As a concerned ratepayer of Lithgow City, I am disheartened and frustrated by the continuous mismanagement of funds and resources by the Lithgow City Council. Our hard-earned money, which is meant to develop our community's infrastructure and welfare, has been squandered with little to no accountability or transparency. It is vital that we address these issues immediately to safeguard the interests of all residents.

In recent years, the council has spent an astonishing $13 million on consultant fees, yet there is no visible improvement or value that residents can identify. Furthermore, a staggering $2.1 million was borrowed for footpaths, resulting in a total cost of $2.7 million including interest, even though all federal election candidates had assured us that the funds were guaranteed.

We have witnessed questionable tenders awarded to contractors, who have been in operation for less than six months, raising suspicions about the integrity of these decisions. Essential services like road maintenance are being neglected, while proposals for garbage collection cuts and a substantial rate increase loom over us. To add to this, the council is now considering borrowing $20 million from banks to fund road projects.

This is not just a financial burden but a betrayal of the trust we place in our elected representatives. Accountability and transparency are non-negotiable, yet these principles have been grossly ignored, leaving us, the ratepayers, feeling lied to and exploited.

We call upon the relevant authorities and the state government to place Lithgow City Council into administration. This action is necessary to conduct a thorough investigation into the council's dealings, ensure responsible management of resources, and rebuild trust within our community.

Sign this petition to demand change and hold the Lithgow City Council accountable for its actions. Together, let's restore transparency, trust, and efficiency to our local government.