Mr Bromhead has been busy of late fighting criticism on one of the region’s most contentious topics, the poor state of roads. Although a local government responsibility, Mr Bromhead reiterated that a pre-election promise of $12.5 million will be met, over the four year term in office. He reminded that he has only been in his position for a year and urges the community to remain patient with funding.

As reported in the Manning River Times, Mr Bromhead provided figures that showed Greater Taree City council ranked 17th on the list of 162 councils in NSW in terms of funding from the State government.

“Greater Taree City Council is punching well about its weight when it comes to receiving road money,” he said.

Mr Bromhead hit back at claims from Manning Valley Business Chamber that Greater Taree City Council has been continuously sidestepped by the NSW government. This follows the chamber’s announcement of its intention to hold a public forum in support of council’s efforts to gain funding from the NSW government to repair flood damage in the area. The forum will be held at the Manning Uniting Church centre in Taree, Thursday February 2.

He also explained that there is a time consuming process involved in receiving state flood funding and that Taree City Council is one of many in the flood affected North Coast region to receive money.

“We are all frustrated with the situation. It will come through eventually,” he said.

Mr Bromhead is pleased to have received 25 new police officers to the Great Lakes Manning command but said he has no say in where they are sent as this is up to the superintendant, despite community pleas for a permanent police officer to be based in Wingham.

Mr Bromhead encourages his constituents to make an appointment with him at his office in Wingham to discuss any State level concerns or questions. Appointments can be made by calling his Tuncurry office on 6555 4099.