Last Thursday, the second Ordinary Council Meeting for March was held. There were a number of decisions made that will benefit our towns and villages.

Council resolved to approve a development application for the installation of the Nimmity Bell at the Geldmacher site in Nimmitabel. The bell will be rung daily, at midday, for 12 rings. The duration of the ringing is less than one minute.

In six-months, a review of the bell's operation will be conducted. I'm pleased Council reached a unanimous decision and I hope the Nimmitabel community embraces the bell.

The bell will serve as an additional reason for tourists to stop in town. More tourists in our towns is always a positive outcome.

We know how important it is for our rural communities to attract and retain medical professionals. Council has approved the rent free use of a Bombala property for a new, full-time doctor based in town.

Council will seek an arborist's report to guide the future management of trees on Council land on the corner of Massie and Bombala Streets in Cooma. Council rescinded a motion from August last year to remove the trees.

Council will support the commercial wild deer harvesting industry in the Snowy Monaro, in efforts to control wild deer numbers. If this industry develops then there will be employment opportunities for locals. There is the potential to turn a pest into a profit.

We are a step closer to obtaining a feasibility study for the proposed Monaro Rail Trail. Council has endorsed a draft contract brief for the project and will proceed to seek quotes from potential contractors to deliver the feasibility study.

The study will scope the potential for a rail trail from Queanbeyan to Bombala.