I am a visitor to your lovely area, and have enjoyed my stay very much. I have enjoyed reading your paper, especially My Word.
However, I must comment on several matters that I find surprising and disappointing. The first that seems to be noticed by all is the bad condition of the main roads. Secondly, nobody can visit and not remark on the Glasshouse. An asset to cities like Newcastle or Geelong, but Port Macquarie?
After listening to locals talk, I shudder to think what it is costing the ratepayers. I am an accountant, but one does not have to see that it is a drag on the community budget. The upkeep and interest payments alone must be tremendous, and the income would hardly cover wages. It appears that it would be better to sell it (if a buyer can be found) or close it to cut the drag on the public purse.
Thirdly, I have heard a lot about parking but, as a visitor, I do not find it too bad. I was surprised, though, to see the sign that council officers patrol Port Central Shopping Carpark, but do not do the same at settlement city. Booking motorists in my local shopping car park was found to be illegal a few years ago.
I only hope when a new council is elected that they get back to basic ie: Roads and Health.
Neale Smythe
Brunswick, Victoria
