This "Engaging and Communicating With Our Community" Forum was arranged by the Port Macquarie Hastings Council.

To my disappointment there may have been a dozen people, other than the Council representatives, that attended.

Representing Council was the Mayor, 90% of Councillors ,the Council's General Manager as well as senior Council Staff.

I believe that our community missed out on a great opportunity to address Council on many issues that affect this area.

The only major topic raised on the night was the Wauchope Pool. Although this is a very important issue and needs to be resolved there are many other factors that Wauchope and its local area need to address.

Just to list a few: how do we as a community address the importance of job creation for our children, especially those leaving school, whether they be apprenticeships, retail positions or otherwise; the issue regarding residential housing and where is the best area to expand; ways to attract more manufacturing to our region and issues that concern our famers.

There are many other topics that need discussing and/or debating.

After all, Council were there to hear the community's needs and as a team work through these issues.

The more the public can air their concerns in such forums the better I feel that Council can work with the community.

I would hope that when next this Public Forum is offered that as many people as possible attend - not to be disruptive but to be constructive.

I would like to thank our Mayor, all Councillors and Council Staff for making their time available.

Yours Sincerely,

Patrick Cassegrain

Sancrox