Glen Innes Severn Council is making its presence felt across the state, tackling local challenges head-on while lending a hand to other communities in need.
In a show of regional cooperation, Council has played a key role in recovery efforts following the devastating floods in the MidCoast region in late May. The flood, classified as a 1-in-500-year event, caused widespread damage across the Mid North Coast, prompting a coordinated inter-Council initiative led by Lake Macquarie City Council.
Glen Innes Severn Council responded swiftly, deploying a jetpatcher truck and staff member Stephen Crabbe to the Gloucester area to assist MidCoast Council crews with urgent road repairs.
Mayor Margot Davis said Council was proud to step up.
“Communities across regional NSW often face the same challenges when it comes to natural disasters and infrastructure recovery,” she said.
“It’s important that we support each other wherever we can. I commend Stephen for his willingness to assist and for representing Glen Innes Severn Council with professionalism and dedication.”
General Manager Bernard Smith also praised the collaborative effort.
“This type of support highlights the strength of regional networks,” Mr Smith said.
“Stephen’s contribution reflects the high standard of work our staff deliver, and we’re pleased that Glen Innes Severn was able to play a part in helping MidCoast Council recover from such a significant weather event. We extend our thanks to Stephen for his time away from home.”
The Council’s commitment to supporting communities was also on display closer to home this week with a visit from the Hon. Ron Hoenig, NSW Minister for Local Government.
The Minister travelled to Glen Innes to meet with Council representatives and community members, discuss local priorities and experience the unique challenges faced by rural councils firsthand.
Mayor Davis welcomed the opportunity to speak directly with the Minister.
“We sincerely thank Minister Hoenig for taking the time to visit Glen Innes Severn and engage directly with our Council and community,” she said.
“This was a valuable opportunity to provide a firsthand perspective on the issues we are navigating, as well as the potential we see for the future.”
Key topics of discussion included cost shifting, financial sustainability, and improving the Special Rate Variation (SRV) process. Mayor Davis said rural councils are being stretched to deliver essential services with shrinking resources.
“It’s vital that state decision-makers understand the pressures we face and support reforms that reflect these realities,” she said.
“Minister Hoenig’s experience as a former Mayor means he understands firsthand the breadth and depth of responsibilities local governments shoulder, and we appreciate his recognition of the challenges councils like ours are navigating.”
The visit also included a discussion of broader strategic goals to support population growth, resilience and liveability, and site visits to local destinations including the award-winning Sweetie Pies Bakery, the Australian Standing Stones, the Glen Innes Highlands Skywalk and the Highlands Hub.
The Minister also met with local trainees employed through the NSW Government’s Fresh Start Program.
Council said it welcomes continued dialogue with the state government to ensure regional voices are heard and empowered.
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