JOB cuts at Essential Energy and the Emergency Services Levy were among some of the more "contentious" issues discussed at last week's Country Mayors Association meeting.
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Gunnedah mayor Jamie Chaffey and Parkes MP Mark Coulton attended the conference in Sydney alongside 67 mayors.
Association chair and Moree mayor Katrina Humphries led the charge against Essential Energy's chief executive John Cleland at the meeting, saying local government would not support the company's move to cut back 182 staff.
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Ms Humphries said Essential Energy was "out of touch".
Putting people out of work when there is limited alternative local employment opportunities will kill the bush. Its a well-qualified person leaving, taking their families and I can tell you, they dont come back," she said.
Cr Chaffey was one of the mayors who stood with Ms Humphries on the issue, saying two jobs could be lost in Gunnedah through the cut backs.
"I personally approached [Ms Humphries] last month asking her to bring discussion onto the agenda about the job cuts ... and whilst I've registered with our local state member how we certainly can't accept that for our community, I've also ... pushed back and asked that these job cuts be suspended," Cr Chaffey said.
Mr Coulton has also thrown his support behind the fight.
"We need people to be moving to the bush and not taking the jobs away and I believe some Essential Energy staff are key members of the community and we rely on them in terms of storms and power interruptions," Mr Coulton said.
"Any of those people taken out of country towns I will find very disappointing."
Since Friday's meeting, a document obtained by the Electrical Trades Union has been released, which shows an additional 500 workers will lose their jobs on top of the 182 that Essential Energy last month announced would be cut from their workforce this year.
The Emergency Services Levy was also an issue that raised concerns from all of the mayors in attendance.
In July, Liverpool Plains Shire Council (LPSC) and Gunnedah shire councils were hit with a bill for the levy much higher than normal, which they had not budgeted for.
"It is a significant cost burden to local government that there has been no foreshadowed coming so therefore no one has planned or budgeted for this extra cost ... and [this issue has been] unanimously supported by the association that we continue to lobby state government to see this extra financial burden be either postponed or eliminated," Cr Chaffey said.
LPSC mayor Andrew Hope was one of the first to vent his frustrations about the levy in July, saying there was "no consultation" from the state government on the issue.
Jessica Worboys
Education and youth reporter at the Northern Daily Leader. Get in touch via jessica.worboys@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Education and youth reporter at the Northern Daily Leader. Get in touch via jessica.worboys@austcommunitymedia.com.au
