This successful grant application is our largest for the project and brings the total grant funding to $8 million, which takes the pressure off the council and our community. I would like to thank Pru for her tireless efforts – she has been a strong supporter of the project right from the start and I think we are all looking forward to the adaptive re-use of the magnificent Old Town Hall to get underway.

As part of our strategic planning program we will be undertaking a Recreational Needs Strategy that will examine recreational land around the region.

The strategy is examining the whole local government area, with the goal of bringing forward recommendations to include provisions into Council’s Development Control Plan for open space in new developments.

This work will provide us with clear data that will support future grant funding applications for open space such as the Riverside Park in Mary’s Mount. A draft strategy is expected to be completed for community consultation in October, before a final report is prepared for council’s consideration prior to the end of the year.

At the start of Tuesday’s council meeting we recognised some of our region’s best young athletes through the Ray Harvey Sports Foundation. Seven young adults received grants to support them with their representative endeavours and we wish them all the best.

Following the presentations we heard from our local Youth Council on their achievements and efforts over the past year. We are lucky to have an active group who contribute their time to events, fundraising and issues in our community. They have some big goals for the coming years, including a bid to host the 2019 Youth Conference in Goulburn, which would be a great coup!