WITH a new MidCoast Council recently elected, and the majority of those elected being new councillors, now is the optimum time to advise of the direction we would like council decision making to take.

Community organisations can compile a list of projects for future consideration at the start of the four-year term and get that in writing to Council at their earliest opportunity.

The two population zones of Taree and Forster will have the power of numbers and voices on Council to have positive things happen for their towns, but what about our area?

Individual ratepayers may also like to express their views to Council, alongside community groups, probably only to have their views ignored and rejected.

“No funds available” is the regular first response, followed by “it’s not in our five-year projections”.

Don’t forget, it’s a four-year Council term!

It’s a risk for me to offer a view, but having just returned from a few days in Mudgee, a township of roughly 10,000 residents, the visual differences in our areas are quite alarming.

Yes, Mudgee has double the population of our twin towns and it is also the principal area in that LGA, but everything is so neat and tidy – which impressed me greatly.

I would like to suggest that Council hire a minibus for its councillors and senior staff to have a two day “look and see trip to Mudgee”.

It should then become immediately obvious to Council that neat and tidy public areas are greatly appreciated by residents and visitors alike.

By John BLACKBOURN