Ley sets sights on roads, housing and community growth

COUNCILLOR Liam Ley was elected Deputy Mayor of Dungog Shire at the September Council meeting and will officially step into the role on 16 October 2025 for a 12-month term.

Cr Ley says the position comes with a clear sense of responsibility.

“For me, this role is about making sure our community is represented strongly and building on the momentum we’ve already started,” he said.

He points to the people of Dungog as the real drivers of growth in the Shire.

“Our biggest events are run largely by volunteers, our arts scene is thriving thanks to passionate locals, and our businesses are backed by people willing to invest here.

“Council’s job is to make it easier for them, not harder.”

At the same time, Ley acknowledges the important role of Council in providing guiding policies, plans, and frameworks to give the community and investors’ confidence.

“We should be promoting our Shire, seeking out opportunities, and making Dungog a place people want to invest in,” he said.

One of the biggest challenges, he says, is roads.

With more than 700 kilometres of roads to maintain, no state-classified roads, and a small ratepayer base, Dungog faces unique pressure.

“The state block grant only covers about half of what’s needed to properly maintain our roads.

“The math doesn’t work,” Ley said, praising the Mayor for his advocacy at the Hunter Joint Organisation.

“My job will be to back him and keep the pressure on until we get a fair deal.”

Ley also highlights housing as a key priority, saying Dungog must be ready to leverage federal and state funding to boost supply, support steady growth, and strengthen local services while protecting the Shire’s character.

“My focus is simple: connect better with our community, create opportunities for young people, back local business and farming, grow tourism, and keep pushing for the fair deal we deserve.

“The energy and ideas are already here. Council just needs to help unlock Dungog’s full potential.”

By Shannon BENTON