THE view from the junction of this year and next is one of achievement, promise and challenge.
Looking back, we see long-awaited improvements to the Princes Highway take shape north and south of Nowra. As work continues, the challenge next year will be to accept the temporary inconvenience this causes and with the upgrade north of Nowra, to keep the momentum going.
From 2012, we see another long cherished dream materialise. As the South Coast Cancer Care Centre takes shape, it holds out the promise of better treatment for local cancer sufferers. The challenge will be to ensure it is adequately staffed and funded.
Looking back over the year past, we see a changing of the guard in local government.
This holds out the promise of a return to the basics – a refocusing on roads, rates and rubbish, the core responsibilities of council.
The challenge for Shoalhaven City Council is to get on with the job, with the least amount of pain for ratepayers.
If the applied for rate increase does eventuate, it is incumbent on council to explain clearly to ratepayers exactly where that extra money is intended to be used.
The past year has been one of economic challenges yet through the tough times some outstanding achievements have put a shine on things.
New businesses have emerged, and some appear to be thriving.
The challenge falls to all of us to support them and by doing so invest in our community’s future.
From all of us at the Register, we wish you a happy and prosperous new year.