Mayoral Column – Wednesday 22 July 2020

As of midnight Tuesday 21 July, tougher COVID-19 restrictions came into force for residents along the NSW-Victorian border. In our region these changes will affect some residents in the East Gippsland Shire who access Bombala for services.

For the latest information on new permit eligibilities visit the Service NSW website or contact them on 13 77 88. All residents who held a permit when the border restrictions were introduced on Wednesday 8 July will need to reapply for a new permit as those permits are now invalid.

While these further restrictions will impact more people than before, they are necessary to limit the spread of COVID-19 into regional NSW.

At last week’s Council Meeting, Councillors unanimously voted in favour of proceeding with the Lake Jindabyne Shared Trail project. This is a very exciting project that will strengthen Jindabyne’s standing as a world class adventure area which has been identified through the NSW Government’s Special Activation Precinct.

Our shared trails already offer great views but once this project is complete you will be able to take in much more of the stunning foreshore areas of Lake Jindabyne.

The construction of 30km of new trails will attract more people to the region and provide our residents with more recreational opportunities.

Council will soon place on public exhibition a report outlining the options available to Council for the long term security and reliability of the Bombala water supply. The options include a detailed assessment of the new water treatment plant.

Council rescinded its decision from the May meeting that allowed the proponents of the Elysian Wind Farm the use of Kybeyan and Tuross Roads to install transmission line cabling.

There was sad news out of the Jindabyne community over the weekend with the passing of a young man. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

As we deal with the ongoing affects of drought, bushfires and COVID-19, it is important we look out for one another. During this time, it is extremely important for all of us to be aware of supporting our own wellbeing and that of our friends, family and colleagues.

If you need immediate help, Lifeline provides 24-hour assistance on 13 11 44 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

Councillor Peter Beer - Mayor of Snowy Monaro Regional Council