Our Snowy 1 August 2016

A Message from Council Administrator Dean Lynch

Welcome to our first newsletter since the I wish to congratulate and acknowledge the valuable contribution State Government amalgamated Bombala, already being made by members of these committees. Cooma-Monaro and Snowy Councils From Bombala LRC: Steve Goodyer, Di Hampshire, Paul Perkins and just over three months ago. Gabrielle Rea. From Cooma LRC: Rogan Corbett, Angela Ingram, While the process of bringing together our three councils has Craig Mitchell and Winston Phillips; and from LRC: not been without its challenges, it is fair to say that with the John Cahill, Peter Beer, John Shumack and Bob Frost. determination of Council staff, local businesses and the community We have access to $15 million from the at large, we are now well on the road to forging a stronger and Government to invest in community projects and services. better future for our whole region. In total, up to $1 million may be allocated to community groups We have before us a tremendous opportunity for social these projects from the Stronger Communities Fund of the NSW enhancement and economic growth, with many positive benefits Government’s Fit-for-the-Future Reform Program. Grants of up for all residents. to $50,000 are available for individual projects that enhance and It is absolutely business as usual. There are no significant changes enrich the social, cultural, environmental and economic fabric of to Council services and the continuance of existing community our region. committees has also been confirmed. Assessment of applications is expected to be complete in August Our vision is to build the type of future that delivers better with announcement of successful applicants in September. services, stronger employment prospects and the right Finally, I want to say how proud I am to lead the new Snowy infrastructure – now, and for our children and grandchildren. Monaro Regional Council through this transitional, foundation To assist me as Administrator, local consultative committees have period. been created. Three Local Representative Committees (LRC) are As you may know, my family has been living in the Monaro and providing valuable input on issues such as governance, structure of Snowy Mountains region for over 140 years. I’m a 4th generation Council and service delivery. farmer, born in Adaminaby and bred on the Monaro. I am very Each committee has four members and is an important voice for honoured and humbled to have been chosen for the role of the local community, channeling local issues into the wider Council Administrator. I understand the responsibilities that come with the organisation and providing me with advice on local matters. job – to you, our community and to the State Government.

The chairs of Local Representative Committees form the Council’s With the help of LRCs, Implementation Advisory Group and the new Implementation Advisory Group. Council organisation led by General Manager Joseph Vescio, we are creating a more proactive local Council, stronger economy and an even better place to live for you and your family. Your Local Representative Committees Want to Hear From You Appointed members on Snowy Monaro Regional Council’s Local Representative Committees (LRCs) would like community groups to come directly to them if they wish to raise any local issues with Council. LRC members are in the process of being appointed as the Administrators delegates to community organisations so they can report back to Council on issues arising throughout the region. Importantly, groups who have never had contact with Council but would like to connect with Council through a LRC member are encouraged to make a request so this can be arranged. LRCs serve as an advisory arm to the new Council during the transition phase to inform Council of issues that affect the community, representing the interests of all residents, ratepayers and community groups across their Local Government Area on a wide range of local matters. While LRCs will not make formal decisions on Council matters, their advice and recommendations will play a large part in helping to set the direction and approach Council takes on important decisions. The contact information for all Local Representative Committees members is available on Council’s website or for more information phone our helpful customer service staff on 1300 345 345. Nimmitabel Water Supply Lifting of Level 3 Water Restrictions Recently completed Lake Wallace Dam water is at capacity following recent wet weather events and surface water availability from the remains steady. All consumers serviced by the Nimmitabel Water Supply Scheme are advised that the requirement to maintain level 3 water restrictions have now ceased subject to further notice. Consumers are advised to still conserve water whilst under Level 0 restrictions. Some tips for water conservation: August Is > Only water plants when they need it and water gardens Platypus Month during the cool of the day; > Using mulch reduces evaporation; So where are some of the best hotspots to > By watering longer and less often your plants become view platypus across the region? more drought resistant; Platypus Reserve, Bombala > Tap timers and trigger nozzle hose attachments reduces Bombala River Walk consumption; Coolumbooka Bridge, Bombala > Use a broom instead of the hose to clean paths and driveways; at Bill Jeffreys Park > Replace the washers in leaking taps; > Concealed water leaks in plumbing and water using appliances may be identified by checking your water Snowy River, Dalgety meter; > Use dual flush toilet cisterns; > Take shorter showers; > Only use the washing machine or dishwasher when full. Economic Development Report Platypus Campaign For Bombala An economic development campaign for Bombala has been announced, which Sightings aims to attract more tourists to the area. The initial campaign commences this week with advertising in local newspapers and on local radio. It is targeting Waterwatch is encouraging families who visit the Snowy Mountains during the remainder of the snow season. everyone to head down to their The campaign has been developed cooperatively by Council and the Bombala local waterway and report any Chamber of Commerce. Its objective is to build on Bombala’s reputation as an platypus sightings. ideal place to view the iconic Australian platypus. Information such as date, time, “Bombala, Delegate and a number of other localities provide real opportunities location and number of platypus for people to see this unique little creature. Over time, Bombala has developed need to be noted. relevant infrastructure and created the marketing theme of ‘Platypus Country’. They are very keen to increase The Chamber of Commerce, with the assistance of Council, now plans to build on this positioning and solidly establish Bombala as ’s Platypus Country, their knowledge of platypus taking its great asset to a wider marketplace,” Dean Lynch said. distribution in the region so “Our first step is to encourage winter visitors to the Snowy Mountains to take a please head out to a stream near short break in Bombala. We want them to come, see a platypus, and explore the you and get spotting! town and surrounding areas.” “During summer, we also plan to do the same with family holidaymakers on the South Coast. Longer term, both Council and the Chamber of Commerce are hopeful of expanding the campaign into other markets.” Take Part in a “I want to congratulate the Bombala Chamber of Commerce for their positive Platypus Group and proactive approach in working with the former Bombala Council and now the Snowy Monaro Regional Council in developing this initial campaign. If we can get Survey more visitors traveling to Bombala and Delegate, cafés, retailers and pubs will all see improved economic activity. And as more stay overnight, motels and B&Bs will Join Waterwatch for early also benefit,” Administrator Lynch concluded. morning surveys at Numeralla, Cooma Creek and the Murrumbidgee River to help better understand our resident platypus populations. Surveys will be run at 8am every Saturday during August and early September - no experience necessary. Contact Antia at Cooma Waterwatch to book a spot. For more info and to RSVP phone 0429 778 633 or via e-mail [email protected] Green Team to Continue General Manger Joseph Vescio and GIS Administrator The Household Chemical CleanOut service provided Jo Clarke represented Council’s Green Team at the to Snowy Monaro residents is collected by the EPA REROC Local Government Energy and Innovation CleanOutprogram. This program will be held: Forum in Wagga Wagga on the 4 August. 10am - 12:30pm Saturday 8 October 2016 Mr Vescio gave a well-received presentation on Jindabyne Landfill Sustainability in Local Government and talked about 6013 Kosciuszko Road, Jindabyne the successes of the former Snowy River Shire Green Team since its inception in 2007. 1:30pm - 4pm Saturday 8 October 2016 Berridale Transfer Station The presentation also highlighted challenges facing 160 Bobundara Road, Berridale Council in rolling out similar sustainability initiatives to the new Snowy Monaro Regional Council. 1pm - 3pm Sunday 9 October 2016 Cooma Landfill Some of the successes achieved by the former Snowy 8448 , Cooma River Shire included a 16% reduction in electricity use in Council operations since the peak in 2008 and a 30% reduction in cost of power since the peak in 2014. Savings of $40,000 in the Green Team revolving fund were put towards 4 solar installations in 2015 which in the first year achieved $43,000 savings in electricity at these sites and expected payback period of 4-6 years. The forum had a variety of speakers from Local Government, Industry and the Office of Environment and Heritage giving participants an opportunity to learn about energy markets, renewable energy technologies, low energy LED lighting and even hydrogen powered vehicles. Winter Starts Here Plenty of great ideas which will now be brought back for the new Green Team to work on and implement Through ongoing partnerships between the Cooma at the Snowy Monaro Regional Council. Visitor Centre, Cooma Chamber of Commerce and Red Energy, Cooma’s Centennial Park welcomes our winter visitors with its illuminating light display. The ‘Winter Starts Here’ campaign aims to attract winter visitors to make their base in Cooma, while they explore the many regional attractions during their snow holiday. GRAND RE-OPENING - Second Chance Store Jindabyne Skate Park Due to site works being undertaken at the Jindabyne Landfill the Second Chance Resource Recovery and Buy Back Store has been closed to the public since June. The shop has had a Face-lifts makeover and is now ready to go. Skate parks in Berridale and Jindabyne Second Chance is open every Sunday from 10am to 3pm commencing 14 August 2016. have received a make-over. You can drop in your second hand goods for FREE anytime during the week! Local community members and the Snowy Youth Council recently The Second Chance Store is the perfect place to grab yourself a bargain. Whether you’re got together to undertake some looking for household furniture, ski boots, bikes, exercise equipment, crockery and cutlery, beautification and maintenance works. picture frames, toys and books, we even have a kitchen sink or two. Trees have been planted and both You can also drop off good quality items that are no longer needed or that are being sites will receive a much needed upgraded at the facility. Don’t coat of paint to improve safety and dump it... increase the life of the riding surface. Recycle it Local Artist, Mike Shankster has completed artwork at both sites to at Second add to the visual look and theme of Chance the skate parks. The Jindabyne Skate bowl has also Upgrade of Lower Bendoc Road been given a well needed coat of Work crews have completed over 2.8 kilometres of works along Lower Bendoc Road from paint. Delegate to its intersection with Haydens Bog Road. Council would like to thank local Lower Bendoc Road is a major heavy haulage timber transport route primarily used to community members for volunteering transport locally-sourced pine and native timber, as well as timber sourced mainly from their time to undertake maintenance Victorian forests. works. Council would also like to thank Parc Café, Mitre 10 and POW The $874,000 upgrade saw the widening of the road and strengthening of the pavement to snowboards and GZ Engineering for handle current and future increases in B-Double timber truck haulage volumes. The work their contribution of materials and has the added benefit of reducing maintenance costs and making this section of road safer refreshments for the volunteers. for all road users. The project received a total of $854,000 in funding under the NSW Government’s Restart NSW Fixing Country Roads fund. The program aims to provide targeted funding to local councils for road projects that will eliminate connectivity constraints on local roads in NSW and reduce the cost to market for local businesses. The completion of the project now means there is better connectivity between this local road and the Monaro Highway. It also means that transport of commodities to the Eden Port, saleyards, timber mills and depots will be more efficient.

Photograph by Robbie @_no_bad_days_ Customer Service Guaranteed Our 24/7 customer service hotline is now available to residents and visitors of the Snowy Monaro Region. Council’s out-of-hours call centre went live on Friday 8 July enabling council issues to be reported any time day or night. The new hotline is another initiative undertaken by Council to provide high quality customer service. Council is responding to the growing concerns of residents who work long hours and are unable to contact Council during opening hours. Along with others who have limited access to the internet, unable to view our website or send through emails. You can now report concerns 24/7 and the community can take comfort in knowing they have access to the Council at all times. The Southern Star (Southern Phones) call centre is operating the service from 5pm weekdays and all day over the weekends. Council are pleased to launch this new service knowing that anyone can call the new hotline phone number, 1300 345 345, at any time and be able to speak to a customer service operator.

Monaro Regional Libraries

• Bombala Library - monthly every first Wednesday 10.30am-11am, Rhyme Time for 0 – 2 year olds (free, no rsvp) • Bombala Library - monthly every third Wednesday 10.30am-11am, Wiggling Whippersnappers reading & movement for 3 – 5 year olds (free, no rsvp) • Cooma Library - monthly every third Wednesday 10.30am, pre-schooler & toddler storytime includes reading, craft & fun (free, no rsvp) The Garage Sale Trail is taking place on Saturday 22 October 2016, one big day Mobile Library: of garage sales happening right across Throughout the winter months the Monaro Regional Australia. Libraries extends a warm welcome to seasonal visitors and workers, who are welcome to join the Library. In its sixth year, the Garage Sale Trail is The Mobile Library visits Jindabyne on Tuesdays and Australia’s biggest reuse event. every second Friday. Or pop on into the Cooma or Bombala Library. For more information please visit their A full Mobile Library schedule can be viewed online website www.garagesaletrail.com.au http://bit.ly/MobStops Council is very excited to again be involved in this great reuse event.

24/7 CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE 1300 345 345 Head Office Cooma: 81 Commissioner Street COOMA NSW 2630 P 02 6455 1777 Stronger

Branch Offices Berridale: 2 Myack Street BERRIDALE NSW 2628 P 02 6451 1195 together Bombala: 71 Caveat Street BOMBALA NSW 2632 P 02 6458 3555 Jindabyne: Shop 2 Razorback Plaza P 02 6451 1550 Better Gippsland Street JINDABYNE NSW 2627 Mailing Address PO Box 714, COOMA NSW 2630 www.snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au together