Mayoral Column - Wednesday 19 August 2020

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with the Governor General David Hurley and his wife Linda regarding the effects of the summer bushfires, ongoing drought and COVID-19 on the Snowy Monaro.

We discussed the challenges facing local businesses, mental health issues in the community and how our region is handling the COVID-19 restrictions. They were interested in learning more about the Snowy 2.0 project, Special Activation Precinct in Jindabyne and impact on our timber industry. I appreciate their time and support for our region.

Last week, I joined Deputy Mayor Lynley Miners, representatives from the Red Cross and Salvation Army and our Local Bushfire Recovery Team to visit the Two Thumbs Wildlife Sanctuary at Peak View.

Wildlife carer James Fitzgerald has run the sanctuary for 16-years and in this time has provided a home for injured and sick koalas. Sadly, James’ sanctuary and property was destroyed in the summer bushfires. James is rebuilding his sanctuary and is using his own money to construct five new animal enclosures.

James has received a $5000 bushfire recovery grant to help with the rebuild. Thank you, James and team for your ongoing hard work and passion in helping our much loved koalas.

Moving over to Jindabyne where we are now more than half way through the snow season, new and additional signage has been placed around town to notify people of changes to overnight parking and camping. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and health considerations, informal camping is no longer allowed in Jindabyne, East Jindabyne, Tyrolean Village, and Kalkite. This includes the Claypits area which has been treated as an informal campground to this point.

The changes apply to camping no longer being permitted in town and surrounding areas including streets, carparks, lake foreshore and reserves.

The next monthly meeting of Council is taking place this Thursday from 5pm. You can watch the meeting live through Council’s website. Due to COVID-19 restrictions the meeting will be closed to the public.

To find out more about the Council meeting you can download a copy of the business paper from Council’s website.

Councillor Peter Beer Mayor of Snowy Monaro Regional Council