This is now so true for the National Party over its failure to support local government councils in rural, regional and remote NSW, which are currently fighting against their proposed forced amalgamations at the instigation of the NSW Government and supported by two relevant National Party ministers, Troy Grant and Paul Toole.

Hypocrisy is never forgotten - thus, the political and very successful intervention which saved Walcha Shire Council from forced amalgamation is a slap in the face to the other councils and people unjustly being forcibly amalgamated and fighting a David and Goliath battle in the NSW Land and Environment Court.

Repercussions are already being seen as there is a likelihood that the long-held Nationals seat of Orange will be lost in the upcoming by-election. 

Dissatisfaction is growing with the NSW Government, exacerbated by the cancellation of half of the council elections, the forced amalgamation of councils and the greyhound racing ban debacle.

RE: Greyhound Transition Taskforce.

A meeting was held at the Bathurst Greyhound Club on September 7 with Dr John Keniry.

I am fully aware that he has been appointed by the NSW Government. It’s all right to say that he is only doing his job, but people’s livelihoods are at stake here.

The meeting was a total waste of time. We learnt absolutely nothing. Everyone left unhappy with the meeting.

Compensation? What a joke. We will get nothing.

All we kept hearing was “we will take it back to the government”. 

People’s lives have been ripped apart. They wanted answers. The government should have had an interim plan of some sort, but didn’t.

The government didn’t care when it shut the industry down, so why should it care now?

Greyhound racing will cease in NSW on July 1, 2017, but the government will still take taxes on betting on greyhounds in other states on the NSW tote. This is hypocritical. 

This is supposed to fund the transition.

Bet with the corporates – this government does not need to be propped up by other states to pay for this.

Why should the other states help support this miscarriage of justice? They did not close their greyhound industries down. Why was it such an urgent decision in NSW?

This industry has been kicked in the guts by this disgraceful government.

Isn’t it wonderful that the horse industry has someone watching its back? What a joke.

LEGACY Week has passed and once again our community has given generously.

On behalf of the Bathurst Division of Legacy, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the community of Bathurst for its continuing support.

Badge Day is one of our major fundraising campaigns which involve the participation of all six high schools in the area.

Despite the dreadful weather, the students were cheerful and enthusiastic. They are a credit to their families and schools.

The response by the public to our badge sellers on Friday was tremendous.

To everyone who bought a badge or made a donation, and to your paper for your assistance with publicity, thank you.

Legacy would also like to thank the businesses of our community for their charity, Bathurst Broadcasters 2BS BRock, and members of the Army Reserve.