A mayoral mission

YOUTH employment tops the list of concerns for Shellharbour mayor, David Hamilton in the coming year.

Projects like the marina and further expansion of the airport will help in this area, he told the Lake Times.

Another aim is to create incentives for businesses to create apprenticeships to give our young people that valuable on the job training.

Things could be moving along in the near future as the start of the marina project is imminent, according to Cr Hamilton.

Crime has also been one of the mayors main concerns, and is the reason Council has formed a close partnership with the police in tackling youth crime in particular.

The NRMA have joined this partnership in a bid to reduce driving problems amongst local youth.

We will continue to push forward in our fight against anti-social behaviour, he said.

A continuation of lobbying for the State government to complete the Albion Park to Dunmore bypass is also on the cards for the coming year, according to Cr Hamilton.

I wont rest until there is a freeway through, he said.

Cr Hamilton said he believed the last year had been one of fantastic achievement.

I believe as a council we are financially solid and travelling very well, he said.

There will always be the inevitable and natural problems that arise, such as staff wage rises, etc, but we will see these through.

Cr Hamilton said the funding blowout for the dredging of lake Illawarra was unfortunate.

But we cant see a $4 million project stumble, he said.

We all have to really work at this for the best possible result. In regard to last years rates increase, Cr Hamilton said it was regrettable.

It was a major concern for many residents and I can understand that only too well.

But it was a necessary move to keep up the services our residents deserve and expect.

I hope we can step forward now towards a better future.