What is your number one priority for Coffs City and how do you plan to address it?
My number one priority is to ensure the $14 million dollar projected deficit that we have been able to turn around in the last 3 years does not recur. This has been a strategic turnaround and didn’t happen by accident. We can’t be put in this position again, or it threatens local services and organisations as well as rate payers. An important thing for local businesses is ensure that there is an available workforce through housing and childcare availability initiatives. This has a flow on effect for household income which ultimately also drives spending in local businesses.
How will you build strong relationships between Coffs Harbour City Council and Local businesses?
I will ensure we have a dedicated unit of the Council working with both start up and existing businesses. This includes aiding local businesses to access grants and funding, networking events, celebrating local success stories and workshops on practical ways businesses can increase revenue and reduce costs for better sustainability. There are several local business support organisations that are supported in various ways by the City of Coffs Harbour currently, and it’s only fair that they can all apply for the available business support funding based on the initiatives they are intending to deliver for their members and the community in the coming year.
Where do you stand on, and what will you do to ensure Council adheres to a Go Local first procurement policy?
Every substantial project the Council does goes through a tendering process – that is just a legal requirement of Councils these days to ensure there isn’t corruption or misspending of public funds. Whenever a local organisation meets the legal requirement to demonstrate value for money in a tendering process they can and will be awarded a contract. I have supported local businesses for over 30 years, providing a track record people can look at for this aspect and that’s something I intend to continue.
How will you ensure that local business owners have a voice in city planning and decision-making processes?
The Council has several committees where local business networks can nominate representatives and directly submit projects, statements and requests to the Council. I am supportive of this structure as it gives transparency and fairness to the process. One such example that I’ve driven is creation of a City Bypass Committee to help navigate this critical period. Representatives of business are actively sought out when such committees are formed and these committees work well when they have engaged members from local businesses on them. I will ensure that we openly advertise these opportunities to allow business owners to get involved.
Highlight what differentiates you from other candidates and how your leadership will benefit the community?
I have established local government and business experience that is suited to ensuring the $250 million + budget that Council manages is responsibly administered. I have a track record of delivering services and projects on budget. I understand the challenges of running a local business for 37 years. I am accessible, I openly disclose my mobile, email and an invitation to come and discuss issues with me personally. I am independent, no political party aspirations. I have a track record of voting for developments in smart locations. This year alone I’ve been supportive of units in West High street, 7 stories of seniors housing in Prince Street, manufacturer housing (180 dwellings) in Newman’s Road, an asphalt plant in Cook Drive, seniors housing Walter Morris Close, rezoning for residential development at Gaudron’s road. My kids and grandkids live here, and I want to see our region thrive long term.