What is your number one priority for Coffs City and how do you plan to address it?
The next mayor and council will have two massive opportunities to set our city up for the future – the completion of the bypass and the upgrade and revitalization of the foreshores.
We will push hard for a full upgrade and economic revitalization of the foreshores – Coffs Harbour has waited long enough – it’s time to get it done!
The impending completion of the bypass gives us a once in a lifetime opportunity to remake the highway corridor through Coffs Harbour.
We also want to restart the process of upgrading the streetscapes in Woolgoolga, Sawtell, and the Jetty Strip.
How will you build strong relationships between Coffs Harbour City Council and Local businesses?
The current Council leadership has fractured relationships with many important community groups, including the Chamber of Commerce, sporting clubs, and our State and Federal representatives. That’s having an obvious negative impact on Council decision-making. As Mayor, I will immediately reach out and repair those relationships.
I have a track record of many years of collaborative leadership in our community, leading the Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Association, and Rotary. I will lead from the front, building a culture of consultation, unity, respect and service.
Every member of my team has a track record of consultative leadership and achievement in the community.
Where do you stand on, and what will you do to ensure Council adheres to a Go Local First procurement policy?
With over 28 years of heading family businesses in town and being closely involved with the business community through the Chamber of Commerce and the Tourism Association, I have participated many times in Buy Local initiatives. I understand how important it is for Council to procure locally wherever possible so our rates stay in our community.
I am also realistic about the legal restrictions that guide Council’s procurement policies. Council is required to ensure that procurement is conducted in a transparent manner to deliver the most efficient outcome for the community. And in future, this will include that local businesses to be fairly able to compete on tenders and contracting.
I have always applied the Go Local First principle in my personal and business life and represented those views at Council discussions. Within the framework of legislation, I will be the strongest advocate for Go Local First both to Council and the community at large.
I note that all my campaign materials have been locally procured, to support local businesses and keep money circulating in our community. Unfortunately, not all candidates have had the same approach.
How will you ensure that local business owners have a voice in city planning and decision-making processes?
It’s easy to make promises about consultation. I have the runs on the board! I have always been a very strong voice for local business in Council. That was the whole reason I stood for election eight years ago. In everything I do or get involved in it is about moving our area forward.
Right now, I am the chairperson of the Highway Bypass Integration Committee and the business community is very well represented. As the Mayor, I will continue to work together for the best outcome for our residents and visitors.
I will ensure that projects such as the Jetty Strip streetscape upgrade and the Sawtell main street beautification are taken out of the too hard basket and businesses affected by this lack of action have an input and voice.
I will give the Woolgoolga Masterplan the attention that it needs and ensure that the community and businesses are heard.
Highlight what differentiates you from other candidates and how your leadership will benefit the community?
I have a vision for our city, and the strength of character, knowledge, and experience to implement it!
I’ve been on Council for eight years. In that time, I fought for progress and managed to drive through some important projects. But the current majority on Council has consistently voted against progress and against important community infrastructure projects. If our city is to reach its potential, we need a mayor and councillors who are serious about building a better Coffs Harbour.
The city is in the worst position I can remember in my 34 years as a local. I firmly believe I have what it takes to make our region a place our residents are proud of, where our children have a bright future, and our families are safe.
Voting for the Cecato Team is a vote to build a better Coffs Coast.