You don't get too many opportunities to mold what you believe is the right direction; Hilltops as a new council is one of these opportunities.

This direction comes in many forms, but first is the Community Strategic Plan. I encourage any resident – both young and old – to have input into this very important document, which will give the council direction on community needs into the future.

The Local Environment Plan and the Development Control Plan, are probably the most important instruments council will develop over the next three years. This will set the planning and location of the future development across this region. This includes residential and industrial areas, and also the impact on the very important rural sector.  After these plans have been adopted it is too late to complain, so have your say.

The Community Infrastructure Grants that was part of the amalgamation sweetener from the State Government have started, and over the next few years the towns and villages will see the benefit of this money. Hopefully it will help provide some much-needed infrastructure for these communities; this infrastructure may never have happened if not for these grants.

Since the election in September, the councillors have been meeting regularly at workshops to get updates and have input into where Hilltops is heading since the amalgamation.

Let's all work together to make Hilltops Council the leader.