TRC failing its residents
RECENT rate increases imposed by the Tablelands Regional Council on groups of farmers caused such an uproar that at a public meeting there was an overwhelming vote of no confidence in this council.
This resulted in an admittance by the TRC that they got it wrong and they arrived at a compromise and lowered the rates in the categories in question.
A large number of ratepayers across the Tablelands since then have come forward and expressed their objection about rate increases and the ever diminishing and poor services by council.
Current clearing and destroying of trees below the toilet block at Tolga, Atherton Showgrounds and total annihilation of the beautiful trees in Vernon St are acts of vandalism on the council’s part.
Having driven up Vernon St for 40plus years, these mature trees have never caused a problem and the bitumen roads on either side have been and still are in pristine condition. There was no consultation with the public whatsoever.
Our concerned ratepayers’ committee has tried to meet the council to discuss our concerns, but they have not been cooperative.
The last email forwarded to the council, where we demanded an open meet- ing with a veiled threat that it would be a mistake if once again the council ignored us, the council used it as an excuse to once again not talk to their concerned constituents.
Even more concerning, however, is that under this present council and their obnoxious continuing rate increases, lack of services and not willing to discuss issues, is a direct threat to the economic viability, beauty and general attractiveness of the Tablelands as a place to live. This area is on the decline at a rapid rate and particularly the town of Atherton. Jerry Micola, Tolga get bombarded with at election time.
Which has to make them a more tolerable experience and may even increase our acceptance and involvement with the political process. Gary G Smith, Ravenshoe