Cr. Graham Smith moved at last week’s meeting that council establish a liaison with the companies to see if any help can be given.

He said the developments would provide a much needed economic opportunity and employment for Kurri residents.

“Ratepayers have realised the delays with councillors as a source of frustration and disappointment and seek some clarification on the likelihood of progress on these two projects,” Cr. Smith said.

Questions he put to Director City Planning, Darryl Fitzgerald, revealed that there is still some uncertainty about Aldi going ahead and it could be some months before any decision is made.

On McDonalds he was told there are discussions taking place with the firm and the Roads and Traffic Authority on access to the site.

Cr. Smith said delays with McDonalds has been frustrating for parents who have been taking their children to training at Maitland and Newcastle but have no idea about when they will start their jobs.

“As a Ward D Councillor and as a Kurri local of three decades standing I know how much these jobs are needed," he said.

“We need to find out what’s standing in the way and fix it.

“These two developments were slated to provide much-needed economic opportunity and employment for residents of Kurri.”