A shire the size of Tasmania
I have had a long-running interest in community affairs, and joined the Council in the local government elections of 2012. Tablelands Regional Council is about the size of Tasmania, but is currently going through a de-amalgamation process. We live in a temperate climate right in the Tropics so we enjoy cooler weather whilst being surrounded by the lush tropics. My favourite thing about the Tablelands area is the enormous variety of attractions. The region goes from the wettest parts of Queensland to the east across to the dry inland to the west, and everything in between.
Challenges
The key challenge facing rural councils is trying to do more and more with less and less. Balancing competing priorities is the most difficult part of my role. For Tablelands Regional Council, de-amalgamation is a major challenge. We are also developing a new Planning Scheme. The new Government in Brisbane has also meant some changes to the landscape.
People skills are the most important aspect of being a good councillor. I appreciate straight shooters, doers, and people who can discuss opposing points of view dispassionately. The best part of being a councillor is being able to serve people, especially being able to resolve their issues. The hardest times are when the best possible resolution to an issue does not leave everyone satisfied.
I do not believe being female has made my role any more challenging. I think female councillors have been increasing in numbers, particularly over the past 10 to 20 years. In our Council we have one more female than male member.
Success and innovation
It’s important to me to make Council more responsive to the community, and get better value for the ratepayer. An important success was keeping my first two budgets balanced, and the average general rate increase low. In the future, I hope to bring in more efficiency in Council operations.
The Planning Scheme we are developing is something of a trailblazer. As a council we have also been working very hard to help develop this region’s identity as a premier adventure sport destination.
The recent opening of the Avenue of Honour at Yungaburra was a memorable moment. This community-driven project has resulted in an iconic national memorial for the soldiers who have fallen in the Afghanistan Conflict. Council played its part in bringing this to completion and the opening was attended by many service personnel, many families of the fallen, former Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Federal Leader of the Opposition Tony Abbott and others. It was very significant.
