Spending Bonanza by Armidale Council?

During the SRV deliberations, Mayor Coupland said the main reason for seeking a 50% rate increase was Armidale Regional Council's infrastructure maintenance backlog of more than $60 million.

So why is council spending nearly $2 million on preliminary Rail Trail work and expensive consultants from Public Works?

The Rail Trail remains far from certain. Even if council submits a new application to the NSW Government, there is no guarantee of success without strong community support and evidence that the full $21 million project cost can be funded.

Why spend nearly $2 million of ratepayers' money preparing an application that may never be approved?

Where are our councillors on this issue? Why are they not speaking out? At a time when many residents are struggling with rising costs, council should be focused on essential infrastructure and financial restraint.

Like households across the region, council needs to tighten its belt. Ratepayers' money should be directed towards fixing roads, bridges and other essential infrastructure—not speculative recreational projects that may benefit only a relatively small number of users.