Mayoral Message - April

Published on 05 May 2025

April has been a truly vibrant and productive month in the Yass Valley, and I hope you all enjoyed a restful Easter break. I was delighted to hear such positive feedback from visitors throughout the month, who consistently praised the cleanliness of Council amenities and the lively atmosphere, as locals and tourists alike explored our beautiful destinations, campgrounds, and enjoyed the wonderful food and wine our region has to offer.

A special commendation to our Parks and Gardens staff for ensuring everything was in excellent condition. It was lovely to hear how our picnic tables filled with families and travellers taking a break truly appreciated our region's facilities as well as our historic township.

MEETING WITH ROADS & REGIONAL TRANSPORT MINISTER

The significant traffic congestion on the Barton Highway over the public holiday, and the tragic fatality, has only galvanised my resolve to continue leading Council's efforts in advocating for the timely delivery of the highway's duplication stages and the crucial Murrumbateman bypass.

Picture: Jenny Aitchison MP (4th from L in red coat) with Yass Valley Councillors, staff and Sutton/Gunderoo community leaders.   

Given that the Yass Valley is home to significant transport infrastructure, including two federal highways, two state roads, five regional roads, and 1,237 km of local roads, we had a productive discussion with the NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison MP. In her visit to Yass, we discussed the Barton Highway planning priorities, the need for recognition of Yass as a strategic transport centre, the Sutton Bypass and local road upgrades, and the Murrumbateman Bypass as a vital safety and housing priority. We also raised the need for a Binalong Bypass to mitigate risks associated with the proposed inclusion of PBS3 trucks on the Hume Highway, and strongly advocated against the closure of Richmond Street in Binalong proposing alternative community-supported safety measures.

BARTON HIGHWAY COMMUNITY RALLY

I felt it was vitally important I support the Barton Highway Duplication rally, organised by local residents Tim and Tara Davaris through the 'Duplicate The Barton Community Action Group'. The strong advocacy and impressive turnout from concerned locals, Yass Valley Councillors, Yass Valley Business Chamber President Jack Walker, former Mayor & Regional Development Australia Chair Mrs Rowena Abbey, plus Riverina Federal election candidates was truly inspiring, with candidates attending pledging their support for the duplication and prioritisation of the Murrumbateman Bypass. It was great to see excellent media coverage helping to amplify the message that regional lives and local voices matter - and that the Barton Highway is a priority.

Picture: Federal Election candidates and Yass Valley Business Chamber join Mayor Jasmin Jones and Tim & Tara Devaris at the rally in Yass

WELCOMING OUR NEW CEO

This month, we officially welcomed Ms Gayleen Burley as our new CEO. Gayleen has started with tremendous energy, having had a busy first week that included a visit from the NSW Roads Minister on her first day, TV and ABC Radio interviews, meeting the Riverina sitting member Mr Michael McCormack, introductions to local business and community leaders, and her first Council meeting. She has a clear set of priorities, and I look forward to supporting her and the executive management team in achieving the Council's key objectives.

CRAGO MILL PRECINCT UPDATE & NGUNNAWAL ELDERS SITE TOUR & INPUT

Significant progress has been made on stage one of the Crago Mill precinct, with the steel frames for the new library and Council administration buildings now clearly visible. Both are on schedule for completion in September. I am grateful for the continued hard work and attention to detail of the builders and local tradespeople, as well as the diligent oversight from Council's Facilities Manager, Mr John Guiney, and Infrastructure Director, Mr Nathan Cooke. 

I am looking forward to seeing our children create artworks and learn new skills in the makerspace under construction within the new library, along with the designated youth chillout space with bean bags to drop in and read a book, listen to music or chat with friends.

Council has also continued collaborative consultations with our precinct partners: Onerwal LALC and the Ngunnawal community, the Local Emergency Services through the LEMCOM, and the Yass Valley Business Chamber. It was an honour to join Ngunnawal Elders and Onerwal LALC Board volunteers on site to witness the progress first hand, and discuss ways to express local Aboriginal history and heritage through embedded artwork, displayed pieces, and landscape design including a yarning circle and choice of native plants. As Mayor, I felt the tangible impact of reconciliation and inclusion that this partnership is fostering, much of which would not have been possible without the generous time, goodwill, and skills of Ms Marcayla Stopp for which I am very grateful.  Yass Police Inspector David Cowell, in his role as Local Emergency Management Commander (LEMCOM), is also being consulted as a stakeholder, as the Administration Building will serve as the Emergency Management headquarters during disasters or extreme weather events and will require a dedicated communications room equipped with a stand-alone generator.

Picture: Onerwal LALC and the Ngunnawal community inspect the progress of the Crago Mill Precinct. 

COUNTRY MAYORS

Following last month's Council meeting, Acting CEO Ms Julie Costa and I attended the Country Mayors Meeting in Sydney, where financial sustainability was a key focus. While there I secured a meeting with NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe, who visited Yass Valley on Friday, 2nd May to meet with Mayors from the Canberra Region Joint Organisation footprint who are impacted by the 365km of HumeLink overhead power lines and infrastructure crossing their shires. We advocated for meaningful compensation through legacy projects and untied funding for our areas in recognition of hosting this state significant infrastructure - ensuring that Transgrid is a community-focused stakeholder in our region.

Using an opportunity provided by Country Mayors Association, I was also able to meet with NSW Police Minister & Police Commissioner about the growing urgency to redevelop Yass Police Station and review staffing levels to meet current and future needs. I also called for improved support for rural police when jobs involve people with mental health challenges.

PATH TO ALL-ABILITIES PLAY FOR MURRUMBATEMAN 

We are progressing as quickly as possible with the selection of a site for the new all-abilities playground in Murrumbateman. The community survey, which is open until 12 May, will provide valuable insights into public preferences between the former sand arena site at the Murrumbateman Recreation Grounds and the Hercules St site. Council has also resolved to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of the two potential locations, which, along with other planning considerations, will inform the final decision. Our aim is to have all the necessary information ready for Councillors to vote on this at the May meeting.

BUSINESS AWARDS, WOMEN’S GOLF AND ART EXHIBITIONS

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees at the Yass Valley Business Chamber’s Business Awards 2025. It was a tremendously successfully night, and a joy to celebrate the best of Yass Valley’s business community in the beautifully newly renovated Shaw Estate in Murrumbateman.

Picture: Jasmin Jones with Tallangra Hill Winery, winners of the Excellence in Small Business award.

I was incredibly impressed with the artistic talent on display at the Yass U3A Arts Group Annual Show at Tyger Gallery, and was honoured to be asked to open their wonderful annual exhibition, which just gets bigger and better every time.

I was also honoured to present the winning Women's World Sand Greens Championship trophy to Min A Yoon from Korea at Binalong Golf Club. It was a huge event and thanks to the Binalong community and Community Club staff for their incredible hospitality, hard work, and pride in showcasing Binalong Golf and Yass Valley to the world.

ANZAC DAY COMMEMORATION & CELEBRATING OUR VETERANS

April concluded with beautiful autumn weather and moving ANZAC Day commemorations across the Yass Valley. It was an honour to join residents at RSL LifeCare Linton Village and Thomas Eccles Gardens for their services. I always appreciate the opportunity to meet our local veterans and hear their stories. It was a privilege to escort Mrs June Angel to the Yass Dawn Service and to hear retired Army Platoon Sergeant Ted Doyle share some memorable experiences including up to his armpits in water as a forward scout when a superior officer called out 'croc' (real or red herring is not for me to give away!). 

Picture: ANZAC veteran, Ted Doyle, showing the Mayor 'that Darn Sock' at the Soldiers Memorial Hall, Yass. 

It was also a pleasure to meet the visiting family of Trooper Peter Wold, a WWI Gallipoli veteran who passed away in Linton, Yass, in 1977. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our Cemeteries team and the family's diligence, his previously unmarked grave has now been granted official Australian War Grave status. It is a beautiful memorial, and I encourage you to visit and pay your respects in the Old Yass Cemetery (Anglican section). The family were incredibly grateful, and we were so pleased they could join our local commemorations.

A sincere thank you to the Yass RSL Sub-Branch for organising a meaningful memorial march and service, complete with Sarge the horse, historical displays in the Soldiers’ Memorial Hall, and a well-attended community BBQ.

Finally, thank you to everyone across our Yass Valley communities and villages who organised and participated in your local ANZAC Day services – your tributes were heartfelt and deeply appreciated.

Picture: RSL Yass Sub Branch ANZAC Day Service - April 2025

LOOKING AHEAD

Council will hold an extraordinary meeting of Council this Thursday (8th May) to ensure the operational plan, long term financial plan, 4-year-delivery plan and supporting documents are approved for public exhibition, in order for them to be formally adopted by the end of the financial year. Please use this opportunity to review them and provide your own feedback using the suggested links and forms.