Mayoral Column - Wednesday 23 December 2020

Council Meeting

Our final Ordinary Council Meeting for the year was held in Jindabyne last week and a number of important items were discussed:

•The draft Rural Land Use Strategy was a hot topic for the evening with extensive discussion around strategy inclusions, formation of committees and a proposed extension of the consultation period. A Council resolution however could not be agreed and as such the current proposal remains in place with consultation ending on 1 February 2021. •Consent was granted for the staged demolition and additions to the Delegate School of Arts building. •Work will continue with alterations to the Bombala Sewerage Infrastructure project, including relocation of the Mahratta Street Pump Station in line with community sentiment. •A motion was passed for Council to explore transition of aged care services to a new provider. We are proud of our long history at Yallambee Lodge and Snowy River Hostel and realise that these centres are part of the DNA of the communities in which they are located. Councillors agreed however that it is imperative to ensure these centres continue to operate at the highest levels and this is best undertaken by specialist providers. Possible outcomes are being considered and we are committed to ensuring this is as seamless as possible for our residents, their families and our employees. •Council agreed to proceed with a grant variation request to CreateNSW for the installation of a modular library facility in Jindabyne behind the Memorial Hall – a site set aside by the former Council. This is a temporary arrangement, for up to five years, and the future of any permanent building will be considered under the NSW Government Special Activation Project. •$50,000 of funding was provided to community groups and organisations across the region under Council’s Donations and Sponsorship program. We received more than $230,000 worth of applications so it this is never an easy task, but successful applicants will be notified in due course.

Staying COVID-19 safe this Christmas

With the increase in visitors to our communities over the holiday season I encourage all residents and visitors to stay COVID safe and remain vigilant in maintaining hand hygiene and safe distancing. Keep your eye on the NSW Health website for ongoing updates.

And finally …

I thank our community for their patience and assistance through this eventful year - from drought to fire, then flood to pandemic – it has certainly been a year we would never like to see again. I trust everyone gets to enjoy the holiday period and wish you all a Merry Christmas.

Councillor Peter Beer Mayor of Snowy Monaro Regional Council