WINNING more money from state and federal governments must remain Wyndham Council’s top priority, according to former mayor Kim McAliney.
Reflecting on her seven years as a Wyndham councillor, Ms McAliney (pictured) urged the new council to work as a team.
She said rapid population growth had outstripped infrastructure, adding to congestion on roads, overcrowding on public transport and lengthy waiting times in hospital emergency wards.
But Ms McAliney feared it could be a steep learning curve for the new council, with deep divisions possible. “A number of councillors stood on single issues and I have real concerns. Some of these new councillors will soon realise what it’s really all about. It’s not easy and you need a commitment to be across all areas of council.”
Council forecasts predict Wyndham’s population will increase by more than 50,000 by 2017.
“The pressure is all on the new council, and their biggest concern needs to be getting more funding from the state and federal governments.”
Ms McAliney said state government planning was geared towards promoting affordable housing in growth areas, but it wasn’t bankrolling the infrastructure that needed to follow.
The two-time mayor said she was disappointed with the election results but had no regrets.
Ms McAliney said she was proud to have ticked off a number of items on her “bucket list”, including the upcoming mobile intensive care ambulance service, a new ambulance station, and working behind the scenes to get protective services officers for Wyndham train stations.
Defeated Chaffey ward councillor Marcel Mahfoud wished the new council well.
“You don’t know what you’re in for until you . . . properly understand the workings of the council. The new council is on a steep learning curve. I hope they get out there and get the experience they need to best represent the community.” —Nick Toscano
