In the past we have had the benefit of good political representation at both federal and state levels. We also had the choice at election time of deciding between at least two, and sometimes three, competent candidates.
For many years at a federal level we were represented by Peter Andren who had a good understanding of the needs of the various communities which made up the electorate.
This meant that any candidate wishing to displace him had to work very hard to have any chance at all.
We were further spoilt at the last election when the boundaries to the electorate were changed to have the option of a choice between two very experienced politicians in Kerry Bartlett and the successful candidate Bob Debus.
These two candidates, like their predecessors, understood that if you wished to have the overall support of the electorate then you needed to understand and address the issues of importance to the various individual communities.
Both candidates were proactive in obtaining this understanding well before the election was announced.
In Oberon's case a commitment was obtained regarding addressing the needs of the aged care within the community from both candidates. It is a matter of record that Bob Debus worked tirelessly during his period of office to honour his election promise.
It is unfortunate that the granting of the bed licences will not occur before the upcoming election.
In the upcoming Federal contest we appear to have the choice of a National, Labor and Green Party representatives plus a couple of independents. Although the overall media blitz has started there does not appear to be anything to date which addresses the concerns of our community on a wide range of issues.
Of even more concern is the fact that none of the parties, other than one independent, has contacted the council about coming to discuss the issues that we would like to see addressed.
Quite frankly, from the observation of their performance on television, it appears that they all have a look of surprise on their faces as if they didn't know that there was going to be election, or in many cases even as to how the game should be played.
As well as aged care, we need to talk to them about equity for the small rural communities. For example, the recent announcement of $200 million to fund infrastructure in major country centres throughout Australia.
This appears to be addressed to give assistance to mining communities and assist with their infrastructure development. While there is nothing wrong with this initiative one has to query as to the comparative equity of timber communities such as Oberon, Tumut, Tumbarumba etc which, although not having mines, have significant forest plantations and processing plants which contribute considerably to the economy and reduction in the balance of payments.
In our area alone I believe about 1650 people are directly employed in the forest and associated processing industries. This does not take into account all the other support jobs created.
For comparative purposes our forests should be viewed in the same way as other extraction industries.
The only difference being that the forests are a renewable resource and don't leave a long-term scar on the landscape.
Government attention is being given to road systems in the developing mining areas due to the increased pressure of product transport.
This is a great initiative however we also have dramatic ongoing increased pressure on our road system which needs to be addressed.
From comments made to me and I'm sure also to my fellow councillors there a similar concern amongst the community about the lack of engagement with the candidates in the upcoming election.
This is reinforced by the additional concern that we are on the fringe of the electorate that we will be overlooked after the election. It is important therefore that we make our concerns known to those seeking political office.
Last Saturday I attended the Innerwheel Changeover which was the 39th since their inception.
Innerwheel, like many of our other volunteer organisations are quiet achievers, and it appeared based on the numbers in attendance that they continue to go from strength to strength.
It was interesting to note that their awardee for citizen of the year was also a quiet achiever, Barry Webb.
Although Barry goes about his work volunteering where there is a need for his skill and tries to avoid any kudos in the process, I am sure that all those people who have observed Barry carrying out his work over the years would also like to extend their appreciation.
ON July 14 Black Springs officially opened the improvements at the school provided under the Federal Grant scheme.
This initiative by the Federal Government enables small schools to participate for funds on the same basis as the larger facilities.
In addition all schools within our area obtained funding for various projects for which appreciation should be extended on behalf of existing and future students of our schools.
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