Gunnedah shire priorities to be made known to Parkes candidates

Gunnedah Shire Council has resolved to write to candidates contesting the Parkes seat in the federal election to understand where they stand on Gunnedah priorities.

The motion was made by Cr Ann Luke at last week’s ordinary meeting and was supported unanimously by councillors.

The priorities are as follows;

Increased investment for community aged care services to ensure local providers can remain viable especially in rural, regional, and remote areas,

$5 million in federal funding towards progressing the Gunnedah Youth Space master plan,

$30 million in federal funding towards progressing the Gunnedah Cultural Precinct master plan.

These are in addition to the federal election funding priorities identified by the Australian Local Government Association, which are supported by Gunnedah Shire Council.

Cr Luke said there was a diverse number of political groups between the candidates and thought it was wise to make known some “what I wants” from the shire.

She said it would give those candidates some understanding of what priorities the council has for funding.

“I do realise there are other areas as well,” Cr Luke said.

“These things can go on and on but particularly Gunnedah centric is what I thought … would be nice to give information to those ten candidates.”

The motion was seconded by Cr Rob Hooke who thought the aged care services investment was a “no brainer”.

“I think it is one that would be supported by all candidates and may actually get some legs for whoever happens to get into government,” he said.

“The other two, I would love to see it happen.

“Point three … it is something without those funds, God bless us if we can get it, would be absolutely fabulous.”