The state of rural roads is enough for Adam Milani. That Marulan has "undrinkable water" is quite another.
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Both issues and what he describes as unequal distribution of funds to the towns and villages are driving his nomination for Goulburn Mulwaree Council.
He is one of 12 independents and 17 candidates putting up their hand at the December 4 election.
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Mr Milani moved to Bungonia from the Illawarra six years ago with his partner, and built up a sheep grazing property.
"In my time here I haven't seen much money coming into the rural communities like Bungonia, Marulan and Tarago," he said.
"I've seen the roads getting worse. People are moving here but there's no upgrade to infrastructure like play equipment for kids. I feel all the money goes to Goulburn and that's not right."
The state of Jerrara Road, near his home is a particular bugbear. The council has demanded that Multiquip immediately upgrade the route in line with its quarry consent conditions. It is also taking legal action to effect immediate repairs to priority areas.
But Mr Milani believed this was simply a "smokescreen" before the looming election and the council should have acted years ago.
With more people moving to rural areas and commuting to work, he argues it's essential to have safe, drivable roads.
At Marulan, the 31-year-old says "undrinkable" and brown tap water is the number one priority.
"No resident wants to drink it. They buy bottled water and when they want to put tanks on their houses, the council puts roadblocks in their way," he said.
"The council isn't doing anything to fix it or to lessen their rates."
However general manager Warwick Bennett told The Post in April that the council was spending $9 million to upgrade the town's water treatment plant and $10m for sewage scheme improvements over the next two years.
Mr Milani is also opposed to Tarago's identification as a waste to energy precinct. Bungonia faced Jerrara Power's now withdrawn proposal but he argued no rural community should have to deal with Sydney's waste problems.
"It (the technology) is just toxic," he said.
"...Put it in Bondi. Why should we as a rural community suffer because Sydney can't deal with its waste responsibly like the rest of us."
Mr Milani said he wasn't one to "whinge" but to stand up for issues he felt strongly about. Moreover, if elected, he pledged to listen to what the community wanted and represent its views rather than pursue personal opinions.
He said he wasn't afraid of hard work and could bring sound financial skills to the table. Mr Milani believes the council is a business but the money must be spread evenly.
"We don't need more councillors looking after Goulburn but someone who has the best interests of the rural community at heart," he said.
"...I'm not here to kiss arse but to tell rural people they have an option if they want change...I want to be their voice."
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