Concerned residents filled the Gloucester Soldiers Club auditorium to hear an update on the water, bushfire and drought situation in the region.
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It's a throwback to the Gloucester Shire Council era when a community meeting would be held for any contentious issue in the region.
This is the first time since the forced council merger in 2016 that the community has asked for such a meeting and judging by the 150 or so people who poured into the auditorium on Thursday, January 16, it was something the community really needed.
The meeting was spearheaded by MidCoast councillor Katheryn Smith, not on behalf of council but on behalf of herself, as a concerned resident in the community.
Having been a councillor on the former Gloucester Shire Council she understands the community's desire to have people come and explain the situation and put minds at ease that things are being taken care of.
"It's just the Gloucester way," Katheryn said.
And it's a way that seems to work with attendees leaving with a lot more information about the bushfires nearby, council's plans for the town water and where people can go for help with the ongoing drought situation.
Among the speakers were MidCoast Council's director of infrastructure and engineering services, Rob Scott talking about the water situation, and Stuart Robb from NSW RFS, covering the bushfire situation, both delivering a very thorough explanation.
After each speaker attendees were invited to ask questions.
It was a very intelligent, informative meeting which many believe should have been initiated by council months ago.
According to Katheryn, overall the evening went well, and she received only positive feedback.