As he made the rounds of towns and villages within the former Guyra Shire Council area this week he said that such events will not be a one-off, but rather a regular part of his term as administrator.

Speaking at a meeting in Guyra on Tuesday, he updated the community on what has been happening and answered questions about the amalgamation process and what is being done to bring the two council areas together.

Answering the big question about changing the newly gazetted name he said that the name will remain Armidale Regional Council as announced by Local Government Minister Paul Toole.

“For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, the decision stands’ Dr Tiley said. “The minister has made it clear he likes the name, and it has already been decided – there will be no change.”

Following concerns from the floor about the loss of jobs and machinery from Guyra he said protecting jobs is imperative, and if anything there will be more people and more resources on the ground in Guyra. 

He said that he is instead concerned to reduce jobs at the top level rather than those on the ground.

Other issues raised at the meeting were recently appointed advisory panel, welfare of council staff, the need for more childcare, disabled parking, upgrades to the main street and the construction of the new aged care facility.

With funding promised by the state government when the new council was proclaimed, Dr Tiley indicated that he is keen to move forward with projects in the local area saying that ‘we can get a whole lot of outcomes with $10 million.’

Meetings were also held at Ebor, Ben Lomond, Tingha, Wollomombi, Wards Mistake and Black Mountain.

 Dr Tiley indicated that he will make regular visits to meet with ratepayers, and will be available on Wednesday mornings in Guyra by appointment.