The December Agenda: The 11 Proposals Shaping the Council’s Path Forward - By Chris Chan
Welcome back to the Monaro Zone, your trusted source for all things Snowy Monaro governance. Today, we’re diving into the Notice of Motions for the upcoming December 12 Council Meeting. It’s a packed agenda with 11 motions put forward by three Councillors, reflecting a mix of strategic proposals and operational priorities.
Here’s the breakdown: Councillor Andrew Thaler leads with six motions, Councillor Rueben Rose has four, and Councillor Nick Elliott has submitted one motion - his first motion if I’m not mistaken - good on him! Together, these represent a variety of community concerns, from improving governance practices to addressing service gaps. Let’s take a closer look at each motion and what it could mean for our region.
1. Improving Council Business Papers
Proposer: Councillor Reuben Rose
Reason: Simplify Council business papers into a one-page executive summary with no more than four supporting pages. This aims to make Council processes clearer for decision-makers and the public.
Executive Response: While the idea is supported in principle, the transition would require new templates, costing $5,000–$8,000, along with staff training.
2. Install Speakers at Cooma Tipshop
Proposer: Councillor Andrew Thaler
Reason: Install speakers to improve communication and reduce antisocial behavior at the Tipshop.
Executive Response: The Executive Team disagrees, stating that existing portable radios are sufficient and questioning the efficacy of the proposed solution.
3. SMRC Mobile Library Truck
Proposer: Councillor Andrew Thaler
Reason: Preserve the mobile library service for remote communities, emphasizing its importance for education and social inclusion.
Executive Response: Budget constraints mean the library truck has been scaled back, with outreach services already implemented as an alternative.
4. January 2025 Council Meeting
Proposer: Councillor Andrew Thaler
Reason: Hold a Council meeting in January to address key issues such as budget planning and project timelines.
Executive Response: The Executive Team suggests it is unnecessary, as no urgent matters have been identified that cannot wait until February.
5. Tip Staff
Proposer: Councillor Andrew Thaler
Reason: Address understaffing at waste facilities by hiring more staff and cross-training office employees to ensure service continuity.
Executive Response: Staffing gaps are being addressed through ongoing recruitment, and cross-training is deemed inefficient for the required roles.
6. Special Entertainment Precincts
Proposer: Councillor Andrew Thaler
Reason: Explore the creation of entertainment precincts to boost local tourism and provide economic opportunities.
Executive Response: While the concept has potential, the Council currently doesn’t qualify for grants related to these initiatives, limiting immediate feasibility.
7. SMRC’s Weed Control Strategy
Proposer: Councillor Reuben Rose
Reason: Review the $1.5 million annual expenditure on weed management to ensure alignment with legislative requirements and cost efficiency.
Executive Response: Supports the need for a review, proposing that the strategy undergo an internal assessment for improvements.
8. Cost of Security Operations
Proposer: Councillor Reuben Rose
Reason: Obtain a transparent account of security expenses incurred over the past 18 months and evaluate their effectiveness.
Executive Response: Agrees that a review is necessary to ensure that spending aligns with operational priorities and provides recommendations for efficiency.
9. Ratepayer Survey
Proposer: Councillor Reuben Rose
Reason: Conduct a comprehensive analysis of ratepayer surveys to identify and act on key priorities raised by the community.
Executive Response: Supports the proposal and recommends incorporating survey findings into future budget and strategic planning processes.
10. Staff Survey Briefing
Proposer: Councillor Reuben Rose
Reason: Provide Councillors with a briefing on the results of a recent staff survey to gain insights into organizational performance and morale.
Executive Response: Agrees, noting that a briefing will be arranged with a third-party facilitator presenting detailed findings.
11. Provision of Current Organisation Chart
Proposer: Councillor Nick Elliott
Reason: Ensure transparency by providing an updated organizational chart, with particular attention to the qualifications of engineers.
Executive Response: Supports the motion and commits to regularly updating the chart as part of governance practices.
These motions reflect the diverse challenges faced by the Snowy Monaro Regional Council, from governance reforms and community engagement to operational improvements. As ratepayers, it’s crucial to stay informed and engaged.
We’ll be watching closely as these motions are debated on December 12. Will they pass, or will we see differing visions collide? Stay tuned to the Monaro Zone for the post-meeting analysis.
Until next time, this is your host, signing off. Stay informed, Snowy Monaro.
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