 NAIDOC Week
Happy NAIDOC Week!
NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme, Heal Country, calls for continued focus on greater protections for our lands, waters, sacred sites and cultural heritage.
Here in our Shire, we acknowledge the Gundungurra and Tharawal people as the Traditional Custodians of this land and pay our respects to their Elders both past and present.
While we can’t get together and celebrate this year, there are still lots of ways to celebrate in a COVID Safe way.
20 tips to get involved
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 Bowral CBD fire
Last week fire engulfed and destroyed several shops along Bong Bong Street in Bowral.
We extend our deepest sympathies to all the shop owners affected by this terrible incident. We'll continue to work with these businesses to get them back on their feet as quickly as possible.
In the days following the blaze Council held preliminary discussions with the Southern Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Industry to offer immediate and long-term assistance.
Discussions involved cleaning the site once NSW Police had finished their investigations and making the area safe and inviting for shoppers to return.
Our dedicated Fire Concierge Officer has been working with businesses to discuss how we can help and we’re continuing to work with Transport for NSW to minimise disruption to neighbouring businesses.
At present, the northern end of Bong Bong Street (from Boolwey Street through to Merrigang Street) and part of Wingecarribee Street remains closed. Public safety remains a priority and only when this can be assured will the roads reopen to pedestrians and vehicles.
Rest assured we’re working with the authorities to have the area reopened as soon as possible.
For more information see livetraffic.com.
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Have your say - Hume Coal
The Hume Coal Project and Berrima Rail Upgrade Project will shortly appear before the Independent Planning Commission of NSW (IPC) for determination.
Council participated in a dedicated briefing; now it’s your turn.
Prior to its determination the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces has requested that the IPC conduct a public hearing into the project.
The electronic Public Hearing will be held next Monday 12 July and Tuesday 13 July from 10 am. It will be broadcast on the Commission’s website at ipcn.nsw.gov.au/livestream.
The IPC will accept written submissions on the Hume Coal and Berrima Rail Projects up to one week after the hearing via email, post or their online portal at ipcn.nsw.gov.au/have-your-say.
Written submissions close at 5 pm on Friday 23 July 2021.
Details of the Hume Coal Project and Berrima Rail Project (SSD 7172 & SSD 7171) final assessment report can be found at ipcn.nsw.gov.au.
Other relevant documents relating to the project can also be found online at the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s website at planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects.
For more information about the determination process phone the Commission on 02 9383 2100.
Read our media release
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 Merrigang Street tree removal
Our Shire is renowned for its greenery and abundance of trees in both our natural bushland and our public spaces.
We keep a close eye on large trees in our public and urban areas to ensure they remain healthy and age safely.
One such tree that we had been monitoring for some time was a large radiata pine located on an embankment in Merrigang Street in Bowral.
Following a recent storm staff noticed that the tree had further deteriorated and following an inspection was deemed to be at a high risk of collapse. The adjacent powerlines further exacerbated the need to act.
Working in conjunction with a specialist team from Endeavour Energy our tree contractor helped to remove the pine earlier this week and reopen Merrigang Street to surrounding residents and motorists with minimal delay.
To report a potential hazard, phone our 24/7 Contact Centre on 02 4868 0888.
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 COVID check-ins become mandatory
Use of the Service NSW QR code will be mandatory at all workplaces and retail businesses from Monday 12 July.
The state government is expanding the mandate to give NSW Health contact tracers real-time access to QR code data from a greater number of venues including supermarkets, retail stores, gyms and offices.
Businesses will need to display the NSW Government QR code and take reasonable steps to ensure people entering their premises check-in using the Service NSW app or digital sign-in sheet.
Find out more
Residents must also wear a face mask when in an indoor area of non-residential premises such as supermarkets, shopping centres, banks, public transport, gyms and workplaces.
COVID safe measures will continue, at this stage, until Friday 16 July.
Keep up to date with the latest information at nsw.gov.au/covid-19.
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Koala spotted near town
You never know who you’ll spot on a trip into town!
Late last week, a koala was spotted near Bowral Hospital. And while it isn’t unheard of for a koala to pass through a town or village, we’re calling on residents to keep an eye out and report any sightings to the Southern Highlands Koala Conservation Project.
Remember, koalas are wild animals – so even though they look cute and cuddly, never try to touch or pick one up. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on pets and make sure they’re on a lead when out and about.
And of course, if you see an injured koala, contact a local wildlife carer.
Report koala sightings
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Community Update
Council's weekly Community Update is now ready. Inside you'll find information on positions vacant, development and planning matters, public notices and more.
Click here to view
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Did you know...
Submissions for the review into Council’s response to the 2019/20 Black Summer Bushfires close at 7pm tonight, 9 July.
Have your say
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