G'day, it's Digby Rayward here, and its' my pleasure to present this week's Council Connect.
Council has been very busy. Sometimes people think we don't do enough, but I tell you what we do: both physically, with roads, bridges, all that outside stuff, and also the solid progress with the third stage of restructuring our whole business, which is important. If we haven't got the business going right, we're in trouble. We have got a couple more vacancies to fill, but we're in no hurry to fill them because, as I say, you've got to have the bus going in the right direction and the right people on the bus with the right culture. I'm very pleased with where it's going, and I think over the next six months the community will see this business is going very well.
Okay, now let's get on with it. The upcoming state election next year. This is an important challenge for us as we try to negotiate additional funding, particularly for our roads. We know roads are a major issue for us. Next week, the Councillors will be talking about our advocacy strategy for the upcoming state election. It's very important. You know, we are pushing against the government's normal response that this is business as usual. I get sick and tired of hearing that from the state government because business as usual for Dungog is that we don't get anything. Come on, give us a fair go. That's what we're asking for. So, we'll need the residents' support as we move forward with this. Adequate funding for roads such as the Chichester Dam Road is a no-brainer. Cr Ley, in his last presentation, made a solid case for that, and that followed my Mayoral Motion, in which we were advised that the Minister for Roads disappointed us by saying there are currently no funds available for that road. It's a road to the major dam supplying water to 600,000 people, and we have to maintain it. We don't think that's a fair go. So, again, as we move forward, we'll need your support in advocating for additional funding.
Now let's talk about tourism. Tourism is a vital part of Dungog's economy. Council is working with Dungog Regional Tourism (DRT) and the Dungog District Chamber of Commerce (DDCC). We're combining to organise a roundtable meeting to discuss tourism in the shire, and shortly, a tourism-related survey will go out to all residents. That'll give us some background before the meeting. So those who have a real keen interest in tourism and getting involved, watch this space.
For those who have an interest in agriculture, tonight we've got the next Future of Farming meeting, and I'm part of the group that organises that. We've got a meeting tonight at 4pm -6pm at the RSL. We've got a couple of interesting presentations, including one on the hiring of goats for weed control, and there's some other good speakers as well. So come along if you're interested.
Right now, moving on to volunteers. You've heard me say so many times how important volunteers are. Without good active volunteers, the whole place is an empty shell. There's a group called the Community Builders Groups. You may have heard of them, at least I hope you have. Clarence Town was the last to get their group going, and I'm aware that their group is being supported. The Senior Citizens are very active in that group, Landcare, and youth, and there are other subgroups within those. So if you've got a few hours to spare, don't wait to be invited. Get your finger on the pulse and get yourself involved. It's a great opportunity, and I recommend it.
But anyway, that's enough from me. Catch you next time. Cheers.
