Councillor Helen Galton, Darwin City Council, NT
Q. How long have you been on Council?
I have spent eight years in Local Government. I was first elected in 1988, however I did not seek re-election in 1992 as I was on the staff of the Minister for Local Government and there was a perception that I had a conflict of interest. I sought re-election in 2004 and was elected for another four year term. On 29 March we go to the polls again and I am seeking a third term.
Q. Why did you become involved in Local Government?
Local Government is in my blood and I thrive on grassroots government! I am the fourth generation family member to be elected to a Council. I grew up in Hamilton, Victoria and moved to Darwin with my husband and children in 1983. In 1988, I was approached to stand for the Local Government elections. My work colleagues from the public relations company I worked for ran my campaign on a platform for sensible development and I was duly elected.
Q. Tell us about your Local Government area.
Paradise on earth! Darwin is the most modern capital city in Australia. She is a survivor and has bounced back from the bombing of Darwin in 1942 and Cyclone Tracy in 1974 (and I was on the last plane out of Darwin on my way to London)!
We have a population of 71,993 and Council is divided into four Wards. I am one of three elected members (we are the Action Team) that represent the Lyons Ward, which is the ‘heartbeat’ of the Municipality. The Lyons Ward is experiencing tremendous growth – recently I counted 18 cranes on the city horizon. We never get cold and our relaxed lifestyle and climate allows us the privilege to use the fantastic facilities all year round!
We have a diverse, multicultural and ageing population. People are now choosing to retire here, which was virtually unheard of
five years ago.
Council is very supportive with generous in kind and cash assistance to a number of events including the biannual Arafura Games, the Darwin Cup and the Darwin Arts and Cultural Festival. Council also proudly organises the Commemoration of the Bombing of Darwin on 19 February every year to remember the men and women who were on the frontline when Darwin was bombed by the Japanese in 1942. This event is one of the most moving experiences and it is always a pleasure to host the wonderful surviving diggers who fought so gallantly to protect our country.
Q. What are the key challenges facing you and your area?
For me it is understanding the expectation of new generations and adapting to new technology. According to my Generation Y daughter, I am considered a protected species and I find the Gen Ys a little pushy and lacking in humility!
Sadly, antisocial behaviour is a key challenge facing our Council. With the Federal Government intervention in the Northern Territory, there has been a population movement to urban areas and this has caused a short term accommodation crisis in Darwin. Council is working very closely with the Northern Territory Government on a number of initiatives and one is whether we make the entire municipality a dry area. This will be worked through and I am sure that there will be a positive outcome – however, it is a challenge.
Q. What innovative projects is your Council working on?
Darwin City Council will unveil a major new artwork on 12 February 2009 to commemorate 200 years since the birth of Charles Darwin, after whom the city is named. The Charles Darwin Commemorative Artwork will be unveiled in conjunction with the worldwide celebration of Darwin Day.
Our Greenhouse Action Plan is the envy of many Councils and the innovative highlight in my opinion is the Darwin Renewable Energy Facility, which produces electricity from methane gas harvested from waste. The plant generates enough electricity to power 1,000 homes, equivalent in greenhouse gas emission savings of approximately 9,000 cars or planting 3,900 trees.
Q. Tell us about a specific success you have had in Local Government.
The beauty of our Council is that there are no party political stoushes. Elected members come from diverse backgrounds. However, on the floor of Council we work for the best and most positive outcomes for the community.
I have a particular interest in assisting those less fortunate than myself and it was a proud moment to witness the launch of the Variety Liberty Swing in our beautiful Water Gardens in Jingili recently. To see the joy of the children in their wheelchairs having a swing for the first time was a very moving experience.
President Victor Stow, Cox Peninsula Community Government Council, NT
Q. How long have you been on Council?
I was elected to Cox Peninsula Community Government Council at a by election in November 2001. I served as a Councillor and Vice President and was elected as President in 2007. I was also elected to the Executive of the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory and served from 2003 until 2005. I was elected to the Executive again in November 2007 and am currently serving in that position.
Q. Why did you become involved in Local Government?
I have always maintained a strong interest in community activities and having married a former CEO of the town of Mataranka, we both shared an interest in the community in which we now reside. I believe giving back to the community provides for me and my family. In the ten and a half years since the proclamation of Council, Councillors have never received any remuneration or sitting fees for all the time they spend attending meetings.
Q. Tell us about your Local Government area.
Cox Peninsula Community Government Council, with its headquarters located at Wagait Beach, is situated 130 kilometres from Darwin by road or seven kilometres by ferry across the harbour. We are a coastal community, with a population of 400 residents within a four square kilometre area. The community is serviced by a supermarket, hotel and local country club. Various types of accommodation are available, from the hotel to a swag on the beach. The majority of residents, including school children, travel to Darwin daily by ferry for employment, schooling, shopping, recreation and entertainment. It has been suggested that in years to come, we will become the Manly of Darwin, with property values already exceeding the $1 million mark. I am proud to be part of a small community, which is progressive and innovative. An example of our community cohesion is demonstrated by the support we gained in opposing forced Council amalgamations.
Q. What key challenges are facing you and your Council?
Up until last month, our major challenge was forced Council amalgamations. We have now overcome this, with the Government backing down on its intentions to amalgamate communities in this area into a proposed Top End Shire.
Our remoteness often proves difficult or costly for the delivery of goods and services and our fiscal independence is being challenged with an uncertainty of future Government support. We are able to operate on a budget of $500,000, which provides our community with the ability to sustain the current community needs. My Council has always maintained a flat rate rating policy, currently levied at $200 per property, irrespective of valuation.
Q. What projects is your Council working on?
We are currently upgrading and working on the provision of services to be provided from the Wagait Beach Community Centre. We are also working on continual upgrades of sporting and recreation facilities within the designated sports ground area and the establishment of a supported seniors’ activity program.
Q. Tell us about a specific success you have had in Local Government.
My biggest success was winning the Category Award in the Health and Wellbeing Section of the 2007 National Awards for Local Government for the Wagait Beach Community Centre. This project cost $800,000 and was the result of four years work started by a previous CEO, but was achieved by an enormous effort put in by my current CEO, Wally Lenyszyn, and myself. This facility provides a health clinic, cyclone shelter and community hall. With a rate base of only $70,000, Council was able to put together an $800,000 package with the support of the then DOTARS, Emergency Management Australia and the Northern Territory Government.
I also lobbied Telstra to maintain and advance Next G and broadband facilities, resulting in a regional tower being constructed within the community.
Q. What improvements have you made for community activities?
Although we are only a small community, we pride ourselves on being able to provide residents and visitors with a vast array of recreational activities. The necessary infrastructure is available for activities such as fishing, crabbing, darts, beach walks, multipurpose court sports, football, cricket, BMX, seniors’ activities and junior sports. Council works closely with a number of community groups such as the volunteer emergency services and the bush fire brigade to assist them in their endeavours and to ensure our strong volunteer ethos doesn’t wane. Council also provides coordination of a quarterly veterinarian visit, providing residents with animal welfare.
