Duty MLC for Maitland, The Hon Aileen MacDonald MLC, has today criticised the extraordinary comments made by the State Member for Maitland regarding Maitland City Council’s handling of the Maitland Gaol precinct.

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Ms MacDonald said the Council had acted “responsibly, transparently and in the best interests of ratepayers” in addressing the significant financial pressures associated with the site.

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“Local councils are under immense strain as this Government continues to cost-shift essential services and infrastructure maintenance onto them,” Ms MacDonald said.

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“For the Member for Maitland to attack Council for taking prudent steps to safeguard the community’s financial position is not only reckless — it is completely out of touch with the reality facing local government.”

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Ms MacDonald said Maitland Gaol is an important cultural and tourism asset for the Hunter, and that the NSW Government should be working constructively with Council instead of engaging in political point-scoring.

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“If the Government is serious about supporting the future of Maitland Gaol, it must come to the table with genuine partnership and funding certainty. Blaming Council does nothing to protect this iconic site or strengthen the region.”

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“The people of Maitland deserve leadership that builds confidence — not careless commentary that destabilises it.”