4 April, 2025
Thankful to be working in and for our community! This month's Regional Ramble provides an insight into some issues and activities that have been occupying me as the Mayor this month - another busy time in our region.
What is front and centre? What are we championing on your behalf? Let’s get into it!
CoREM building solutions
The Coalition of Renewable Energy Mayors (CoREM) comprises Mayors and General Managers of LGA’s in or neighbouring NSW Renewable Energy Zones (REZ)
I established CoREM to act as a powerful lobbying entity to influence the rollout of renewable energy in NSW. What makes a REZ unique is the cumulative impacts of multiple renewables projects coming into being within a defined area. The old rules and ways of doing business are not appropriate for a REZ and it is the responsibility of the LGAs to influence the state government to ensure the REZ is created for the benefit of all in our community.
The CoREM group has the ear of key government entities such as EnergyCo, the NSW Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure as well as the NSW Energy Minister Hon. Penny Sharpe. The imposition of a REZ will have a significant impact on our LGA, both positive and negative, and the discussions we have with these key stakeholders are essential to ensuring the downsides are minimised and we can reap as much upside as possible. I am conscious that many in our community are not aware of the scale of renewable infrastructure that will be coming into our region in the next few years so I encourage you to view this interactive map which shows the proposed projects in each REZ HERE
I chaired the CoREM meeting in Sydney on 27 March where we heard from EnergyCo about some of the snags being encountered in the commencement of the Central West Orana REZ as well as the lived experience of the communities in the CWO REZ where construction is about to begin. I will be working to ensure that many of the problems encountered in the CWO REZ are addressed prior to the commencement of the New England REZ.
Working for our region at Country Mayors' meeting
This month, the Country Mayors Association met in Sydney on 28 March for its Quarterly meeting.
The focus of the meeting was on financial sustainability of regional councils where we had presentations from the NSW Auditor General, the Chair of IPART, NSW Electoral Commissioner, TCorp and the Chair of the NSW Government Inquiry into the “Ability of local governments to fund infrastructure and services”.
The meeting was very topical as in my three years in local government it has become very apparent that local councils in regional NSW are structurally set up to fail financially. Councils carry significant ‘assets’ such as our road networks which need to be maintained with limited financial resources in an environment where both State and Federal governments shift costs onto local councils who don’t have the financial wherewithal to manage this additional burden. For context, a study of the impact of cost shifting undertaken by LGNSW found that the dollar impact is an additional $460.67 per ratepayer per annum.
Unfortunately I don’t have any faith that our State and Federal politicians will make any meaningful change as it is far easier for them to let local government be the whipping boy of the community as each council will be forced to undertake a Special Rate Variation (the dreaded rate rise) as Armidale Regional Council did in 2022/23. Other states have an easier time of it but NSW is a special case and not in a good way.
Autumn Festival 2025
This weekend is the 33rd Armidale Autumn Festival – our region’s signature event!
The Armidale Autumn Festival is a much-loved event that council is proud to deliver in collaboration with individuals, groups and organisations from across our region. It is for our community and for the many people who visit our region to experience some autumn colour.
I’m grateful that the weather has cleared, and am looking forward to gathering with everyone for this great program of events!
Join Mayor’s Community Roundtable
Do you have an idea that would make a difference for Armidale region and our community? I am hosting a community roundtable that offers everyone a chance to contribute to a community ‘wish-list’!
Community members are invited to express their interest in joining a community roundtable with me, councillors, and council’s executive team.
This is an opportunity to share ideas and contribute to a ‘wish list’ that will complement the community’s existing endorsed plan: Advancing Our Region Community Plan 2025-2034
This opportunity is for you if you are:
• passionate about innovation, tech, or growing business in this region
• keen to ensure we are connected - to transport, digital and other networks within our region as well as across the state and beyond
• enthusiastic to ensure others know what a great place this region is to live in – or visit!
• interested in being part of a Key Pillar Working Group that may support future projects.
We aim to ensure all feasible ideas are part of the conversation and will be back in touch with a formal invitation to the roundtable!
General Manager update
General Manager James Roncon has agreed to stay on a little longer
Over recent months we have been working to recruit a replacement for General Manager James Roncon. We have not yet found the right person to lead this organisation, so we have asked if James is willing to stay on a little longer until a suitable candidate is found. He will remain in his position for another 12 months.
We are determined to ensure the organisation remains on its current trajectory, and that it will be elevated and known as a region of significance! James will work alongside me and with councillors to help appoint his successor.
Café at Curtis Park Playground
State Government funding will help us deliver a café at the popular Curtis P{ark Playground
Armidale’s Curtis Park will soon boast a mobile café thanks to a $140,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Local Small Commitment Allocation program.
The café was not part of the original ‘Curtis Park Playground Expansion and Upgrade’ project, but the idea has been suggested multiple times by playground users during extensive community consultation. The Council team took this on board and sought funding.
Consequently, families and others will soon be able to grab a coffee, milkshake, or other treat while they take time to relax and enjoy time at the playground!
Ask us anything!
Ideas shared at regular coffee catch-ups
This morning Cr Kay Endres and I were at Courthouse Coffee – slightly damp on this rainy morning, but enjoying meeting people from across our community!
The regular ‘Ask us anything’ coffee catch-ups are an opportunity for everyone to raise issues, share ideas, or connect with what is coming up at council.
The next 'Ask us anything' will be held on Tuesday 22 April.
Can't make this one? Don't worry, regular 'Ask us anything' sessions are already scheduled at coffee shops for the next few months. Watch my socials for more!
Tour de Rocks 2025
Preparing for Tour de Rocks, grateful for huge community effort, and supporting cancer research and services
I’ve been on my bike and am training for Tour de Rocks 2025!
All funds raised through this great event support cancer research and help cancer service providers do the special work they do.
I will ride with #TeamARC again this year and alongside many others from across our region - excited to be part of such a huge community effort!
Find out more about the event, sponsor a rider, or jump on a bike and start training to join us on the ride! Registrations are still open for this year’s event which will be held 24 to 26 April.
Armidale symposium sharing solutions for future farming
This week our region is hosting a national symposium exploring latest advancements in agricultural technology
I was pleased to be at NOVA* this week to welcome delegates and others to the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences (ATSE) Symposium, University of New England (UNE) - and excited that our region remains a hub for AgTech innovation.
The three day symposium gathered researchers, students, primary producers, startups and industry to explore latest AgTech innovations and achievements paving the way for a more sustainable, efficient and prosperous way we grow food.
*NOVA, a space for collaboration and innovation, is managed by UNE SMART Region Incubator. It was developed through a partnership between Armidale Regional Council and UNE.
New England Renewable Energy Careers Expo at Town Hall
Council is part of the working group that delivered the first New England Renewable Energy Careers Expo yesterday at Armidale Town Hall.
I was pleased to connect with students and businesses who attended the first New England Renewable Energy Careers Expo this month. The event gathered students, job seekers, businesses, developers, and community organisations.
You are receiving this e-newsletter from Armidale Regional Council as you have interacted with council using this email address. The purpose of this monthly e-newsletter is to keep you informed of council news and events from the Mayor's desk, which we hope you will find informative.
