Mayor of Yass Valley Allan McGrath will lead a team of councillors and staff later this month to speak to residents in outlying areas. Photo: Yass Valley Council.
Yass Valley Council members are hitting the road later month to speak to locals about what they want, need and see for their region – and have their say on its future.
Mayor Allan McGrath will lead the executive management team and his fellow councillors on a series of visits to the Valley’s towns, villages and hamlets, answering questions ranging from why one road is being sealed ahead of another to how rates charges are determined.
Information on what the council does and why is in a series of planning and reporting documents on public exhibition until 6 June. They include long-term financial proposals, delivery plans, revenue statements and workplace and asset management strategies.
Councillor McGrath said it was important for residents to understand and play a part in the council’s draft planning and reporting documents, which cover key issues such as rates, fees and charges and budgets.
For example, in the Draft Operational Plan 2022/23, a proposed rate increase is proposed to bring the Yass Valley in line with the standard rate. This would see an increase of between $7 to $31 a year for ratepayers.
Another document, the Draft Asset Management Strategy, outlines details of local infrastructure including public buildings, roads, parks, drains and water and how they are managed.
The Draft Revenue Statement looks at Council’s ratings structure, pensioner rebates and annual charges for water, waste and stormwater.
From 17 May to 1 June, councillors and officers will go on the road to discuss the documents and their ramifications for the Valley with locals.
“We are thrilled to be able to hit the road again after a two-year hiatus because of COVID-19,” Cr McGrath said.
“The community roadshows allow us to present these important documents and hear directly from residents.
“Their engagement, feedback and suggestions are extremely important as these documents are ultimately shaped by the community.”
Council officers and councillors will be available to discuss the documents at the following locations later this month:
- Tuesday 17 May, 6 pm to 7:30 pm, Yass Valley Business Chamber at Council Chambers or online
- Wednesday 18 May, 7 pm to 8 pm, Bowning Hall
- Thursday 19 May, 6 pm to 7:30 pm, Sutton Hall
- Wednesday 25 May, 6 pm to 7:30 pm, Gundaroo Hall
- Saturday 28 May, 8:30 am to 2:30 pm, Murrumbateman Markets
- Wednesday 1 June, 6 pm to 7:30 pm, Binalong Hall
Hard copies of the documents are available at the Yass Library. Telephone 02 6226 1305 or email [email protected] to check on availability or at the Council Offices on the main street, telephone 02 6226 1477 or email [email protected]
Written submissions about the documents can be sent online or emailed to [email protected]
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