Flattered and bright-eyed, Kempsey mayor upbeat about shire’s future

Councillor Campbell streeted the popular vote race for the mayoralty and is likely to be joined on council by Anna Shields and Dean Saul, who also look to have sufficient numbers, with the remainder to be determined with the distribution of preferences.

Cr Campbell told the Argus that the shire was in an enviable position to profit from the hard work and long term planning established in recent years.

She said it had been a challenging election campaign, and paid credit to the “extraordinary family and friends” who had helped achieved the result – “as nothing is ever accomplished on your own”.

While the new highway had been the issue for the previous council, the mayor said there would now be a shift of focus.

“We’ll be looking to consolidate the plan that we have for redefining the Macleay shire,” Cr Campbell said.

“Agribusiness, agriculture, the flying school, the industrial land at South Kempsey and the 10-year program that we have for roads, bridges, footpaths and infrastructure will all be key matters.

“There’s also the master plan for Crescent Head, South West Rocks and our rural lands.”

Cr Campbell said the challenge for the new council would be to act cohesively as had been the case in the previous term, and to build on the shire’s much improved financial position.

She said the bar is set for the new council to work as a team to affect sound decision making.

One big ticket item for the shire in the next term, she said, would be the waste water treatment plant at West Kempsey, while the 10-year roads program would continue to roll out.

”It’s very exciting as I feel we are at the turning point with such a bright future. We have always cared for the environment and the social aspect and diversity of our community is a strength. If we all come together we can share in the enjoyment of life in Kempsey Shire,” Cr Campbell said.