From Hilltops Council – Brian Ingram

Over the weekend Council issued and then lifted a Boil Water Alert for the Young Water Supply System.

Following notification of the alert, Council continued to conduct testing on the system. All results have proven that the water quality is safe for drinking. Council is satisfied that there is no public health risk to the Young Water Supply System users. The Boil Water Alert was put in place as a precautionary measure after a sample from the Young water supply returned a positive E.Coli result. Council will continue to monitor the network daily as part of standard operating procedures and do not anticipate any further abnormal results or disruption to water supply. The safety of the community is our highest priority, and I thank the community for their cooperation during this alert.

There have been a few updates recently in relation to the Galong Limestone Operation. The upgrade of the acceleration lane onto Burley Griffin Way, at its intersection with Limestone Way, has commenced.

Works are expected to be completed around June this year. Disruption during these works should be minimal and strict controls will be implemented to ensure vehicle and pedestrian safety.

Also in Galong, Council presented plans for the upgrade of Limestone Park at the Galong Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) Committee Meeting held this week. These works will be funded from the voluntary contributions received by the Galong Limestone Operation. Council is planning further consultation with the community regarding these plans to ensure the project delivers the best outcomes for the community.

Council recently released the tender for four major bridge projects. Last week Council conducted a site visit of the four bridge sites with potential tenderers. Representatives from fifteen companies were in attendance, a great indication that we will receive some strong and competitive submissions.

Councillors were briefed last week on several matters including the December 2020 quarterly budget review and the draft 2019-20 financial statements which are currently being audited. We also received an update on highlights of the 6 monthly report on the Delivery Plan and Operational Plan which will be presented to Council at the February Council Meeting being held next week. Highlights for the reporting period 1 July – 31 December 2020 showcased many achievements of Council including progress on the four bridges projects, shop local and spring and summer marketing campaigns to stimulate the local economy, the formation of the Hilltops Youth Action Group, submission of the Hilltops Local Environmental Plan for Gateway Determination, a weeds aerial spraying initiative long the Hume Highway, completion of the Young Aquatic Centre upgrade and installation of solar lighting at Roberts Park and Harden Pool. The Boorowa Drought Security Scoping Study was also finalised. This progress is pleasing, and I very much look forward to the completion of a number of outstanding projects before the end of term for the current Council.

- Mayor Brian Ingram

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• Local Council