By JONATHON HOWARD
TENTERFIELD Shire Council general manager, Lotta Jackson, has outlined a number of accomplishments by the council, despite several residents labelling it “one of the worst in the region’s history”.
Residents’ concerns ranged from the alleged mishandling of Tenterfield Shire Council’s finances, a failure to properly consult the public on tough decisions and cracks developing within the council ranks.
Ms Jackson sidestepped a number of questions posed by the Free Times; instead opting to highlight the council’s key achievements.
Her responses were made after a recent questionnaire was completed by Tenterfield Progress Association member, Robert Walker.
Mr Walker’s views were printed in the Free Times 15 May edition, page 5.
The same questions were put to Ms Jackson including issues around council finances, the public view of council and where council has failed or succeeded.
Ms Jackson also refused to comment on certain “code of conduct” matters within council, which related to Councillor Blair Maxwell – but she did provide the following responses to project matters.
“Council has been provided with plenty of positive comments from the community on the progress of projects including: the main street project, roads infrastructure across the shire e.g: construction of Rivertree Road culvert; major drainage work at Bruxner Highway and Allison Street Drake; reseals to Wood Street, Bulwer Street, Old Ballandean Road and Scrub Road; completed upgrade of Oakey Hill on Mt Lindesay Road.
“The cleaning of water pipes with the result of better quality water in town (and) the introduction of recycling at the waste transfer station and the planned kerb recycling commencing in July 2014, as well as the opening of the digital cinema.”
Ms Jackson also highlighted council successes including increased visitation to Tenterfield, increased visits to the tourism website and an increase in the number of development applications.
“Further to the above, council has formalised the Audit Plan and Continuous Improvement Plan actions through the established Audit Committee and documents can be viewed on the council’s website,” she said.
“Council’s quarterly review of activities will be presented at the May Council meeting and you might find this report useful as it monitors the council’s progress over the year.
“The quarterly reviews are presented to the council in August, November, February and May each year.”
The Free Times is calling on Tenterfield residents to have their say over the handling of Tenterfield Shire Council by sending an email to newsdesk@freetimes.com.au.
