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Hilltops Councillor Matthew Stadtmiller believes that the $1 million dollar announcement in funding for Hilltops Shire should be spent where the residents want it across each community and is calling for ‘town hall’ meetings to allow local people to decide where it should be spent.
Stadtmiller said, “Today’s announcement is welcome but more assistance is needed to help alleviate the stresses caused by drought. Mental health is a huge issue in the bush and until access to mental health services is increased for regional communities, the bush will continue to suffer.
“$1 million won’t go far, but what it can do is give people hope. It can ease the stress. It’s an admission by the government that they realise bush communities are in dire circumstances.
“I’d be happy to see some funding go towards the CWA’s, local schools and excursions for our kids, water slides for local pools or some relief from water charges for our residents, who have to put up with dirty water. Land rate relief would make a huge difference for the agricultural parts of our communities but their isn’t enough money to go around.
“I hope that Hilltops Council let’s the people decide where they want the money spent. I think the ratepayers and residents could do a better job than many Councillors in local government do, if given the chance. We need people in the community to stand up and tell us what they want.”
