The most significant of which is the LEP. The economic growth strategy, rural and residential land study and the freight and transport infrastructure study have been on public display on the council website and in council offices in recent weeks, requesting public feedback and comment. The studies provide background information for council to develop the long term strategic planning statement which ultimately feeds into the local environment plan.

It all sounds rather bureaucratic and meaningless to the average ratepayer. But it is the most significant process the council will undertake in the next 20 years, and it will affect all ratepayers.

In early 2020, a roadshow will be held to engage on the keys issues of land use and zoning, freight and transport logistics, and social and community infrastructure.

The recommendations contained in the three reports currently out on public display, are by and large based on historic growth levels for regional NSW generally and not necessarily reflective of the attitude of Hilltops Council.

As a councillor, I constantly hear there are businesses and people who want to move to the region but can't find land suitable. That's why this process is so critical.

I want to see an LEP that encourages affordable housing developments in Harden, Boorowa and Young and fosters growth of business and industry. We live in arguably the most productive region of NSW, in close proximity to major regional centres such as Wagga and Orange and within an hour and a half of the national's capital, which is growing rapidly, so we need to maximise our opportunities.