What do you love about the Tweed region?
The diversity of the environment and lifestyle, where you can ride a bike, a surf board, or take a walk into the forest and hear the birds singing in the morning.
Why are you putting your hand up for the Tweed Council?
Tweed Shire is seeing exponential growth and over the coming years decisions being made will impact on what makes Tweed Shire attractive. While Tweed Shire will continue to grow, I am passionate about what attracts all of us to the Tweed Shire. Standing as an independent will allow me to represent the community and be a part of responsible development of our Shire.
What relevant skills or experience do you bring to the position?
I have managed Alcohol and other Drugs services for 30 years, both in government and community agencies. This has placed me on the frontline, giving me direct insight into what issues are impacting our community. This experience gives me transferable skills in developing and implementing realistic strategies to support our community in responding to the future challenges as they emerge.
How would you address the local housing crisis?
The local housing crisis is complex.
Firstly steps should be taken to investigate what additional partnerships can be established with the state, the Commonwealth and private/community sectors to increase social and affordable housing stock within Tweed Shire.
Do you think there is a role for local councillors beyond roads, rates and rubbish? If so, what is it?
Yes, while roads, rates and rubbish are important, local councillors are in the best position to advocate for additional services within their local area. They have the opportunity to partner with local businesses and community organisations to address issues that are impacting their community. In regard to homelessness, they can identify, show their support, assist in the approval and implement strategies.
As a bike rider I see a great opportunity to increase bike tracks across the whole shire as an environmentally sustainable alternative transport system.
There are over 20,000 approvals in place for residential and business development lots yet there is significant delay in activating these sites. What will you do to change that if you are elected?
We need to recognise that this is a reflection of the exponential growth we are experiencing in Tweed Shire. We need to review the approval process and where the delays are occurring, implement recommendations to improve the process while keeping the integrity of the system.
How do you balance the pressure of more people and the need to protect the environment which is attracting the people?
We are at a critical place in time when society is demanding that councils be more responsible for protecting the environment for future generations. This may mean considering a more diverse building portfolio to accommodate the diversity of people that are coming and calling Tweed Shire home.
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