Mayoral Message - November 2024

Published on 12 November 2024

Taking on the role of mayor has made the last three weeks fly by, but I can confidently say that serving my community at this level is both rewarding and challenging. I truly appreciate the words of encouragement and support from residents—whether shared in passing or thoughtfully written. This enthusiasm reflects our community's desire for a Council that actively partners with its members. 

All Councillors—four newcomers and five returning—hit the ground running on October 10 with an extraordinary meeting, followed by an all-day training session, a workshop, and our first ordinary Council meeting on October 24. 

I’m pleased to report that our “Mondays with the Mayor & Deputy” initiative has been a resounding success. This program enhances communication and fosters connections with the community. On the Monday before each Council meeting, residents can book appointments with me and Deputy Mayor Kristin Butler to discuss any pressing issues beyond standard service requests. We've also welcomed village associations, starting with the enthusiastic Sutton association. 

This initiative serves as a platform for idea-sharing—a mix of problem-solving and innovation. If you have solutions for local challenges or opportunities, this is your chance to be heard. 

In our inaugural meeting, we covered a wide range of topics, including improving lap lane usage and etiquette at our Yass pool—look out for designated slow and fast lanes with clear directional signs! We also discussed formalising pedestrian access through beautiful bushland in Murrumbateman, Sutton master planning, and ensuring water access for projects that could greatly benefit our community. Who better than our residents to propose ideas that enhance well-being and enjoyment in Yass Valley? 

I’m also initiating monthly meetings with the Local Aboriginal Land Council executive, which we both welcome with enthusiasm. I will also be meeting regularly with Police Inspector Cowell, which I greatly appreciate. 

Within Council, I’ve engaged in key discussions about financial sustainability and major projects like the Crago Mill Precinct and the Water Treatment Plant. All councillors are invited to tour the Water Treatment Plant next week. 

I had the honour of attending the Murrumbateman Field Days opening alongside Hon. Michael McCormack and Hon. Wendy Tuckerman, where I discussed water issues and the Barton Highway duplication while exploring our innovative ag-tech businesses. 

I represented Yass Valley at the first meeting of the Canberra Region Joint Organisation of Councils and ACT government. 

Attending the 200th anniversary of the Hamilton-Hume Expedition at the National Trust’s Cooma Cottage was a privilege, as was being the guest speaker at Rotary last week. I listened to their plans, including supporting local police in an anti-domestic violence march and awareness day this December. When individuals and organizations like Rotary come together for a cause, we can create meaningful change and offer support to those affected by abuse. 

As a guest speaker, I shared insights about my initial weeks as mayor and presented the Crago Mill Precinct Project, highlighting its potential to boost community pride and generate significant economic benefits. With a construction cost of approximately $50.7 million, this project is expected to generate up to $43 million in additional gross revenue, creating 124 short-term jobs and 58 ongoing jobs in Yass Valley. 

Looking ahead, I’m eager to attend the Can Assist fundraiser at Cliftonwood this weekend, followed by visits to the Men’s Shed and Thomas Eccles Gardens as we observe Remembrance Day. I’m also looking forward to representing our community at the local government conference in Tamworth in mid-November. Together, we face many shared challenges, and our collective voice is powerful at both shire and state levels. I aim to ensure that Yass Valley is well represented in state and national discussions while keeping our Council attuned to the needs of our community.