From Hilltops Council – Margaret Roles

Mayor Margaret Roles

The week of fine weather has been a welcome reprieve from the rain events that have battered our Hilltops region.

Hilltops will receive $943,321.42 which is part of the NSW Government’s $50 million Fixing Local Roads Pothole Repair Round.

Over 135,000 potholes have been repaired in the state since February but as we all know there are plenty more to fix on our Council managed regional roads.

We are very grateful for this grant as it will keep our crews working to make our roads as safe as possible.

Last week I accompanied the Hon Steph Cooke on a visit to some of the residents of Boorowa who were affected by recent flooding.

It is a reminder to all of us that extreme weather events will become part of the future weather pattern and none of us are immune from its consequences.

We tend not to think about the ripple effect – such as the increase in mosquito borne diseases as larvae are washed downstream and stagnant water provides ideal breeding conditions.

Presently Hilltops is not included in the Local Government Areas for free Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) vaccination although neighbouring LGAs have been identified as of high JEV concern by NSW Health.

Working with our state member, we are lobbying to have Hilltops included in the list. Make sure that you are protected from mosquito attack by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeved shirts and pants and removing stagnant water from outside living areas.

The National Cherry Festival is top of the agenda for Hilltops this week. The NSW Governor, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, is taking part in the celebrations – which is indeed an honour for and recognition of our beautiful Hilltops region.

I look forward to welcoming visitors and locals to the 2022 Young National Cherry Festival – a weekend of fun and enjoyment for everyone!

Mayor Margaret Roles