August Mayor's Message

Published on 23 August 2023

Local football and netball sides are on the eve of the finals, meaning spring is in the air, with warmer weather just around the corner. I personally wish all those participating in the finals all the best and to those that didn’t make it, I’m sure that you had an enjoyable season and look forward to the break and reassess for the following year.

I recently had the opportunity to speak to the Regional Educational Commissioner, Fiona Nash through the Country Mayors forum. Ms Nash presented some of the projects she will oversee in 2023-2024, one being improving regional and remote student support services. This is in line with the Federal Government announcing new funding for Country Universities Centres (CUC). Our region is applying for centres in Finley, Deniliquin, Moama and Hay. If successful, this will provide opportunities for students to study in their own community. The statistics show that those who study regionally or remote are more likely to stay in the area once the degree is completed.
This is an exciting time, and we will continue to advocate for these centres.

I attended the quarterly meeting of Country Mayors in Sydney. At this meeting we had presentations from NSW Ministers in Climate Change, Regional and Western NSW, Agriculture, Energy and Environment. I was able to ask the Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty about New South Wales position on the 450gl and buy backs. Her response was that her position is New South Wales’ position. The Hon Rose Jackson commented to the paper whilst visiting the Barmah Choke, that she didn’t believe buybacks were the way. This is encouraging news and we will continue to advocate strongly that buybacks will have a detrimental effect on our communities, if they were to proceed.

At the meeting a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was endorsed to be signed between Country Mayors Association and NSW Rural Doctors Network. The aim of this is to provide a foundation to cooperate, collaborate and to support shared priorities.

I recently had meeting with the Border Medical Association (BMA) and the CEO of Albury/ Wodonga Base Hospital. I continue to express how important health facilities and services provided by the hospital are to our region and community. I am eagerly awaiting the release of the masterplan for the redevelopment of the site.

MATTHEW HANNAN 

BERRIGAN SHIRE MAYOR