In response to Siris’ statement it would appear that Armidale has a group of “priviledged, high flyers”, that have never had to work for a living. They have reached a senior level in Armidale Regional Council.
Starting with Mayor Sam Coupland, who has never had to “work “ for a living, and probably never will.
They have no grasp whatsoever, of the need to channel scarce financial resources, to areas of prioritised, community’s needs. Instead, just flitter around, like social butterflies, with their “head in the clouds “, throwing caution to the wind and money around like confetti.
That expectation, is being thrust upon the residents of Armidale region. Sooner or later, Armidale Council’s budget will come “crashing back to earth“ with a big thud.
And Sam will just keep drifting through the universe, with reckless abandon, oblivious of the devastation. Needless to say, as we all know, the ratepayers in the community, will be the ones that suffer the consequences, with a venture that is bound to become an underused, expensive “white elephant“.
A council and a white elephant that will both become our liabilities as rate payers! Resulting in increased rates for many years, and a council unable to fulfill basic community needs, including adequate water and sewerage services, for example.
Garry Reynolds
Armidale Resident & Ratepayer
30-apr-2026
