The New Year is traditionally a time we reflect on the year that has passed, and what we would like to achieve in the coming year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Looking ahead, my goal is to continue with the positive changes we have made over the past five years, and build on these with clear plans for a brighter future for the Macleay.
As a community, I would like to see us set priorities that complement each other so that the effort and money invested is shared across our communities. We have a long list of priorities, often with conflicting views on which priorities are the most important.
Our role as councillors is to listen to the different opinions of individuals or groups on what their vision for our valley is, and to set a path to deliver what is in the interests of the whole community.
Where the interests of the community compete with the interests of individuals or groups, those decisions can be tough and often not well received.
But with a good plan, a vision for the future, and commitment we are able to build a case for support and gain involvement from other levels of government.
By working together, we can achieve more with less, and that allows us to then focus on other priorities the community has set.
Sometimes factors outside our control can determine what those priorities are. A good example is the focus in recent years on revitalising Kempsey’s commercial centre following the highway bypass. This will continue.
With the Smith Street works now complete, we can turn some more attention to our other towns and villages. Development of the Crescent Head Master Plan is underway, and major projects recently completed to upgrade roads, bridges and recreational facilities in our seaside towns benefits all residents and businesses in our valley.
During 2017, Council looks forward to partnering with the community, businesses and other levels of government to turn our visions into reality for the Macleay Valley.