This project will be discussed by council at its meeting this week, with the deed and lease document for the facility being considered.

Last Thursday and Friday, I spent two days with fellow members of the Canberra Region Joint Organisation. We met with nine ministers regarding a range of topics including drought assistance, cost shifting to local government, water security, grant funding, infrastructure renewal, bridges and roads.

We also discussed rate relief for farmers with Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall and regional roads and bridge funding with Transport and Regional Roads Minister Paul Toole.

A reminder that water mains cleaning will continue in Harden and Young this week. This program aims to help minimise water discolouration during the summer months. Further information, as well as the cleaning schedule and map, is available on the Hilltops Council website and Facebook page.

Next Wednesday, in conjunction with five other councils, we will host a Riverina and Southwest Slopes climate update.

Guest speakers will discuss adaption strategies regarding crops and animals, a detailed climate outlook specific to our region and Local Land Services information. This will be followed by question time. For more information, or to obtain dial in information for the update, phone council on 1300 445 586.

I invite anyone with concerns about climate change and the impact of the ongoing drought to come along in person or join the update via Zoom.