General News
12 October, 2024
Barry's Corner
It's our first chance to vote for councillors in four years so make the most of it.
Love it or loathe it, our local government can play a positive role in all our districts and communities.
The shires were changed around in the 1990s, reducing the number by at least half and leaving a larger estate to administer and manage.
Councillors come been from many and various careers and backgrounds and this stimulates wide debate on lots of issues.
The old saying that shires should concentrate on roads, rubbish and rates has long been overrun by community and government suggestions and demands - and these come thick and fast.
As councils must maintain the huge network of gravel and bitumen roadways, bridges are rarely covered with rate dollars so there is a shortfall.
Coping with fire, flood and drought cycles is a huge cost on the rate base, and after a disaster it can take years to recover.
Facing land use changes can be challenging if more people are moving into the towns and
subdivisions.
For any district to enlarge its population base, it takes a supportive and creative council to make the right decisions to have the right formula.
To attract skilled people from the big centres takes some effort and the district must be an attractive place in which to set up a new life.
Having assets like national parks and reserves is a huge positive for any district and shires can play an active part in the protection of these valuable biodiversity hotspots.
Roadside vegetation makes a real difference to any district.
A shire can be involved in the maintenance and management of our roadsides.
Controlling cats, rabbits, weeds and pests is an issue where shires can add value by co-ordination and co-operation.
There is now a chance to influence the make-up of the council for your municipality.
Considering the vast number of issues they are faced with, it is crucial to vote for good candidates.
This chance comes around only every four years.
Remember, voting is compulsory.