Cr Law has been a councillor for 16 years. “I’ve enjoyed council and working with committees such as Ageing Well and Junior Council, and working with people from all walks of life,” she said.
“It is enjoyable. It’s very important to remember, you’re not going to change the world overnight.
“But I have worked hard, including over the last two years working with Telstra to get better mobile coverage for South Corowa.”
Cr Law joined council in 2008 after having been the Corowa Hospital board as chairperson.
“After the NSW Government disbanded it, I found one way of giving back to the whole community was to join council,” the Corowa Racing Club secretary explained.
She has been an active councillor, always prepared to comment about council matters and had no hesitation mentioning her biggest highlight.
“My biggest highlight was getting on council as an independent four times,” C Law said. “I’ve appreciated people having enough respect for me to go it alone, without anyone propping me up.”
For Cr Longley, there have been “some great highlights but also frustrating times”.
“The greatest achievement was, with support from the Pat (Mayor Pat Bourke) and all new councillors we were able to reverse the decision by the previous Corowa council to put a compost tip in Howlong's back yard,” he said.
“That ridiculous decision cost the Howlong community thousands of dollars in legal fees fighting for the removal of that poorly thought-out decision.
“I remember bringing the former Corowa Shire councillors still on the new council over to see how close it was to our town, oh they said we didn't realise how close it was.”
Cr Longley was also critical that earlier action towards the big upgrade at Corowa Saleyards did not eventuate.
“There were some pretty tough times early due to a lack of money. Our current finance director has done a magnificent job improving our cash balance to where it is now sustainable,” the two-term councillor said.
“I don't think anyone realises the overlay of state government on local government. I certainly didn't. It’s the biggest handbrake I have ever seen, sometimes I wonder why we are there, you can't do this you can't do that.
“Council gets canned for a lot of decisions it makes but the guiding factor in those decisions is the bloody state government, successive state governments are all to blame.”
Although he was on council for one term only, Cr Aaron Nicholls also made his presence felt.
“It has been a true honour, privilege and pleasure - and an incredible time of personal and professional growth,” the business owner said.
“After several years of community capacity-building in our own business, it was time to take my enthusiasm for enhancing the lives of ordinary people through 'design thinking', to the next level - stepping up for local government.
“Being involved in very high-level discussions around health, sustainability, arts and culture and better built environments - many of which have delivered positive outcomes for our communities – have been highlights.
“Notes of personal thanks and positive comment from ordinary people around how happy they are that things are changing have really made it all worth it.”
Cr Nicholls has enjoyed “meaningful and complimentary dialogue with First Nations peoples bring about a big change in thinking for councillors and staff”.
“The day all three flags (The Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait flags) went up in chamber was a very proud moment,” he said.
“Being involved in the Reconciliation Action Plan Advisory Group has been an immense privilege. This comprehensive plan is well-resolved and well advanced - and is set to come to council in the near future for endorsement.”
“I must mention Murray Arts and their support through activating and empowering local and regional artists through various programmes and grant streams and, of course, the Murray Darling Association and their relentless strive for fairness around the allocation and use of our most vital resource - water.”
Special mention was also made of the Daysdale Water Supply Committee. “What a great group of local people!” Cr Nicholls said.
“Although they only meet once a year their collective commitment to providing the people of Daysdale Village with water for stock and their gardens is to be admired. Everyone involved plays a part in ensuring this essential service is provided and charged equitably and reliably.
“This group demonstrates the value of our 355 Committees and the important part they play in supporting council provide services and sustain communities and I encourage all residents to step up and help when and where they can. Council needs you!”
Cr Nicholls believes too little money and respect have been given to the built environment and appeal of Sanger Street, particularly on the part of commercial landlords.
“This has to change and again I am pleased to know that council staff are actively working on a programme to stop this happening,” he said.
“The Globe Hotel has been the subject of much controversy around planning delays but is a great example of what sticking to the legislation around heritage can bring to a town.
“This council has set the pace for moving forward so that new opportunities may be explored. I am invigorated as I write: the ballot papers for next month's Local Government Election have some excellent candidates running - both new and returning.”
NSW council elections will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024.
SRV decision for new council
The incoming group of councillors on Federation Council will have a recommendation to consider and decide upon from the outgoing council - to endorse the progress of an SRV application to IPART for a 69.94% rate increase over two years commencing July 1, 2025.
At the final meeting of the currently elected council on Tuesday, August 28, it was expected to be unanimously agreed by the nine councillors at the time the Free Press went to print.
