Happy New Year

I hope that everybody had an enjoyable Christmas and New Year’s Eve - whether you stayed at home and enjoyed the beauty of the Macleay or travelled to be with family or friends.

I look forward to seeing you out and about in 2013 whilst I travel around the shire.

Making the New Year happier

I have noticed over the last year that people are becoming more positive about our area and our future. That is not to say that we don't still see there are problems, but there is a real desire to focus on good people and the good things we do.

As a community, we need to take action about things we see that affect our safety and our sociability. Don't just accept things you see that you do not think are right. Make the effort to report it to the Police Hotline 131 444. It is not about having police turn up then and there to stop it, it is about making sure the police have all the information on what is happening and when. This then leads to the police having information to support the need for action.

We also have to find ways to support those in our community who know what is happening, but are frightened to speak up. It is important to make sure everyone knows that they will have the community's support in helping make our place a safer and better place. If you know someone who has information but is not passing it on, make sure they are aware of the ability to pass on their information anonymously to the Police. To solve crimes takes information. A community that works with the police by providing the leads is not a place criminals can survive and thrive in.

This year I will be looking to all of our community leaders to be vocal and strong in getting the message out there that anti-social behaviour is not part of our culture and has no part in our community. Similarly, I want our leaders to be showing that if you are thinking of doing a crime, expect to be reported and not be made welcome as part of our valley.

Speed sign vandalism

While I am sure that the person who blacked out the speed signs on South West Rocks Road thought they were making a statement, I am not so sure they realise the cost of their actions, with a bill to the community of up to $5,000.00 for cleaning up their mess. Some people agree with the changes and others don’t, but vandalism is senseless and costly.

Local Government in the future

At the December Council meeting the General Manager informed the councillors about a recent report on the future of local government. He did not pull any punches in outlining that there was room for improvement. It is clear that the new year will bring change.

The General Manager told councillors that, as a community, we need to see this as a unique opportunity for making positive changes. We need to consider what we want and not wait for someone else to decide what they think is best for us. So expect to see more about how local government is done over the next 12 months.