We applaud the councillors for doing what they believe is in the best interests of our community.
The appointment of Mark Dalzell as acting general manager also presents an opportunity to move forward in a positive and collaborative manner.
Mayor Peta Betts needs to stand up and lead this process.
It is no secret that the relationship between your local newspaper and the ERC leadership has been strained, at best, in recent times.
In our view, this is the result of a reluctance shown by the council leaders to accept diversity of opinion. This needs to change.
Cr Betts has enjoyed the majority support of her bloc on council, albeit reduced since the sudden resignation of former Deputy Mayor Paul Fellows.
The mayor will get stronger support in the final six months of this council term if she takes a more collaborative approach towards those who do not always agree with her position, from both inside and outside the council.
At the end of an extensive community consultation process in 2021, Edward River Council was urged to “build cohesive leadership”, with the need for transparency and communication being prioritised.
Unfortunately, none of this has been to the level of community expectation.
Under new direction there will be important priorities for our council to consider, not the least being the Edward River Village.
The project not only needs review, but also the transparency for which the community and some councillors have asked.
If the financial structure for potential residents is not right, which is a view that has been expressed, the council needs to look at this carefully and make the necessary adjustments.
It is surely best to admit that something is wrong and take actions to address it, than refuse to acknowledge the problem which, in the long term, will only make it worse.
Another issue that will need to be considered carefully is the council’s cost structure, including the ballooning cost of administration.
Council has updated its advocacy strategy, and more work is needed promoting the region’s needs in Sydney and Canberra, especially with the pending impact of more water buybacks.
There is a lot to be done and even though the current council has only six months left in its term, with a fresh approach much can be achieved in this time.
We also look forward, during this time, to seeing collaboration and transparency return to levels the community requested only a little more than two years ago.
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