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Mayor's Message - 1 May 2025 - Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick

Each fortnight, Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick shares his insights on his community conversations, ongoing project progress, events and activities. Stay connected and collaborate to share the future of our community.

Russell Fitzpatrick, Mayor of Bega Valley Shire.

Authorised by Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick

1 May 2025

It was great to see a huge turnout at Anzac Day Services right across the shire and a big thank you to the RSL Sub Branches for their work in co-ordinating the day.

I personally started the day with the Merimbula Dawn Service followed by the Pambula Service and the 11am Bega Service, and laid wreaths on behalf of Council.

A war memorial and a ceremony going on on Anzac Day.

Other Councillors attended and laid wreaths on behalf of Council at Memorials throughout the shire.

Next week’s Council meeting seeks endorsement to put on public exhibition its budget and planning documents including the Capital Works Program, Delivery Plan, Operational Plan as well as the Budget and Long Term Financial Plan.

The Documents set out Capital and other works Council will attempt to deliver via its 2025-2029 Delivery Plan. I encourage all residents to read these documents as well as other documents including the recently adopted Community Engagement Strategy and provide feedback while they are on exhibition.

Recently as part of the Country Mayors Association I have met with the State Environment Minister Penny Sharpe to discuss the effects that the Biodiversity legislation has across Regional NSW. Further meetings are also planned with the Minister with the hope to get a better outcome to permit more affordable housing. Minister Sharpe is aware of the problems we face and has undertaken to meet and work to resolutions.

Next Friday 9 May, along with other Mayors from the Country Mayors Association will meet with Health Minister Ryan Park to discuss health issues and the lack of GPs in Regional NSW.

I wish to congratulate our Surf Club and Marine Rescue organisations who carried out searches and rescue operations in the recent large seas. Thank you never seems enough when you put your own lives at risk to save others.

If you’d like to provide any feedback, please send me an email to  RFitzpatrick@begavalley.nsw.gov.au Thanks for reading and have a great weekend.

© Bega Valley Shire Council 2025

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