Port Macquarie-Hastings Councillors are set to discuss the value, cost and future direction of the organisation's relationship with its Sister City Handa.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
April 2020 marks the 30th Anniversary of Sister City Relationship between Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and Handa City, in Japan.
Up to six councillors were invited to attend celebrations at Handa in April 2020.
At the December council meeting it was recommended that in light of persistent drought conditions and council's focus on supporting the community through the bushfire recovery effort, the invitation will be declined.
Councillors voted unanimously to review the relationship in a January 2020 meeting.
General manager Craig Swift-McNair is set to report to council's February 2020 meeting, following the discussion between councillors in January.
At the December council meeting, resident Rachel Sheppard spoke in opposition to council's attendance to Handa in 2020.
Ms Sheppard said travel by councillors to Japan in 2020 is not a "sound economic decision for our community".
She said given the event comes just after the community experiences one of the most catastrophic fire seasons on record, she expects the Mayor of Handa will be understanding if councillors decline the invitation.
Instead, Ms Sheppard would like councillors to collaborate with staff in Handa on how best to approach the challenges posed by climate change moving forward.
Resident and member of the Handa Sister City working group, Bruce Hardy addressed councillors and outlined why he believes they should visit Handa.
"Face to face dialog means a lot more than emails, which might be misinterpreted," he said.
Given it's the 30th anniversary of the relationship, Mayor Peta Pinson asked Mr Hardy how it would be perceived if councillors did not attend.
Mr Hardy believes they (Handa delegates) would be particularly disappointed.
Cr Intemann asked Mr Hardy if he would be willing to be a delegate on behalf of council, along with Patricia Johnson who is also a member of the Handa Sister City working group.
"I'd be please to represent you in Handa," Mr Hardy said.
What else is making news?
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.
