Mayor’s baptism of fire

“The many positive comments I’ve had from residents across the board has been heartwarming and humbling,” Mayor Cook told The Yarrawonga Chronicle.

“The first couple of meetings were indeed a ‘baptism of fire’, as councillors worked our way through a few contentious issues.”

The Special Rate Variation (SRV) issue caused lengthy debate in the chamber before a resolution of 6-3 was finally passed to endorse the progress of work required for an application to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal for a 69.94% permanent Special Rate Variation over two years commencing July 1, 2025.

The proposed BWS drive-thru bottle shop in Howlong drew many objections, a public meeting and speakers at council’s public forum.

“Understandably this was very emotional for many residents who opposed the application, however there were equally as many who supported it,” Mayor Cook said.

Approval, subject to conditions, including the meeting of all planning, and Transport for NSW criteria, was given, with just the one councillor disagreeing.

Federation Council’s new mayor has been busy with many commitments throughout the shire, meetings with significant local and state agencies, conferences, council meetings and media engagements.

“Not to mention the enormous amount of reading agenda papers, financial/operational plans, training notes and hundreds of emails!” she added.

“With six new and three incumbent councillors from various parts of the shire, it was always going to be a steep learning curve adjusting to the various personalities and conflicting opinions.

“Whilst finding our feet in the complex world of governance it’s clear that democracy at work doesn’t always play out the way any individual councillor wants, and this can be frustrating.

“But as a collaborative team of nine there have been some sound decisions made with intelligent and robust input from all councillors.

“I’ve also learned that patience is a virtue when trying to implement any changes in government - progress often happens at a snail’s pace!”

Being elected as the first female mayor of a Corowa-based Local Government Council in 119 years (Coreen, Corowa and Federation Council) is considered a highlight by Mayor Cook. (Urana Shire had a female mayor, in Margaret Bunton).

“Obviously being elected as the first female mayor in 120 years of a Corowa headquarters council is such a huge honour and one I intend to uphold with integrity,” she said.

“Attending the Country Mayors AGM in Sydney followed by the NSW Local Government conference in Tamworth are highlights.

“This was a wonderful educational experience networking with like-minded people across the state who often experience the same challenges within their councils, particularly those in regional and rural areas.

“I’m very proud to know that I’m amongst the highest number of female mayors ever elected to NSW Local Government this term.”

Accepting invitations from community groups and schools with the opportunity to meet and speak with many residents and ratepayers has been very rewarding according to the Federation Council Mayor.

She is grateful to have been so warmly welcomed by everyone and looks forward to many more community engagements in 2025.

With Mulwala, Corowa, Howlong and Urana all placed alongside waterways there is huge potential for housing, economic and tourism growth, the mayor said.

“Federation is a wonderful place to live but we badly need infrastructure renewal to allow for the growth that needs to happen, along with release of more land for development,” Mayor Cook said.

“Masterplans are already in train for some river frontage upgrades and grants need to be secured to allow for these wonderful areas to thrive for local communities and tourists alike.”

Regarding challenges for the Federation Council area, assets rated highly. “As experienced by the majority of councils across NSW, the ongoing maintenance and/or renewal of council assets (such as roads, footpaths, street lighting, parks and ovals, playgrounds, pools, halls and cemeteries) in this difficult rising cost of living is exacerbated by insufficient state funding,” she said.

“As yet, no grants for the major infrastructure renewal of water and sewerage in Mulwala, Howlong and Corowa has been secured, so focus must be maintained to pry funds from the state/federal government’s grip.

“The housing crisis is critical across the shire and like the rest of the country must be addressed as a matter of urgency.

“Regional migration to increase economic growth and fulfil job vacancies can only happen if we get development applications approved much quicker.”

Mayor Cook said she is very grateful for the ongoing guidance of the General Manager Adrian Butler and staff for their support, mentorship and positive approach to the challenges that often face council and its ratepayers.

“The respect I’ve been shown is warmly welcomed and I’m sensing a renewed optimism that augers well for a productive 2025. Federation Council is in good hands with this new team of nine councillors.

“Whilst challenges will always arise - it’s a given in any business- teamwork with a cohesive approach will see council go from strength to strength.”