News from the Mayor - August 2019 edition

30 Aug 2019 9:52 AM -

Hi Everyone,

At the Cotton Collective Forum last month Professor Mark Howden (ANU) provided a sobering overview on Climate Change and how important it is for our farmers and communities to gear up for hotter summers, more frosts and less rain.  His presentation has got me thinking about how we can provide our next generation with a sustainable future.  I plan to table a Mayoral Minute in September about how Council can take a stronger position on Climate Change. The Forum also discussed what options farmers have for growing crops with less water, including a presentation by Steve Whan, CEO of National Irrigators Council.   

The drought has drawn into sharp focus the risks of an unregulated Water Trading market and I am relieved that the Federal Government has responded to calls for a review on Water Trading.  I encourage everyone to engage with the ACCC Inquiry to ensure our MIA’s future is secure. 

The General Manager and I met with the new Commander for the Murrumbidgee Police District, Superintendent Craig Ireland and look forward to strengthening relationships with him and the new Officer in Charge for Leeton, Inspector Justin Cornes. We also attended Country Mayors in Sydney where Federal Minister Mark Coulton provided an overview of his portfolio which covers local government, regional services (including regional health) and trade and investment.  Minister Coulton is acutely aware of the shortage of doctors in rural areas and has met with the NSW Health Minister to see how the two tiers of government can collaborate better to ensure there are sufficient doctors in the bush.

Councillors and senior staff visited Freedom Foods this month and were impressed! Diversity of industry is our strength in the MIA and we are thrilled at how Freedom Foods is constantly evolving and growing, including introducing new product lines at their Murrami plant. Congratulations to the local manager, Michael Thomas, and his team for their leadership and drive.

Young people are our future and I was honoured to attend an Indigenous Advancement Strategy Meeting at the Leeton High School where we discussed how our community can help transition students from high school to employment and other career pathways.  Growing our own is an important leg in our wider workforce development plans.   

It was a pleasure to attend the Education Week Awards Ceremony at Gralee School. We are fortunate to have such dedicated support staff and teachers who put heartfelt effort into ensuring the students can achieve their goals and aspirations.  It was also a thrill to once again attend the Leeton Eisteddfod. Judy Nolan and her dedicated volunteer committee have yet again coordinated a very successful event which on several occasions saw our Roxy filled to the brim with participants and spectators. 

Kind Regards, Mayor Cr Paul Maytom