Message from Deputy Mayor Peter Wilkins
I’ve had some mighty big shoes to fill this week and it’s certainly given me a new appreciation for the work carried out by the Mayor.
Cr White has had little choice but to hand me the reins as she recovers at home from a fractured collarbone and injured shoulder. When we spoke earlier this week, she was in good spirits but must limit the movement in her arm to aid her recovery. I’ll be filling in until 23 May while she takes a leave of absence and I'm sure you'll join me in wishing her a speedy recovery.
Today, the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) approved Council’s request for a Special Rate Variation (SRV) of 12 per cent from 1 July 2025. The rate increase of 12 per cent, including the 3.8 per cent rate peg, will see an average increase in rates of around $3.46 a week. We know that every cent counts in households across the Shoalhaven, but this increase will allow us to prioritise the backlog of maintenance required for critical assets across the city. You can find more information here.
My week has had a sport focus which, as a cricket tragic, has suited me just fine. I had the honor of attending the Illawarra Academy of Sport (IAS) Mayoral Afternoon Tea on Monday to recognise the outstanding achievements of local athletes and coaches. I also headed out to the Artie Smith Oval to receive an award from Cricket Australia and one from the New South Wales Cricket Association (which triggered the major award). The Oval has been recognised as the Community Facility Project of the Year and if you’ve ever visited this incredible facility, you’ll know why.
As well, there was a delightful midweek visit to Shoalhaven Neighbourhood Services in East Nowra for morning tea as part of their Neighbourhood Centre week celebrations. The team do an incredible job with a wide range of social, training and support activities for individuals, families and groups. Congratulations for your ongoing dedication to the community. Thank you Nadia and the team for a warm welcome and ongoing inspiration.
Speaking of facilities and the places and spaces that we love to visit, Council has just kicked off its review of the Community Infrastructure Strategic Plan (CISP) which establishes a 30-year vision for community facilities and open spaces to help guide short, medium and long-term planning and investment. With more than 600 open spaces and community facilities across the Shoalhaven, we want to know what you want from the buildings, parks, pools, sportsgrounds and playgrounds in your neighbourhood. Make sure you do the survey.
Next Tuesday I'll be heading down to the Ulladulla Civic Centre where the NSW Government will be holding its Community Cabinet. The event presents residents with an opportunity to engage with the NSW Premier, Chris Minns and Cabinet Ministers about local priorities. I hope you’ll consider attending as it presents a great opportunity for us all to raise issues that matter to us here in the Shoalhaven.
One issue we tackled this week was around stormwater at Culburra and Orient Point. Residents will be pleased to know Council will now begin clearing your drains on a quarterly basis to help mitigate flooding of low-lying areas. Thank you to the residents out there who raised this with us. We’re pleased we could find a resolution and hope it will ease your concern, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. We should have a maintenance schedule up on Council’s website in the coming weeks.
We also announced this week that specialised rehabilitation works on The Wool Road in Old Erowal Bay will begin after the long weekend in June. A single lane is being built so residents won't have to detour via Tomerong and we’ll keep you updated on the exact start date in the coming weeks.
I’d also like to remind you of the important polices, strategies and plans we currently have on public exhibition. Please take some time to have a read and make sure your voice is heard.
Have a great weekend.
Deputy Mayor,
Peter Wilkins