Lack of faith in the Upper Hunter Shire Council has led the Stewarts Brook and Woolooma community to fight the proposed special rate variation.
The community, led by the Stewarts Brook and Woolooma Progress Association, held a public meeting on Saturday afternoon to discuss issues with the current state of the roads and the proposed rate increase at the top of the agenda.
Four representatives from the association attended the community consultation meeting at the council last Tuesday, however 32 residents attended Saturday’s meeting to voice their concerns.
Residents of the area are no stranger to the council as they have constantly lobbyed the council over many years in an effort to have their roads improved.
It was only months ago, in June 2011 when residents were trapped due to the floods demolishing the Alec Cone Bridge and preventing access over the lower level creek crossing.
After lengthy discussion there was only a laugh when attendees were asked to raise their hand if they support the rate increase, which involves the 3.6 per cent set by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) and a further 6.4 per cent proposed by the council.
The community voted unanimously to reject the rate increase and has written letters to the council, State Member for Upper Hunter George Souris and IPART.
Stewarts Brook and Woolooma Progress Association president Norman Cone said the main reason for their decision was that the community doesn’t have faith in the council to deliver on the road improvement commitment.
“The state of our road at the moment is terrible and I requested the council fix it before Christmas, but no major work has been done yet,” Mr Cone said.
“The whole of the shire is like it though; it’s not just Stewarts Brook.”
Mr Cone met with Upper Hunter Shire mayor Lee Watts on Monday to discuss the association’s position.
“People have lost faith, and we believe there is a gross management issue.
“Unless you’re on the priority list nothing will be done.
“We have sections of the road that slipped away during the floods and it’s too dangerous for two cars to pass,” Mr Cone said.
“It’s a highly used road.”
Upper Hunter Shire mayor Lee Watts said the council welcomed the response from the Woolooma/Stewarts Brook meeting or any other group or individual that takes the time to comment.
“Councillors will read all submissions before making a decision to the proposed special rate variation,” Cr Watts said.
She said the council have held a series of consultation and have provided options for the community to contact the council to put forward their information by Monday.
“There is still time for comment, by completing the online survey on the council’s website at www.upperhunter. nsw.gov.au, emailing council@ upperhunter.nsw.gov.au, fax 6545 2671, write to PO Box 208, Scone NSW 2337, drop in at any office, speak with a councillor or ring 6540 1100.
“Whether you are for or against, this is your opportunity to have your say, don’t miss out."
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