Governance should be about encouraging people working to enhance their communities, not tying up their dreams in red tape.
RED tape.
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How many dreams do you think it's scuttled through the years?
Newbridge couple Darryl and Beryl Peters just want to open a cafe for the town.
Despite having the tables set and ready for customers for the past 16 or so months, their dream remains in limbo thanks to the size of their septic tank.
Loddon Shire says it's not big enough to accommodate the expected business.
The couple says it will do the trick.
The easy option would be point the finger at the Loddon Shire but in reality it appears the council is merely doing what it's duty bound to do - uphold regulations.
While there is some issue around how long it took for the shire to inform the couple about the condition around the septic tank, the real heart of this situation is the regulations.
Governance should be about encouraging people working to enhance their communities, not tying up their dreams in red tape.
It's clear this cafe would be a good thing for Newbridge and the traffic that passes through the town.
Let's hope a solution can be found that can satisfy everyone and this couple finally gets a crack at that dream.