Jindabyne Chamber Of Commerce

The Chamber Executive and some key community members representing JCS and SMGS along with a staffer from John Barilaro’s Office met with Dean Lynch. This was an opportunity to review Major Projects and allocated funds to various projects. We also had an opportunity to discuss some local Jindabyne issues and highlight various challenges and opportunities.

A key one was to update him and tourism staff regarding “Smart City” technologies and opportunities for Jindabyne as a pilot program given its unique character and dynamics in the community with seasonal visitation and tourism growth.

Smart City supports local governments, private companies, research organisations and not-for-profit bodies to work collaboratively and deliver innovative smart city projects. The goal is to improve the liveability, productivity and sustainability of places like Jindabyne. We are uniquely placed as a dynamic community in a regional location which has recently been merged with local government. Also with our local State member being ideally positioned as Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional New South Wales, Minister for Skills, and Minister for Small Business.

Projects relate to street lighting of key places in the community and incorporating technology for signage related to road conditions, signage for tourism and events. Security cameras incorporated into the lighting. Also WiFi and various communications and technologies that enable improved accessibility and performance. It also allows for smart metering of domestic and commercial premises to track power and various resources and services.

The most important part is the partnering of a range of organisations and service providers rather than exclusive arrangements and ensures best practice and also future proofing against obsolete or outdated technologies or resources. Hence “smart city” and a great opportunity for Jindabyne going forward.

Attached is a link for those interested enough in this as a project to look into further and especially a number of useful links for background.
https://cities.dpmc.gov.au/smart-cities-program

Supplying Transport to and from Snowy River Shire

Council would like to outline the differences between the Transconnect bus service and the new NSW Trainlink service scheduled to commence 1 July 2014. Both services will ultimately complement one another with the aim to improve access to and from the Shire.

“Council and community members have been working to obtain these two services for our community for many years. These pilot services will only become a permanent, year round transport system if the community support and patronise them. If we want to keep the services we need to demonstrate to the State Government that they are frequently used” explained Joseph Vescio, General Manager.

Transconnect is a community care style transport service designed to provide access to community members who are transport disadvantaged. Once the bus arrives in Canberra there is up to a four hour turn around period designed to allow travellers the opportunity to attend appointments or do shopping before the return journey. Turn around time depends on the destination access point. The service does drop off at the bus and airport terminals.

The NSW Trainlink service is primarily designed to link travellers with buses and trains to continue their journey. Therefore NSW Trainlink has a one hour turn around, as apposed to the Transconnect four hour turn around.

The Snowy River community is unique in the fact that during the winter our population increases with those coming down to work or visit. Whether a resident is permanent or temporary they qualify to use the Transconnect service. Where spare seats are available visitors to our region may also access the Transconnect service. It is noted however, that ‘residents’ will take priority.

“The Transconnect bus service has flexibility on the days of service provision, so it may alter the days of operation to Tuesdays and Thursdays once the NSW Trainlink bus commences, depending upon passenger numbers. This will then compliment the NSW Trainlink schedule to ensure that our region has a sustainable Monday to Friday service and will ensure that both pilot projects are utilised”. advised Tabitha Williams, Acting Manager Community Care.

Council thanks those who have been using and promoting the Transconnect bus service. To book your seat on the Transconnect bus or for more information please phone Council on 6451 1054. The Transconnect timetable and cost is available on our website. 

Read more about Snowy River Shire Council’s latest news at http://www.snowyriver.nsw.gov.au