Emotions are running high following the forced amalgamation of Greater Taree, Great Lakes and Gloucester councils and were laid bare at a MidCoast Council meeting on Wednesday afternoon (June 8).

Fourteen members of the public accepted the opportunity to speak before appointed administrator John Turner and interim general manager Glenn Handford at the meeting held in the former Greater Taree City Council chambers.

Speakers were former mayor of Greater Taree Paul Hogan, Chris Sheed, Cathy Posselt, Dwayne Pratsky, Katrina Pearson, Ken Billings, Ray Dawes, former deputy mayor of Greater Taree Alan Tickle, Carol Bennett, Susie Russell, Pattie Hogan, Nawal Maharaj, Bruce Robertson and former Great Lakes councillor Linda Gill.

They did not hold back, speaking freely and with passion about their opinions and feelings on a range of issues including the loss of democracy, treatment of people through the process, Mr Turner’s appointment and his links to the mining industry and the motives of the State government in appointing National Party members. There was also criticism of member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead and member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie for not attending any public inquiry and who, it was viewed, did not fight for their electorates and oppose the amalgamation when it was clear the three local government areas wanted to stand alone.

It was standing room only in the public gallery, with many protesters of the amalgamation holding signs and placards high, and interjecting with jeers, heckles and comments. There was also applause and support for the speakers.

Mr Turner and Mr Handford sat listening to each speaker, and only speaking when they were addressed with a question, which they were not obliged to answer.