West Coast residents are invited to an information session tonight to learn more about the key elements that Councillors will be considering for the 2017-2018 Annual Plan and Budget

Councillors and staff have been working extensively for the last few months to prepare a strong budget and key aims for the next financial year, including taking into consideration public submissions for projects to be included in the budget.  This meeting is a good chance for the public to gain a better understanding of the stringent budget processes Councils are required to undertake.  The meeting will be held at the Council Chambers from 6.30pm.

At the Council meeting on 27 April 2017, Councillors unanimously accepted a recommendation regarding operation of the Macquarie Heads Camping Ground.  This included details about what procedures should be adopted for moving forward with the operation, beyond the expiry date of all current individual site licences on 30 June 2017.  All existing site holders, and those on the waiting list for sites, will receive a letter from Council outlining those changes in detail, with details also available on our website.  These changes have not been taken lightly by Council and we trust that site holders will read the information provided carefully and come to Council with queries to allay concerns directly.

It has been a busy couple of weeks on the West Coast with the announcement of the State Government funding to Mt Lyell generating a lot of conversations and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter visit to Mountain Heights School last week a great experience for the students.  Council also formalised our resource sharing agreement with Stornoway and hosted the Destination West Coast tourism forum whilst tonight we will recognise the wonderful efforts of our volunteers as part of National Volunteers Week – all direct outcomes of the West Coast Community Plan 2025 and important steps forward for our region.

Phil Vickers

MAYOR