NEW Robe Mayor Alison Nunan has asked for patience from all sectors of the community as the 2018-2022 council starts its deliberations.
Due to the volume of matters before it, the council accepted a recommendation from chief executive Roger Sweetman at its December 11 gathering to hold an additional meeting this week.
Ms Nunan referred to the heavy workload in her monthly report to last week’s meeting.
“It has been a very busy time for us all as we undergo training as elected members and start this journey together,” Ms Nunan said.
“It is evident from the time we have spent together so far that we all have areas of interest where we can contribute to our community.
“I know we are feeling overwhelmed with the amount of information we are getting and the urge to try and resolve all of the issues immediately is strong.
“I urge everyone – elected members and our community – to understand that we only have one set of hands, one council meeting a month and busy lives outside of council.
“Let’s be patient and make well considered, timely decisions for our community.”
Ms Nunan said council would develop a work schedule for 2019 which would detail when issues will be dealt with, meeting dates, budget and strategic planning dates.
“This will allow our community to see when their issue of interest will come up in the council calendar.
“The Robe Medical Centre is complete and will be officially opened on December 20 which is terrific.
“Not so terrific are our eroding coastlines and beaches which has resulted in the Obelisk car park being closed to vehicles and Fox Beach and Hoopers Beach sustaining huge damage over the winter.
“Mr Sweetman is retiring after 43 years in local government but thankfully will be with us until late March while we settle into our roles and work through the budget and strategic planning processes.
“So much is happening in our district in the next couple of months but it is important to put council matters aside during the Christmas break and just enjoy being with friends and loved ones.”
