Weeds management is an extremely important issue in an agriculturally significant region such as the Hilltops.
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Council has received correspondence from Yass Valley Council suggesting a change to weeds management governance within the region.
The correspondence included in the June 22 Business Paper of Hilltops Council suggested dissolution of the Southern Slopes County Council (Southern Slopes Noxious Plants Authority – SSNPA) and the transfer of weeds management functions to the Hilltops Council.
From a legislative perspective, local councils have responsibility for noxious weed regulation.
Historically, the former councils of Harden, Boorowa, Young and Yass had delegated those regulatory functions to the SSNPA.
The SSNPA governing body consisted of two councillors from each of the former councils.
Since amalgamation, Hilltops Council now has one vote on the board relative to two votes from Yass Valley Council which is obviously a significant decision making shift for the residents of Hilltops.
In addition to weeds regulation, the SSNPA has also provided weed spraying services on public land including roads to the councils, as well as undertaking private works services within the region to subsidise the income of the operation and allow an effective weed management service.
At the June 22 meeting of Hilltops Council, it was resolved that a proposal to dissolve the SSNPA and shift its operations back under Hilltops Council will be prepared.
The final proposal will be provided back to council for endorsement before being referred to the Minister for Local Government.
If the Minister decides to proceed the proposal will be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days in accordance with the Local Government Act prior to determination.
Yass Valley Council and the SSNPA will be involved in developing the proposal and SSNPA staff have been advised of this.
In addition, SSNPA staff have been given preliminary advice from Hilltops Council’s General Manager that the intent in the proposal would be to transfer their employment across to the council under their current conditions.
This will be formalised during the development of the proposal.
I want to make it very clear that council’s decision to move forward with the proposal is not to undermine the good work undertaken by the SSNPA.
It is to change governance arrangements to make sure the community of Hilltops has the opportunity to govern weeds management in the area into the future and where possible, to make operational savings through systems improvements, not reduce staff.
