Some of the Hastings' community leaders react to the sacking of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council general manager Tony Hayward:
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Peter Tregilgas
Executive officer, Regional Development Australia, Mid North Coast NSW
“We formulated our regional plan which was released last week, and it identifies the backlog of infrastructure work.
That plan was devised in close partnership with Council, which included the general manager at the time, and officers of the Council and Councillors themselves.
We have a good working relationship with Council, and we look forward to continuing that relationship.”
Rob Hamilton
President - Wauchope Chamber of Commerce & Industry
“It always comes back to the fact that the councillors need to do what needs to be done to get the job done that the community has asked of them.”
David Gillespie
Federal MP - Port Macquarie
“This of course is matter for the councillors of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.
As the Federal Member, I have always indicated that I will always try to work with the various State MPs and local government authorities in my electorate, regardless of the personalities, to achieve the best outcomes for my constituents. That is what I will continue to do.”
Leslie Williams
Port Macquarie State Member for Parliament
“My focus remains on making sure I am able to work with council to achieve things for the community. I am meeting with the Mayor Peter Besseling and the acting general manager Craig Swift-McNair tomorrow, and as far as I’m concerned it is business as usual. Council has a forward plan, they have a vision and they need to ensure the staff working with them have the same vision. I believe it makes good business sense to make sure they’re doing the best they can.”
Hadyn Oriti
President of the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce
“I was surprised by the decision, but I’m prepared to support the councillors in this period. It’s a tough decision but I’m sure they’ve got their reasons and it would appear that council would make this choice in the best interest of the community.
“The organisation is always bigger than the individual, while this may be disruptive in some ways, I believe it won’t necessarily stop the momentum of what council is trying to achieve.
“If, in the long run, the outcome is better - than it’s necessary”
