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“Powerless” and an “absolute disgrace” is how two former Greater Taree councillors describe the MidCoast Council Local Representative Committee (LRC).
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Brad Christensen and Alan Tickle joined MidCoast Council ratepayers on social media to voice their opinion on the shock resignation of Robyn Jenkins from the LRC.
Last Friday Ms Jenkins chose to speak to Manning River Times journalist, Ainslee Dennis to explain her decision to submit her resignation to administrator John Turner and send a copy of her letter to NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Local Government Gabrielle Upton. Click here to read the story and see the video of Ms Jenkins discussing her resignation.
The former Greater Taree City councillor and deputy mayor believes “it is not ethical” for her to accept an annual payment of around $19,000 for the work required of her on the LRC and says that in recent months she’s “become increasingly disillusioned” by the role of the LRC and its contribution to MidCoast Council. She contends the LRC “is not achieving” and “is being sidetracked to talk about things that are not fundamentally important to the people.”
Mr Christensen and Mr Tickle read the Manning River Times story and watched the video interview and then acted to express their opinion on Facebook.
“I'm not sure what has changed as all councillors knew the LRC had no power when nominations were called,” Mr Christensen said.
“We now have an administrator making all the decisions and being paid in place of the councillors, yet we have a committee put in place for what? They are powerless yet are paid a remuneration.”
Mr Tickle described the LRC committee appointments as “political and token from the start”.
“All need to resign and call for reversal of amalgamation to the Premier. It is not working and the scale of the council is ridiculous and front line service appalling.
“Robyn called it out. Others on the committee have said the same thing. The amalgamation was a takeover. The wheels are spinning but getting bogged.
“Not one policy gone on exhibition. There are more local volunteers working for the community for nothing and contributing more. Absolute disgrace.”
Local resident Christine Stanton believes “the residents of the MidCoast Council area must stand up to the dumbing down of our democratic rights.”
“This ‘won't be right, mate’ in the end. Ms Jenkins should be admired for speaking out as she has done and it's a sad day that we have lost such a representative, even though she was prevented from representing us effectively after amalgamation,” Ms Stanton said.
Toni Bishop said “Good on you Robyn, that's such a great example” with Sally Piracha adding, “Nice to see some principles being employed.”