires to obtain funding.

If you are looking for a career change, then Council has a number of positions currently vacant. These positions cover many different and exciting areas of Council.

As someone who worked in local government, I know how rewarding working for a council can be. This level of government allows you to work closely with your community and to deliver services that benefit people’s lives.

Work has commenced this week on modifying the two roundabouts on Sharp Street, Cooma. Transport NSW is carrying out the works to allow large vehicles to transport machinery and equipment for Snowy 2.0.

The temporary reconstruction of the roundabouts will occur between 7pm and 5am. No work will be undertaken on Friday or Saturday nights.

Councillor Peter Beer Mayor of Snowy Monaro Regional Council