What is your number one priority for Coffs City, and how do you plan to address it?
Refocusing on the fundamentals: building strong relationships with key investors and committing to projects that drive investment into our city, such as the Jetty Streetscape.
Tourism is our economic backbone and vital to small business success. Unfortunately, we’re the only town to experience a decline in tourism over the past six years. This can largely be attributed to leasing the airport, the absence of a waterfront precinct with quality accommodation, and the neglect of our city’s appearance.
We must shift our focus away from personal projects and political posturing and instead concentrate on revitalising our city for the future.
How will you build strong relationships between Coffs Harbour City Council and Local businesses?
As the only mayoral candidate actively running a small business, I have first hand experience with the current challenges faced by local businesses. It’s essential the council prioritises more efficient development application (DA) processes and provides greater support to both new startups and existing businesses, to foster a more attractive environment for growth.
There is a clear disconnect between the realities of operating a local business and the workings of local government. The Chamber of Commerce is the ideal bridge to close this gap. Re-establishing a strong partnership between the chamber and the council is crucial. The same should also occur with Sawtell and Woopi Chamber and other local business groups.
There is also a need for Council to mend fractured relationships. Seven out of the eight other people running with me on my ticket are running local businesses and are all strong, collaborative, modern leaders, perfectly equipped for the relationship building job at hand.
Where do you stand on, and what will you do to ensure Council adheres to a “Go Local First” procurement policy?
Having grown up in a small family business, I have a deep understanding of the challenges faced by businesses in a regional city. With the rise of social media and online shopping, more local money is leaving our community. Now, more than ever, it’s critical council, where possible and within the bounds of a transparent tender process, ensures local businesses are prioritised when it comes to servicing our city.
I’m fully committed to a “Go Local First” policy. I’ll advocate for a return to a weighted procurement system, where genuine local business tenders are prioritised. This will help keep money within our community and strengthen the economic foundation of Coffs Harbour.
I also have been one of only two candidates (George Cecato being the other) who has walked the talk when it comes to going local, by printing ALL of my election materials with a local business in the LGA. Don’t just look for who says the right thing, look for who’s actions show it.
How will you ensure that local business owners have a voice in city planning and decision-making processes?
As mayor, I will ensure local business owners have a strong voice in city planning and decision-making by establishing open, collaborative platforms for engagement. Regular business forums and roundtable discussions will be hosted to gather input and feedback directly from business owners. I will also ensure relevant committees have representation comprised of local business leaders to actively participate in planning decisions that impact commerce and economic growth.
Also as Mayor I would encourage councillors to meet regularly with local chambers and business groups to enable them the opportunity to provide recommendations and voice concerns on key issues such as zoning, infrastructure, and development projects.
By fostering a continuous dialogue and integrating business insights into city planning, I aim to create a business-friendly environment that promotes sustainable growth and meets the needs of the local economy.
Highlight what differentiates you from other candidates and how your leadership will benefit the community?
Me and my family have been entrenched in small business my entire life. I’ve been running award winning small businesses since I was 23.
I bring to the role of Mayor incredibly strong skills in modern leadership. Leadership has changed over the years to become a lot more purpose driven.
What differntiates me from all other candidates is that I am the only candidate standing that still runs a business today. I’m managing and leading a team in this modern era .
In the last 10 years, business has really changed and we’ve had many challenges and an explosion of the online and social media world.
Great businesses have been able to adapt and still flourish. That is what we need from our local Council we must be fluid, adapt with the times and listen to our small business community to ensure they thrive.