In the three years since I arrived in the Southern Highlands, I’ve been truly captivated by the region.
The climate and environment, school and recreational choices, business opportunities and unique characters are just some of its attractions.
Its proximity to greater metropolitan areas is also an attraction for many of its residents. Many highland locals commute to Sydney, the Illawarra, Southern Tablelands and beyond for work.
And within this lies one of the Shire’s great challenges.
The Wingecarribee Shire does not fit neatly into any of these areas. We are separated by the Great Dividing Range from the South Coast and whilst we provide the bulk water supply for the greater Sydney area, the commercial hub of western Sydney is still some 60 minutes to the north by vehicle on the M5 Motorway. Goulburn is a similar distance to the south and Canberra still further.
Prior to the State Government releasing its Future Directions for NSW Local Government report, we had already initiated mutual service and skills sharing agreements with some of our neighbours. These discussions continue.
Our vast geographic area and relative small ratepayer base also present their share of issues. Grading and sealing remote country roads, while not unique to our Shire, continue to remain a priority. Recent investments in upgrading our mechanical plant fleet have allowed our staff to tackle outstanding projects and win contracts outside of our Shire.
Major Council infrastructure projects such as the construction of the Southern Regional Livestock Exchange, the Moss Vale Enterprise Zone and soon to be completed Moss Vale Indoor Aquatic Centre have also provided stimulus for local construction, livestock and manufacturing businesses.
Identifying local issues has also been tackled by the introduction of regular project –specific community consultative workshops and monthly mobile Information Kiosks where members of staff travel to outlying villages to discuss issues with local residents.
Underpinning all of these initiatives is the continued rollout of our staff Business Excellence program across the organisation and the recent releases of our annual Operational Plan and four year Delivery Program papers; documents outlining our program of works we plan on undertaking in the immediate future.
Whilst the challenges ahead are many, including the proposed changes to the current Local Government state model, perhaps even outside of our influence, I’m confident the recent work undertaken by the staff of Wingecarribee Shire Council will hold us in good stead as we meet and overcome these challenges.
