Letters to the Editor
11 August, 2026
Letter to the Editor: Public Trust Demands Answers
Leadership is tested when challenging questions are asked. Stuart Carless’s 7 August Opinion article analysed Wingecarribee Mayor’s public response to Wollondilly State Member Judy Hannan MP’s concerns about the proposed Bowral South New Living Area.
Leadership is tested when challenging questions are asked.
Stuart Carless’s 7 August Opinion article analysed Wingecarribee Mayor’s public response to Wollondilly State Member Judy Hannan MP’s concerns about the proposed Bowral South New Living Area.
Mrs Hannan raised these concerns about the proposed development at the recent Southern Highlands Community Forum on 22 July. Additionally, she raised these matters on 12 May 2026 in the Legislative Assembly.
As reported in Hansard, her concerns are serious, describing the proposed development as ‘an illogical planning exercise’. While addressing flood risk, she warned ‘I fear that thousands of new homes will be at risk’.
A good governance response to Mrs Hannan’s concerns would be for Council to publish on its website the material supporting its position. Instead, Carless reported that the Mayor questioned whether the community could trust Mrs Hannan to present the facts responsibly.
Carless was exactly right in stating that ‘we should expect more from our political leaders’.
Leadership requires restraint, respect and a willingness to answer challenging public concerns with clarity, calm and integrity.
At the Southern Highlands Community Forum, Mrs Hannan stated that she wanted a constructive relationship with the councils in her electorate. This approach is exemplary and must be reciprocated.
Cooperation between our Federal, State and local government elected representatives strengthens advocacy for grant funding. This is surely a better outcome for the Highlands.
The future of Bowral is far too important for personal conflict against the State elected representative.
Dr Raymond Khoury PhD
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