On June 1, the council’s Acting General Manager Gary Woodman and I attended the NSW Country Mayors’ Association General Meeting at NSW Parliament. Councils from across rural and regional NSW met with representatives from WaterNSW, Telstra and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator about issues impacting country councils.

While in Sydney, we had a one on one with Telstra about their Mobile Black Spot Program and were given an undertaking that mobile coverage would be improved near Myrtleville. They will also investigate improvements at Grabben Gullen.

Last week I was back in Sydney for the 2018 Local Roads Congress. It was an opportunity to hear from, and meet with, guest speakers including the NSW Minister for Roads Melinda Pavey. A range of road and transport issues were discussed, including B-double access. 

Also last week, Deputy Mayor John Stafford and Mr Woodman travelled to Canberra for the opening of Emma Ruby House. The centre will provide respite accommodation for young people with disability, benefitting families in the ACT as well as surrounding communities, including the Upper Lachlan.

While in Canberra, Mr Stafford and Mr Woodman also attended the launch of the Rugby League Centre of Excellence. The state of the art facility will house the Canberra Raiders NRL team, as well as their juniors, and possibly a future women’s team. It will provide young players with the same facilities and support as their big city counterparts.