monaropost.com.au
THE POST/SUN, Wednesday, May 1, 2024 - Page 1
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
monaropost.com.au
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ISSN 1834-0318
LOCAL BUSKERS STAR
DEPOT YARDS VITAL
STALLIONS CELEBRATE
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SPORT
Region reflects in record numbers COMMEMORATIONS: ANZAC Day services across the region attracted strong crowds. Berridale’s morning service was well attended. PHOTO: Trista Heath
Services slashed Cuts to arts, library: Council g budget
made, or risk the possibility of being placed into administration. “At the moment we are trying to be all things to all people, and it’s not working,” Mr Hogan said. “Administration is a real possibility if we don’t make these tough decisions ourselves. “As we prepare the next budget, we are now looking at a multi-million dollar operating cash shortfall just for next financial year.” Despite Council’s divestment from residential aged care and introduction of a special rate variation, Mr Hogan said more needs to be done. “You can only spend what you have and right now we are committed to projects and services we can no longer fund to the extent we currently are. I will be upfront with the community about that,” Mr Hogan said. Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce president, Olivier Kapetanakos, said the move to limit Council’s economic development, along with the other proposed changes, is ‘shortsighted’. “Council has missed an opportunity of fundamentally reviewing what it does rather than slicing money from departments,” Mr Kapetanakos said. “I think by reducing the economic development portfolio without suggesting an alternative is short-sighted. “Councillors should be spending more time lobbying state government for funding of activities that they are doing on their behalf.”
By NATHAN THOMPSON
ANZAC Day services around the Snowy Monaro attracted record crowds, with thousands of people gathering to honor service personnel who have fought for Australia’s freedom. Commemorations were held in Adaminaby, Berridale, Bombala, Bredbo, Cooma, Delegate, Jindabyne, Michelago and Nimmitabel. In Cooma, the dawn service drew
hundreds, one of the largest crowds for many years. Cooma-Monaro RSL Sub-branch president Ray Peters-Smith said the strong crowds in Cooma indicate the ANZAC Day spirit is alive and well in the community. “The dawn service had one of its largest crowds. Many people have commented on how big the dawn crowd was, despite the frosty start
to the day,” Mr Peters-Smith said. “Our community showed how important ANZAC DAY is, the veterans and current service personnel were very appreciative.” ■ Read more on page 7. ■ Photos of the region’s services on
pages 16 and 17.
JOB losses, reduced library hours and disbanding its donations program, are just a few of the services and functions Snowy Monaro Regional Council plans to slash in efforts to improve its financial position. An extraordinary meeting will be held on Thursday as Council places its draft budget and operational plan on public exhibition. The proposed plans have been released in Council’s business paper for the Thursday meeting, and they show significant cutbacks. If the documents are placed on community consultation in their current state, ratepayers will be asked to consider whether they want to see the scope of Council’s economic development team reduced, and its youth services, community development, and donations/ sponsorship programs axed. Council’s arts and culture committee is proposed to be cut, the Cooma Library closed on Saturdays outside of school holidays, the mobile library taken off the road and a $300,000 saving by limiting the scope of the biosecurity team. Council chief executive officer David Hogan said the organisation has reached a stage where tough decisions must be
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