Bega Valley Shire Council's 2024-25 Annual Report was presented at yesterday's Council meeting.
Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick said the year was marked by resilience, commitment and community-driven progress.
"Last financial year we celebrated the return of the Shirley Hannan National Portrait Award and expanded cultural programming through SECCA, libraries and civic spaces," Mayor Fitzpatrick said.
"We progressed our Affordable Housing Strategy, with planning proposals, policy development and advocacy efforts gaining momentum.
"We continued to work closely with Homes NSW and Southern Cross Housing to unlock new housing opportunities, while supporting housing expansion in Bega and Wolumla and investigating urban renewal in Bega, Eden and Merimbula.
"In environmental sustainability, we delivered major infrastructure upgrades including the commissioning of the $20.8 million Bega Water Treatment Plant which can provide 9.5 million litres per day.
"Our Waste Strategy was adopted and we continued to support community-led waste diversion initiatives."
CEO Anthony McMahon said Council's infrastructure delivery remained strong with major capital projects such as the Bega and Pambula Sporting Complex upgrades and Merimbula Airport improvements advancing.
"We secured significant federal funding for priority projects including the Bega War Memorial Swimming Pool and Ford Park Pavilion," Mr McMahon said.
"We have continued to invest in maintaining and upgrading our road network including several bridges, funded from several successful grants and the recent increase in rates.
"Our operational achievements reflect the strength of our partnerships, the dedication of our staff and the active engagement of our residents."
To read the 2024-25 Bega Valley Shire Council Annual Report, visit Council's website.
