Community meetings called for northern and southern villages
Wingecarribee Shire Mayor Duncan Gair has called for bush fire affected residents to meet and discuss local priorities for the Federal Government’s recently announced $1 million Bushfire Relief Package.
Mayor Gair said it was imperative that residents have input as to where the money be spent.
“It’s all well and good for Council to say where we think the funding should be spent but this may not align with the thoughts of those directly impacted,” he said.
“That’s why we’ve convened these two meetings, for both our northern and southern fire-impacted communities, so they can tell us where they want the money to go.”
The first meeting will be held at the Bundanoon Soldiers Memorial Hall on Monday 20 January 2020 for bush fire affected residents of Wingello, Bundanoon, Penrose and Exeter.
The second meeting for northern villages including bush fire affected residents of Buxton, Balmoral and Hill Top will be held on Tuesday 21 January 2020 at the Hill Top War Memorial Hall.
Both venues will open from 6.00pm for a 6.15pm start and will be chaired by the Mayor.
“I would stress that these meetings have been called for those hardest hit by both the Green Wattle Creek and Morton fires,” the Mayor added. “We want to hear suggestions from residents who’ve lost houses, property or businesses as to where the $1 million should be directed.”
Both meetings will be live-streamed to Council’s Facebook page.
“If a bush fire impacted resident can’t attend the meeting I would encourage them to pass on their suggestion to someone who can attend so it can be heard and considered on the evening.”
RSVP’s for the meetings are not necessary and tea and coffee will be provided.
A further meeting will be organised for residents of Wombeyan Caves Road and the surrounding localities once local road closures have been lifted and inspected by Council and the area deemed safe by the Rural Fire Service.
Following the meetings the suggestions will be collated and presented at a Councillor Briefing Session on Wednesday 22 January for consideration. This will enable Councillors to be fully aware of the options prior to the Extraordinary Meeting of Council scheduled for the following Wednesday 29 January 2020, commencing at 3:30pm.
The Hill Top War Memorial Hall is located at 102 Wilson Drive in Hill Top.
The Bundanoon Soldiers Memorial Hall is located at 3 Railway Avenue in Bundanoon.
For more information on either meeting phone Council’s Bush Fire Recovery hotline on 1800 316 500.