The July Ordinary Council Meeting is approaching next week, and among various agenda items, I want to highlight an important issue in our community.
I'll be presenting a Mayoral report to raise awareness and advocate for action on the growing burden of cost shifting from higher levels of government onto local councils, specifically here at Hilltops Council.
The financial strain on local councils, including Hilltops, continues to escalate.
According to the latest Local Government NSW Cost Shifting Report 2023/2024 by independent consultants Morrison Low, councils across NSW had to absorb $1.5 billion in unfunded responsibilities - an increase of $140 million since 2021/22.
This equates to an average of $497.40 per ratepayer, up from $460.68 just two years ago.
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These numbers aren't just figures - they directly impact our community.
Every dollar diverted to cover State Government responsibilities is a dollar not invested in local roads, parks, libraries, and essential services.
For Hilltops Council, this means delays in road maintenance and pothole repairs across our towns, reduced capacity to extend pool or library hours and community programs, and slower progress on vital infrastructure projects such as recreation area upgrades and town centre revitalisation.
Hilltops Council stands united with other NSW councils in advocating for reform.
We must ensure that local government is funded fairly and sustainably so we can continue to deliver the services our communities rely on.
On another note, I want to remind everyone about considerate and lawful parking practices.
Parking rules, governed by the NSW State Government, ensure the safety and accessibility of all community members.
To avoid fines and demerit points, please adhere to parking time limits, avoid parking in disabled areas without a permit, and respect ‘No Stopping’ signs and bus zones.
Council Rangers are unable to review or overturn infringements once issued and are not involved in the appeals process.
Any appeals must go directly through Revenue NSW.
I was pleased to attend the Lions Club of Young Changeover Luncheon on Sunday.
I congratulate the club on another successful year and acknowledge the distribution of much needed funds to our community groups for 2024-25, also announced on Sunday.
Lions and Rotary are both fantastic community organisations that make valuable contributions to local people.
They rely solely on volunteers, and I encourage anyone wanting to make new social connections while contributing meaningfully to the community to consider volunteering.
I commend the Young Mosque for their initiative in providing over 100 hot meals to those in need last week.
There are plans for this to become a regular service, with the next meals to be handed out in Boorowa.
It's heartening to see such efforts during these challenging times.
Lastly, a shout-out to local business Sim.ple for their successful annual fundraiser - this year raising over $8,000 for the oncology department at Young Hospital.
Well done to Megan and her team for their dedication to supporting our community.
These are just some examples of community spirit being alive and well.
Please keep looking out for each other, especially our elderly and more vulnerable residents during these cold winter months.
Mayor Brian Ingram
