Last week the 20/21 Draft Operational Plan and Draft Budget was approved for public submission, this plan and budget is now live on the 'Your Say Lismore' council website.

It was a close vote, 6 for and 5 against which highlights how controversial it was for our eleven councillors.

It was called a "back to basics" budget. This is because there was an initial $2.3 million cashflow deficit which has now been cut to $282,000.

To achieve that reduction a number of services and planned projects were removed from next years budget.

The councillors have had their say and now it's your turn.

Take the time to read and fully understand the council documents (right hand side of the Your Say website page)

You have a section where you can express your thoughts so take the time to let Lismore City Council councillors and staff what your thoughts are, good and bad.

Mayor Isaac Smith recorded a message after last weeks extraordinary council meeting, you can view it here https://www.facebook.com/LismoreCityCouncil/videos/707383683370885/.

There has been a lot of whingeing on social media about council and our councillors, they way council is run and where our money is spent or mis-spent. Now is the time for us to stop wingeing and make informed comments on what happens in our community over the next twelve months.

You have 28 days starting today to make your thoughts known.