For the exciting and large-scale projects Council do, bread and butter things like roads are still absolutely crucial.

And I understand when residents are passionate about having their roads maintained to a high standard.

However it is a juggling act for Council to maintain existing roads and perform all the necessary upgrades with a restricted budget.

I would love it if Council was able to seal every single road in the region.

But the reality is we have 1500 kilometres of unsealed roads.

It would cost tens of millions of dollars to seal them, if not hundreds. And that is before we have even looked after ongoing maintenance.

We already have more sealed roads than ever before.

Now what Council has to try and do is work with the State and Federal Governments to gain funding to seal additional roads where we can.

I’m pleased to say that is what happened with Ponto Falls Road. I joined Calare MP Andrew Gee last week to officially open a new section of sealed and widened road that will make the outstanding recreation area at Ponto Falls more accessible.

With the help of programs such as the Federal Government’s Roads to Recovery, slowly but surely we are able to seal more of the region’s roads.

It’s another great example of the way different levels of government can work together to benefit a region.

As I mentioned last week, I will be undertaking some meet the Mayor opportunities around the region this week.

On Wednesday night (tonight) I will be at the Burrendong Hotel at Mumbil, between 4pm and 7pm.

On Thursday (tomorrow) I will be at Café 2820 in Wellington between 10am and 12pm.

I would encourage you to come and see me at either of these events.

Also pencil into your diary the upcoming Wellington Community Forum.

It’s a chance to talk not just to me but other Councillors and senior staff from Council in a personal and informal situation.

Whether you have a concern relating to Council, a road that needs repairs or an idea for how to grow Wellington, you can talk to a director or Councillor about it.

The forum will be held on Monday, March 4 between 5.30pm and 7.30pm at the function room at the Wellington Bowling Club, Marsh Street.

For more forums times visit www.facebook.com/mayorofdubbo/,