Council Listening Tour Continues
Published on 12 April 2018
Snowy Valleys’ Councilliors are continuing to travel throughout the region to hear first-hand about the issues that people are most passionate about in their communities.
In response to community feedback the listening tour idea came about as a way to improve communication between the Council and locals.
Mayor James Hayes said so far the listening posts had been of tremendous importance for himself and the other councilors to meet and learn firsthand about the issues and thoughts of local communities.
“It has really offered us a great opportunity to mix with the locals in a more casual environment and everyone has been very forth coming on their thoughts and ideas for future growth of the region and their towns,” Clr Hayes said
Unlike Council public meetings that are often structured around a specific theme or project the ‘listening posts’ allow the public to ask questions on any subject or raise any matters they wish in a more relaxed environment.
Starting with listening posts at the local shows over March, the listening tour has extended to youth events like Tumut’s Party-in-the-Park which saw Councillors flipping sausages and chatting with the region’s young people.
The listening posts have also taken to the streets with Mayor Hayes and Council’s General Manager Matthew Hyde spending time in Tumbarumba’s CBD last week meeting and chatting with local business owners and shoppers.
Mayor Hayes said topics covered included works in Hammond’s Lane, the rail trail, caravan park upgrades and Council’s Destination Management Plan.
“It was great to catch up and encouraging to hear more about the issues that are top of mind for the Tumbarumba community,” Clr Hayes said.
“We look forward to scheduling more opportunities to chat with local residents and business owners and to connect with people whose voices aren’t always heard through more traditional channels.”
Future confirmed dates and locations for the Listening Tour include Sunday 22 April at the Tumbarumba Skate Park and Saturday 28 April at the Tumut Festival of the Falling Leaf.
The times and locations of future venues will be advertised as the schedule is confirmed.
For more information please contact Council’s General Manager Matthew Hyde 6948 9101 or [email protected]