I spent some time preparing a submission regarding the draft DCP for the redevelopment of the Mullumbimby Hospital site.
I submitted this to the reviewing panel at Council and I copied it to the mayor and all the councillors.
I did not receive any response from the review panel, but I thought I might have done from at least the mayor and/or one of the councillors.
The silence was deafening. In my naivety, I thought that the councillors were supposed to be the point of contact between the ratepayers and Council to ensure that Council staff enacted the suggestions of the former, or advised the community when this was not possible and gave good reasons.
An acknowledgement by councillors that they had received and read correspondence from ratepayers would show good manners. It seems that Council staff thinks it knows best regarding many issues and often does not listen to the residents.
This makes it especially important that councillors are involved enough in all matters to ensure that Council staff respond to the wishes of ratepayers.
This includes at least acknowledging receipt of correspondence from ratepayers and taking action where appropriate. I urge councillors to listen more to the community, to pass on these, rather than their own, personal wishes to Council and make sure that Council staff carry them out rather than their own agenda.
In stark contrast to the poor communication between ratepayers, councillors and Council staff, I thank the staff at The Echo for publishing so many important articles and letters including my submission regarding the draft DCP for the Mullum Hospital site. In this way healthy communication is maintained which is essential for a healthy democracy.
Thank you for supporting democracy in the Shire.
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. 
