Backing Business:
I will be a strong advocate for our local businesses — the backbone of our community. I believe that a thriving business sector creates jobs, strengthens our local economy, and enhances the quality of life for all residents.
I am committed to:
Advocating for cutting unnecessary red tape to make it easier for businesses to start, expand, and innovate.
Supporting local businesses through council procurement policies that prioritise local suppliers and service providers.
Encouraging business investment and economic development by fostering a supportive environment that attracts entrepreneurs and new industries.
Partnering with business groups, chambers of commerce, and local entrepreneurs to ensure council decisions reflect the needs of our business community.
By standing with our local businesses, we can build a stronger, more resilient economy that benefits everyone.
Retaining a Regional Voice:
As our community continues to grow and evolve, it is essential that the needs, values, and aspirations of our region are not only heard but actively championed at all levels of government. I am committed to ensuring that our region retains a strong, independent voice — one that stands up for local decision-making, equitable funding, and policies that reflect the priorities of our community.
I will work to:
Help to protect our region’s right to make decisions that best serve our local communities.
Advocate for fair representation and funding to ensure our infrastructure, services, and environment are supported at a national and regional level.
Support stronger partnerships with other regional councils to amplify our collective voice on state and national issues.
Engage directly with the community to ensure concerns are reflected and considered in the policies and priorities I support.
Our region is unique, vibrant, and deserves representatives that speak loudly and confidently for its future. With your support, I will ensure our community is not overlooked, and that decisions affecting us are made with us — not for us.
Fostering Wellbeing in the community:
I am committed to fostering a thriving and supportive community where the wellbeing of every resident is a priority. I believe that a healthy community is built on strong social connections, accessible services, and opportunities for all to lead fulfilling lives.
To enhance community wellbeing, I will advocate for:
Safe Community Spaces: Creating safe, welcoming public spaces where people of all backgrounds can connect, socialise, and access recreational activities that contribute to both physical and mental wellbeing at all age levels
Community Resilience Programs: Supporting initiatives that build resilience, ensuring residents have the skills and knowledge to navigate life’s challenges.
Support for Families and Seniors: Ensuring families and older residents have access to affordable services, community programs, and opportunities to stay active, connected, and valued.
Championing Volunteerism & Local Networks: Support and encourage local volunteers, mentoring programs, and neighbourhood initiatives that strengthen our community and promotes a spirit of kindness and support.
A Focus on Wellbeing in Policy Decisions: Ensuring that wellbeing measures are considered in council planning, infrastructure, services, and programs are designed to enhance quality of life for all residents.
Caring for our environment:
I am committed to protecting and enhancing our environment for future generations. I will advocate for practical, community-driven initiatives that safeguard our natural spaces, reduce pollution, and promote sustainable living.
I believe our council has a responsibility to lead by example, embracing renewable energy, reducing waste, and supporting local projects that protect our waterways, forests, and green spaces. By working together with residents, businesses, and environmental groups, we can create a cleaner, greener, and healthier community for all while still providing an environment for business to thrive.
Whether it’s improving recycling programs, or finding innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions, I will advocate for environmental responsibility to be a lens of council decision-making.
Financial Prudency:
I am committed to ensuring that ratepayer money is spent responsibly and transparently. My deliberations will include evaluating sound financial management practices that prioritize essential services, avoid unnecessary spending, and ensure value for money in all council projects and contracts are a priority.
By reviewing spending priorities, and ensuring careful long-term financial planning, I am committed to supporting the protection from unsustainable debt. We have a financially resilient council that has been prudent with financial management in the past and I am committed to supporting this to continue, that supports both current and future generations.
With continued transparency and regular reporting, I will ensure our community is fully informed about how funds are managed and invested to support a thriving, efficient, and financially responsible local Council.
Forward planning (for a stronger future):
I am committed to ensuring our community thrives not just today, but for generations to come. Forward planning is essential to building a resilient, prosperous, and sustainable future for all. This includes:
Strategic Growth Management: Ensuring responsible development that caters for growth with essential infrastructure, green spaces, and community services.
Infrastructure for future possibilities: Prioritising investment in resilient infrastructure, from transport networks to digital connectivity, ensuring our community is prepared for future population and economic changes. This has always been a main focus area for Council and we need to ensure this will continue to be so.
Sustainable Investment: Long-term budgets will prioritise value for ratepayers, while investing in projects that enhance quality of life, boost the local economy as well as protect our environment.
Community Collaboration: Engaging with the community (residents, businesses, and community groups) to ensure forward planning reflects the needs and aspirations of our community.
By taking a forward-thinking approach to planning, we can continue to support and grow a community that is vibrant, sustainable, and ready for the opportunities and challenges ahead.