Community consultation is “crucial”. That is the view of Manning Valley Business Chamber president Jeremy Thornton as MidCoast Council looks to the State government proposal to include it in the Hunter Joint Organisation (JO) as part its ongoing ‘Fit for the Future’ reform process.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
As the October 27 deadline approaches for feedback on ‘Joint Organisations: Getting the boundaries right’ Mr Thornton is calling on council to enable the community to have its say “before a firm decision is made.”
The State government is proposing to create 11 JO’s (see below for related story links) and MidCoast Council is slotted to be part of the Hunter JO and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council looks set for the North Coast JO. It differs from the pre-amalgamation proposal that could have seen Greater Taree, Gloucester, Port Macquarie-Hastings and Kempsey formed into the Mid North Coast JO.
Mr Thornton is urging MidCoast Council administrator John Turner “to think very carefully about this process”.
Council this week said it had been in discussions with the State government and would “fully support the draft plans that show MidCoast Council contained within the Hunter JO”.
“Any realignment must be beneficial to the entire community and not just one area. It is often said when you drive north and get to Bulahdelah this should be signposted as the entry to the Mid North Coast,” Mr Thornton said.
“A weakened North Coast will be detrimental to not only the Manning Great Lakes but also our northern neighbours in The Hastings. Alternatively, how much can be gained in an already packed Hunter JO? Are we just going to be a small fish in a bigger pool or do we stand together on a level playing field?
“This is a by-product of the amalgamation and it is crucial the community speak and have their say in this process.
“It is interesting that MidCoast Council did not make a submission during the two previous opportunities to do so. This would no doubt be partly due to the process we are going through but it is important they now consult the community.”
RELATED STORIES: