Mayoral Column - Wednesday 23 June

COUNCIL MEETING LAST THURSDAY

It was heartening to see so many passionate and community-minded people taking the time and making the effort to speak at the Council meeting in Bombala last week. Being engaged and committed to the issues that effect our communities and our region is critically important, and I commend and thank those that spoke.

INQUIRY TO NSW STATE GOVERNMENT:

Councillors resolved to write to the state government to ask for confirmation of a recent legislative change that may effect our Council in the future. We as a Council are seeking clarification from the NSW State Government as to what a demerger business case needs to look like.

It is important to stress that this doesn’t mean we are looking to demerge, only that we Councillors feel it is important that the next Council are fully informed about what such a decision would entail.

TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION SOLUTION:

I was glad that Councillors were able to resolve to support the development application for a trial of a caravan park for seasonal workers at the Jindabyne Equestrian Resort. This will make a difference almost immediately to the accommodation shortage in the area, and will give us important insights into how to manage this problem and whether this is an effective solution.

WINTER CAMPING CAMPAIGN:

Council re-endorsed the enforcement campaign for this season. Informal camping is illegal and will be enforced. For the health and safety of our community, it is important to stay in formal accommodation.

REVENUE RECOVERY UPDATE:

After a prolonged period of not engaging in any debt recovery and pausing interest on all debts owed, Council is returning to its normal methods of recovering debt.

It is important that the community understands this is not a new initiative. Only a return to normal after a compassionate period that we instituted to help people out during the fires, floods and pandemic.

If you are struggling, Council’s hardship policy is still in place. Call or drop-in to see us for further information.

CEO CANDIDATE INFORMATION SESSIONS

Council’s CEO is hosting an important series of sessions for people who are thinking of standing for Council to serve for the next four years.

They will show you what’s involved, the time it takes, and the amount of reading required. It’s a lot of work.

However, when things do happen that have a positive and long-lasting effect like the delivery of a vital service, or the provision of a facility – there is a sense of satisfaction that things can get done.