From Hilltops Councillor – Mayor Brian Ingram

Brian Ingram

Following the Mayoral Election held last week I am pleased to be able to see out the current term of Council as Mayor and maintain the stability of leadership of Council over the period until 4 December when the Local Government Election will be held. I will be standing as a candidate at the election in December and hope to be re-elected by the community.

The main priority is to continue to work towards achieving financial stability for Hilltops Council. The delivery of major projects for the community is another priority and it is great to see projects that I have fought hard for being progressed.

In relation to Milvale Road, I have been advocating for these upgrades for a long time and I am very pleased to see progress. Congratulations to all staff involved in these works.

Works on the new Bundarbo Bridge in Jugiong will commence in early October 2021, weather permitting. This project will significantly enhance freight movements and result in greater connectivity within the Hilltops and across the region.

In relation to COVID-19, everyone is being asked to be vaccinated. I understand that views on vaccinations differ, and while we may not agree with people who have chosen not to have a vaccination we live in a democracy and must respect their decision. Throughout this pandemic we have often heard the term “we are all in this together.” Yes, we are, and we must be careful not to create two sets of rules, one for “us” and one for “them.”

On behalf of Hilltops Council I would like to express my thanks to the people of Hilltops. The way our community has pulled together to face the challenges of COVID-19 during the current local outbreak has been very positive. I thank each and every person who has followed Public Health Orders, everyone who has come forward for testing and everyone who has done everything within their power to reduce the spread and keep our community safe.

I would also like to thank Peter Kirkwood and the Laverty Pathology team, and the Murrumbidgee Local Health District for the work they have undertaken to support the community, the hours put in, and the manner in which they have treated those being tested. I also acknowledge the difficult weather conditions in which they have worked and the way they handled this.

Thanks must also go to Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke. The effort and dedication of Steph over the recent local outbreak to keep our community updated and informed has been tremendous.

I take this opportunity to remind everyone that our biggest strength as a community is our resilience and our spirit and that is what will get us through this challenge.

Stay safe, follow Public Health Orders, and take care of yourselves and each other.

– Mayor Brian Ingram