While, for now at least, it can be called a victory for people power, there’s still a likelihood the shire will undergo a merger in the not-so-distant future.

It’s hard not to think there’s been some political intervention in the process thus far, and the timing of the announcement during an election campaign does beg the question – what happens when the election is out of the way? 

It will be an interesting time to say the least.

The Greens are pushing for local government to be recognised in the constitution – that would allow the federal government to directly fund councils.

They say it would make the process less political – but when you look at the level of perceived “intervention” during this most recent period, it’s hard to understand how that would work.

Still, for now at least, Walcha residents can relax, take a breath and get on with life – as is.

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An interesting point was raised during the week, when a reader commented on a story regarding future plans for the sporting precinct in Tamworth.

While many of the comments were calling for a new indoor pool to be built as a priority, there was one ray of sunshine, when a person called for an ice rink to be constructed in this region.

Newcastle has one, so why can’t we?

We have plenty of sunshine, so the solar power needed for the venture would not be a problem (though a rainy day would not go astray, of course).

And who wouldn’t want to cool down on the ice on one of our typically hot summer days?

Come on Tamworth, jump on board.

Just throwing it out there for some keen entrepreneur to pick up and run with the idea.