Message from the Mayor July 2021
July 2021Once again, we find ourselves at the coalface of a COVID-19 resurgence. It behoves us all to be vigilant in this space and adhere to and closely follow the Public Health Orders. It’s also a time to check in with others and make sure we are all supported through this difficult period.
June was an incredibly busy month which saw us at the table of many valuable forums and conferences. At the same time we were keeping abreast with a very full program in our own backyard, including the consultation drop in sessions for rates harmonisation in each of our towns.
I thank the staff who have invested many, many hours in bringing this mandated process to fruition. In short, rates harmonisation is the process of aligning the rating structure across our whole Council area and replacing the existing system comprised of different formulas from the former Murrumbidgee Shire and Jerilderie Shire Councils. Ratepayers will see these changes reflected in the first instalment for 2021-22, which will not increase the total rates revenue collected by Council. If you would like further information, including an estimate of your rates, please call the Rates team on 1300 676 243.
Also in my diary for June were many meetings and conferences. Key ones were the inaugural Regional Water Conference “River Reflections”, convened by the MDBA in Griffith, the four day National General Assembly in Canberra, and two RAMJO workshops.
The General Assembly addressed a broad range of topics including food security/regenerative agriculture, digital connectivity, accessible and appropriate health, workforce and its change of focus, affordable and social housing, mental health, COVID-19, Local Government’s place in the multi-tiered Government structure, as well as addresses on planning, local employment, economic stimulus, social capital, the indigenous voice/closing the gap, recovery and resilience and cyber security.
Last month it was a privilege to officiate at a ceremony recognising staff who have given 10 years’ service to Council. My congratulations to Steve Krause, John O’Hara, Mick McCann, Aaron Purcell, Wayne Neilson, Bernadette Dowdle, Catie Purtell, Peter Keating and former employees Wayne Church and Ben Nash. More of these ceremonies are coming up in the future.
Council’s education scholarships have recently been awarded. I congratulate Dharian Causon, Jonathan Foster, Olivia Mauger and Millie Rossato and wish each of the students all the best with their tertiary studies. It is a great pleasure to play a part in helping local students to achieve their educational goals.
I would also like to congratulate the community groups who have been successful in securing funding through the annual Community Grants Program. These groups will receive funding through Murrumbidgee Council grants: Coleambally Bowling teams, Coleambally Darlington Point Apex Club, Coleambally Golf Club, Coleambally Quilters, Coleambally Volunteer Rescue Association, Cypress View Lodge, Darlington Point Men’s Shed Inc, Darlington Point Primary School, Jerilderie Fishing Club and Jerilderie Sports Club.
The Neoen Coleambally Solar Farm Community Grants have also been announced. Congratulations to these groups: Coleambally Preschool Association Inc, Country Education Foundation of Coleambally-Darlington Point Inc, Darlington Point Public School P&C Association, St Joseph’s Primary School Jerilderie P&F Association and Tirkandi Inaburra Cultural & Development Centre.
This will be my last column in this term of Council as we approach the Local Government elections on 4 September. I would like to thank you all for your support, enthusiasm and input as we traverse our way through the responsibilities of local Council. While the role of Mayor and Councillor is undoubtedly challenging, it also brings with it many rewards. If you would like to make a difference in your community, there is still time to consider running for Council as you have until Wednesday 4 August to register.
An additional date to remember is 26 July as voters on both the residential and the non-residential rolls (ie, as an owner, rate-paying lessee or occupier of rateable land which is not your primary residence) must have enrolled to vote by that date.
Regards
Ruth McRae
Mayor
Related Pages
Congratulations to Australia Day Award recipients - Coleambally and Darlington Point
Congratulations to all of the 2020 Australia Day Citizenship and Community Awards.
Message from the Mayor
Read all the messages from our Mayor here.
Message from the Mayor - Update 2 - 27 March 2020
Message from the Mayor - February 2020
Message from the Mayor - January 2020
Message from the Mayor - Christmas 2019
Message from the Mayor - March 2020
Message from the Mayor - June 2020
Message from the Mayor 1 July 2020
Winter is upon us and the year is passing way too quickly! Much anticipated follow up rainfall is trickling in, and we live in hope that it does in fact arrive.
Message from the Mayor 8 July 2020
Water and better management of the Murray Darling Basin has been on the agenda this week with the release of a key position paper on water. The paper recommends major changes to the way water is managed.
Message from the Mayor 15 July 2020
I would like to begin by thanking everyone who has provided feedback on the Town Revitalisation Project. Throughout the last two weeks we have received a tremendous amount of input and ideas about ways to revitalise our townships.
Message from the Mayor 29 July 2020
Another week at the coal face. While acknowledging the very real challenge and urgency of trying to contain this insidious virus, we must continue to do all in our power to support those trying to conduct business, those delivering our aged care and health services and those educating and caring for our children. Our community’s sustainability depends on it.
Message from the Mayor 5 August 2020
It’s Local Government Week 2020, and at Murrumbidgee Council we are using the event to highlight the broad range of services we offer to our community, including some surprising and little-known services.
Message from the Mayor 12 August 2020
We have certainly had an icy blast in the last week, which thankfully brought with it some good follow up rains. It is exciting to see the lights up and working at Jerilderie’s Monash Park. This project was funded by Council through a $158,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund. The junior teams and key personnel are using the lights, which is great.
Message from the Mayor September 2020
We’re already in September and are certainly getting on with things. Needless to say, we’re still very much in a state of uncertainty. The everyday need to conduct business is challenging and frustrating. Our geographical location quite clearly demonstrates strong pathways and linkages both to the east and south. Hopefully, sooner rather than later, a considered rationale will enable our region to move again. At Council, we, like other businesses, are continuing to deliver our essential services. We’re also continuing to advocate for movement with every other aspect.
Message from the Mayor 30 September 2020
Spring is with us, and as we slowly emerge from our very unnatural year, our countryside certainly speaks to renewal, optimism and opportunity.
Message from the Mayor November 2020
Spring has certainly brought some challenging conditions. We wait, with optimism, at what promises to be a great harvest – let’s hope the weather Gods play nicely and allow the area to fulfil its potential!
Message from the Mayor December 2020
It is all hands on deck as we move towards the close of 2020. Business “as usual” sees us busy but adapting to a different way of delivering what we need to. Our harvest is in full swing and a hive of activity with machinery, trucks and people working long hours to get the crops off. From all reports it is producing some outstanding returns.
Message from the Mayor Christmas 2020
On behalf of Murrumbidgee Council, we offer our best wishes for a very merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year to all in our Council and greater region. It is hard to believe that we have reached the end of 2020. It’s been a roller coaster and the ride is one we don’t wish to revisit any time soon.
Message from the Mayor March 2021
The start of 2021 has been busy and we are already into autumn! Our region has received significant rain, and the country and our waterways have been replenished. A bountiful harvest was a very welcome reward in a year that had been seriously challenging. Our small businesses continue to press on with resilience and optimism, and it is my hope that we are supporting them as best we can and that the new normal will provide us with a sustainable way forward.
Message from the Mayor - May 2021
The seasons are progressing quickly and 2021 is disappearing at a rate of knots. After a very warm Easter break - perfect for camping and family gatherings - we have moved onto shorter days and cooler evenings and mornings.
Message from the Mayor - April 2021
This month we have been blessed with some very welcome and timely rain - almost too good to be true. We are, however, mindful of the havoc that was caused by the torrential rains, particularly for our coastal counterparts. It is our hope that the damage and chaos can be managed as best it can.
Message from the Mayor - June 2021
May has been hectic, to say the least, with a lot of time spent on the road engaging with our representative bodies. This has included appearing before the Parliamentary Inquiry into Health Outcomes and Access to Health and Hospital Services in Rural, Regional and Remote New South Wales. In our brief appearance, and the follow up that we have witnessed, it is glaringly apparent that the way our health care is delivered, by whom it is delivered and our equity in this space, all require serious remodelling.
Message from the Mayor August 2021
As I sit and ponder the state of the nation, our state and Murrumbidgee Council, it is difficult to fathom the challenges that keep presenting themselves. The latest COVID-19 outbreaks most certainly have created havoc with business, education, Local Government and, most significantly, our health related service delivery.
Message from the Mayor September 2021
We certainly live in an unpredictable environment at the moment. The Public Health message tells us how highly transmissible the Delta strain of COVID-19 is. We have seen how it impacts regional areas, with Shepparton and Temora very close examples. We should all be aware of the considerable risk for our Council footprint given our geographical location and our exposure to three very busy major traffic corridors - the Kidman Way and the Sturt and Newell Highways. The message is clear - Stay home and stay safe!
Message from the Mayor October 2021
Just when we thought all avenues of natural, or unnatural, misadventure had challenged us, we have an earth tremor/quake! I would calmly like to assure whomever is testing our resilience that “we get it”. “Enough is enough!”
Message from the Mayor - March 2022
As this is my first column since the Local Government elections, I would like to begin by congratulating all elected representatives. A very warm welcome to Crs Troy Mauger, Judy Saxvik and Tim Strachan. Welcome back to our returning Councillors – Crs Robert Black (Deputy Mayor), Faith Bryce, Christine Chirgwin, Robert Curphey and Gavin Gilbert.
Message from the Mayor April 2022
Easter is almost here and it’s refreshing to have a major celebration ahead of us without also facing restrictions!
Message from the Mayor May 2022
Autumn has been spectacular in our area, with welcome timely rain followed by perfect fine days. April was busy. Harvests are all but finished and the ground is being worked up and prepped for the next rotation.
Message from the Mayor June 2022
As we say goodbye to perfect autumn weather, winter is certainly making its presence felt. Thankfully, the countryside looks amazing and the crops have had an ideal opportunity to be out of the ground. Not only are we experiencing a resurgence of COVID across the community, but the flu season is well and truly here. I urge you all to be mindful of the public health messaging that applies to both COVID and the flu.
Message from the Mayor July 2022
We’re now in the second month of winter, and the cooler, damper and foggier conditions are certainly a reminder of this time of year. Our roads are busy with the great exodus north to warmer places and, coupled with school holiday traffic, it is a timely reminder to be vigilant on our roads and stay safe.
Message from the Mayor August 2022
As we move through the winter months, we once again find ourselves challenged by another COVID 19 variant. Coupled with a particularly virulent strain of the flu and an accompanying gastro bug, we are all are certainly feeling the strain. Public messaging for all these illnesses is consistent – if someone is unwell, they should stay at home - it really is the only way to get on top of the revolving spread.
Message from the Mayor September 2022
Our Council area, like most others, is receiving varying amounts of rain. Some parts are very wet, resulting in delays in planting and moving produce. Others are getting just enough to keep their hopes alive for another bumper season. The wet weather is taking a toll on our road network and I urge you all to be mindful on the roads, especially around school buses. Our roads are our biggest asset and the damage caused when wet weather is upon us is difficult and very costly to remediate.
Message from the Mayor October 2022
It’s amazing to believe that we are already into October! The plentiful rains continue to fall and our agricultural season is so full of promise and, in turn, our region looks set to deliver in spades.
Message from the Mayor November 2022
Our region is certainly experiencing its share of rain, with the Murrumbidgee River, creeks and waterways carrying large amounts of water. Our thoughts are with anyone who has been impacted by the water. At these times, the SES public messaging is so very important, and we encourage all of the community to listen carefully and follow the relevant advice. The safety of our communities is paramount. Never drive, ride or walk through flood water. If it’s flooded, forget it!
Message from the Mayor December 2022
The past month was challenging, to say the least, with the weather continuing to test us unreasonably, with impacts on our whole Council area - from the Murrumbidgee River in the north to the Billabong and Wangamong Creeks in the south, and everywhere in between. The rivers and creeks are full and the vast agricultural landscape is sodden, with parts still immersed in water.
Message from the Mayor February 2023
The Christmas break is now well and truly behind us, and with Easter on the horizon, many of us are looking forward to another well-earned break. What an unusual weather pattern we have been navigating! The colossal rains and resulting flooding in the last quarter of 2022 were challenging, to say the least.
Message from the Mayor March 2023
And in the blink of an eye, we are into the third month of the year! Harvest is complete, finally, and the crop rotations are in full swing. Talk of watering and allocations is on the table and, after the wettest three months in a long time, who would have thought we would be seeing dust!