It was another marathon Council session last night but there were was some significant outcomes for the Lismore Community.

SPECIAL RATES VARIATION

The much talked about motion to withdraw the SRV Application was passed.

The chamber heard from four members of the public including two struggling farmers before debating the issue themselves at 10:30.

Councillor Nancy Casson led the debate by saying that families are doing it tough at the moment and shouldn't have to be forced to pay any more money plus many people mention the inefficiencies of council that need to be addressed.

This was also mentioned by Councillor Adam Guise who said that this council was in a transition phase who is still getting its house in order so how can we go to the community and ask for a rate hike.

Councillors Cook, Bird and Ekins spoke in favour of the SRV acknowledging the pain that the rate increase would have on families but thought it necessary if we are to get in front of the back log of needed infrastructure issues like roads which was the main concern of of the Lismore community.

At 11:08 the vote was made and passed so Lismore rate payers can relax knowing that the SRV is dead for this term and there will be no special rate increase hitting their pockets after July 1 this year.

The question that now needs to be answered by council now is how can they fix our roads without any extra funds? If this money is to be found internally, as Councillor Casson suggested, what community services need to be axed? Stay tuned.

LISMORE CUP HALF-DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY

More good news if you were in support of the Lismore Cup half-day public holiday, this will go ahead.

Business owners, including Lismore Chamber of Commerce President Sarah Smith, spoke about the social and economic benefits to the Lismore business community because of the public holiday. The debate over the holiday was around some businesses having to pay staff wages that can afford to do so and what the benefits are to other businesses and the greater community.

There was ongoing concern by some Councillors concern for the horse practice of tongue tying and the over zealous use of the whip.

The result, the Lismore Cup public holiday will go ahead in 2020.

FIT FARM ON ROSEHILL ROAD, TUNCESTER

Never has an issue divided a small community like the proposed recreational facility or 'fit farm' on Rosehill Road.

This Development Application saw the most speakers on any issue on the Council agenda last night. There were accusations of threats and abuse as well as safety concerns from school bus drivers because of the increased traffic flow on Rosehill Road.

Some Councillors saw this as a great idea but in the wrong location.

In the end the D.A. was no approved which was a win for neighbouring properties.