Peter Wilkins of the Shoalhaven Independents, standing in this week's council elections, says the council's finances are in such poor shape that an immediate solution must be found to escape the debt trap it is now in.
Mr Wilkins said "while the numbers of council's employees have exploded in recent years, its spending on roads and other vital infrastructure has dropped, creating a budget black hole. The debt problem has worsened. The mismanagement of the council has been diabolical and the only way out is a change of personnel.
"Shoalhaven Independents will immediately bring in experts to investigate the budget black hole and prioritise the upgrade and repair of roads in the municipality and council finances", he added.
Mr Wilkins said "The current councillors were proposing a ridiculous 44 per cent increase in rates at a time when Australia is in a cost of living crisis. We will never support this sort of ratepayer robbery, but put in place measures to restore council's finances and repair the area's infrastructure".
State Member for Kiama and former Shoalhaven councillor Gareth Ward is demanding change to address the parlous financial situation and is backing Shoalhaven Independents' Patricia White for Mayor to keep rates low and address the cost of living issues. He said "that's how I'll be voting and I encourage you all to do the same because she's going to be a great Mayor of the Shoalhaven".
At the recent Shoalhaven Independents' launch Mr Ward also endorsed the former award-winning ABC broadcaster Peter Wilkins. He said "I know Peter is going to be a great councillor as well. We need change in this council. Please remember to support the team and this particular team, Patricia's team, Peter Wilkins on election day because I believe this is the leadership the Shoalhaven has been crying out for", concluded Mr Ward.
