News from the Mayor - November 2019 edition

26 Nov 2019 4:47 PM -

Hi Everyone,

The General Manager, Deputy Mayor and I recently attended the Murray Darling Association’s 75th Annual Conference and AGM.  National Federated Farmers outlined their vision for a $100B agricultural industry by 2030 and I was pleased that there was wide recognition that maintaining diversity of produce and ensuring more equitable access to water will be important for achieving this ambitious goal.

Another very inspiring presentation was made by Ashley Bland of Constructive Energy who offered some compelling case studies on local electricity generation. Council is keen to start to pursue these sorts of microgrids locally with a view to reducing electricity costs that are impacting on local businesses and industries.

An Expression of Interest (EOI) for federal funding for the detailed planning of WRConnect at Wumbulgal has been submitted in collaboration with Griffith City Council and with support from all our neighbouring Councils.  Given our significant freight volumes in the Western Riverina I am hoping that we are in with a chance for this important multi-modal facility. 

I was delighted to officially launch the “My First Library Card” initiative this month. It is great to see so many of our younger generation benefitting from our wonderful Leeton Shire Library.

The news from SunRice that more staff will be put off is a real blow to our Shire.  At both NSW Country Mayors in Sydney and at the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Forum in Griffith, I voiced my concerns about how the water trading policy environment is contributing to price hikes beyond those caused by the drought. I appreciate that times are changing but consider it foolish to put all our eggs in one basket, so to speak, by committing all irrigation water to only high value permanent plantings. Diversity of crop type has been the strength of the MIA for 100 years and has increased our resilience as commodity markets wax and wane.  Without that diversity our established industries that have built up over many decades will be threatened, impacting local jobs, our local economy and our local community.  

Recently I became a member of the Yanco (Creek) Sustainable Diversion Limit (SDL) Adjustment Mechanism Community Advisory Group to examine the proposed SDL project which involves regulating flows from the Murrumbidgee into the Yanco Creek system. It’s important that we fully understand the impacts and the benefits before agreeing to this proposal.

The “Spring into Summer” Concert organised by the Leeton Town Band was an exceptional night of entertainment.  It was a pleasure to use the opportunity to thank Ruth Tait for the significant contribution she has made to the Band and our Shire over several decades, including bringing in outstanding musicians from far and wide to perform in Leeton.

Take care and best wishes until my Christmas Message.

Kind Regards, Mayor Cr Paul Maytom