Resource rich
The Shire of Roebourne is a large, coastal region on the western margins of the resource-rich Pilbara. I have lived in the Shire for over a quarter of a century, brought up my children here and started a successful business during that time. I have received a lot from the Pilbara and thought it was time to give something back. I considered I had much useful experience and training that would be of use as a councillor.
I love the freedom that living in remote areas affords, the great variety and the stunning beauty of the Pilbara landscape. We have some of Australia’s most dramatic scenery with the amazing gorges of Karijini National Park, the beautiful islands of the Dampier Archipelago and the world-renowned rock art of the Burrup Peninsula. We are the dynamo of the nation, providing about a quarter of the country’s export income. Investment here is on a different scale; we have world-class companies on our doorstep. Our Shire is young, dynamic, growing, diverse, enthusiastic – there is a buzz here as if people know it is one of the places of the future.
Understanding needs and challenges
I started both professional engineering and environmental consulting businesses in Karratha and while I have largely stepped back from these, they have given me many opportunities that are relevant to my work as a councillor. I have worked on some of the largest projects in the world and am very familiar with the infrastructure and businesses of Woodside, Rio, BHPBilliton and many others. I understand the economic imperatives and drivers of these businesses and recognise that as a Council we need to be cognisant of the opportunities and restraints that working in this area provides.
Obtaining suitably qualified and experienced staff has been an ongoing problem. Over the last 12 months the situation has improved markedly and we now have long lists of highly qualified people applying for our positions. However, cost of living pressures – particularly housing costs – are still an issue, though the rental situation is improving. The next step is to diversify our economy so that a downturn in one commodity does not impact the region so severely.
Big issues
As Shire President, you are in a position where you need to communicate, persuade, inspire and facilitate. Council needs to ensure the infrastructure, management structures and protocols are in place so the community is well served and conditions are right to promote new ventures. While we are all dependent on aspects outside our sphere – the weather, political movements, the world economy – which can make the best laid plans come to naught, we can provide the facilities to make our towns livable, the structures to promote investment and do all possible to assist new initiatives which boost our local economy.
The issues important to me are jobs, cost of living pressures, suitable infrastructure and leisure facilities, the environment and cultural activities. I hope to ensure that our Shire is a place where people want to live their whole lives, where jobs are plentiful, where facilities are first class and where the environment is protected for future generations.
I have led a push to protect the environment around our towns, which are being heavily impacted by four-wheel drive vehicles, trail bikes, indiscriminate rubbish dumping and a general lack of concern for both marine and terrestrial conservation. Since I have been on Council we have developed a range of environmental management plans to protect our dunes, hills and beaches. Our Shire was also a primary driver in the preparation of a State of the Environment report for the Pilbara region, completed by Regional Development Australia in June 2013.
