In response to Cr Elia Hauge’s letter (5 November 2025) regarding alleged ‘backroom deals’ among non-Greens councillors, I wish to clarify the situation and provide some context.
There were no secret deals or underhanded negotiations. The decision in question was made to protect Council from pursuing an impractical and costly proposal – the Greens’ plan for a separate water supply for half of Mullumbimby.
This idea is both unnecessary and financially irresponsible, given that Rous Water now provides a permanent, safe supply to the entire Shire.
The Greens’ proposal would have required over $500,000 for yet another report and potentially millions more in loans for infrastructure that is simply not viable.
In my opinion, the focus of local councillors should be on delivering real outcomes for the local community: rebuilding trust with state government to unlock funding and support for vital projects like electric buses, affordable housing, and the long-delayed rail trail.
Local government has the ability to shape life in our community for the better. Council’s job is to find consensus about the best ways to do that.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
