We received a $2.25m Community Development Grant from the federal government and along with matching council funds, this allowed the expansion of the sports centre to include two new squash courts, three new multi-purpose courts, an indoor cricket court, upgraded amenities and facilities.

The Queanbeyan Sporting Gallery has been revitalised to go into the new centre and five new associate members were inducted into the Queanbeyan Sporting Gallery by Ricky Stuart.

The new members have all significantly contributed to local sport in Queanbeyan and include Ron Fowlie, Eileen Daniel OAM, Robert Griffin, Peter Solway and Lial James Woods OAM.

Council resolved in August to offer financial hardship relief to eligible farmland property owners or occupiers in the form of deferred rate charges.

For those who are interested in taking up this provision, an application form is now available under the rates and payments section of council’s website.

Council also resolved to provide financial relief to eligible farmland property owners and occupiers where action is required regarding high priority weed infestations, which will be managed as part of the regular weed inspection program.

At last week’s Canberra Region Joint Organisation (CRJO) meeting, the ACT Government signed a new Memorandum of Understanding with the CRJO.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr attended the CRJO Mayors Forum and expressed his government’s enthusiasm in increasing their collaboration with councils in the CRJO.

Topics discussed at the forum included export and freight opportunities; economic and infrastructure opportunities; waste management; sport, culture and wellbeing initiatives; and regional project management.

The MOU provides a valuable platform for engagement between the ACT Government and CRJO.

With the conclusion of the winter sports season, renovations on our sportsgrounds are underway.

This includes aeration and top dressing of the fields in Queanbeyan, while Mick Sherd Oval in Bungendore will have overhead irrigation installed before top dressing and aeration.

At the Braidwood Recreation Ground some broadleaf weeds will be controlled as well as aeration and fertilisation.