News from the Mayor - February 2020 edition

24 Feb 2020 11:49 AM -

Hi Everyone,

I am delighted that our footpath program has been able to be progressed more than in previous years due to additional grant funds and we have further works planned in 2020.

It was great to be invited to the St Francis College Year 12 Geography class to talk about the history of Leeton as well as threats and opportunities in sustaining our Shire. Whilst enduring the severe drought and very low general security allocation we are determined to continue to be involved in water policy and the rollout of the Murray Darling Basin Plan to ensure the best possible outcomes.

A Roads of Strategic Importance Meeting was held in Narrandera with Mayors, General Managers and Federal Government representatives to highlight the inadequacy of some of our important freight routes especially issues associated with the first and last mile as well as road safety issues with higher mass vehicles on our roads.

The General Manager and I attended the most recent RAMJO Meeting where we not only discussed water related issues but solutions that we believe should be thoroughly considered that will help sustain our communities into the future. It is important that the Federal Government understand that the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area was purpose built to feed the nation and create employment opportunities for the growth of our region.

I was invited to meet and have dinner with the new Federal Water Minister The Hon. Keith Pitt MP. This was a great opportunity to speak with the Minister about the history of our Shire and the importance of water and diversity of irrigated agriculture as well as value added industries that are the backbone of our community. 

Council has formulated important motions to be presented to the National General Assembly of Local Government to be held in June.

Council will be calling on the Australian Government to support the goals of the 2030 Roadmap Australian Agriculture’s Plan for a $100 billion industry but make a principle-based commitment nationally to ensure the plan is realistic, optimises water use and supports existing regional and rural communities and industries by maintaining agricultural diversity that builds resilience into our economies and helps rural communities thrive and creates job opportunities. Other motions being presented by Council relate to water security, Constitutional recognition of local government, Ice inquiry findings and Weeds Management – FleaBane Conyza Species.

There has been great progress and transformation of the old WC&IC Building which will be named the Leeton Museum and Art Gallery to be launched in April. We are extremely fortunate that we have secured this beautiful old art deco building to showcase our history in which the new permanent museum will tell Leeton’s water story and the gallery space will offer opportunities for the community to enjoy travelling exhibitions.

Take care and best wishes until my March Update.

Regards, Mayor Cr Paul Maytom.