Cr Corin McCarthy

Hello Residents, I am one of those people that has enjoyed the recent rains. Some of our blossom trees have even ‘sprung’ back to life – reflecting that ‘miracles’ can happen in nature. However, the family dog is especially looking forward to more walks in spring. Like my family, I hope you’ll be able to get out and enjoy the better weather.

Stormwater systems and fire preparation

The recent rains have also highlighted the need for better stormwater systems and for preparations for climate change adaptation. This is one of our most pressing local issues, along with but perhaps less than better fire preparations to improve fire tracks and for removal of feral woody weeds. Fortunately, these are both initiatives in the current budget.

Better library and community centre services in Blackwood

Over my recent years, the steady improvements in our libraries and community centres have been highly valuable, delivering better community spaces and vibrancy – including to the heart of Blackwood. This is starting to unlock private investments for Blackwood too, with more foot traffic in our shopping precinct.

Last time I wrote I expected the Budget to identify funding to extend library hours until 5.30pm on Friday. My update is that due to compromises made, that was scaled back to 5pm on Friday. However, this still reflects a significant extension from 2pm and I wholeheartedly endorse the increase, on which I have advocated.

Budget processes and macro-outcomes

I am also providing some comments on the macro-direction of our Budget. There is some good news and some bad.

I can report that Council’s debt projections will be well within our debt policies now, having been projected last year to exceed them. However, for context, this improvement on debt levels is primarily a result of limited state government election commitments for our council area, given these are normally co-funded or often majority funded by Council. We had included a provision for expected election commitments in the Long Term Financial Plan, which then didn’t happen, so the forecasts are better.

Still, there is some credit for Council in there being increasing restraint on new infrastructure too and a willingness at last for sales of surplus land. I feel my advocacy for this has paid dividends for residents.

Council has also made a generational leap forward in new infrastructure over the last two terms, so arguably there are fewer pressing needs like there were in 2018 for new infrastructure. We also need to ensure we have spare borrowing capacity in our bottom line for climate change events and adaptation preparation (stormwater and possible fires). We’ve also seen recent unexpected ICT updates (TechOne) to upgrade rates-software to a modern, supported platform. These pressures are unavoidable.

Time for compulsory voting for Councils?

I believe we should consider compulsory postal voting for councils to better deliver mainstream councils, with less focus on single interests and more focus on the whole community. Keen to hear your views.

This article may contain personal views or opinions held by individual Council Members, and may not necessarily represent the formal position of the Council