HASTINGS residents had the chance to find out more about what their council was doing at a meet-the-councillors forum organised by the Residents Action Network, held at the Port Macquarie City Bowling Club.
RAN spokesman Chris McLoughlin said a small crowd of about 30 heard councillors Adam Roberts (deputy mayor) and Lisa Intemann speak about their specific council portfolios and other council matters and then people had the chance to ask them questions.
“Both councillors were pleased to report many decisions made by this council were unanimous, indicating councillors are working and communicating well together and towards the same aims for the community,” Mr McLoughlin said.
“The councillors also liked the portfolio structure of council because it allowed them to gain a deeper understanding of their areas of responsibility by engaging more with council staff.”
He said Port Macquarie Hastings Council was one of the few, but growing number of councils to adopt the portfolio system. Details of all councillors’ roles may be seen at http://www.hastings.nsw.gov.au/www/html/907-port-macquarie-hastings-councillors.asp)
Mr McLoughlin said subjects covered on the evening included the airport development, Stingray Creek bridge replacement, small town sewerage systems, the coastal erosion control plan, roads and infrastructure, future planning, CBD parking for caravans, garbage collection and the Economic Development Strategy, especially in relation to the Glasshouse.
“Councillors Roberts and Intemann answered all questions openly and when answers were not immediately available promised to follow up information,” he said.
In other issues discussed at the meeting, RAN past-president Penny Marshall spoke about the NSW Planning Bill, which she said would have serious consequences in relation to local input to planning decisions, reminding residents to try and keep this issue uppermost in the thoughts of local representatives.
Harry Creamer from Climate Change Australia also addressed the audience about the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement currently being negotiated, and its possible effects on trade and political independence. He urged those present to write to their MPs and to join the CHOICE-sponsored petition at http://aftinet.org.au/cms/trans-pacific-partnership-agreement
After the formal part of the meeting the attendees enjoyed snacks and beverages compliments of the RAN committee and more informal discussions with both councillors.
Mr McLoughlin said RAN was very appreciative of the councillors’ attendance and intended to run more meet-the-councillors forums in 2014. The low turnout by residents at this most recent meeting could be in part due to the countdown to Christmas festivities taking place in the Port Macquarie CBD on the same night, which included the official switching on of the town Christmas tree by mayor Peter Besseling.
