Message from the Mayor - June 2025
Published on 02 June 2025
Life in the Murrumbidgee Council area continues at a busy pace.
We are waiting with quiet expectation for much-needed rain. While some has fallen, more is needed to move forward with confidence. At the same time, we acknowledge the flooding that impacted East Coast communities.
I remain in awe of our communities, who continue with remarkable optimism. Please remember to check in with your neighbours, family and friends. We choose this life, we value where we live, and each of our many communities plays a vital role in sustaining rural Australia.
It is that challenging time of year with budgets on the table and hard decisions being made. Like many others, the council is also impacted by price escalations, workforce challenges, extortionate utility costs, and increased compliance requirements. Our draft budget is now on public exhibition, outlining the wide range of services and obligations we must meet. Some developments, such as renewable energy projects, are state-mandated and outside our control.
Also on exhibition are our draft 10-year Community Strategic Plan and 4-year Delivery Program. I encourage everyone to review these documents and provide feedback by Friday 27 June 2025.
Many feel quite powerless in this nation-building energy initiative and question the haste and superficial engagement. While energy security is paramount to a developed functioning nation and its economy, it must not come at the expense of the people who live and work in these renewable energy zones. We urge decision-makers to pause, listen and pursue a fair and balanced approach.
In other council news, the auction of properties with outstanding rates and charges will go ahead on 16 September 2025 at 11 am in the Council Office in Jerilderie. Details are on our website.
Congratulations to the recipients of this year’s community grants programs.
Council Community Grants Program: Coleambally Community Club, Country Education Foundation of Coleambally/ Darlington Point, Darlington Point/Coleambally Rugby League Football Club, Darlington Point Public School P&C, Jerilderie Bowls Club, Jerilderie Football Netball Club, Jerilderie Swimming Club, Rebecca Norris (Darlington Point Swimming Pool), Riverina Vintage Machinery Club Inc Coleambally, St Joseph’s Church Jerilderie, St Joseph’s Primary School Jerilderie, and Toganmain Woolshed Precinct.
Coleambally Solar Fund Grants Program: Coleambally Central School P&C, Coleambally Preschool Assoc, Country Education Foundation of Coleambally/Darlington Point, and Darlington Point Public School P&C.
Lions Club of Darlington Point grant: Darlington Point Public School P&C.
Three education scholarships were also awarded - congratulations to Nicolo Di Lullo, Dylan Lamont and a third recipient who wishes to remain anonymous.
We extend our sincere thanks to five long-term staff members who have taken redundancies, recognising their service to Murrumbidgee Council and predecessor councils.
It’s been a busy month for meetings. Jerilderie now hosts the quarterly RAMJO Board meetings, and as RAMJO Chair, I’ve been fully engaged both regionally and at the state level.
In closing, water, as always, is front and centre as we navigate the $15 million Sustainable Communities Program and the following $145 million. As one of the nine most vulnerable and likely impacted LGAs, we continue to advocate for a fair and equitable proportional share of these vital funds.