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.
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The challenge of vaccinating our nation is a priority. We are incredibly fortunate to live where we live, and to have access to health care. We need to focus on what we can control - adhering to the Public Health Orders, vigilance at all times, and a very open and informed manner that places ourselves, our communities and the wider population first and foremost.
The RUOK message is so very relevant here. Living in small, connected communities is such an advantage, investing in our "village" will mean that there is somebody/somebodies who care enough to ask this question.
Complacency and COVID fatigue are very real, but we can all have some influence in this space by continuing to do what we need to within the restrictions placed before us. Always remembering that the restrictions, stay at home and lockdown orders, are the risk minimisation strategies that have best served us to date. It is a simple message - compliance will keep us safe.
On a brighter note, this week is Local Government Week. While we're not holding any events this year, it's a great time to reflect on the tremendous diversity of services and areas that council is involved in.
As a sector, we're responsible for looking after $261 million in infrastructure assets, which includes pools, parks and playgrounds, sporting ovals and complexes, libraries, halls, cemeteries, waste depots and the list goes on. Local councils are a reflection of the complex community we serve - day in, day out.
Another crucial role council plays is engagement and advocacy. Throughout the first fortnight of July, we met with many groups across health, water, planning, Chamber of Commerce and aged care. In the third week, COVID-19 revisited and saw many more meetings going back online, which brings very real challenges all over again.
Agriculture is the cornerstone of our community and welcome rain sees our council footprint well soaked. The Murrumbidgee River is high, which has necessitated closing the Darlington Point Boat Ramp to ensure public safety. I remind you never to drive through floodwaters.
Our major projects continue to progress, however, unfortunately, the Victorian Government's decision to remove our council area from the border bubble will impact works. We are working closely with the Member for Albury, Justin Clancy, to reach a more suitable solution.
The sporting precinct development at Coleambally is getting to the point where you can actually see what the end product will be. The Preschool and Long Day Care Centre in Jerilderie is a busy worksite and it's exciting to watch the progress. In Darlington Point, we will officially open the Wiradjuri Walk Shared Spaces Project as soon as practicable. This meritorious project deserves public acknowledgement and we look forward to an opening in the near future.
Some ongoing issues that are affecting us as a council and the greater region are affordable and social housing, recruitment and retention of staff across all fields, including professional, trade qualified and unskilled, mental health access and equity, and accessible pathways for all health services, economic development and investment.
In view of the gravity of the situation in Greater Sydney, the NSW Government has decided to postpone the Local Government elections until December 4, 2021. The deferral provides extra time to consider running as a candidate.
We have many dedicated and passionate people in our community who would make a valuable contribution in the local government sphere. I encourage you to seriously consider this opportunity to stand for local government. It is indeed a privilege to take on the role of an elected member. It is a worthwhile and challenging opportunity - marrying community expectation and being able to deliver within the confines of an available budget and local government legislation is a very real balancing act.
The deferral also means that all current councillors must continue in their roles until the election. This is on top of the extra 12 months that we have already held office. I thank my fellow councillors for their commitment and continued dedication to our area.
Importantly, I would also thank our council staff, who have constantly adapted to a changing environment and continued to provide a high level of service to our community.
In closing, I again urge you all to stay safe, stay positive and look out for each other.
