The severe hail storm last Friday evening in Young has had a significant impact on our region with millions of dollars in damage to property and vehicles. The fruit growing industry has been adversely effected with damage to trees being reported. The weather is taking its toll in the region as we head into the harvest period.

A meeting with GrainCorp was held in Harden this week to discuss their potential use of the Demondrille/Maimuru line. Hilltops Council will present a business case to Transport NSW before any works commence on the line. GrainCorp will assist in investigating the cost benefit analysis of freight movement on the line, the cost differential between road and rail and the benefits beyond Maimuru to their organisation. Council is working to identify potential users and to provide them with information to determine whether it is a viable option for their business now and into the future. It is a steep hill to climb and I ask any interested businesses to contact Debbie Evans at the Hilltops Council. Council will be undertaking further media on how the community and local industry can get involved in making the business case viable and ensure the NSW Government commences work on the line.

I was delighted to hear of the success of our Rural Management Challenge Team who won the pre challenge task in Blayney last week and will now present to a conference in Sydney about the work they did to secure the win. The team, lead by our new Executive Director of Community and Corporate Lee Furness, impressed the judges and highlights the talent we have on staff as well as the importance of nurturing and developing those skills throughout the organisation. Well done team!

With a busy events schedule throughout the region at this time of the year, I can't help but be grateful for the many volunteers that give so much of their time. Thank you!