Mayor column: with Cr John Harvie

Published on 14 March 2025

Moama Locals could be forgiven for thinking the worst, last Tuesday morning, when a large contingent of police officers and media swarmed near the intersection of Francis Street and the Cobb Highway. Thankfully, it was in fact a ceremonial occasion with the police minister, The Hon Yasmin Catley, in town accompanied by senior police brass, local officers and our local member Helen Dalton MP to turn the first sod on construction of the new Moama police station.

The project has been in the pipeline for some time and was initially costed, prior to COVID, at around $4 million. That cost has now climbed to $7.9 million due to inflation and significant increase in cost of materials. The facility can accommodate up to 30 officers allowing for significant growth from the current contingent of 10 officers stationed at Moama. Construction should commence this week and be completed around the end of the year.

Following the ceremony, minister Catley, Helen Dalton, Police Assistant Commissioner, Joe Cassar and Commander Paul Smith visited the Mathoura police station to observe first-hand the condition of the existing police station which is currently unusable leaving Mathoura to be serviced from Deniliquin. Council and local member Helen Dalton continue to push for urgent action to rectify the situation. In recent discussions with Commander Paul Smith, it was pleasing to here that recent postings to the Barham and Moulamein stations mean that those stations will be at full strength.

Following the departure of former CEO, Terry Dodds, in November last year, council has recently announced the appointment of Stacy Williams to the role. 

Stacy is an Echuca Moama local and has over 19 years’ local government experience at a senior executive level. Stacy is currently Director of Healthy Communities and Environments with the City of Greater Bendigo and is also chair of Echuca Regional Health.

We look forward to Stacy commencing in her role on 14th April. In the meantime, Sarah Ryan will continue as Acting Chief Executive Officer.

The Independent Pricing and Renumeration Tribunal (IPART) is currently considering a recommendation from the NSW Water Minister, to increase the price of water in the Murray region by 184% over the next 5 years.

I have written to the minister, The Hon. Rose Jackson, Treasurer The Hon. Daniel Mookhey and IPART condemning this unfair and unjustifiable increase. The proposed increase for Sydney water users is only 50%.

If passed, this will result in councils along the Murray in NSW having to triple the cost of treated and raw water charges.