I believe that the best decisions and choices for any community are those made by the community - a community that is informed, active and well represented. As your Division 9 Councillor, I will facilitate greater participatory governance, where all members of the community have the opportunity to be understood and participate in the decisions that impact on us.
I will also ensure that our community’s voice is heard in local affairs and advocate for our community on matters that are determined by other levels of government and industry. Some of the Division 9 issues that you have raised with me include – · Protection of our natural environment · Local responses to the changing climate · Well planned responses to population growth throughout the region · Changes to the town plan and the contested Sekisui development · The Sunshine Coast Airport development and the impact of it's flight paths · Better and more regular public transport options throughout Division 9 · Local jobs for local people · Support for marginalized members of our community · Economic sustainability for local businesses particularly through the low tourist season · The balance between tourism and village life · Streets, parks and gardens It’s an ever growing list! And the voices of our community are many and varied. Often we are in agreeance but not always. I believe the differences create opportunities for all of us. Opportunities to open up discussion, to seek new voices especially the voices of marginalized members of our community, to devise creative solutions. No one person, especially a local Councillor, can be the expert on so many issues. To come up with the best response requires dialogue, education and a commitment to the best possible outcome for all. This is my commitment to our local community. |