Councillor's Comment: Tim Skinner
We recently had our very first meeting of the new Delivery Oversight Committee, that I Chair with Cr Campbell Rollo as deputy.
The purpose of the new oversight committee is to provide oversight of project delivery and the operational maintenance of infrastructure and assets, ensuring alignment with annual and long‑term plans, value for money for ratepayers, and effective integration with the new operational leadership restructure of Council this term.
The committee covers an incredibly diverse range of topics and projects that are currently in progress, which I find fascinating and engaging. I’m privileged we have such dedicated senior staff and contractors to draw upon for updates.
Being on Council since 2013 is really helpful. It’s rewarding to have gained connections with the community and knowledge associated with the background of so many of our major infrastructure and projects and then see them come to fruition. Progress that spans multi trienniums, from consultation to planning to implementation to final delivery and enhancement for the best community outcome and utilisation.
Examples include the high-profile Bridge to Better project; the successful completion of our new Nelson Bus Hub at Millers Acre and the refining of the eBus timetable and routes; the ongoing solar panel and batteries procurement and installations on the Trafalgar Pavilion and Greenmeadows; the Saxton Stadium lighting upgrade, the Rutherford Park playground development and associated toilet block and the much-needed St Vincent culvert upgrade, to be finally completed in August.
We’ll be following the progress of the new Archives, Research and Collection Facility – the Museum’s much-needed replacement building for the safe storage of our regional collection. I am very passionate about ensuring the safe preservation of our heritage for our future generations to appreciate and value.
The committee will also be keeping an eye on our three waters core services – drinking water, wastewater and stormwater – their delivery, ongoing maintenance and future proofing. With our Water Services Delivery Plan accepted by the Secretary for Local Government, I must give great praise to our previous mayors, councils and communities for their wise investments that have seen our waters services tick all the boxes of the now-even-greater expectation threshold for security of service delivery.
As you can see, project delivery is something I am very passionate about. I’m always keen to learn more to improve the outcomes and enjoy the engagement with the community, which gives me a sense of real worth and satisfaction in the ever-changing demands of the elected role.
