Mayoral Column - July 15 2020

Our region has welcomed heavy snowfalls and consistent rain to start the week. The conditions did cause a number of accidents and resulted in road closures across the Berridale, Eucumbene and Jindabyne areas. When driving through our region conditions can change quickly, so please be prepared and drive safely.

The NSW-Victoria border remains closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. I appreciate the closures are an inconvenience to some in our border communities but they are necessary for our state, and in particular regional areas, to avoid any COVID-19 outbreaks.

Please continue to practise social distancing and maintain good personal hygiene. We must follow all health guidelines to keep ourselves and community safe.

With this week’s weather keeping many of us indoors, the Snowy Monaro Regional Library has an exciting online school holiday program to entertain the family.

Each weekday during the school holidays, the Snowy Monaro Regional Library Facebook page will host the activity for the day at 11am. With COVID-19 restrictions preventing the usual in-house library program, library staff have taken the holiday activities online to ensure families don’t miss out.

The July Council Meeting will be held this Thursday. Due to COVID-19 restrictions the meeting is closed to the public, however our live online streaming will allow you to watch from the comfort of your home.

Council will discuss a report outlining the condition and performance of the Bombala drinking water supply. The report included details on the raw water pump station and Bombala water treatment plant. Councillors will determine whether the report is placed on public exhibition Council will also consider a discussion paper prepared by the Arts and Culture Committee. The committee comprises individuals from across the region, each with an extensive knowledge and passion for developing the arts and culture sector in the Snowy Monaro.

The paper will set out the framework for Council’s Arts, Culture and Strategic Plan. With Council’s endorsement, this paper will also be placed on public exhibition.

Well done to local artist and member of the Arts and Culture committee, Ben Eyles who recently completed a stunning Fairy-Wren mural on an East Jindabyne water tank.

Councillor Peter Beer Mayor of Snowy Monaro Regional Council