I am writing to express my concern over the events at the recent council meeting, particularly Mayor Betts' handling of Councillor Fogarty's valid concerns regarding the 2024-25 Operational Plan and Budget raised in 'urgent business’.
It is distressing to witness Mayor Betts shutting down legitimate inquiries and failing to provide satisfactory answers regarding the financial costing of the Edward River Village project, which Councillor Fogarty stated she had been requesting for many months.
It could be clearly seen in the livestream that Councillor Clapham and Councillor Burge wished to also ask questions relating the issue raised by Councillor Fogarty, though while Mayor Betts did see their hand raised she chose to ignore them and moved on with the meeting.
As a resident of Edward River Council, I, along with many others, have been eagerly awaiting transparency and accountability regarding the Edward River Village project.
However, despite Mayor Betts labeling it her "pet project," there has been a glaring lack of financial information presented to the council and the community.
This lack of transparency is deeply concerning and raises questions about what Mayor Betts may be attempting to conceal.
Furthermore, it is disheartening to learn that not one of the six current units in the Edward River Village has been sold, and the entry and ongoing costs are unattainable for many locals.
This "high risk" project appears to be a significant failure in the eyes of myself and numerous other residents.
With the project facing financial deficits and no clear plan for its future, it is imperative that Mayor Betts provides the community with answers.
I ask if funds allocated to the Edward River Village project could have been better spent elsewhere.
The lack of progress and transparency surrounding this project are deeply troubling and demand urgent attention from Mayor Betts and the council.
In the spirit of accountability and transparency, I urge Mayor Betts to cease hiding behind her position of power and provide the community with the answers we deserve.
The residents of Edward River Council deserve clarity regarding the Edward River Village project and assurance that their concerns are being heard and addressed.
Yours etc.
Jodie Clark
Deniliquin
9°C