Craig Bennett is general manager of the Glen Innes Severn Council, in the NSW Northern Tablelands. He has experienced a baptism of fire, literally, since taking office in October.

I arrived here to a usually green region that had yellowed through three years of severe drought. Within a month, we were dealing with the deadly Kangawalla bushfire, then major floods hit just before Christmas. I promised the mayor 2020 would be better and I was right for about six weeks…. then along came novel coronavirus.

Glen Innes itself prospered during the fires because emergency services were based here, but Wytaliba, an hour north-east, was ravaged and two lives were sadly lost. The floods affected the town as well, and they are still suffering. We’ve just received four “recovery pods” from the NSW Government and mining magnate Twiggy Forrest’s foundation, providing temporary accommodation to families who lost homes.

Drought has had the biggest detrimental impact on our LGA, because of its longevity and the fact agriculture is our biggest industry. We’ve lost lives to that, too, and it’s not over yet. But I’m amazed how resilient people here are. Instead of farmers packing up, they’ve turned to other things to make ends meet. Local businesses are expanding online or reinventing themselves, like making pandemic face masks or motels offering takeaway meals.

I see huge opportunities post-COVID. People in capital cities could move to the country and work remotely – our challenge will be to position ourselves so they want to come here, for our great climate, friendly people, relaxing lifestyle and proximity to major regional cities and the coast.

We also must be ready to face what could be the next crisis – swarming mental health issues resulting from pandemic economics and experiences. Support services must be available for those in need and we should check on each other regularly. I will certainly do as much as I can on that front.

Craig Bennett
General Manager
Glen Innes Severn Council