There was a breath of fresh air emanating from Taree as I read the article featuring comments by Jeremy Thornton of the Taree Business Chamber (Times Friday February 10) calling for a cease fire of criticism directed at MidCoast Council. The Chamber is to be congratulated on its positive support to the amalgamation. I wholeheartedly agree with the points they made.

Observing the comments over the past months from some ex-councillors of both the former Greater Taree and Great Lakes Councils I get the distinct feeling that their noses are still out of joint by the manner in which they were dismissed by the government. I can understand why because it could have been handled better. But I do ask that they now put all of that behind them, we must move on because the de-amalgamation just isn’t going to happen, and anyway, already good things are happening. Instead of looking backwards let’s all adopt a positive attitude towards making OUR council a very successful entity for all ratepayers.

I also ask that there be a change in attitude by those people who look at the amalgamation as a takeover. It wasn’t. You only have to look at last Friday’s letter in the Times from the administrator, John Turner, to see that of the $30 million being spent on roads and bridges over the next four years the greater amount of the money is to be spent in the Taree area.

Even though the merger only took place nine months ago already figures, also quoted by John Turner, show that since last May savings of $4.59 million have been achieved. Great news!

Having now lived in Forster for approaching 20 years and having spent eight years early in my career as an engineer at Manning Shire Council I know the MidCoast Council area very well. I am very confident that with the management team that has been established, with unity we have great potential to be one of the best councils on the coast.

Grahame Burns

Forster

Letters to the editor can be sent to jeanene.duncan@fairfaxmedia.com.au