What is your number one priority for Coffs City and how do you plan to address it?
Lack of affordable housing negatively affects every aspect of life in Coffs Harbour, from the prospect of getting a hospital bed in a timely way through to the time it takes to be served at a café. We are being held back because we cannot attract and retain workers in key industries, primarily because they cannot find an affordable place to live. I would be leveraging from my strong relationship with NSE Housing and Homelessness Minister, Rose Jackson to proactively seek funding and support for affordable housing projects in Coffs.
How will you build strong relationships between Coffs Harbour City Council and Local businesses?
I will seek to build positive relationships with business in the way that I do with community groups and individuals, by listening, understanding and engaging. I would welcome opportunities to attend meetings with the Chambert, but also to meet in smaller group settings with senior leaders of your group. I would be very pleased to offer enthusiastic public support for positive initiatives by the Chamber and its constituent businesses. As with other issues, I would be able to use my strong ties with other levels of government to facilitate contact and support initiatives.
Where do you stand on, and what will you do to ensure Council adheres to a Go Local First procurement policy?
I have extensive government procurement experience and expertise. My final role in the Commonwealth Government required me to manage procurement, property and contracts for the entire Department of Immigration, so I am very much au fait with the opportunities and limitations of procurement policy and practices. To the greatest extent possible within the bounds of legal constraints, value for money and fair procurement policies, I would look for opportunities to grow local businesses through engagement with Council. Further, I would promote examples where Council has great or innovative engagement with local business to other Councils and other levels of government.
How will you ensure that local business owners have a voice in city planning and decision-making
processes?
I will engage personally with local businesspeople in the planning process and ensure that they have the opportunity of participating in planning committees. Business has an important role to play in shaping the future of our city, and planning is integral to that future. I would look for positive engagement at a committee level, but also for a less formal relationship where local business groups have a chance to float ideas, discuss concerns and contribute more generally to the process.
Highlight what differentiates you from other candidates and how your leadership will benefit the
community?
I have a close relationship with many State and Federal Government Ministers. Where I don’t have that individual relationship, I always know someone who does. I have found that an incredible benefit in gaining access, breaking down barriers and establishing trust. I look forward to using those relationships to gain better access to opportunities and to give State and Federal Governments a better understanding of our community and its issues. I want both levels of government to automatically think of Coffs Harbour whenever they consider regional Australia.