Thursday, 26 October 2023
Subjects: Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council de-merge, Level the Playing Field Program grants, Vegemite turns 100 colouring competition.
E&OE…
David Eisenhauer: Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke joins us on the line. Steph, a very good morning to you.
Steph Cooke: Good morning, Dave. It's good to be with you.
David Eisenhauer: Now, Steph, we're going to stay in Gundagai on our fortnightly catch up this morning. You were meeting with the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council yesterday, and of course talking about demerger. How did that go?
Steph Cooke: So yesterday the Shadow Minister for Local Government, Wendy Tuckerman, travelled down to meet with me and the councillors in Cootamundra. It was a really constructive meeting, and your listeners may recall that Wendy Tuckerman, whilst now the shadow minister for local government, was actually the minister at the time in August of 2022 when the decision was made to demerge the council. So she's very, very familiar with the circumstances that are facing that council, and having made the decision, was very confident in the decision that she'd made and what that would look like for the future of these areas.
So it was really constructive. We had the opportunity to talk to council about their determination to get on with what the new minister has asked them to do, which you recall when we last spoke, was effectively going right back to the start with respect to a local government Boundaries Commission inquiry. So the council has met, in the meantime; they have resolved to do the work that has been requested of them.
Now, some of that work has been done previously because we've been before the Boundaries Commission twice before.
David Eisenhauer: Twice, yeah?
Steph Cooke: Yes, twice. It's quite extraordinary that this is happening for a third time. So we are familiar with some of the reporting requirements, although the information has to be updated, of course, to be the most current and recent information so that the minister can look at all of that, take it into consideration, and then make a determination.
So we talked through what some of that looks like. Of course there are costs involved in that, which is disappointing for a community that's already been through this twice previously. But at the end of it all the shadow minister and of course myself, gave that assurance to the councillors that we would support them as best we could through that process.
Whether it be as a sounding board in terms of where they're up to and providing any advice that we possibly can to support their case, whether it was continuing to lobby the current government around the circumstances facing the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council, which as we talked about last time, the impact on not just the councillors, but I think even perhaps more importantly, the staff of the council; their morale, their future is under a cloud. There's limited certainty that can be provided to them, particularly those staff members that are under fixed term contracts and whether they will be renewed.
So there's a lot at stake here, Dave. And so we will continue to make sure that that is well known both in the New South Wales parliament, but also in the media and for listeners right across the region. Because we really need to get on with this, and everything that we can do, we're going to do, in order to support that cause.
David Eisenhauer: It's a tough time and we're coming up towards Christmas time as well. And there’s nothing more stressful than going into this festive time with that uncertainty again. I mean, we've been there a number of years in a row now, and not seeing anything new there…
Steph Cooke: That's right.
David Eisenhauer: ... and sort of not knowing which direction forward.
Steph Cooke: Yes. Look, absolutely, and I think there's something you've really touched on there, and that is, as you get towards the end of any calendar year, people start to think about what 2024 is going to look like for them and their families. And that's completely understandable. We all do that towards the end of the year.
And for people whose contracts are expiring in December or January because perhaps this time last year or the year before, they took on a contract in good faith and now that's coming to a close and they're facing that uncertainty, that's really difficult for staff, and you can't blame them for looking for other options, which will give them the security that they're looking for.
So it's really disappointing not just in terms of what we have to go through now, but the timing of it as well. But nonetheless, we are very determined to get on with it, because at the end of the day, we recognise collectively that this is the right decision for both areas, for both the Cootamundra area and the Gundagai area.
It's what people want. It's what the council wants; they've never shied away from that.
David Eisenhauer: No.
Steph Cooke: And so now it's another chapter that we must plough through, but we will absolutely get on with that job.
David Eisenhauer: What do you reckon the timeframe is, Steph? Is Wendy saying anything much. I mean, obviously both in opposition, so it makes it harder than being in government, but I mean, you can still make a rather loud noise, that's for sure.
Steph Cooke: There's a couple of things I'd say to that: The first one is that had we been returned to government in March, we would be well and truly moving through the transition period as we speak. I mean, we had a roadmap that was launched at the end of last year; it was well underway. We should have a transition manager in place by now according to that roadmap. It was put on ice in March when there was a change of government, and no further work occurred on it for several months. Then the minister came out on the third of October and delivered the news that we'd be right back to the start. So this is a really significant and disappointing setback.
In terms of the timelines going forward, we heard from the general manager yesterday that what council is looking to do is pull together everything that is required through the remaining months of this year and into the early part of next year, and look to get into that local government Boundaries Commission inquiry process in sort of the end of the first quarter of next year, perhaps a little into the second quarter, but really trying to get a decision out of the minister by the middle of the year, which may give us a small chance that we can realign with the local government elections in September of next year.
So we're still holding out hope and working towards that being the ultimate outcome so that there are two lots of councillors putting their hands up to represent a newly created Cootamundra council and a newly created Gundagai council. So that's what we're working towards.
Hopefully the minister will understand our urgency and our desire to get on with that, and do what he needs to do to accept the recommendations of the Boundaries Commission and ultimately make a decision to demerge these areas, as has been the recommendation of the Boundaries Commission previously.
David Eisenhauer: And listen to what the people that are living in the towns... the thing that worries me Steph, and we've talked about this before, is you mentioned the words elections, local government elections coming up. No one will want to run; they'll have a real issue trying to get people to stand for council with an uncertainty if we don't get those boxes ticked, if you like to call it that, between now and September. I mean, people think, "Oh, it's half a year away yet," but gee, we'll be in all sorts of strife there if that happens, I think. So it's a bit concerning, Steph Cooke.
Steph Cooke: Oh, look, it is Dave. And you can't blame community members who are thinking about running for council and doing that really important job of…
David Eisenhauer: Absolutely.
Steph Cooke: ... local representation and community and public service. It's a calling in so many ways. But if you don't know what you're putting your hand up for, and particularly if you haven't done it before, you can understand people wanting to hold back and say, "Oh, I don't really know what form this thing is going to take. I might sit back and wait till the next time."
Well, that's another three or four years down the path and we need to make sure that these two areas are set up well going into the next term, because there are so many opportunities for our towns and communities to take advantage of, and we can't get left behind.
So there's a lot of work to be done, but the council is up for that challenge. And the shadow minister Wendy Tuckerman and myself have absolutely indicated in no uncertain terms to the councillors, that we will do everything we can within our remit to push up on the government, to push up on the minister – to make sure he understands the gravity of this issue at a local level – and to provide support in whatever way we can.
David Eisenhauer: Absolutely. Well, obviously we're going to be talking each and every fortnight, we'll be talking more about that. Let's have a look Steph, we'll look in our council areas across the electorate – the Cootamundra electorate – this is an exciting program, Level the Playing Field Program grants that are available coming up.
Steph Cooke: This is an exciting program and it's a program that I was absolutely calling for in the wake of the success of our Matildas. There's a couple of local girls from the electorate that are in that team, and it's good that the New South Wales government has recognised the need for continued investment in sporting facilities and amenities that encourage participation by women in sport.
And people will recall that when the Coalition was in government, we had a program called the Stronger Country Communities Fund; an absolutely extraordinary program. And through one of those rounds – round four – there was $50 million that was allocated just for regional and rural sporting facilities to upgrade their facilities for women in particular. So we have a track record and a very good one in terms of understanding the need and putting money towards that end.
So the new Labor government has announced this Level the Playing Field Program, similar in a lot of ways in that sporting organisations that need to resurface playing fields such as netball courts or basketball courts, tennis courts and the like, they can apply under this fund. I think there is a real opportunity for any sporting organisations that haven't yet upgraded their amenities to allow for dedicated amenities for women to get in amongst this.
It's $30 million; it's all of New South Wales, so it's certainly not what the Coalition put into this area previously, where it was $50 million just for rural and regional areas...
David Eisenhauer: Yeah.
Steph Cooke: …but nonetheless, we won't look a gift horse in the mouth, and I would strongly encourage any local sporting organisations who have got a project to really look into putting in an application; they close on the 30th of November. And anyone can reach out to my office, and we will put a letter of support behind your application and do whatever we can to support you in the process.
David Eisenhauer: That's an exciting project. As you said, we don't look gift horses in the mouth, whichever side they're coming from. And that's a few dollars. I mean, it's across the state, so it'll be fairly competitive, but there'll be some wonderful programs and opportunities in there for people thinking, "Yeah, we could do with a few extra dollars,” for whatever it might be. I mean, the surface of the tennis courts out at Nangus. Whatever it might be, around the whole region, there's something right across... around Cowra, those beautiful gardens.
Steph Cooke: Oh, absolutely Dave. And the range is for projects from $200,000 up to a maximum of $2 million.
David Eisenhauer: Good, yeah.
Steph Cooke: So for example if you need a whole new amenities block that caters for women athletes, for umpires and the like, then this is an opportunity to apply for funding and I would certainly encourage people to do so.
David Eisenhauer: Something else that's happening is one of our great Australian icons – it's been in the news from time to time and it's always been on breakfast tables around the country and around the... I mean, it's banned in some countries because it's got yeast in it, but Vegemite turning 100, Steph Cooke.
Steph Cooke: It's very exciting; I'm a huge Vegemite fan.
David Eisenhauer: Me too.
Steph Cooke: I really do apply it liberally to my toast and to my white bread. So for those of us that are really into Vegemite, yesterday was something a little bit different and light-hearted to celebrate, and that's the fact that Vegemite has turned 100 and is still going strong. And it's one of those products that just cuts it right across every generation, doesn't it?
David Eisenhauer: It does.
Steph Cooke: And to celebrate it, I've gone that one step further and invited schools from right across the electorate to join in the fun and ask their students to create a picture of what makes them a happy little Vegemite.
So we've reached out to over 60 schools, primary and infant schools in the electorate. We've had just under 20 sign-up already, which is fantastic. But, look, if there are other people that are listening this morning and they've got children of that age, you can still enter. You don't have to do it strictly through the school. You can just simply draw a picture of what makes you a happy little Vegemite and get in touch with my office and we'll make sure that your entry makes its way back to us. And there'll be a judging of those entries at the end and some pretty cool prizes Dave, which I'm happy to talk to you about the next time we catch up.
David Eisenhauer: Indeed. Well, I mean, Vegemite, you and I both share the same concept of no butter. It's just Vegemite straight on toast; that's important.
Steph Cooke: Absolutely. It doesn't need anything else…
David Eisenhauer: Nope.
Steph Cooke: ... in my humble opinion. I know there'll be lots that disagree, but…
David Eisenhauer: Of course.
Steph Cooke: ... in my humble opinion, it's just got to be all about the Vegemite and the white bread. I don't know what it is about that combination, but something that really speaks to me, and I'm sure there are others that feel the same.
David Eisenhauer: Well, there's Vegemite that's mixed into chocolate, it's made into smoothies. There's some very out-there sort of concepts with the thing. I think you're going to see some very creative, very creative entries into this little competition, Steph Cooke.
Steph Cooke: I've never done anything quite like this Dave. So for me, it's just an opportunity to celebrate the creativity of our children. Of course, it is National Children's Week this week, so it all sort of tied in quite nicely. And I thought well, why don't we just do something a little bit fun and celebrate what's truly a uniquely Australian icon.
David Eisenhauer: And of course details, they can give the office a call, have a chat there, and find out how they can enter, of course, the websites and so forth. And there's a flyer out and about at the moment and you managed to find one of those very, very rare T-shirts, I noticed, Steph.
Steph Cooke: I did, yes. And I'll be honest, I did order that some time ago.
David Eisenhauer: Looks good.
Steph Cooke: I knew what was coming towards the end of the year, so I thought that's it.
David Eisenhauer: No, it works well.
Steph Cooke: I'm not usually one to go for merchandise, but on this occasion, I was pretty excited to receive my T-shirt.
David Eisenhauer: So look, get in touch with the office there in Young, find out the details. And Steph, a big thank you to you for joining us. Anything you'd like to add while we're chatting on this Thursday fortnight?
Steph Cooke: Look, just as we started at the bottom of the hour, Dave, it's a wonderful time of the year across the electorate. There's so many things happening, particularly down in that Gundagai, Adelong, Tumut, that low neck of the woods, and I just encourage people to move around on our roads safely; there'll be more traffic as people come into our area to celebrate these events towards the end of the year. And we want everyone to stay safe and be out and about, enjoying all there is in our area.
David Eisenhauer: Including of course, the 133rd Junee Show on Saturday.
Steph Cooke: Yes, I'm looking forward to dropping in. I might even catch up with you there, Dave.
David Eisenhauer: We'll be there.
Steph Cooke: Yeah, looking forward to it. And, gee, they do a good job. And a shout-out to all those people involved in our local shows. The preparations of course start weeks and months in advance, and it's right at the pointy end now. So I'm sure the Junee Showground will be a flurry of activity, just pulling together all of the finishing touches.
David Eisenhauer: Peter Commens will be a very busy president, I'd reckon, on this Thursday and Friday, so yeah.
Steph Cooke: Yes, indeed.
David Eisenhauer: Thank you, Steph. Really appreciate your time joining us for a chat on the station each and every Thursday fortnight; thank you.
Steph Cooke: Thank you very much, Dave
…Ends.