Yes, after so many reports unequivocally showing that Dungog Council cannot financially stand alone, after three proposals and three hearings, after more than a year in limbo, and months of a hamstrung council unable to operate effectively, Mr Johnsen and the Nationals have taken the position that Dungog should remain as is.

We know from all of the reports that even a proposed rate increase will not be enough to cover all necessary recurrent expenditure, restore our roads to an acceptable state, or arrest the decline in our infrastructure.

More money (in addition to the annual road grants and other current funding from state and Federal governments) will be needed, as well as a reduction in services. 

Dungog town has lost its hardware and other shops. We believe tourism accommodation continues to decline with the closure of the Barrington Retreat and that a lack of council resources leads to difficulty in attracting staff and delays in the processing of development applications. The almost universal demand for a caravan park – so essential if we want growth in tourism – has gone unanswered for so long. In our opinion, council has inadequate human or financial resources to assist with this.

After the abortive proposal to merge Dungog and Gloucester shires, 1000 people from Dungog and Clarence Town signed a petition requesting a merger of the Williams Valley with Port Stephens Council. Later, 2000 people shire-wide signed a petition to merge the whole shire with Port Stephens. This was presented to council but, in our opinion, ignored.

The Dungog Chronicle ran a survey online: of the 470 votes, 76 per cent wanted to merge with Port Stephens. Less than 8 per cent favoured stand-alone.

Mr Johnsen and Mayor Johnston – you were both elected to represent this community. Please do what the majority in your community want: a constructive merger that will address our problems.

We would also like the $15million promised us towards our infrastructure backlog following a merger.

Where is the community support for giving up those badly needed funds?

Dungog council needs a shake-up. In my opinion you are not doing any favours to the ratepayers if you continue to let the council stand alone. This place is dying and we need people who will fight for its survival.

Great news. I'm sure the greyhound industry won't be sorry to see him go either.

Awesome news. Now he will be on $100k plus retirement plan, thanks to our taxes.

I think he tried very hard to make a difference but it didn’t always work out.

Would rather be drinking beer than mining coal.

 And he's nailing it!

Well if he needs to store any kegs, we have room in our coolroom. Seriously ;-)  

Best postie of my life!! A well-deserved congratulations on a wonderful job over the years.