I would, however, like to take this opportunity to reflect on some of the work I have undertaken on your behalf in recent months.  This has included:

- Making many written, verbal and personal representations against the merger of Gundagai, on behalf of constituents and council, to the Minister for Local Government and his staff;

- Organising meetings for the former Gundagai Shire Council with the Minister, as requested;

- Making a personal written submission to the Delegate opposing the merger of Gundagai Shire;

- Publicly addressing the Delegate in opposition to the merger on two occasions in Gundagai and one occasion in Cootamundra; and

- Verbally presenting the case against the merger to parliamentary colleagues on several occasions.

Having personally experienced major boundary redistributions, I know they create many challenges.

The past three NSW electoral redistributions have resulted in my moving an electorate office twice, having to recruit new staff each time.  So far, I've represented more than 60,000 square kilometres of NSW, and 21 rural shires.

I would like to request that you please be respectful towards Cootamundra.  It is a wonderful community full of genuine and kind country people.  They were also hoping for something different but they will work to make the best of the result.

My interests lie in the welfare and prosperity of the entire Cootamundra electorate, however I still have a soft spot for those areas I've represented in the past, from Taralga to Bungonia and from Boorowa to Talbingo.

I fully remember lobbying against the NSW Labor government's rushed forced local council amalgamations back in 2004 when, in my former electorate of Burrinjuck, both the Gunning and Crookwell Shires became Upper Lachlan Shire. 

There were as many people at those Crookwell public meetings as Gundagai has seen. Cr John Shaw, as the Mayor of the smaller Gunning Shire went on to become Mayor of Upper Lachlan, a position he still admirably holds today.  I also remember that Goulburn and Mulwaree Councils became Argyle Council.  The name was subsequently changed back to Goulburn-Mulwaree.  The years have passed, and boundary adjustments have been tweaked over time.

Abb, a heartfelt thanks for your outstanding leadership.  The hard work of all councillors and staff has been nothing short of inspirational.  I have greatly enjoyed my meetings with councillors over the past 17 years; truly Gundagai has had the great fortune of having council representatives who love their community and the people living and working within it.

We didn't get what we wanted on this occasion, but as the local MP I'm going to work as hard as I can to make it work properly.  That includes undertaking my responsibilities of working with the Administrator and the Committees, and getting as many funding opportunities for the new council as I possibly can.  I keep thinking about those beautiful young people on the Gundagai Youth Council who were so brave and made such wonderful speeches to the Delegate.  What terrific ambassadors they were!

We must ensure that the best interests of all young people in the region are kept front of mind as we move forward.

Katrina Hodgkinson MP

Dear Katrina,

I am sure that you have done the things which you say you have done on behalf of the residents of the former Gundagai Local Government Area.

You must realise, however, as do the majority of your constituents, I believe, that there is a complete difference between going through the motions (as you have done) and actively advocating for a result.

The last time you went through the motions on behalf of Gundagai saw the NSW Government sell the Old Gundagai Hospital site for substantially less than the community had been told was the bottom line. This contrasts with the approach that the Government adopted with the disposal of the old Parkes Hospital Site. The difference appears to be indicative of the difference in the effectiveness of the advocacy of the respective local members.

There is no need for you to request that the Gundagai Community be respectful towards Cootamundra. The Cootamundra District, like the Gundagai District has been the victim of the NSW government's disrespect for the people of NSW.

You have not taken any effective steps to address that disrespect and the results of that will be reflected in your own political future and that of the Government of which you are a part. Please abandon spin and embrace honesty.

Peter Gain

Gundagai

Peter and Katrina

I totally agree with your comments Peter, and expressed the same feelings at the protest rally. Katrina you can say you did this and that to support our cause, however if you were  fair dinkum in support of no forced mergers, you should have crossed the floor when  the issue was debated in Parliament and voted with the opposition. As for showing respect, how much respect do you think your present State Government has given to the the now defunct Gundagai Shire Community?

Abb McAlister

Gundagai