Tamworth Regional Council local government elections 2021: Tamworth Business Chamber puts candidates in the hot seat at forum

A forum hosted by the Tamworth Business Chamber at West Diggers Club attracted a packed crowd, with the community keen to hear candidates' plans and priorities should they be elected on December 4.

Moderated by Leader journalist Madeline Link, candidates addressed key issues ranging from Engie's proposed Hills of Gold Wind Farm at Nundle, to their stance on the half-a-billion dollar Dungowan Dam build.

The first to speak was egg farmer Bede Burke, who described the upcoming election as a chance for renewal.

"There will be new faces on council and for those who have served on council for a long period of time, I know that you've put your best foot forward," he said.

Speaking about the role council plays in natural disaster and emergency management and recovery, Mr Burke said the floods this week were a prime example of "where the city's real deficiencies are in terms of its river crossing".

Also looking to bring a fresh perspective to council is Moonbi local Judy Coates, who said her passion for mental health and background as a physiotherapist and volunteer crisis support officer with Lifeline stand her in good stead for a council role.

"I've always been a community-minded person, through work, committees or volunteer positions," she said.

"I want to see our region continue to grow and I believe I can do that from the position of council."

Looking to build on her 13 years of experience on council, Helen Tickle argued for the need for experience and maturity on council, and said there has never been a time in history when Tamworth council has spent so much money on infrastructure.

"We have delivered for this region and we are catering for the future to deliver for our growing population with Blueprint 100," she said.

"It is imperative, as a council that you must be able to work with all levels of government and I believe I have done that in the past."

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Deputy mayor and council candidate Phil Betts agreed, council's record of delivering projects like the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC), the Sports Dome, hockey fields and Bicentennial Park is proof the current council have delivered.

"Major things we need to continue include water security," he said.

"We need to make sure that the government allows access to the water in Chaffey Dam, not waste it like they did because that was just pathetic.

"Reverse Osmosis -10 megalitres of reusable water back into the industry, that would be of enormous benefit."

Ray Tait added that water security was the number one issue facing the community.

"I have a real issue with the water situation. I think we've been handed a raw deal by the state government," he said.

"I believe the state government is using Tamworth residents to pay for their environmental responsibilities for the Peel River and they are quite substantial."

Keen to build on council's track record is Manilla's Jim Maxwell who told the forum "what you see is what you get".

"This region has been very good to our family for four generations and I thought it was time to give a little back. That's why I stood at the start and that's why I'm standing now," he said.

The need for greater transparency was a major theme on the night with Mark Rodda imploring the community to elect candidates that will stand up to elected representatives and have each other's backs.

Marjolyn Thomas agreed, and also listed poor communication from council as a major concern.

"A lot of time spent on the big picture, for example Blueprint 100, more focus needs to be put on the smaller things," she said.

Disability advocate Chris Buckman shared similar sentiments, stating it was all well and good to bring 100,000 people to the city, but that he would "actually like people to actually enjoy the trip".

Bringing a younger perspective to the table, Marc Sutherland said Blueprint 100 is a great document that plans for the future, but leaves out local youth.

Leading a Labor ticket of five, Stephen Mears was critical of Blueprint 100, stating a focus needs to be put on infrastructure first, and that he would like more focus on places like Barraba, Manilla and Nundle.

The Tamworth local government elections will be held on Saturday, December 4.

The Leader has profiled each candidate in the lead up to the election, asking each of them to bring an item that means something to them; whether it be personal, symbolic or representative of a professional achievement, and give the public an explanation why.

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