TAP Coffs Harbour

Over the years I have observed the slow change in the relationship between the community and our elected representatives. We have seen the emergence of faceless bureaucrats who seem to wield the power over weak representatives. When we request explanations from our representatives on particular policies we generally get standard replies from the bureaucrats and not the representative. We as a community have allowed ourselves to be overlooked when discussions are held about the future development of our community. Because we still have a semblance of a democratic system in our country we can change this and regain our rightful place in the future plans for our city, state and country. The Coffs Coast Ratepayers and Residents meetings are a forum where this change can happen. The Coffs Harbour City Council is the organisation where we can assert our influence locally by demanding that our elected representatives attend regular meetings and listen to what the community wants for the city. The wishes of the people can then be integrated into their forward planning and conveyed to the bureaucrats. We have a local government election happening in September and this is an opportunity for us to elect councillors who are prepared to represent us on this basis. The Coffs Coast Ratepayers and Residents Association will be inviting all candidates to attend its community meeting in August so this will be an opportunity to question them and elect people who genuinely want to work with the community.

We've had to change the date of our next meeting to accommodate both of our guest speakers. The next ccrra meeting will now be held on Tuesday July 23 at the Boambee East Community Centre at 7pm. Our speakers will be Mr. Gurmesh Singh MP and Clr. Tony Judge. The topic will be the State Government Jetty Foreshore Development plan.

The next Coffs Coast Ratepayers and Residents Association (ccrra) community meeting will be on Thursday June 20 at the Boambee East Community Centre Bruce King Drive starting at 7pm and will feature guest speaker Clr Tony Judge who will explain the council's opposition to the Jetty Foreshore development proposed by the NSW Government.