Infrastructure is emerging as one of the main issues after two community forums.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Hastings Residents Association is staging a series of forums to examine community-based issues ahead of the December 4 local government elections.
An event in Port Macquarie kicked off the forums, followed by a forum a Wauchope RSL Club on Wednesday, October 6.
Hastings Residents Association president Greg Franks said about 40 people were in the audience at the Wauchope forum and about 20 council election candidates attended.
Mayor Peta Pinson's team chose not to attend the Wauchope forum as they didn't want to encourage people to gather when there were COVID cases in the region.
Cr Pinson said a formal apology was given to the Hastings Residents Association president on behalf of herself and the group.
Questions to candidates ranged from the intersection of King Creek Road and the Oxley Highway to leadership, transparent engagement and the need for bus shelters and bus bays in the King Creek area.
Mr Franks said infrastructure, the growing population and how the social and natural environment would cope, emerged as the big issue from the first two forums.
The next forum is at the Laurieton United Services Club on October 21 from 6.30pm.
"It is a great opportunity for locals to get their voices heard with what will be the future councillors for our area," Mr Franks said.
"I've been impressed by our potential councillors. They have all gone to a lot of trouble to research their subjects and give very clear answers."
Questions can be lodged before the Laurieton event by phone on 0434 991 156, email hra@mail.com or via the Hastings Residents Association Facebook page.