Election material and pamphlets litter letterboxes around our community and the countdown is well and truly on as early voting for next week’s local government election has begun. 

The Bugle has always been about keeping the community informed and allowing the community to have a voice. Whether it’s through The View, Blow your Bugle or our roving reporters, we have kept you abreast of what is happening in our community and how we are being impacted.  

Over the past year, our community has faced some difficult challenges. Many would say the impacts of those challenges were exacerbated, rather than mitigated by our Council. Some might say that Council and some Councillors were the direct cause of these challenges and the financial conundrum that we now find ourselves in.

However, this is all (hopefully) in the past. 

With the finalisation of the sale of Blue Haven Bonaira imminent, though now extended by a month, there will be some much-needed cash for the coffers for the operating and structural deficit. But make no mistake, the challenges of the NSW Government’s Performance Improvement Order remain. Understandably, given our experience over the last couple of years, our community fears the worst regarding special rate rises, further privatisation and cuts to services.

Our long running campaign for (positive) change continues. With most incumbent Councillors not seeking re-election, it looks like change is coming. We do not congratulate ourselves, for this because we are merely a mouthpiece of what the community is feeling. 

The community has brought about this change. 

It’s not mission accomplished, or job done. Come 14 September, every adult in our community has the responsibility to ensure the results reflect a positive way forward.

We want elected representatives who will resolve a way forward, not squabble at every opportunity.

We want genuine transparency about the financial situation and what is next.

We want to ensure that all parts of the community, not just parts of it, are heard.

We want genuine opportunities, progress and investment for local businesses and the economy.

We want real action for our youth on jobs, entertainment and housing affordability.

The time for change has come – let’s make sure it is a positive one.