Mayoral Column - Wednesday 26 May

COUNCIL MEETING

There was a very full agenda at last week’s Council Meeting. Key items included:

• Presentations from members of the public on the future use of recycling materials, a development proposal, possible demerger polls and the revenue policy. We also had an update from the SMRC Youth Council on their future activities. • There was considerable discussion regarding a development application for an eco-tourist facility in Jindabyne and the related presentations from local residents (previous meeting and this meeting). The report recommendation was voted down.• Councillors re-endorsed their previous resolution in support of the GP services in Bombala by assisting with accommodation upgrades. • Councillors also endorsed a submission to the NSW Legislative Council’s Portfolio Committee regarding their enquiry into the long-term sustainability and future of the timber and forest products industry. This includes recommendation for Bombala to be nominated as the major centre for the south east.

A number of notices of motion were submitted by Councillors:

• It was agreed a further report be prepared for Council on the state government’s 2041 housing strategy released on 5 May 2021. This is in-line with the housing issues we are facing in our local government area at the moment.• A motion was put forward and passed to request Council to investigate alternate means for raising funds through the tourism industry to offset increasing costs in providing Council services required to support tourism. The report will consider methods used by other Councils in NSW to implement revenue raising measures. • A motion was passed to support the stage 1 study of the Monaro Rail Trail project. How this is funded is to be determined and will be discussed at the next meeting in the budget review.

BOCO ROCK COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT FUND

Finally this week, a reminder that the Boco Rock Community Enhancement Fund will be open from 1 June 2021 until 12 July 2021 for community groups and organisations in the former Bombala and Cooma Monaro local government areas. The program provides funding for projects or events that will demonstrate community enhancement measures and I encourage all eligible parties to put in a submission.