Category Archives: Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has praised the dedication and unwavering commitment of local resident John Ashcroft who is stepping down from his role as president of the Cootamundra Men’s Shed after ten years.

“John’s been a tireless advocate for the Men’s Shed in Cootamundra over the years and has played an instrumental role in the growth and success of this vital community organisation,” Ms Cooke said.

“He has dedicated his time, expertise, and leadership to ensure that the Men’s Shed remains a cornerstone of support and camaraderie for the local community, providing a welcoming space for members to connect, share skills, and contribute to meaningful projects,” she said.

Ms Cooke joined with John and his wife Cathy, along with other members of the Cootamundra Men’s Shed community for a farewell event at the clubhouse on Wednesday.

“I’ve known John for a long time; before I entered into parliament he would often come and see me for a chat in my florist shop, so I was truly honoured to be able to present him with a plaque acknowledging his tireless efforts at the Men’s Shed,” Ms Cooke said.

“I certainly wish John and Cathy all the best as they begin a new chapter in their lives; they will certainly be missed by the community.

“John’s departure marks the end of an era, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt by all, but I’m confident his legacy is in safe hands with new president Bill McCaskill, who I wish well in his new role,” she said.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the NSW Labor Government has clearly lost its way on the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council demerge process, and has turned its back on the local community, who are now once again facing an uncertain future.

Ms Cooke said she is shocked and dismayed by the Local Government Minister’s decision to blind-side the community with a significant roadblock on the path to de-amalgamation, by announcing yet another inquiry into the issue.

“I don’t know if the minister has been paying close attention, but newsflash: we have been there and done that. This is déjà vu all over again,” Ms Cooke said.

“12 months ago we had a commitment from the previous Coalition Government to demerge the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council, and importantly we had a plan to make it happen.

“That decision put in place a road map to facilitate the demerge, and we were well on our way to our destination; it was full speed ahead. In March this year, that journey came to a grinding halt, and now we have a minister who has taken a disastrously wrong turn, leading us back to where we started.

“This will be the third time the Boundaries Commission has examined this demerge proposal, which begs the question: how many times will it take for the NSW Labor Government to understand that this is what the local communities overwhelmingly want to see happen?

“It’s clear the NSW Labor Government has zero understanding of this issue, and is kicking the can down the road by setting up another inquiry, which it appears, is the only way the Labor Party know how to govern.

“If, as they claim, legislation is needed to help facilitate the demerge process, then I say to the minister: make it happen. Step up and take some leadership on this issue; show that you aren’t completely back-flipping on your promise to honour and fund the original demerge decision, which were commitments the then opposition made to these communities prior to the election.

“The NSW Labor Government has kicked this issue down the road, and by setting up yet another inquiry, the minister is clearly ducking for cover, and completely betraying the communities of Cootamundra and Gundagai in the process.

“And let’s not forget, local government elections are now less than 12 months away, which leaves very little time for the demerge process – should it go ahead – to be completed.

“The NSW Labor Government has never had this community’s back, and that’s been well and truly demonstrated here today. We are now back at square one, and the communities of Cootamundra and Gundagai remain in complete limbo, unable to plan for their future.

“It has been a tough fight to get to this point, and clearly it’s not over, but the people of Cootamundra, Gundagai, and those in nearby villages, can be assured they have my full support as we continue the fight to get the outcome our communities want, and more importantly, deserve,” she said.

Last Thursday marked one year to the day that it was announced the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council would be de-amalgamated.

When it was first announced, everyone involved understood that the demerge process would require patience and perseverance; we were all prepared for that. But it feels as though it has stalled entirely.

We’re now 12 months down the track and nothing has happened, and I have serious concerns about the lack of progress on this issue.

The entire community feels as though they have been left high and dry, so the question is: how long are they expected to live in limbo?

Understandably, this delay is starting to take a toll on the well-being of council staff, who have done an outstanding job in maintaining the level of delivery the community expects from their Local Government, and I commend them for their dedication and sense of duty.

But the fact remains, the communities of Cootamundra, Gundagai, and the smaller villages deserve action now.

Assurances have been sought from the Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig on the way forward; I personally have written to the Minister, and I understand Mayor Sheahan has written to him twice, along with the Riverina Joint Organisation, inviting him to visit the area, to meet with council, locals, and myself, and see for himself just how urgent the situation has become.

But all we’ve had in response is silence; this is simply not good enough. The Minister must give the community, its elected officials, and council staff, the respect they all deserve, and give them some certainty around their future. The clock is ticking.

Longstanding concerns about Annie Pyers Drive, home to the Dog on the Tuckerbox, have been heard by the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads during a visit to the Cootamundra electorate.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke joined the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, the Hon Jenny Aitchison at the location on Friday, together with representatives from Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC).

“We know the upkeep required at Annie Pyers Drive is a significant burden for Council given the high volumes of traffic, including heavy vehicles, off the Hume Highway,” Ms Cooke said.

“I have made many representations on this matter to Transport for New South Wales over the years, including to the Regional Road reclassification Review.

“It is clear a longer-term solution for the road is desperately needed because the pavement deteriorates too quickly between maintenance works.

“The condition of the road is also a significant safety issue for all who access the service centre, including those who own a business and work here.”

Ms Cooke said although funding secured by CGRC for safety works at Annie Pyers Drive last year has been a significant boost, a longer-term solution would be for the road to be reclassified.

“This would allow Council to focus on crucial road and maintenance works elsewhere in the network and provide local businesses and road users some surety that the ongoing upkeep and works required at this location will be achieved.”

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is calling on Transport for NSW (TfNSW) and ARTC to resolve an impasse which has stalled the Wallendbeen Bridge replacement project on Burley Griffin Way.

“Works on site have been at a standstill since March, with no community engagement since the NSW Government went into caretaker mode back in February,” Ms Cooke said.

“Many residents and primary producers rely on this route to travel to work and school, and to transport goods.

“The local community absolutely deserves better and needs to be provided with an assurance this important piece of infrastructure will be in place by the end of the year.”

Ms Cooke said construction of the permanent bridge commenced in November last year and was anticipated to take 12 months.  

In response to a Question on Notice from Ms Cooke in the first parliamentary sitting week, the Minister for Regional Transport confirmed contractors were last on site on 31 March 2023.

“I had the opportunity to speak with the Minister directly about the impact of any delays to the project for the community, which I understand are due to unresolved access arrangements between TfNSW and ARTC.

“I am therefore urging for a resolution to this issue to be achieved as soon as possible, and I am pleased TfNSW are looking to host another community information session in Wallendbeen soon.” Details of the next community information session will be made available soon at Burley Griffin Way Bridge at Wallendbeen | Transport for NSW

Expressions of Interest (EOI) for local GP clinics to participate in a state-wide rollout of the Single Employer Model for rural doctors are well underway.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said EOIs were being undertaken now via the NSW Division of Regional Health, Local Health Districts (LHDs) and Primary Health Networks (PHNs) in preparation for the first intake of doctors across the region early next year.

“Despite GPs being the responsibility of the Federal Government, the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has been actively looking for solutions to the GP workforce shortage in rural and regional NSW,” Ms Cooke said.

“This could see doctors undertaking advanced training at Cowra and Young Hospitals as early as next year, and eventually networked out to health facilities in areas such as Cootamundra, Gundagai, Temora, Narrandera, West Wyalong and Grenfell.”

“The Single-Employer Model originally designed by, built and trialled out in parts of Southern NSW is showing real promise in helping with the GP shortages that are impacting our communities. I’m pleased to see that concrete steps are being taken here in the Cootamundra electorate to establish the program.

“The EOI stage will identify which GP practices wish to participate in hosting and supervising a doctor in their practice, on the days they are not working in the local hospital.

“I know that GP shortages are a concern, so I strongly encourage all GP clinics and practice managers across the Cootamundra electorate to contact their Local Health District or the PHN to express a firm interest in this great program if they have the capacity to participate.”

A formal Memorandum of Understanding is yet to be signed between NSW and the Commonwealth to formalise the required arrangements and federal exemptions, however, NSW is ready for a state-wide rollout of the program. By beginning the EOI process, the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is ensuring that regional areas are set and ready to receive new doctors.

The Single-Employer Model is commonly known as the Rural Generalist Training Pathway or the Murrumbidgee model, and was first trialled in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District in 2020. Since its inception, it has been lauded as an important step in giving trainee GPs the chance to work in private practices and local hospitals to provide a greater range of care for local patients.

The model allows seamless transition between hospital and General Practice training placements. Trainees are employed on up to a four year contract (depending on level of entry to the pathway) and remuneration and award entitlements align with other medical specialty training giving certainty and the protection of the industrial award.

Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council has secured over $4.2 million to undertake extensive infrastructure works at Hovell Street in Cootamundra, thanks to two NSW Government regional road infrastructure programs.

The funding includes:

• $1,804,120 through the latest round of the NSW Government’s Fixing Local Roads program to upgrade Hovell Street, including the pavement and design to enable greater resistance for heavy vehicle traffic, and
• $2,461,625 through round six of the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Roads program to construct a bridge structure above the current flood level.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said combined, this funding will ensure the Hovell Street thoroughfare will keep freight moving on our roads.

“These works are crucial to ensure Hovell Street can function as a reliable and safe local road, and to keep freight moving in times of adverse weather,” Ms Cooke said. 

“The works to improve the Hovell Street causeway are particularly crucial – we saw only a few months ago the impact on transport when the road closes due to flooding of the Muttama Creek, not to mention the works will also substantially improve safety at this particular section of road.”

Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council Mayor Cr Charlie Sheahan said the funding is very welcome news for the safety and wellbeing of motorists.

“The causeway poses a safety risk to the community, by undertaking these upgrades it provides better connectivity both north and south of the creek,” Cr Sheahan said.

“In the event of a flood, it makes the town more accessible for emergency services and leaves a road link open for the Olympic Highway. This will be great for the community.”

The Fixing Local Roads and Fixing Country Roads are dedicated regional roads programs thanks to the NSW Nationals in Government.

More information on these programs is available at: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au  

A new state-of-the-art synthetic bowling green is now ready for members and guests alike to enjoy at the Cootamundra Ex-Servicemen’s and Citizen’s Memorial Club thanks to funding of $409,250 under Round 4 of the Stronger Country Communities Fund.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke was delighted to join Club President, Mr Michael Willis, Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council Mayor, Cr Charlie Sheahan, Bowls club President, Mr Tony Kurtis and Ladies Bowls representative, Ms Vera Jeffery to officially open the new Lawn Bowl Greens.

“It was great to spend time at the Club, speaking to members who where are excited to give the new playing surface a crack,” Ms Cooke said.

“The other improvements to the club’s landscaping, including a new pathway around the green and new fencing is evoking a great sense of pride for members.”

“The upgrades will attract more players to the club, which will boost membership and also allow the club to hold larger regional competitions.”

“I was even fortunate to have a spin at bowling on the new greens myself which was great fun.”

Cootamundra Ex-Servicemen’s and Citizen’s Memorial Club President, Mr Michael Willis said this funding has enabled the club to undertake these modifications.

“The upgrade to our facility means so much to the Clubs Bowling members and to the community of Cootamundra and we thank everyone involved,” Mr Willis said.

Since 2017, the Stronger Country Communities Fund has invested over $8.8 million for 48 projects across the Cootamundra-Gundagai region as part of the NSW Government’s $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund.

Five projects across schools in the electorate will see more students with a green thumb thanks to the NSW Government’s $10 million Sustainable Schools Grants.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said this investment by the NSW Government will deliver hands-on, sustainable-focused projects that link to the NSW Curriculum.

“I am thrilled that we have seen two schools being Naradhan Public School and Henry Lawson High School under round three and a further three schools, being Cootamundra Public School, Woodstock Public School and Wyalong Public School under round four in the electorate taking part in this great initiative,” Ms Cooke said.

“Our region is passionate about sustainability and this program inspires and empowers students and schools to develop ideas and implement plans that will benefit the environment by helping to save energy or water, reduce waste, or improve biodiversity.”

“I know the whole community joins me in looking forward to seeing these wonderful projects soon come to life at our local schools.”

Round 3 Schools and projects include:

• Naradhan Public School will receive $15,000 for a sensory, native indigenous garden.

• Henry Lawson High School in Grenfell will receive $15,000 to create its own community produce garden.

Round 4 Schools and projects include:

• Cootamundra Public School will receive $15,000 to establish ‘Waste Busters’ project, to minimise waste and educate students on waste management.

• Woodstock Public School will receive $14,912 to construct Woodstock’s Wholesome Community Food Garden

• Wyalong Public School will receive $15,000 for an inclusive and sustainable Kitchen Garden

Henry Lawson High School Principal, Mr Aaron Flagg said the main objective of this initiative is to create a garden that is open to the public.

“The garden encourages students and the local school community to explore ideas and solutions around sustainable food production, green waste management and reducing food miles by producing locally for school and community use,” Mr Flagg said.

“Initially, the garden will be planned and constructed by our year 7 STEM class as well as other school and community groups to encourage ownership of the garden and to foster long-term participation in food production and management within the community.”

Naradhan Public School Relieving Teaching Principal, Ms Tracy Johnston said Native plants will be used with the aim of teaching our children about bush tucker, and the other uses for plants by our indigenous ancestors

“The garden will be located at the entrance to the school, providing students, staff and visitors with a sensory experience as they walk through the project to the school buildings,” Ms Johnston said.

“We look forward to our students being able to access the garden in the near future.”

The NSW Government is investing $8.6 billion in school infrastructure over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 160 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This builds on the more than $9.1 billion invested in projects delivered since 2017, a program of $17.7 billion in public education infrastructure.

Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council will soon receive funding of $2,491,307 through the NSW Government’s $280 million Regional and Local Roads Repair Program. 

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the Cootamundra-Gundagai region has over 1300km of roads to manage, with this latest funding a welcome boost allowing further repairs to be undertaken. 

“This investment is all about improving the roads we use every day, making them safer for the freight industry, tourists, and the commute to and from work or school,” Ms Cooke said. 

“It is fantastic to have this funding secured, which builds on an initial cash injection of $473,892 for council to fix potholes announced in December. 

“I am advised council has been sent the funding deeds, and once the deed is executed the money goes into the bank.” 

Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council Deputy General Manager of Operations, Mr Matt Stubbs said council welcomes the funding that will greatly assist with repairing the road network that has been impacted by wet weather over the past 12 months.

“Council faces a significant challenge to bring the network back to an acceptable level and this funding enables us to commence the planning and scheduling of much-needed repairs,” Mr Stubbs said.

The NSW Government continues to support local government areas in making our road network smoother and safer. Over the past five years, Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council has secured over $9.6 million in NSW Government funding to deliver 20 road projects through Fixing Local Roads and Fixing Country Roads, on top of assistance through Regional Roads Block Grant program and NSW Disaster Assistance Arrangements.