Council voted at Monday nights meeting for a two week public consultation period into the community desire for a safety fence at the new Victoria Park playground.

This is a good outcome and I encourage all concerned resident and ratepayers to make a submission.

As a candidate for South Ward in the upcoming local government election, what concerns me is that a large community campaign and petition was required to solve a problem that shouldn't have been created in the first place.

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The underlying process that led us to this point needs to be fixed, otherwise the same problems will keep on happening. It's time to cure the disease of, not simply treat the symptoms.

Ratepayers often feel disconnected from the decisions made by council and that they get very little say in how their rate money is spent and what projects are delivered. This needs to change and more consultation is needed on a whole range of issues so that people don't feel like they are being dictated to.

Families tell me they want more playgrounds in parks, a greater number of parks and the inclusion of more accessible play equipment for children with disabilities. I'm strongly committed to delivering this if elected to Council on 4 December.

Josh Black

South Ward candidate, Dubbo Regional Council election 2021

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