Clean Up Not Staff Up Plea

Newcastle Herald

Friday September 7, 2007

JACQUI JONES PORT STEPHENS

A PROPOSAL to create more desk jobs at Port Stephens Council has angered councillors who believe the money would be better spent on dealing with graffiti, broken toilets and unkempt parks and reserves.

Staff recommended allocating $45,000 from the organisation's budget to employ database, helpdesk and information systems officers.

Councillors reacted angrily, saying the money could go to under-funded outdoor works.

Cr Josh Hodges cited yesterday the example of Ross Wallbridge Reserve in Raymond Terrace. Its toilet block and playground are covered in graffiti and in desperate need of cleaning.

Cr Sally Dover said she was battling to get toilets at Fishermans Bay fixed, while Cr John Nell is concerned about the state of toilets, public reserves and roundabouts.

Acting facilities and services group manager Jason Linnane said yesterday there was no doubt the council needed to look at investing more in maintaining assets.

A review was under way, he said.

© 2007 Newcastle Herald

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