“Narromine currently have an undetermined amount of road in the south of the shire that has been inundated for months on end and the funds available are very limited and only to return the roads to their original state. Jamea Road is a classic example of these roads and whilst it is sixteen kilometres is only a fraction of our network that will cost many millions and a number of years to bring back to an acceptable standard.

“The state government continually throws more responsibility onto local government but forgets to fund these costly situations. It makes them look good and us look bad. NSW is currently in the fortunate state of having a $3.4 billion surplus and we in the bush are crying out for resources and funding.

“It means that the imperative is upon our heads as councils to maximise the efficiencies of our resources and to ensure best use of the limited funds. It clearly means that we as a shire need to find very significant efficiency gains in every aspect of our works programs and this council over the course of the next few months will continue to focus on the underperforming aspects of councils functions. It is simply what we have been elected to do and our responsibility.

“Already I  have spoken with Mark Coulton and he has offered his support in whatever way he can including trying to divert black spot funding from a roundabout on the corner of Meryula and Nymagee Streets that would cost $275,000 when surely two stop signs would provide a similar outcome and the funds could be diverted to many other more pressing areas. So typical of the city telling us what to do for our own good. Just give us the money and allow those on the ground to make the call and stop the stupid waste of very scarce and precious funding.

“I have also discssed with the GM the potential for farmers to get involved in carting gravel to their own roads and maximising the pot of money that will eventuate for the repair of our roads. We need a very clear and well constructed plan to maximise the benefits of every program and idea that can help. It is not going to be  business as usual.

“I have had many issues occupy my first fortnight as Mayor and my feet have yet to hit the ground. I never suspected it would be easy and cherish the opportunity to be involved in making this shire a dynamic, progressive and proactive place to live. I am blessed to have amongst this NEW COUNCIL two former mayors, five business people with a combined 120 years experience and an IT expert. But beyond that I have a group focused on bringing about change , efficiencies and a better way forward for our shire. I also have a very united group determined to see better outcomes.

“My contact details are on the web and for those without access to the web I can be contacted during sensible hours on 0429 887707 or my email is daviesag@westnet.com.au

“We won’t fix the shire overnight but we are determined to bring long term benefits and much better outcomes in as short a time as possible.”