Councillor profile

A regular feature, this month profiling two Councillors from New South Wales

Councillor Myrna Harris, Moree Plains Shire Council, NSW

Q. How long have you been on Council?

I have been on the Moree Plains Shire Council for two terms (eight years) and because of New South Wales Local Government changes, this will continue to March 2004.

Q. Tell us about yourself and your community.

My husband Norman and I both grew up in the Coonabarabran area of Central Western New South Wales and moved to the Rowena district (west of Moree) in 1964–65. We are farmers and graziers growing wheat, cattle and irrigated crops, when water supplies permit.

We have four sons who are now running their own farming and grazing enterprises in various areas of New South Wales and Queensland. I have always been interested in Local Government and have had an abiding interest and involvement in the Country Women’s Association, serving six years on the New South Wales State Executive, including three years as State Vice President. CWA has given me a great insight into the needs and wishes of women and families in rural and less populated areas, and how these affect Australia’s productivity, employment, marketing issues and potential.

During the past three to four years, I have been involved in Variety Club of NSW and with other Moree girls have been driving with an all girl team in the NSW Variety Bash raising well over $100,000 for the Variety Club – The Children’s Charity. This year Moree Plains Shire was among the proud sponsors of our car and the event.

Q. Describe the population of Moree Plains. Are the area’s demographics changing?

The main town is Moree, with the town of Mungindi on our north western border with Queensland and Boggabilla in the east. The Shire’s population is 17,500. The demographics have changed to a great extent over the past 25 years from a wheat, sheep and cattle grazing area. Much of the area is now highly developed on our rich black soil plains for intensive irrigation infrastructure. Dryland crops such as wheat, sorghum, sunflowers and barley have increased dramatically during this period, which is placing pressure on our road and bridge infrastructure, yet our FAG monies and State Government revenues for road building have not increased in real terms over the past 12 years.

To put this in perspective, one property in the district has moved from an annual freight load of 3,000 tonnes of wool and sheep to 30,000 tonnes of grain. Road funding is not keeping up with this increased transport requirement.

Q. What are the big rural issues in Moree Plains? How do they affect local farmers?

The main issues facing the rural communities and farmers in Moree Plains Shire are undoubtedly water and roads, but also rail and its maintenance or lack of maintenance.

Water is important to the irrigation industry, as it is a major employer in the whole of north western NSW. Many of the major businesses in Moree are linked to the farming and irrigation industries. When water is scarce, both town and farm businesses suffer, causing skilled labour to relocate to other regions. It can be hard to fill these positions when conditions improve. More scientific evidence needs to be provided before so-called environmental flows are authorised.

Council initiated the first National Local Roads Congress out of frustration at not being able to attract funding to improve road conditions. With transport trailer numbers increased five fold in as many years, we realised that every other Shire in Australia was having the same ‘cap in hand’ approach to Governments that we were experiencing. It was time to do something nationally. As a result of the Congress, the Minister for Transport, John Anderson, initiated the Roads to Recovery program. The fourth Congress was recently held in Kalgoorlie-Boulder in Western Australia.

The two major branch rail lines in our area that handle a lot of baled cotton, bulk wheat and sorghum freight have been neglected over 30 years. If they close, it will put up to one million tonnes of extra freight onto our roads each year, which is a very serious issue that needs to be addressed.

Q. What are some challenges you’ve faced while in Local Government?

One of the main challenges has been the proposed Moree bypass, an issue which has involved a great deal of consultation and emotion. The bypass will take the heavy interstate trucks out of the main street of Moree. There is currently only one bridge at each end of the CBD. Decisions have been made but we are still waiting on the RTA and the State Government to approve the project. Meanwhile, other developments along the proposed route are at a standstill. Council also wants to implement an east-west distributor for heavy traffic in the bypass plan. We foresee a long battle for funding, but it is vital for our town and district to bring this project to fruition.

Q. What are the aspects to being a good Councillor?

  • Listening to people.
  • Having a vision for future development and direction.
  • Establishing how community needs should be met.
  • Never forgetting the overall community outside your major towns.

Q. How do you foresee the future of Local Government in Australia?

I am forever the optimist, however I see the Local-State Government relationship through cynical eyes. I see regionalisation as a fait accompli, but will State Government still be prepared to provide funding or will there be further impositions put on Councils to fund social programs?

I do see Local Government having a future, because it is the avenue for local people to have their say and be involved in their destiny. However, I fear the overwhelming voice of cities swamping the needs of rural Local Government areas.

Mayor Patricia Gould, City of Albury NSW

Q. How long have you been a Councillor?

I was elected to Albury City Council in 1974, was Mayor from 1996 to 1999 then 200l to 2004, and Deputy Mayor in 1982. I have served as Chairman and committee member of all Council Committees.

Q. Tell us about yourself and your community involvement.

I was educated at Albury schools. I’m married with five sons, four daughters-in-law and five grandchildren. I am the Director of a family building company and responsible for all the company’s secretarial services.

I was Vice President of the NSW Local Government Association from 1990 until 1994 and a member of the executive for 18 years. I chair the Roads and Traffic Authority of NSW State Bicycle Committee and represent the Australian Local Government Association on the National Bicycle Council.

At the local level, I am a foundation member of several community organisations and was honoured with Life Membership of six of those organisations. I was a member of the Government Officials Committee in 1980, which looked at tertiary education in the Albury-Wodonga region. I also chaired the committee to establish a breast screen unit for the region. Recently, I established the award for Young Achiever in the Performing Arts and have played a major role in sporting activities and amenities in the City. I sit as a Director on the Upper Murray Regional Library Board, the Albury/Wodonga Cancer Foundation, the Mercy Health Services Board and Trinity Anglican College Board and I am President of the Albury-Wodonga Branch of Soroptimist International.

I am a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellowship Award from the Albury North Rotary Club, for service to the community and Local Government.

Q. Describe the population of Albury. Are the demographics changing?

Albury City is situated on the banks of the Murray River on the border of NSW and Victoria. Albury has a population of 43,000 with a regional population of 100,000. Our population is growing at the rate of one per cent per annum. Albury is a major manufacturing, retail and medical centre, and we enjoy a wonderful lifestyle on the Murray.

Our educational options are rapidly expanding, and Charles Sturt University has just announced a further $19 million upgrade of the Thurgoona campus. Our Riverina College of TAFE has the National Environment Centre. Many students at the college have the opportunity to work at Council’s renowned Wonga Wetlands water reclamation education centre and at Parklands Albury-Wodonga, a regional parklands management team.

Q. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in Local Government?

Being a Councillor who sees the need to restructure Local Government in NSW. This has been high on our agenda for many years and is also on the agenda for the State Government.

Q. What issues do you feel most passionate about?

Making sure the needs of all sectors in our community are met whilst running an organisation that is financially sound.

Q. Does your Council play an active role in promoting tourism?

We co-fund tourism with Wodonga City and facilitate industry development with other groups, such as Albury-Wodonga Business, the Business Enterprise Centre and the Murray Regional Development Board.

Q. What are some key aspects to being a good Councillor?

Having a passion and commitment to the Council and the wellbeing of its community. Being able to give time and energy to create the lifestyle we all enjoy.