Mayoral Column - Wednesday 31 March

DRAFT WASTE STRATEGY OUT FOR FEEDBACK

A new draft strategy for our region’s waste management is out for community consultation and feedback. This is an important document that will ensure our waste services are accessible and economically viable well into the future.

I encourage you to visit Council’s YourSay page or attend one of the advertised community meetings in your area to get involved and provide your input.

YOUR FEEDBACK ON RATES OPTIONS

The state government deadline for our Council to make changes to our rates structure is fast approaching, and we’re asking for your help.

There are five possible models on the table, and it is important to note that the total amount of revenue raised by Council will not be increased by any of these changes. There will be changes to what individual ratepayers have to pay, however.

I encourage everyone to visit Council’s YourSay page to preview what each model would mean for them, and to have their say on the proposed changes.

INFORMAL CAMPING MEETING LAST WEEK

It was heartening to see such a representative cross-section of our community participating at the informal camping meeting held last week in Jindabyne.

With the Snowy Monaro’s current housing vacancy rate sitting at 0.4%, our region has less availability than even Byron Bay which is sitting at 0.6% (as published by ABC News on 28 March 2021).

This has, and will continue to be, an ongoing issue for our region – as it is for other popular tourist destinations – and we will continue working closely with other tiers of government, the private sector and community to find solutions to this issue.

PLENTY ON FOR SCHOOL HOLIDAYS & YOUTH WEEK

We’re pleased to be continuing our well-participated program of youth activities throughout our local government area this year.

With free movies at the cinemas, scavenger hunts, disc golf, pop-up cinemas, BMX and skatepark sessions, and a big day of music and movies in Centennial Park for Youth Week – there’s plenty on to suit all tastes. See Council’s website for details.

HAPPY EASTER

The Easter period is always a busy one in the Snowy Monaro, and I encourage everyone to get out and enjoy the full calendar of events coming up across the region.

Of course there is Lake Light Sculpture returning to Jindabyne and our Easter shows in both Berridale and Adaminaby.

In closing this week I’d just like to say congratulations to the Berridale Tennis Club which is celebrating 100 years since its formation – it is great to see the club thriving with increasing adult and youth participation in recent years.