I believe the questions and problems raised all revolve around the  people residing in the three (former) council areas. Great Lakes, Gloucester and the Greater Taree councils areas did not have a democratic vote or a really have say on the amalgamations. 

Thus we did not have the proper community debates for the usual for and against, pros and cons. Consequently the forced amalgamation created and raised many issues on political decisions, appointments and so on.

It’s time – there is approximately 28 weeks left to September 2017 when the people of the three old council regions will elect a new council for the whole or new MidCoast Council. At last the debate has now commenced, thanks to the Times, on who our new councillors will be for the larger local government areas, with a larger population base and hopefully with a larger political influence.

Mr Jeremy Thornton, from the business chamber, with his fair and proper comments may have awakened the future candidates for council as to their future directions, responsibilities.  

It is time our future candidates/councillors present themselves and start letting the communities know firstly they are presenting themselves as candidates, most importantly how they are going to show proper leadership and develop the communities in the future as to the social, economic development of our communities. 

Of course this includes proper community consultation and action delivering the proper outcomes for our people and future generations.

Finally congratulations to the Times’s great reporting on this most important community debate, may we see many more similar articles before September, allowing the community give proper consideration and elect the best possible councillors for our area.  

Having moved to the future we must not delve in the past our communities need strong leadership, wise counsel, and confidence to take advantage of our great areas, for now and future generations.