Much more than wine
The Barossa Valley is one of the best known tourism brands in Australia. People visit our area to experience the best of food and wine tourism. We have always been a premium destination for people seeking great wines, but we are much more than just wine. Artisan food producers abound in the Barossa and the combination of food and wine experiences in the one place is a huge benefit to the region’s many cellar doors. Combine this with our bicycle friendly businesses and over 40 kilometres of shared cycle and walking paths, and we cater for the needs of most tourists.
One of my favourite spots in our Council area is the Barossa Bush Gardens, in Nuriootpa. Council is a major sponsor of this amazing, ever evolving, native plant garden, which is a testament to the hard work and commitment of a large and dedicated group of volunteers. It is an ideal location to wander around, take in the natural surrounds, discover different varieties of plants and take some time out.
Community contact
I was first elected to Council in November 2010, elected Deputy Mayor in November 2013 and elected unopposed as Mayor of The Barossa Council in November 2014.
I have been actively involved in community organisations including school councils, local and regional hospital boards, and service clubs, for more than 40 years and was encouraged to continue this involvement on Council by friends and local businesses.
I have also been a Civil Marriage Celebrant for eight years. In this role I meet people from all over the world as they choose the Barossa Valley to be the place they want to get married. I hear the stories about their experiences with caterers, wedding venue providers and others as they go through the wedding planning process with me. It helps to keep me informed about what is happening in our area and also what others may be saying about the Barossa Council region.
I find the best part of being a councillor is the community contact. You are able to get to know a community you have lived in for most of your adult life in a different way, as doors to many places are opened to you in your role as Councillor and Mayor.
I don’t have too many complaints about the role of Councillor. Just getting used to always being on call. Whether it’s a private function or a visit to the local supermarket, there are always people who want to talk about Council matters.
Future planning
Our Council is currently working with the State Government to gain entry to the Warren Reservoir area near Williamstown to increase access and recreational opportunities. Recreational fishing is high on the agenda with RecFish SA attracting funding to seed the reservoir with native fish species. Council has received Federal and State grants totalling $245,000 to provide parking and toilet facilities, fencing and outdoor furniture. Council continues to negotiate with the State Government to allow access for passive recreational craft including kayaks and canoes.
Like any Council we face the issue of funding across a range of areas. We also face the prospect of ensuring our young people have access to abundant and sustainable recreation facilities. Together with the broader community, and driven by the sporting teams and community groups, we are trying to develop master plans for recreation and sporting precincts in the Southern Barossa area. A good challenge for our future planning.
