EDITORIAL: Applause for straight talk

Full credit to Renmark Paringa councillor Tony Hersey for fearlessly speaking his mind via his recent report to the council.

Wading in where others fear to tread, Mr Hersey basically called for an end to officious talkfests substituting for real action, and was adamant people want immediate and tangible responses, rather than "grandiose schemes" far into the future.
No doubt many would endorse Mr Hersey's point of view, particularly those who despair Australia is becoming increasingly inflated with bureaucracy at all levels, endless planning, and VIPs perpetually 'in a meeting’.
However, regardless of whether or not you share Mr Hersey’s opinion, and a certain percentage of people would not, his courage to speak up for what he - and some local ratepayers – believe in should be applauded.
With local government elections to be held before year’s end, it is a timely reminder that we need quality people and straightshooters on our councils.
And at least one part of what Mr Hersey said is undeniably accurate when applied to our region: the Riverland needs positive action now. Long term plans are certainly necessary, but they will mean little if we fail to arrest the slide we are currently experiencing.