Interim general manager, Glenn Handford delivered a presentation designed to keep the community fully informed about the merger implementation and how the new council is developing.

He explained how there needs to be a merger of the asset plans and the financial plans from  the three former councils to get a full understanding of the operational situation.

Mr Handford explained the infrastructure backlog each former council had prior to the merger, where it stood currently and the projected future. The infrastructure backlog refers to outstanding works on roads, bridges and community buildings. 

He explained how there is a shortfall of funds required to complete the projects and proposed ways to raise the money, including the need. for a council rate increase. 

Mr Handford suggested a 20 per cent (five per cent over four years) across all of MidCoast Council. The percentage is same the amount the Great Lakes community agreed upon prior to the merger but is less than the former Greater Taree Council (50 per cent) and Gloucester Shire Council (39 per cent) had proposed.

Attendee Penny Charles said she was disappointed the finance figures used in the presentation were not accurate and didn’t reflect the former Gloucester council at the time of the merger.

Members of the Local Representation Committee (LRC) and the Implementation Ádvisory Group (IAG) were introduced at the meeting. 

Mr Handford asked the community for input about what they feel are the greatest concerns that need addressing in their region. In an interview with the Gloucester Advocate after the meeting, Mr Handford explained this was to get an understanding of how the LRC could be set up to function the best for the overall community needs. He expects a detailed outline of each committee’s role to be clarified soon.

During question time, local Tony Kingston asked how the members of the LRC and IAG were chosen. This decision was made by administrator John Turner in consultation with four State politicians.

In a comment made to the Gloucester Advocate after the meeting, Mr Kingston said “the process lacks transparency.”

Overall, Mr Handford believes the meeting went well and people were interested in the presentation. He said many questions were asked and answered. Gloucester residents have requested a community meeting be held every three months to keep them informed.

“I genuinely enjoy meeting with the community,” he said.

In a comment made to the Gloucester Advocate after the meeting, Mrs Charles said, “(Mr Handford) is to be commended for his willingness to face the community given the history of this whole process.”

This was the first of 11 community meetings to be held around the MidCoast Council region over the next few weeks.

For a full list of committee meetings http://www.gloucesteradvocate.com.au/story/3963813/get-to-know-the-interim-council-team/?cs=438