Large turnout for public forum

Member for Northern Tableland Brendan Moylan and Cr Eli Imad

08th Apr 2025

A public forum hosted by Save and Grow Guyra Ratepayers Inc. last week drew a large turnout of residents eager to engage in discussions about key community issues. The event featured speeches by Brendan Moylan, MP for Northern Tablelands, and Cr Eli Imad of Armidale Regional Council, both of whom addressed significant local concerns and ongoing regional challenges.
Brendan Moylan, a dedicated advocate for regional New South Wales, shared his experience as a Member of Parliament, offering both a candid reflection on the realities of state politics and insight into his most notable achievements. He discussed a range of issues, focusing on youth crime and the difficulties in securing adequate resources for regional healthcare.
Moylan voiced particular concern about the increasing rates of youth crime in regional areas, citing gaps in legislation that allow such issues to persist. His Private Members Bill on Youth Crime Reform, which he presented to Parliament, was highlighted as a key initiative. Additionally, he praised the success of the BackTrack Youth Work Program in Armidale, which offers mentorship and support for at-risk youth.
Moylan also touched on the ongoing struggles within local hospitals, particularly the challenges of staffing shortages and the decline in maternity services across rural and regional NSW. He referenced a recent speech in Parliament urging the government to take immediate action to address these issues.
Furthermore, Moylan called for feedback from the community on the Health Services Amendment (Splitting of the Hunter New England Health District) Bill 2025, encouraging residents to share their opinions to ensure their concerns were heard.
A dynamic Q&A session followed Moylan’s address, with attendees raising a variety of issues, including crime, mental health, and the state’s judicial system. Topics such as bail laws, sentencing, and crime prevention strategies were discussed in-depth, with Moylan providing thoughtful and thorough responses to each query.
The controversial Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) developments planned for the region dominated much of the conversation. Local residents expressed concerns about the potential environmental, economic, and social impacts of these projects. They raised issues related to land use, disruption to local ecosystems, and the long-term effects on the area’s economy. Moylan expressed empathy for these concerns, acknowledging the complexities of such developments and outlining his approach to addressing the issues. However, he was candid about the challenges he faces in pushing for change from his position in the opposition. Despite these political hurdles, Moylan reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for solutions that reflect the concerns of his electorate, even if it meant challenging government policies and advocating for better community engagement.
Cr Eli Imad, from the Armidale Regional Council, also addressed the crowd, focusing on his commitment to transparency, accountability, and local advocacy. Imad provided an update on the work of the Armidale Regional Council, including his efforts to bring back rail services north of Armidale and attract investment to the region. He also highlighted his advocacy for the rehabilitation of Mother of Ducks Lagoon, a key environmental project. Imad shared progress on the restoration of the lagoon, explaining that new surveys and hydrology reports had been commissioned to assess its condition and the feasibility of returning it to its natural wetland state. This initiative was made possible through collaboration with Parks and Wildlife and demonstrates the power of local advocacy in driving positive environmental change.
Renewable energy projects continued to be a hot topic during Imad’s address, particularly regarding the Armidale Regional Council’s decision to accept funding from ACEnergy for a proposed battery project in Armidale. Many residents felt a “conscience vote” should have been held, and the motion should have been recorded. Imad clarified the motion, reaffirming his strong opposition to renewable energy developments in the area and promising to advocate for the interests of Guyra and surrounding communities.
The forum concluded on a positive note, with attendees expressing satisfaction with the respectful and informative discussions. The event showcased the deep engagement of the community and the responsiveness of their elected officials. Both Brendan Moylan and Cr Eli Imad were commended for their thoughtful responses and continued dedication to addressing the region’s challenges.
Save and Grow Guyra Ratepayers Inc. expressed confidence in the strong representation provided by both Moylan and Imad at the state and local levels. The forum reinforced the importance of ongoing dialogue between the community and its leaders, ensuring that the voices of Guyra’s residents continue to influence the future direction of the region.

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Large turnout for public forum

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