After the 24 April 2012 Council decision on the NELSON BAY STRATEGY the mayor posted this Press Release on the Council website.

We received this copy of an email from Cr Geoff Dingle to the Mayor on 3 May 2012.

We thank Cr. Dingle for his support await the Mayor’s response.

Bob,

I think it is most unfortunate that on a public web site you would make unwelcome comments about our community representative groups in relation to the Nelson Bay Strategic Plans: “Clearly, it is impossible to please everybody on such a big project, although some community groups seem to feel they should be afforded more say than others.”  

The outcome from the Nelson Bay strategic planning process is so much the better for the community forums and several community groups that went to great lengths in their own time  to assist us with the community consultation and communication process. We now have an outcome which aligns reasonably closely with the independent community wide survey carried out by Council through Hunter valley Research. Without their support we would have I believe not come close to meeting community expectations, without their support the entire project might have been a complete failure.

I believe it is correctly inferred by members of the Port Stephens community that your comments are directed at the Tomaree Ratepayers Association and the Eco Network Group. This is most unfortunate as these groups have an open forum policy with no political agenda, any members of the community can  attend their meetings and or become active members.  The opportunity for community members to make submissions, attend forums  and Council meetings was provided with advertised dates and times throughout the period of the strategic plan development as draft and concept plans were released etc. If residents fail to take up those opportunities to make comments and contributions then it’s always disappointing but very fortunate that we do have interested individuals and groups taking an active interest.

Most surrounding Councils Maitland , Newcastle etc. have web based and community meeting forums but you will always find it’s generally the same group of people making the effort and time to take an  interest in community affairs, putting their hands up to make voluntary commitment  and contribution. Long live these people who assist in making our political system transparent and accountable, giving voice to the vast majority who  are time poor, apathetic   have health, welfare and or communication and educational disadvantages.

Bob as our community Leader and my Council spokesperson it is your role to support and encourage community consultation and not denigrate those who put in the effort and time to take a contribution. I take great exception to your comments and I would like you to consider how you might publically apologize.

Regards

Geoff Dingle