The Armidale Regional Council held a community feedback meeting in Guyra on Wednesday evening to give locals the opportunity to voice their concerns and hopes for the future of the town.
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The meeting delivered some interesting topics that reflected some key issues of residents including the need for safer roads, improving public transport, expanding Guyra’s water supply and facilitating tourism.
Industry proved to be one of the overarching topics and residents were keen to see the new Council supporting economic development by keeping key agricultural facilities up-to-date.
Representation was one topic of concern for Guyra residents.
Residents were concerned that the amalgamation of the former Guyra Shire Council with Armidale Regional Council would prevent their voices from being heard.
Locals suggested that the concept of fair representation would be an imperative part of the democratic process and a Guyra representative would be an ideal way to achieve this goal.
Former mayor Hans Hietbrink said a focus should be put on viewing Guyra as part of a larger system.
“I think we should have focused more on the region,” he said.
“That means the whole of the local government area rather than looking specifically at issues pertaining at Guyra.
“If it’s going to be an Armidale Regional Council strategic plan then we need to start as part of the Armidale Regional Council.
“Issues like transport, that is a Guyra concern but with the same token it’s also an Armidale concern because we need to get transport from Guyra to Armidale as well as Armidale to Guyra.”
David Bearup said he felt as though due to the way the meeting was organised, it lacked depth and a more open discussion would have facilitated better progress.
“I think it needs a more open discussion with a much broader spectrum of things,” Mr Bearup said.
“I was disappointed there weren’t more young people there.
“People in some ways laboured on small things.”
Armidale Regional Council administrator Dr Ian Tiley said the meetings were designed to provide the community with a rare opportunity to contribute to Council’s future vision.
“It’s about the community expressing their hopes, aspirations and needs from Council over the next 10 years,” he said.
“Basically everything is on the table.”
Council will also be running community meetings in Armidale, Ebor and Ben Lomond.
If you were unable to attend the meeting and wish to register your ideas visit www.yoursayarmidale.engagementhq.com/futurevision.
