It was stressed that due to the short time frame since the May 12 amalgamation decision that there had not been much time to prepare.

What emerged from the report was that the minutes from the previous three councils final meetings last month couldn’t be couldn’t be adopted simply because they cease to exist so the recommendations can’t be endorsed.

Another point of interest on the night was the brief regarding proposed Rural Fire Service (RFS) regional headquarters which has been on the back-burner for several months due to amalgamation. 

Considering the latest development which involves the old Cootamundra shire joining the Expanded Gundagai shire, it means that in all likelihood the RFS boundaries could change. 

The Administrator moved the new recommendation and endorsed that the next course of action was to meet with the RFS and the Gundagai council to determine the outcome.

McMahon confirmed that future meetings will be rotated between the three towns of Harden, Boorowa and Young. He elaborated to say that the new council’s future meeting times will be at a similar time and date each month, so that the public have an opportunity to attend.

Going forward, former shire councillors will be given the opportunity to have their say as the new Hilltops Council region continues to be shaped under the mindful gaze of administrator Wendy Tuckerman.

Monday week ago, the administrator sent out letters to all former councillors seeking expressions of interest to be a part of the new committees. 

“Should there not be sufficient former councillors for each of the committees interested in being a part of shaping the future of the new council consideration will be given to expanding membership,” Ms Tuckerman explained.

“We intend to have that review be completed and a potential committee structure mapped out by the end of June” Ms Tuckerman said.