Councillor Profiles is a regular feature. This month we feature two Councillors from Queensland.
Councillor Joy Drescher, Mayor Beaudesert Shire Council, Queensland
Q. How long have you been on Council?
Next year I will clock up 15 years as a Councillor – nine years as an area Councillor and six as Mayor. I was first elected in 1979 and had two consecutive terms until 1985. With comebacks in 1988, 1997 and 2004, I am probably the most recycled Councillor in Queensland, if not Australia. I stood in all elections. During this time, the electors in our rapidly growing Shire have grown from around 16,000 in 1979 to 65,000 now.
Q. Why did you want to become involved in Local Government?
I originally stood for Council over school safety issues. The road to the Beaudesert High School was narrow and dangerous so a bikeway was a high priority. My son had just started high school. My youngest had just finished preschool, where parents were obliged to walk their preschoolers, toddlers and babies over a cattle grid because a farmer would not allow vehicular access to the school even though, at law, there was legal access through his land. I won the election and then discovered that you got paid, although it was very minimal. I had anticipated Local Government as a stepping stone to state politics, but my friend Kev Lingard, MLA, beat me in preselection and remains an excellent member to this day. Also, much to my surprise, I absolutely loved Local Government, the people, staff and fellow Councillors all over the State and country, and the many facets of Local Government were astounding, different, challenging and never boring.
Q. Can you tell us about your Local Government area?
Beaudesert Shire has embarked on a tourism strategy, branding us as Queensland’s Hidden Oasis. Our Shire has magnificent scenery, mountains, waterfalls, farms, camping spots and world heritage areas, townships, B&Bs and wineries. People told us it’s a hidden oasis waiting for everyone to explore. We have 65,000 residents in townships across 2,854 square kilometres. We’re an hour south of Brisbane and an hour inland from the Gold Coast. Our neighbours are Gold Coast, Logan, Ipswich and Boonah Councils and we reach down to the New South Wales border.
Q. What are some of the challenges you have faced in Local Government?
Winning elections, not winning elections, winning elections again. We never have enough funding for roads and water supply is a big issue for all Councils. We are one of the fastest growing Shires in Australia, with our population tipped to grow enormously in coming years. We have a very progressive approach to planning.
Q. What are the specific issues currently facing your Council?
We have high population growth, so we need more planners and engineers. So if you want to come and live in our hidden oasis, we would dearly love to have you if you have planning and engineering skills. Call us on (07) 5540 5111 or email mail@bsc.qld.gov.au
Q. What are you passionate about?
I have a passion for this job, this Shire and its wonderful people, their resourcefulness, their caring for others, the scenery and crafts – the whole kit and caboodle. I am passionate about country dances, my children, reading, writing, Rotary, ITC Communicators and sharing good jokes (you can hear my laugh a block away).
Q. What are the key aspects of being a good Councillor?
Don’t look over the shoulders of your staff. Let them do their job. You also have to like people. If you don’t like people, you shouldn’t be here. When I was first running for Council an old chap in the hotel also gave me this advice: “Whatever you do girlie, show your teeth.”
In other words, smile. So everyone out there, SMILE.
Councillor Glenn Churchill, Mayor Banana Shire Council, Queensland
Q. How long have you been on Council?
I was first elected as a Councillor in March 1997. I was then successfully elected as Mayor for an inaugural four year term in 2000 and again in 2004.
Q. Why did you want to become involved in Local Government?
I was already serving the community in many other capacities and I received encouragement from elected members/mentors and local business people to extend my service to the community. I saw an opportunity to make a difference and leave a legacy. One burning issue was that statisticians had forecast that our large rural Shire and local area would decline over the next 20 years. I was prepared to help prove them wrong.
Q. Can you tell us about your Local Government area?
Banana Shire is a large rural area incorporating 11 towns in the hinterland of Central Queensland. Populated with over 15,000 people, the Shire is spread over 15,729 square kilometres, of which 23 square kilometres is urbanised. Council maintains some 2,800 kilometres of roads. A diverse rural sector has been the backbone of the Shire and is now complimented with major industries and retail sectors, including three power stations, five coal mines, one gold mine and a large abattoir. These are also supported by many tourist attractions. We are also part of a vibrant region from the coast to the rural outback, which is one of the most economically and environmentally diverse areas of Australia and something we are proud of.
Q. What are some of the challenges you have faced in Local Government?
Local Government today operates in a very different way and environment to that of 20 years ago. There is an expectation that Council will live up to its tag of ‘closest to the people’ by being consultative in carrying out its core responsibilities.
My primary role as Mayor of the Banana Shire is to lead a group of elected and dedicated representatives in providing the policy, strategies and direction for Council. Our team of elected representatives have embraced new developments, necessary changes and initiatives. The Council workforce has made progress to achieve many aims and aspirations. Their commitment has made a significant improvement on the efficient and effective delivery of services that continue to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors to the Shire. The drive for a more consultative approach is also being encouraged by the community sector.
Other challenges Local Government and other spheres of government currently face are a review of tax reform, revenue sharing and to control cost shifting.
Q. What are the specific issues currently facing your Council?
Local Government faces a myriad of different issues with a common theme – roads, water, health services, affordable housing, airline services, waste management, public safety, staff recruitment, telecommunications, education, training, transport, asset management and many others. The first agenda item of Council’s meeting in 1880 was about roads. Some 120 years later, roads are still high on Council’s agenda. Community infrastructure and planning underpins our commitment to a better environment and lifestyle for current and future generations.
Local Government needs a fair distribution of the nation’s tax wealth, and opportunities to grow our relationships with the Australian and State Governments and the corporate sectors with partnerships on agreed priorities. The Roads to Recovery program is a good financial model. What other financial models can be created?
Q. What are the key aspects of being a good Councillor?
Leadership, good listener, role model, mentor, having the capacity to advocate and influence, taking a common sense approach to issues and legislation, and actively participating in an atmosphere of continual learning and experiences. At the end of the day, we must never forget that as elected members our role is to serve and work in the best interests of our residents and our ratepayers. The name Local Government is exactly what it implies – local people representing and serving local communities on local issues.
