Thank You, Councillor McGinlay

On behalf of the residents of Araluen Road, I wish to publicly thank Clr Patrick McGinlay for taking the time to personally respond to community concerns regarding the closure and degradation of Araluen Road.

I was surprised that Clr McGinlay’s request for an on site meet-up and drive along the road, actually turned into a meeting of around 20 concerned residents, at such short notice.

This resident response, I believe, was due to the fact that it was the first time in 5 months that anyone from council had bothered to take an interest in our plight – to provide us the opportunity to explain how the road closure is impacting our lives, livelihoods and emotional well being.

What was not surprising was that Clr Mayne was the only Councillor to send an apology in response to my invitation. It is a sad indictment of the conduct of most of our councillors

Mayor Innes, however, has disgraced herself and her mayoral position, by making the following public comment on social media regarding my ‘Open Letter’ published in the Beagle (April 5)

Above: The social media response to a letter written and published (not reported) in The Beagle saying of the information and photos .. "not all is as is being reported".

Why did she not drive the road and meet with residents so as to make an informed comment? Only an ‘eejit’ would be so remiss.

It would appear that Mayor Innes does not like the truth to be told, nor is she happy with the independent media outlet willing to publish such truths. Such criticism is more applicable to information released by council and espoused by the Mayor re the PAV.

But, if Mayor Innes wishes to question the validity of any of the statements in my letter, she does not have to take my word for it. Madam Mayor has only to seek verification from any Araluen Road resident, or any ESC road worker/contractor who has worked along Araluen Road.

I must remind Mayor Innes that, as an elected representative of the Eurobodalla community, she is responsible for representing community interests, not to blindly accept the ‘butt covering’ excuses of management.

It would have been much more productive for Madam Mayor to follow the example set by Clr McGinlay over the last 4 plus years – to interact and work with the community, not battle against it or push an own-agenda so as to achieve personal goals.

May the September elections bring us more Councillor Pats, and an exodus of those too full of their own importance (and those of no import at all).

Our thanks, Councillor Pat!

Patricia Gardiner

Deua River Valley