Dubbo Regional Council spending $50k on paper ahead of election
A NSW council will spend tens of thousands of dollars of ratepayers cash four months out from the local government elections, a move that has been labelled a ‘worthy investment’.
Dubbo News
Don't miss out on the headlines from Dubbo News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Up to $50,000 of ratepayers money will be spent on sending out a promotional newspaper to voters in Dubbo and Wellington four months before local government elections, following a unanimous decision made by local councillors.
The tabloid-style newspaper will “celebrate” the fifth anniversary of the birth of Dubbo Regional Council, which was created in May 2016 after the old Dubbo and Wellington councils were amalgamated.
In a report to councillors, the council’s corporate image and communications manager Andrew Parsons said council CEO Michael McMahon asked his team to work on developing the newspaper — which comes in addition to the more than $600,000 the organisation spends each year on advertising.
“The intention of the corporate publication is to showcase and highlight the community assets and services that have been successfully introduced under Dubbo Regional Council’s tenure that have significantly improved the community’s way of life and services and assets provided to the community,” Mr Parsons said in the report.
“The completed publication is to be delivered to all residential addresses in the Dubbo Regional Council local government area prior to the amalgamation anniversary date of May 12, 2021.”
Mr Parsons said the newspaper would include up to 48 pages of photographs, stories, testimonials and success stories which showcase work the council has done since it was created.
“In producing this product, noting it comprised of endorsements and public testimonials provided freely by those participating and without inducements or political affiliation or favour, implied or otherwise, Dubbo Regional Council will adhere to the Model Code of Conduct for local councils in NSW … in the development of this publication,” he said.
Councillor Kevin Parker spoke in favour of the proposal at a council meeting in early March.
“I think it’s a great move in terms of giving the public an idea of what has actually happened during the past four or five years,” he said.
“It’s a great communication tool, worthwhile and I’m certainly well in support of it.”
No other councillor spoke in favour of a recommendation to spend money creating and distributing the newspaper, however all voted to proceed with it.
Council’s CEO Michael McMahon said other council’s which were the product of an amalgamation had produced similar publications in the past.
“The benefit for us as an organisation is that we can get a snapshot in time as to our successes or not and at the same time allow for key people in the community to have their say on effectively the results either positive or negative of this particular event five year ago,” he said.
“This will highlight to the community how successful it has been and where we are now financially as well as socially … hopefully it’ll become an historical record of our achievements over the last five years.”
Mr McMahon declined to say what the significance of a five-year anniversary was and why it was chosen as the preferred milestone to mark with a mass newspaper mail out.
“Elected members endorsed the proposed budget of up to $50,000 as a worthy investment to create a commemorative publication to mark the five year anniversary,” he said.
“The publication is a one-off project to celebrate the work by Dubbo Regional Council for its community over the past five years.
“The publication will have a strong focus on the resilience of our residents against adversity in the form of drought and the COVID-19 pandemic.”
According to figures in budget documents, in the council’s first five years of operation about $2.8 million will have been spent on advertising.
“As part of the amalgamation of the two councils in 2016 we have negotiated better rates on advertising and there has been a reduction in the number of places where council is able to advertise,” Mr McMahon said.
“A small increase last year was associated additional spend with our COVID-19 requirements.”
Local government elections will be across NSW on September 4 after they were postponed last year due to COVID-19.
Tall order: Zoo reveals latest breeding plan
Taronga Western Plains Zoo has revealed plans for a new breeding house to increase animal conservation and local tourism at the much loved attraction. See the plans here.
Brewer Shield: Country gun hits the road in Greater Hunter’s title defence
A well travelled newcomer has helped Greater Hunter Coast launch their title defence of the NSW Women’s U18s Brewer Shield in spectacular style. Crash and bash, round one T20 wrap.