From the Mayor’s desk: Mayor Claire Pontin

WE are continuing to work with the NSW Reconstruction Authority to ensure the funds we have outlaid on emergency flood repairs are refunded.

So far Council has spent $49 million on essential road works and have received only $12 million back.

The longer this drags on the more potential impact it has on our cashflow in the future.

Senior staff and I are meeting weekly with senior staff from NSWRA and they are well aware of our problems.

We are calling for people to join the Floodplain Management reference group.

This group is to advise Council on the development and implementation of flood risk management plans for our region.

If you would like more information head to www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/fmrg

I am pleased that the temporary Tiri Bridge is open and was finished many weeks ahead of plans.

The team did a great job. The focus is now on getting the permanent replacement in place.

It is also pleasing that Wingham’s The Bight Bridge project has been approved by the NSWRA as eligible for funding.

A lot of design work is still required before construction can begin and we will keep the community informed as this project continues.

My fellow Councillors and I have been working hard on putting together the Draft Operational Plan 2026-27 and the revised 2025-2029 Delivery Program.

Each year, we ask the community to review these important documents and provide comments and feedback.

The documents will be presented to a Council meeting and placed on public exhibition in the coming weeks.

Our next round of Community Conversations will kick off towards the end of April.

These events are a great opportunity for community members to hear directly about our key issues and activities; to ask questions of staff and to have a chat to Councillors.

I look forward to meeting some of you there. If you subscribe to our weekly News Wrap or visit our website you will see all the venues and dates.

By Mayor Claire PONTIN