Frustration has undoubtedly been the driver behind Wes Fang’s decision to form a new watchdog group which has a stated agenda of holding the Wagga Wagga City Council to account.
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In a strongly worded assessment on the performance of the council in recent years, Mr Fang said that despite the rhetoric, the organisation continued to be less than transparent on a number of fronts.
He said it was time the community demanded more of the elected representatives and bureaucracy.
On face value, Mr Fang has a point.
Many of the recent challenges faced by the council stem from a very poor decision some years back when the elected body decided to extend a loan to Douglas Aviation to fund the construction of a hangar on behalf of that company.
Despite many concerns being expressed by the broader community at the time, the council pushed ahead. The rest, as they say, is history.
Significant structural change in the council organisation has also led to uncertainty and in some cases, confusion.
The recent stoush with Regional Express (Rex) has added to community concerns and is the straw that broke the camel’s back for Mr Fang.
Strong and vibrant communities need just two things – stability and certainty. Having those two elements entrenched in the city’s leadership will drive growth and opportunity which will ultimately see the region continue to prosper.
The concept of a ratepayers’ association is hardly a new one, but will serve to give voice to those who feel they are not being heard.
No doubt councillors and some in the broader council organisation will see this as unnecessary, but the mere fact people are even considering such a move should be cause enough for them to look closely at their performance.
Instead of fighting against such a concept, councillors should embrace the chance to have a deeper insight into community thinking – the expectations and, just as importantly, frustrations.
Community groups can hold a mirror to the council and act as a conduit for genuine feedback and transparency. Councils must be accountable to the people and a ratepayer organisation such as this will add another level of scrutiny that will cut through the spin and help give residents the answers – and actions – they want, and surely that’s the outcome we are all seeking.