No debate, no discussion and no time spared as Hilltops Administrator Wendy Tuckerman swept through the business paper for the extraordinary meeting held at the Harden Shire Council Chambers tonight, Tuesday May 24 at 530pm.

Approximately 60 residents of the new Shire attended the meeting and packed the small venue leaving a handful of people standing at the back of the room or in the foyer.

Tuckerman thanked the former Mayor of Harden and Harden’s Councillors before inviting those wishing to speak to come forward. A nice gesture to elected representatives robbed of their position when the proclamation was made to join the 3 shires on May 12.

The only person to speak in the public forum was Barbara Beveridge who spoke against a dwelling being built on the property ‘Carnbrae’ due to the set back distance from their property, Eulie, which is owned by the Beveridge family. Mrs Beveridge quoted the Department of Primary Industries regarding their right to farm and a sensible separation distance from other dwellings.

Tuckerman eventually passed the development making no mention of an amendment based on the pleas of the Beveridge family.

Tuckerman thanked the traditional owners of the land before holding a minute’s silence for residents of the new shire who had passed away.

The new Hilltops Council was not able to endorse the minutes of the 3 previous Councils as they no longer exist and members of the new Council were not present at those meetings.

After stating she was “Happy to Move the recommendation and endorse it” Tuckerman moved on to the next piece of Business in a fluent manner until she was finished with business paper.  She closed the meeting from the public to discuss matters of a confidential nature.

There is little doubt that the Rural Fire Service Headquarters was on the agenda after a decision was held off until the amalgamation process was complete. Watch this space for an announcement regarding the rural fire service  very soon.

For a Full Wrap of the matters which will affect you Check out This Week’s Twin Town Times out Thursday.