Another month and no substantial rain to speak of but plenty of frosts, which is not great for those with crops in the ground.

At our June meeting, council adopted its budget for the 2017/18 financial year.

The budget incorporates an increase in general rates of 1.5 per cent after council’s application for a Special Rate Variation was unsuccessful.  

Whilst this was disappointing, we must move on and deliver services where possible within our means and endeavour to advance the shire.  

To this end, the 2017/18 budget includes capital expenditure of $5.6 million.

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AS YOU would see, roadworks are progressing well as is the maintenance of parks and public areas throughout the shire.

Council is investigating the provision of hand-washing equipment in our 22 public toilets throughout the shire in an effort to give people who use these facilities the best service.

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I RECENTLY asked Bob and Lynn Blake to be my roving reporters in The Rock so that I can include items of interest for Rock residents to read.

To that end, I have been told about a substantial donation made to The Rock Men’s Shed by The Rock Promotion Club which, along with proceeds from their wood raffle, will enable construction to start on a large shed on their block, further allowing activities to continue by members.  

A special thank you also goes to John Walker for his kind donation.

The Rock Men’s Shed also constructed a new notice board for the Anglican Church so all parishioners will now be fully informed of coming events.

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IT HAS been a very busy time for me personally with lots of meetings to attend both locally and in Sydney, but I’m told that’s what mayors do.  

In this issue of the newsletter we are commencing our councillor profiles, starting with Cr James Walker.  

Also this week I, along with other councillors, will visit towns throughout the shire on a social basis, perhaps on a Friday night, to better meet with locals and demonstrate we are councillors for the whole shire.

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THAT’S about it for this month but I hope that I will be able to report on the good rainfall across the shire in our next issue.  

Oh, I forgot, in Lockhart at the Footy Shed on the evening of August 2 we are "Ringing the Bell on Depression" with lots of guest speakers and a free barbecue.

If you are concerned about depression or mental health please come along.

See you all next month.