The Tamworth councillor and independent candidate said the government’s Sydney-centric agenda was hurting the region, as it spent money on “unnecessary stadium knockdowns” and the “wasteful Sydney light rail project”.

Cr Rodda would rather see the money redirected to essential projects in the bush, such as a new hospital for Gunnedah and a new mental health unit in Tamworth.

“I would also like to see the blight on Tamworth – the New England Highway between Calala Lane and Jack Smyth Drive – upgraded,” Cr Rodda said.

“This section of road wasn’t on the government’s radar until lobbying from alternate candidates.

“It’s incredible that, after almost eight years of this government, things only become a priority when their MP is put under some electoral pressure.” 

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This year, Cr Rodda also wants to see the government buy back the exploration licence for the Shenhua coal mine and the coal seam gas licence covering the Liverpool Plains, along with “proper consideration” regarding the proposed Vickery coal mine expansion.

“We need to give our region’s farmers impacted by these proposals some confidence that their futures are safe from harm,” he said.

“You can’t say on the one hand you are concerned about the welfare of farmers impacted by drought but not be concerned if they are impacted by a conflict with a mining proposal.”

A new water supply for Walcha, restoring TAFE funding and instating better nurse-to-patient ratios are also on Cr Rodda’s hit list for the new year.

“People I speak to want a genuine vocal community advocate that will put the electorate’s needs and wants first, not party donors and vested interests as is the case now,” Cr Rodda said.

“I’m confident I’ll be able to demonstrate to many disillusioned people concerned about the future of their country that there are clearer independent alternatives to the major parties.”

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