MAYORAL COLUMN

VISITING THE NEW BROKEN HILL CHILDREN’S CONTACT SERVICE

The new Children’s Contact Service at Broken Hill is a welcoming space full of toys and games for the children who need it most. It was great to visit recently and see such a friendly, safe environment ready to support families who are in need of supervised visitation.

In 2021 the former Coalition Government committed $40.7 million to establishing 20 new Children’s Contact Services across Australia. I made representations to the then Attorney General to ensure Broken Hill and the Far West would be eligible to apply for this funding. These representations were successful in getting the Far West recognised as an eligible region and CatholicCare Wilcannia Forbes Broken Hill were able to secure $2 million for the Children’s Contact Service we see today. This outcome couldn’t have been achieved without the determination of Julua Hamel, the CCWF Broken Hill team and numerous other community members who fought to bring a Children’s Contact Service to the Far West.

The budget for 2023/24 is now available for your perusal on the Council website. You will notice that the budget delivers a $6.6M loss.

When you read more you will discover that the loss is the same amount as the depreciation figure of $6.6M. It seems unfair to me that council has to wear the depreciation on all the buildings on crown land and the RFS fleet of fire trucks etc as well as the many fire sheds. Council has no ownership of any of this property, it all belongs to the state government yet the auditor general insists that councils carry the burden of depreciation.

The other great inequality thrust upon councils is the limited rate peg of 4.1% for Gwydir. An example of the difficulty we find ourselves in when budgeting is as follows.

The predicted increase in salaries, to be announced in June, is 5.5%. This will result in an increased cost of $1.0M which includes on costs. The rate increase will yield only $300.00.

Release Of The Schott Report On The Inland Rail

Last week I spoke in defence of the Inland Rail project following the release of findings from an independent review led by former Commonwealth energy adviser Dr Kerry Schott. The findings from this report have been used by Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King to criticise the project.

In all of this report there has remained no question as to the significance of and the need for the Inland Rail. If we are looking at reducing our global emissions, reducing the amount of trucks on the Newell Highway, and moving intermodal freight between two of our biggest capital cities, the Inland Rail does that.

I defend and support the Inland Rail and the work on the ground that has been completed so far, which is world class. The completed sections of the Inland Rail are as good as any railroad in the world and all those involved should be incredibly proud. Minister King has consistently cast criticism on the Inland Rail; however I call on her to recognise its undeniable significance not only to Western New South Wales but nationally and give clarity to the future of this project

If you add the increased prices of fuel, electricity, bitumen, gravel, lime, cement and other building materials along with plant cost increases it puts the Council in a very difficult situation.

On the bright side, Council has budgeted for a capital expenditure of $41,474,307. Council’s own source contribution to the above amount is $6,110,188.This is mainly due to the generosity of the previous State and Federal Governments.

The round of community meetings will commence at the end of April and any questions you might have can be addressed then.

- Cr John Coulton Mayor

Community Meetings Set For Gwydir Shire

Gwydir Shire Council will be holding Community Meetings throughout the months of April and May.

Wednesday 26 April 2023 | 6pm | Sporting Club, North Star

Thursday 27 April 2023 | 6pm | Bowling Club, Croppa Creek

Tuesday 2 May 2023 | 6pm | Roxy Theatre, Bingara

Thursday 4 May 2023 | 6pm | Town Hall, Warialda

Tuesday 9 May 2023 | 6pm | Old RSL Club, Gravesend

Tuesday 16 May 2023 | 6pm | Sporting Club, Upper Horton

The purpose of these meetings is for Council to deliver important information to the communities of Gwydir.

Local residents are encouraged to attend to bring forward any concerns or needs.

A light meal and refreshments will be provided at each meeting. The Gwydir News will also be attending - an opportunity to let us know what you would like in your local newspaper.