From Hilltops Councillor – Brian Ingram

I was very pleased to welcome Mr Anthony O’Reilly to the role of General Manager at Hilltops Council last week. Anthony comes to us from Eurobodalla with a wealth of knowledge and experience. He has hit the ground running and is already making a positive impact on the organisation.

The COVID -19 virus is presenting many obstacles for Australians. This is an unprecedented pandemic which has caused a lot of panic. I would like to reassure the community that all appropriate measures are being taken by authorities to keep our residents safe. One such precautionary measure was the cancellation of the 2020 Lambing Flat Chinese Festival in Young. Council have information flyers available at our customer service counters, library branches and Visitor Information Centres. We will keep the community informed of any important information as we receive it.

I urge everyone to be sensible and take appropriate precautions including self-isolation if necessary, hand washing and the use of hand sanitiser and social distancing where possible. It is important to remember that for the far majority of people, Coronavirus will be a flu or cold like experience with full recovery expected.

I was saddened to be notified of the cancellation of all ANZAC Day events. This decision has been made to reduce the risk to vulnerable people during the current health situation. To think the community will be unable to join together for this special occasion this year is very disappointing, however public safety is our main priority and as such, I support the decision of RSL NSW in cancelling commemorations this year.

We received some exciting news last week, with Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke announcing $1,701,742 from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund for projects across the Hilltops region. The funding has been spread across six projects, each of which will benefit the Hilltops community. This includes funding for the splash pool and splash pad, filtration systems, concrete concourse surrounds, shade sails and seating at the Young Aquatic Centre.

This news followed exciting news from Boorowa with Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman announcing a $632 784 investment by the NSW Government into four community infrastructure projects. This includes funding to deliver stage two of the Boorowa Horse Arena which will complete this valuable asset for the community.

I thank both Steph and Wendy for their work toward securing this funding. – Brian Ingram

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