Let me now continue the second of my reflections on the work of our Council.

As evidenced by our growing population, people keep settling in our valley to enjoy the charm and living amenities of town, villages and countryside. That development complies with principles and rules agreed and imposed without fear or favour. But the highly valued integrity of staff and councillors is being undervalued. In recent years the rules governing development have changed in conformity with surrounding regions and state government planning. Council has monitored the process and benefited from the intelligent analysis by planning staff whose reports inform Councillor’s strategic planning.

At times those decisions can be challenged, often without success. I read in Law Reports that the Court recently upheld Council’s determination that a certain parcel of rural land was unsuitable for a caravan park, however differently its proponents described their application. The residents of the nearby village and adjoining farmland rejoiced in Council’s custodianship and care for their amenity – and Council’s victory at law.

In recent months arguments have swirled about facilities to park and take a bus to the adjoining Capital Territory. That proposal developed by an earlier Council –in 2007 – was to be funded by a division of the state government. We are now all familiar with the countervailing claims by interested parties. The grant to create the facility has been lost, but a new small grant has allowed a number of other options to be considered. Let us hope that in good time one of these proposals endorsed by a majority will secure funding. You lose some, but we can all learn from experience.

Rates in Yass Valley are reasonable – much lower than in metropolitan Sydney where we once lived – and comparable to those charged in adjoining regions. Council’s Department of Corporate and Community Services administers and deploys those assets and funds with integrity, competence and transparency. External audits are laudatory; application of funds is routinely advised and then reported in open Council.  Scrutiny of cash flows, balance sheets, investment returns reveals the professional expertise of the staff involved – and careful oversight of Council in session.  Community based committees enhance the quality of Council’s work in its areas of responsibility and authority. Committees are reviewed to ensure relevance to the work of our local government. Indicative of Committees’ significance are the documents now on public exhibition, the Main Street Strategy and Draft Economic Strategy.  It will be interesting to monitor public response to both strategies.               

Pick up a copy of Wednesday’s Tribune for Ann’s final letter.