As councillors, we face challenges as to how we allocate funding and resources based on the needs and expectations of our diverse community.

We are fortunate to have a diverse group of councillors who have varying backgrounds and professional and personal experience, who live and work across the width and breadth of our shire.

From farmers to accountants, to real estate agents, truck drivers and retirees, our council is a reflection of our diverse community.

Our rural location, coupled with our close proximity to infrastructure and services, is why many of our residents have chosen to call the Upper Lachlan home.

But these contrasts within our shire mean, as councillors, we face unique challenges in meeting the expectations of our community.

The needs of our ratepayers vary greatly according to where they are located within the shire.

For example, someone living on a property located on an unsealed road kilometres from town has differing needs and expectations to someone living in a township within walking distance to council facilities.

As councillors, it is our job to ensure that all ratepayers are at the forefront of our decision-making.

Of course, with finite income and resources our decisions must benefit as many people within the shire as possible, but we must also work to ensure that as councillors we represent the views of all residents, and not just those who actively lobby or advocate for change.

After all, we do not have wards, divisions or specific areas of the shire that we are elected to represent.

As councillors of the Upper Lachlan Shire we are representatives for the entire community.