He was recently elected to fill a casual vacancy in the Legislative Council as Duncan Gay retires after 29 years.

Much has been said in the past 48 hours about the legacy Mr Gay will leave behind and in years to come, the same could be said about Mr Fang.

He started the Wagga Wagga Ratepayers’ Community, which has dedicated itself to holding Wagga City Council accountable.

Council has barely had room to breathe since the association started watching its every move.

And in a time when council holds more meetings behind closed doors and shifts more matters into confidential, it’s an association the city needs.

Council is meant to serve the people but the people very rarely seem to be privy to what is happening.

It’s a throwback to decades ago when a similar association was spearheaded by Erwin Richter and Edwin Brooks.

There has been a distinct absence of it of late and arguably, the city has been worse for it.

Restructures, a revolving door of general managers, projects that fall through and no one was around to question it – until Mr Fang.

He has shown what a dedicated group of residents seeking the truth and a media ready to call out those accountable can do when they work together.

And even though Mr Fang is taking up this new position, it’s encouraging to see the ratepayers’ association will continue, even if it’s not under his leadership.

Social media divides any time the ratepayers’ association voices an opinion or speaks on an issue, but the public still listen and they still get results.

Member for Riverina Michael McCormack described Mr Fang as ‘a tireless campaigner’ and we see that as more a compliment than anything else.

Mr Fang seeks the truth and isn’t afraid to step on some toes to get it.

It’s made him a great leader for the association and is what will ultimately hold him in good stead in the MLC.

Mr Fang will be working with council in an entirely new capacity now and hopefully council allows him to do that effectively.

We wish Mr Fang luck in his new role, however long it lasts for.