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Councillor Connect - 8 May 2025 - Councillor Peter Haggar

The decisions we as a community make today will go toward shaping what the Bega Valley Shire will be for the residents of the next generations...

Councillor Peter Haggar.

Authorised by Councillor Peter Haggar.

8 May 2025

The decisions we as a community make today will go toward shaping what the Bega Valley Shire will be for the residents of the next generations and, hopefully, for generations to come.

One of the things that people I speak to value most is our natural environment whether that be our fabulous coast and lakes, our recreational fishing, our rolling green hills (particularly at the moment) and of course what remains of our native forests and the spectacular wildlife they hold.

Council voted on 7 May 2025 to put on public exhibition for 28 days, eight plans that will set the direction that this Council will take over the next four years with the very restricted funds available. The Community Strategic Plan is intended to the goals of the community out to 2042 but with a particular emphasis on the rest of this Council term. I invite all residents to check it out, ensure it fits with your values, and make a submission.

When reading through these plans you will notice mention of options A, B and C particularly with regard to funding and asset renewal. The financial constraints that this Council faces means that we are forced to the lower funded option C, unless we can procure more funding either through increased rates, which seems unlikely at this time, or increased funding from other levels of government. Increased levels of funding will require advocacy which is, of course, a role of Council but also a role that can be played by all concerned residents by demanding that our newly (re)elected federal member increase funds and direct into our local communities.

Properly resourced local communities is climate action.

I along with my fellow Councillors will be available at community meetings at:

  • Eden on Tuesday 20 May
  • Bega on Thursday 22 May
  • Merimbula on Tuesday 27 May
  • Bermagui on Thursday 29 May.

Further details available on Council’s website.

I look forward to connecting with you and if there’s an issue in the shire that you’d like to discuss, please get in touch with me at PHaggar@begavalley.nsw.gov.au

© Bega Valley Shire Council 2025

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