Narrandera Shire Councillor Jenny Clarke said she believed the Narrandera Shire Council should do what Australia’s illustrious Prime Minister didn’t do when it came to the recent referendum – listen to the people.

While the Council thanked the respondents to the proposed Council’s Special Rate Variation it was obvious it was going to take no notice of them.

“The cost of living seems to be the one thing that is continuing on and on with our government as it should be with this council.

“Most people think that farmers are super rich. I can tell you most are not. I remember growing up on a farm and I can tell you some years were pretty lean. You might say things were different then about 60 to 70 years ago, however just because farmers own a bit of land from one year to another it is not much different.

“Why are we hitting our farmers so high? They do not have access to water or sewer,” she said.

Cr Clarke put forward some of her thoughts on the proposed SRV to the meeting.

• Concerns in respect to Council expenditure and that it should be reviewed in a global approach prior to requesting ratepayer funding.

• Independent review of Council’s position firstly to ascertain increased expenditure locations and how this can be rectified in the short and long term.

• Review and future implementation of policy and procedure in respect of shortfall and over budget projects eg:- (Barellan reticulated sewerage system) and how projects can proceed with being over budget in the first instance.

• Review of Council’s internal staffing concerns and a general unhappiness and desire to work.

• Note the request to further review implementation of contractors when needed. Possibly on a greater basis.

While she noted that a special rate variation was probably necessary, as a prudent Councillor she said she had listened to the overwhelming community dissatisfaction and at this stage considered the SRV not worthy of proceeding.

“ I do not disagree that there needs to be a rate variation, however the variation should take into consideration Council’s internal mechanisms to lower expenditure in the short and long term. I would consider the variation in part once Council has calculated the shortfall required, and especially once Council has introduced cost saving mechanisms.

“Narrandera Shire residents deserve better!” she said.