Mayoral Column 9th September 2020
Published on 08 September 2020
Welcoming Ministers to our region
Last week I had the opportunity to spend a few hours with our State Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman and Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres. As part of a two day tour they were undertaking around the electorate we visited the Rocky Hill War Memorial Museum before heading down to the railway bridge pictured above to discuss the merits of the Goulburn to Crookwell Rail Trail.
As most community members will know I am an advocate of the project, and act as Chair of the Goulburn – Crookwell Rail Trail Committee. The project would be a game changer for our City and the entire region, attracting visitors from all around the country, bringing huge dollars and an economic boost.
Imagine riding your bike across the Wollondilly River on this amazing bridge, enjoying a leisurely ride that could take you all the way to Crookwell if you have the stamina!
We really need the NSW Government to get behind the project – an act of parliament is needed to close the rail line before we can progress. Let’s hope some of the money we hear is coming down the pipeline to stimulate the economy can be directed to this brilliant project.
Rural newsletter hitting mailboxes
This week a specific newsletter put together for our villages and rural communities is hitting mailboxes. Unfortunately due to COVID-19 we have had to cancel our 2020 outreach meetings, which are a great opportunity to meet face to face with our residents – but we want to ensure we are still able to consult with our rural communities.
Individuals and community groups in small numbers are welcome to make appointments to discuss issues with the Mayor, Councillor allocated to that village and the General Manager, which can be done by calling 4823 4444.
As always I remind residents that you don’t need to wait until these meetings to lodge a request! We have a great customer service team who are available to help – if you call 4823 4444 they can put requests into our system, and you can even request a phone call back to provide an update.
The newsletter also includes information on the 2020/21 schedule of works and capital works program for our rural areas which I am sure residents will find of interest.
Free e-waste weekend reminder
A reminder that there is less than two weeks until our free e-waste weekend which will be held on the 19th and 20th of September after being postponed earlier this year due to COVID-19.
During this weekend Council will accept fridges/freezers/air-conditioners, mattresses, clean steel and e-waste at Waste Management Centres in Goulburn, Marulan and Tarago. Bulky household general waste such as furniture or garden waste will be accepted at the November disposal weekend later this year.
This weekend is always a busy, successful one, and a great opportunity to clean out the shed or the spare room. E-waste accepted includes televisions, computers, printers, fax machines and computer accessories, while mattresses are always a popular item to dispose of.
Each household is entitled to dispose of two fridges/freezers, two mattresses, one air-conditioner, 1m cubed of e-waste and /or up to 2m cubed of clean steel items free of charge. Any other waste will be charged as per normal fees and charges.
The weekend is a self-haul to waste centre event, and those seeking assistance to get items to the tip are encouraged to contact local waste disposal companies and handyman services.
Due to the impacts of COVID-19 and social distancing requirements, Council staff will not be able to assist customers in unloading their items as has occurred in previous years. Residents must ensure they are able to unload vehicles themselves, for example by ensuring more than one person attends for unloading.