Councillor's Community Listening Tour Underway

Published on 14 March 2018

Snowy Valleys Council is travelling throughout the region to hear first-hand about the issues that people are most passionate about in their communities.

Mayor James Hayes said the listening tour was predominately an exercise for Councillors to meet with the public and get to know their communities better.

“The listening tour idea come in response to concerns raised during the Community Development Planning workshops that our communication could be improved,” Clr Hayes said.

The first Snowy Valleys Councillor Listening Post was held in conjunction with the Adelong Agricultural Show.

Mayor James Hayes said the Adelong engagement had been most beneficial with many locals stopping by the Council marquee to say hello, share their thoughts and get an update on future projects.

“I’d like to personally thank everyone who dropped by on Sunday for a chat. It was encouraging to hear about the issues that are top of mind for the Adelong community,” Clr Hayes said.

Unlike Council public meetings that are often structured around a specific theme or project the ‘listening posts’ will allow the public to ask questions on any subject or raise any matters they wish in a more relaxed environment.

“This is a great opportunity for Council to better understand the needs of residents and to connect with people whose voices aren’t being heard through more traditional channels,” Clr Hayes said.

Councillor listening posts are being held at local community shows and markets throughout the region to hear concerns and discuss local issues first hand.

The next listening post will be in Tumbarumba on Saturday 17 with a Council marquee at the Tumbarumba Show.

Show goers are encouraged to visit the Snowy Valleys Council ‘we’re listening’ marquee and have a chat with their local council members.

“We’d like to hear from locals about what’s important to them, what they’re passionate about and learn how we may help them and their communities to flourish,” Clr Hayes said.

He also said it would help them gain a better understanding of each community’s needs and how they could support works the communities were already involved in.

Other newly confirmed dates and locations include Saturday 24 March at both the Batlow and Jingelic Shows, Sunday 1 April at the Talbingo Markets 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]