The Snowy Monaro was a popular destination across the long weekend with many visitors enjoying our region’s recreational pursuits and the snow as the season draws to an end. The weekend marked the official start to the NSW trout season. Many keen anglers were spotted in our rivers and lakes. May their catch be many.

There are many spots throughout the Snowy Monaro where Platypus can be spotted. One of the best vantage points is along the banks of the Bombala River. On Saturday 12 October we anticipate a fantastic community day will be held in Bombala to celebrate our native Platypus.

This is the inaugural Platypus Day with lots of activities planned to keep the whole family entertained. The event will be held in Bombala's Riverside Park.

There will be community information stalls, live music, food vendors, and hopefully quite a few Platypus to spot.

I encourage families in Bombala and regionally to attend this event as it will be a great day out celebrating our area, and of course our furry Platypus friends.

The Parsonage Creek Bridge replacement project came to fruition last week with the bridge now re-opened to traffic.

Located on the Delegate Road, the bridge has been strengthened and widened to ensure it meets the future demand of vehicles (particularly heavy vehicles) traveling through our region.

The bridge replacement was funded by Council, the Federal Government’s Bridge Renewal Program and the NSW Government’s Restart NSW Fixing Country Roads Program. The project will provide increased freight load capacity and improved safety features, especially the timber industry.

There is great news to report regarding the upgrade works in Myack Street, Berridale (between Park Street and Kosciuszko Road). The bus stop in Park Street will be relocated to the carpark area off Highdale Street, where the mobile library is parked. Signage will be amended accordingly.

This relocation will also impact the NSW TrainLink buses. The change will commence from Monday 14 October and will continue for the remainder of the school year.

A productive meeting was recently held with the Flood Plan Mitigation committee. We discussed hot spots in Berridale, Bredbo, Cooma and Michelago and the danger presented if a one in a 100 year flood is to occur.

Councillor Peter Beer Mayor of Snowy Monaro Regional Council