“I believe passionately that the Snowy Valleys communities have much to gain by working together, to deliver better amenities, facilities and opportunities. Snowy Valleys Council’s financial issues result from forced amalgamation and cost shifting, we must make this clear to the government. I am future focused and want SVC to be cohesive, successful and consultative.”
Cr James Hayes operates a grazing property with his wife in Adelong, and his family has been farming in the region for generations. He is a retired teacher who taught in the field of Special Education and Sport, in particular cricket.
James is passionate about youth and feels we have a role to play providing opportunities for young people to showcase their abilities.
He believes strongly that transparency, collaborative leadership, and consultative decision making are paramount for this council.
James sees the major issues for the region as:
- Threat of Transgrid towers on ratepayer’s land
- Sustainability, both financially and environmentally
- Increasing tourism in the region and who pays
- Building population and improving the Local Environment Plan
- Selling or keeping non-core council services which could be operated more efficiently by NGOs
- An excessive Special Rate Variation
As an inaugural Snowy Valleys Councillor James is proud of the unprecedented number of developments and improvements to Council and community infrastructure implemented during the previous four years, and believes the current council needs to continue to improve facilities and embrace opportunities.
James would personally like to build on extensive and inclusive relationships with politicians, bureaucrats and the community.
Cr Hayes says as a united Council working for the betterment of our communities, he wants the Snowy Valleys to be prosperous, inviting and attractive places for people to live, work and play.
Cr Hayes supports:
- Tumut basketball stadium/evacuation centre
- Upgrading Brindabella Road
- Adelong main street upgrade
- Cycling infrastructure
- Arts and the Sculpture Trail
- Establishing a Country University Centre
- Improving educational facilities
- Retention of free entry to swimming pools