During my period on both Harden and Hilltops Council I believe I have made a significant contribution towards making Harden and the Hilltops a better place to live and work.

I was directly responsible for the Harden Street Scape Upgrade which has transformed the main street, taking it from what was a night time drag strip to now a pleasant place to work and shop.

Although very little has occurred at Murrimboola Creek to date again I was directly responsible for championing the upgrade of the creek precinct including gaining a $1.8 million Federal Government Grant to go towards the work. Once complete it will add significantly to the Murrumburrah precinct for both locals and tourists.

Whilst on Harden Shire and as a Member of the Cunningar Silo Committee I was a main driver behind the Cunningar Rail Upgrade which saw growers contribute $1.5 million towards the $12 million spend by Graincorp, including a Grant of $2.5 million from the Federal Government. I personally spent many many hours working on the submission to the Government Grant round to ensure that local grain growers had a state-of-the-art facilities to match the productivity of this region. Growers are now receiving $5-$7/t more for their grain as a result of the upgrade. More importantly the high volume and quick outloading facilities meant Cunningar was not subject to an early closure like many sites around NSW last year that were unable to handle the volume of grain from such a big season. The same is likely again this year.

I believe strongly in getting involved in the local community and trying to make a difference. I was on the Board of St Lawrence Home Galong for approximately 10 years, 7 of those as Chairman. I also spent 6 years on the Committee of the Harden Junior Soccer Club, 4 as Chairman.

The last 4 years of Hilltops Council has been difficult for many reasons but there is a lot that has been achieved. A new rating structure has been adopted and the LEP has been finalised and is awaiting State Government approval. Sporting facilities and village halls as well as other community amenities have been upgraded around many parts of the Hilltops.

It is important that you have a strong voice on the next Council and I believe I provide that.