Feedback invited for Fit For The Future

RESIDENTS will get to have their say on the future of Yass Valley Council, during its Fit For The Future public meetings held across the valley during the next two weeks.

Councils across the state have been challenged to assess whether they have the capacity and scale to be financially sustainable for the long term.

Some, such as Harden and Cootamundra, believe it’s best to amalgamate and are currently consulting with residents, ratepayers and staff about a Council Merger Proposal.

Yass Valley Council has resolved to remain a stand-alone council and has put forward three scenarios for public consultation.

They are:

Scenario 1: Current Trend – rate peg only (currently at 2.4 per cent) which would minimise the impact of rate increases but erode services over time;

Scenario 2: Increased Maintenance – rate increase by six per cent above the rate peg for four years, to increase road maintenance (urban, rural sealed and unsealed roads) and repair timber bridges;

Scenario 3: Infrastructure Improvements – Rates increase by seven per cent above the rate peg for five years, with all of the roads/bridge maintenance of Scenario 2 plus additional infrastructure improvements.

More detailed descriptions of the options can be found on Council’s website, the council office, Yass and Murrumbateman libraries, Yass Visitor Information Centre and village post offices.

As part of its preparation for creating the submission, a community working group made up of senior staff, councillors and 40 community members has met on several occasions to discuss the issues.

They will meet again next month after the current round of community consultations.

In order to be “Fit for the Future” the NSW Government must find the council sustainable, efficient and able to manage infrastructure and deliver services for its community.

It must also have the scale and capacity to engage effectively across the community, industry and government.

Councils are required to submit their proposals to the Office of Local Government by June 30.

Meetings:

Yass Soldiers Club, tonight

Murrumbateman Inn, tomorrow night

Wee Jasper Hall, May 18

Bookham Hall, May 19

Wallaroo Wattle Park Hall, May 20

Binalong Mechanics Institute, May 21

Bowning Hall, May 26

Sutton Hall, May 28.

All meetings go from 6pm-7.30pm.

Read a Scoop Yass Valley opinion piece about Fit For The Future here.