A regular feature this month profiling a Councillor from the Northern Territory
Mayor Annette Burke, Palmerston City Council, Northern Territory
Q. Can you tell us about yourself, your Council and the community?
I am a teacher of foreign languages with two teenage boys and a husband who is also in politics as the Leader of the Opposition in NT and former Chief Minister. Obviously we have a lot of political discussions around the dinner table, so our boys can hold their own in any political debate! Palmerston is a new city, having had this status now for only two years, and we have six Aldermen elected to represent the whole community of 25,500 rather than a ward system. The Mayor is elected from the general population. The Palmerston Family, as I like to see it, is a diverse and vibrant one with many different ethnic groups represented. It is known as the Can Do community of the NT as we have many innovative youth initiatives, crime prevention strategies and successful community groups, such as Adopt-a-Park, that gets families back into their local parks, taking ownership, getting to know neighbours, rebuilding community commitment. We are 21 years old next year and 22 kilometres or about 20 minutes drive from Darwin.
Q. How did you first become involved in Local Government?
I arrived in the Northern Territory 11 years ago as a military wife in the Burke family, which was the very first family to come as part of the APIN (Army Presence in the North) movement. I was elected as Alderman virtually before I had finished unpacking our boxes! I had become a member of the local playgroup, the School Council, the gym, and had thrown myself into this community, whose friendliness and welcoming nature amazed me. I wanted to give something back on behalf of the military families (now over 10 per cent of Palmerston’s population) who followed us. After living in 18 houses in 17 years all around Australia and the world, I was ready to call the Territory home! I have been Mayor for four years now, as I came in at a by-election, and have done two years of the current four year term.
Q. What are some of the unique issues that Local Governments in the Northern Territory are facing?
Some issues that we face are related to our massive population growth, which was 22.5 per cent in 1999–2000. FAGs grants are not kind to us as, relative to other communities in the Northern Territory, we are considered well off! But relative to similar communities in other States we are incredibly under funded. We only get $41 per capita! We are continually fighting to fulfil infrastructure needs as the population has grown 250 per cent in the last ten years! Youth issues and crime are always high on the agenda. I believe the fourth R in Local Government after Rates, Roads and Rubbish has to be Relationships: building capacity in our community, nurturing it and ensuring that the quality of lifestyle for the community is high. This is difficult when Councils in the Northern Territory have no planning responsibility, no power, water or health powers at all!
Q. What are some of the challenges and high points you have experienced while in Local Government?
The high point during my time was two years ago when we gained City status and on the same day offered Freedom of the City to the Army. Ongoing high points are when we present our Palmerston Proud Awards every couple of months to residents young and old, and businesses who have made us proud through their work, achievements or commitment to the community. We generally have over 100 crammed into our small Council chambers on these occasions! Another favourite task is visiting the schools (nine primary and one high school) which I do most weeks and hand out Starry Student, Starry Teacher or Starry School Awards to help motivate and reward the school communities. Challenges are ongoing and involve getting a multi-purpose recreation centre, so we can cater for our youth and also have a venue where we can house more than 150 people indoors (it is very hard to plan any Christmas or New Year’s functions for the community with the wet season in full swing!) An alternative education centre is another challenge to help at risk kids and address the high rate of truancy, which is a problem in the Northern Territory, particularly with Indigenous youth. Another high point came last week when the results of our community survey, which was done at a 97 per cent signifigance rate (400 surveyed at random) came in with stunningly good results for Council’s performance, the image of the City, courtesy, efficiency and knowledge of staff – all above 80 per cent satisfaction rates. I was thrilled!
Q. What are some of the ways that your Council has promoted economic development and tourism?
We have the first partnership in the NT with the Government, and are working towards a number of outcomes that will promote economic and tourism development. This includes siting the railway station for the Ghan in Palmerston (as the railway goes right through Palmerston and the terminus of the freight train is at the port which is on the boundary of Palmerston) right opposite our very first, soon to be constructed 20 million dollar resort. We are working with other Top End Councils (TOPROC) to get the Northern Territory Government to establish a Regional Economic Development Strategy to attract investors to the area. We are the only remaining region in the Northern Territory that does not have one!
Q. What do you enjoy most about working in Local Government?
The part I enjoy most is being with the people, relating to them, helping sort out any issues and in the long run, hopefully making a difference in this wonderful community!
