Whether or not others agree with the progress association, president Kim Fenley is encouraging them to attend the meeting to protect Merriwa’s interests.

“I would like there to be 30 or more people at the meeting,” he said.

“The south-western end of [Upper Hunter Shire] around Merriwa tends to be left out. We’d just like to see an even handed use of the money across the whole shire if the special rate variation is approved.

“The progress association is in favour of the rate increase because the roads have been a major issue in this area for over 10 years.

“We have written to council in support of the special rate variation provided the money is spent only on rural dirt roads and they can validate the money has been used on those roads.

“There will be divergence from what the progress association says.

“If other people have better ideas on how that money could be spent on rural roads please come to the council meeting and express your ideas”.

“There needs to be a different way of funding rural roads other than council just getting it from rates. Roads are too expensive and it requires state

government input as well.”

Mr Fenley said aside from the black soil roads particularly around Cassilis and Flags Road, the whole shire had a problem with the number of bridges that required funding.