Help make Clarence Valley financially sustainable

Focus on local government efficiencies through enhanced management of operations and the removal of underperforming work practises.

Through my work in mining and environmental management, I am constantly exposed to enhanced operational efficiencies of the private sector when compared to the public sector whether local, state or federal government. As an example, with regards to roads, bridges, quarries, natural resources management and the like, these services require substantial very expensive machinery including trucks, excavators, compactors, graders, pickups, etc. Under Government management (which may include the private sector that is controlled by government and/or unions), this machinery is very much under utilised which is grossly inefficient. There is a considerable cost is having such equipment sitting idle for most of a 24 hour cycle including weekends. We are not talking small sums we are talking in the millions of dollars per annum in inefficient utilisation. In addition, we are all aware that of seeing government work programs where people are doing nothing. This is a national joke however, it should be treated as a national embarrassment. The public just sees the tip of the iceberg, work practises can be incredibly inefficient. An efficient private sector would do a better job in less time with less man hours, utilising machinery efficiently all at a lower cost. Government programs like these should be either managed by the private sector (with less local government and union red tape) or the public sector becomes more efficient. One might say that being more efficient would result in job cuts. That may not be the case. With greater working hours, substantial cost savings from operational efficiencies, could result in an cash flow surplus allowing the necessary allocation of funds to the infrastructure backlog rather than letting this backlog to continue to get out of control. Apart from lifting revenue, the Roads to Sustainability questioner focusses on many small items to save costs. This is commendable and certainly necessary but I would like to see local government focus on the bigger issue of making government more efficient and cost effective and getting rid of the "dead wood". It is in the public interest. Anthony McClure Wooli

Reduce the number of drive around, do nothing road repair gangs. Their duties are to repair damaged roads, not fill in the day sight seeing.

Reduce the amount paid to the Mayor - 2013/2014 He received a mayoral allowance of $52715. The average salary in the area is approx. $32000

Certain areas without major council needs and older demographic areas should be exempt or discounted.

Look at the number of staff

In 2013/2014 the full-time equivalent of staff was 538. There are always positions advertised. Council should be strategic in its long term view. When staff leave, you need to look at what is needed, rather than what a manager wants. Resources should be replaced when required or redirected to other areas.

Listen!, Implement, Demonstrate And Thrive

The council needs to be more transparent, approachable, contactable, and efficient, and to be able to prove and demonstrate this. What efficiencies have been or could be made, what are/could be the savings, and how is/could that money be redirected. Public perception of councils across the country is that they are slow, inefficient and expensive. What has council done to combat this? Stop spending money on wasted projects like reducing Prince Street from a wide 2 lane street to a narrow congested single lane street. The council is asking for more money which indicates it has not been able to manage it's money to date. How will the council show that we will not be in this same position in the future? As a taxpayer how will the council demonstrate a return on my investment?