Mayoral Column - 12 August 2020

Our winter athletes are set to benefit from a world-class training facility in Jindabyne with a development application for the National Snowsports Training Centre lodged with Council. Stage 1 of the $5.2million project will see the construction of a dry slope airbag jump and upgrades to the Jindabyne Sport and Recreation Centre.

This is another welcomed boost to our regional area with the training centre (once complete) to host international athletes year-round.

Cathcart residents and landholders will notice improved mobile coverage following the construction of a new mobile base station in the area.

Our bushfire emergency raised concerns about a lack of mobile coverage in parts of our region. I am pleased the Cathcart district will be able to access the latest 3G and 4GX services thanks to the rollout of the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program.

Our arts and culture committee has released its discussion paper for community comment. The Snowy Monaro boasts a strong arts and culture sector and we would like to see this sector further enhanced. You can read the paper and provide feedback online via Your Say Snowy Monaro or through collecting a hardcopy survey at any Council office or library.

Council is aware of issues in relation to free camping at the Clay Pits in Jindabyne.

Council rangers have increased their regular patrols at the Clay Pits and police are patrolling at least daily. Cleaners are at this site three times per day to clean and we have installed an additional bin.

Gatherings in breach of the Public Health Order have not been observed with Police attending this site multiple times each night to check.

It is with sadness we hear of the passing of Jindabyne resident and former Snowy River Shire Councillor Colin Stewart-Beardsley.

Colin served as a councillor for four years and was well known for his articulate presentations, particularly when it came to finance and budgetary matters.

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, only a limited number of people were able to attend Colin’s funeral last week. Otherwise, there would have been a very large turnout to farewell such a respected man.

Our thoughts and prayers go to Colin’s wife Rosemary and their family and friends.

Councillor Peter Beer Mayor of Snowy Monaro Regional Council