Below are some of the significant commitments I undertake to deliver as Councillor for Division 7 in Mareeba.
Councils have a pivotal role to play in the directions they set for matters such as urban development through planning and delivery of essential infrastructure. I believe that the positive momentum that currently exists in Mareeba must be perpetuated and that as a Councillor for Division 7 I will undertake to ensure this happens.
I believe that as a significant organisation within the Tablelands region, the Tablelands Regional Council should maintain a pro-active role with efforts to further attract industry, business and tourism to the area and as far as Mareeba is concerned I would look to continue with efforts to promote this town as a preferred place to live, work and invest. Mareeba is the predominant town on the Tablelands and with controlled and sustainable development, this will continue to be the case.
Experience has shown me that in order to help people it is of paramount importance to listen. My knowledge of the local area and the issues faced by this community come from experience gained over many years of living and working here. Due to the complexity of some issues that come before Council it is quite often the case that clarification is required from one or more of Council’s qualified staff. I believe that this consultation process should extend to include members of the community as well in order to gauge community feeling on matters of significance.
With the formation of the new Tablelands Regional Council, I believe that it is time that the parochialism and inter-shire rivalries of the past be left behind. For this region to continue to prosper it is essential that an era of co-operation and understanding be embraced. While it is unrealistic to expect that a consensus of opinion will be reached on every matter that comes up for mention I feel that considering matters on their individual merits and through open discussion it is possible to, at the very least, take on board the concerns of others and that this can go some way towards realising positive outcomes.
Mareeba has a number of significant community assets including: the Mareeba Public Library; Mareeba Swimming Pool; Mareeba Heritage Centre; and a variety of sporting and recreational facilities. These facilities need to be maintained and when required, upgraded, to ensure their continued operation and overall efficacy.
For the immediate future it appears that, subsequent to amalgamation, the rating systems for each of the previous shires will carry forward (under the banner of the Tablelands Regional Council) until such time as new rates (and fees and charges) can be struck by the new Council. During the budget process that will come about prior to levying of rates etc. I will monitor the setting of rates in order to ensure that rates that are levied are fair and reasonable and that any increases are moderate and in-keeping with what is required for Council to perform its normal functions of local government.
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