Councillor Glenn Docherty, Deputy Mayor, City of Playford, South Australia
Q. How long have you been on Council?
I was first elected to Council in 2003 at the age of 19. I was re-elected in 2006 and have since held the position of Deputy Mayor.
Q. Why did you become involved in Local Government?
Over time, I had been an active community member involved with many community organisations, such as St John Ambulance Australia, the Playford Youth Council and the Youth Parliament program. Getting involved in Local Government was a natural progression, as I wanted to continue to help make a difference in the community. I am passionate about Playford and its people and being able to help shape the future of our wonderful city was the reason I wanted to get involved in Local Government.
Q. Briefly describe your Local Government area.
The City of Playford was established in 1997 as a result of the City of Elizabeth and District Council of Munno Para being amalgamated. Located in the outer northern suburbs of Adealide, Playford has new fast growing suburbs, as well as rolling plains and country townships such as the beautiful One Tree Hill nestled in the foothills of the Mount Lofty Ranges. The City is the home of the GM Holden plant, a large manufacturing base, horticultural and retail.
Q. What issues are important to you?
Making sure that our City plans and implements its vision. The City of Playford will be a driving force in the growth of Adelaide over the next ten to 30 years, so getting the infrastructure, social inclusion and cohesion, economic and environmental factors right is an important issue. We must ensure that our young and senior residents are not left behind and that they are part of this development.
Q. What challenges are facing your Council?
In some parts of Playford there is a high amount of public housing, making urban renewal and replacing ageing infrastructure a challenge for Council. We need to use resources effectively to manage this against new growth from increased population in new suburbs.
The other significant challenge is working with those who are unskilled or have social disadvantages to make sure they are actively involved in the community. This is important as it enables people to gain life skills, get an education and participate fully in the job market.
Q. What innovative projects is your Council working on?
The City of Playford is working on a large number of ground breaking projects, such as the Playford Pathways Program. Using local business and successful past and present Playford residents as mentors, this program engages young people to continue or get back into education.
We are also waterproofing Playford through water storage and underground aquifers to help make the City a leader in water saving and to help drought proof the area.
Q. What has been your greatest achievement on Council?
Besides being elected Deputy Mayor, seeing things come to fruition that residents in my constituency had been crying out for over many years. Some examples are bushfire prevention works and increased spending on roads and footpaths.
Q. What is the best part about being a Councillor?
To me, getting out and about within Playford and meeting the community is the best part of being a Councillor. Local Government is the closest level of government to the people. Being able to directly talk to and be involved with so many organisations and constituents is a great privilege and it is rewarding to represent their views and help their ideas for the future happen.
Councillor Julie Low, District Council of Lower Eyre Peninsula, South Australia
Q. How long have you been on Council?
I have been a willing and active member of the District Council of Lower Eyre Peninsula for 13 years and Deputy Mayor for the last six years.
Q. Why did you become involved in Local Government?
I have always been involved with sport and community groups, including Rural Youth and Women in Agriculture and Business (WAB). Both organisations were good training grounds for meeting procedures, public speaking and executive roles.
After my husband passed away, I was approached by neighbours about standing for Council. I would not have been able to be as actively involved without the support of my neighbours and friends, and the occasional babysitter who cared for my two children after school until my son was old enough to drive. Interestingly some years before, my mother in law and I attended a ‘Women in Local Government’ seminar, which made me aware of the importance of Local Government.
Q. Tell us about your Local Government area?
With a population of 4,402, the District Council of Lower Eyre Peninsula circles the City of Port Lincoln. Council encompasses an area of 4,658 square kilometres, with 560 kilometres of coastline. It is largely a rural community, with our major population centres being Cummins, Coffin Bay and the rural living area abutting Port Lincoln. Primary industry and aquaculture drive our economy and recently tourism and urban development added to our growth.
Q. What issues are important to you?
Sound financial governance, community consultation, clear vision and responsible development plans.
Q. What challenges are facing your Council?
Council owns Port Lincoln Airport, which is the busiest regional airport in South Australia, catering for 140,000 (and growing) passengers annually. Council’s policy is to run the Airport at no cost to its ratepayers. Growing passenger numbers and a new quality hotel in Port Lincoln have sparked enormous interest from business and the public about airport ownership and the need for upgrading.
Virgin Blue is investigating the feasibility of a regional jet route to Port Lincoln. This will bring many new challenges, as the regulatory security requirements for both passenger and possibly baggage screening will require significant capital and ongoing costs. We are currently working with consultants on an Airport Business Plan and terminal concept and design plans, which presents an interesting conundrum. Our small rural council is considering millions of dollars for upgrades, when the main beneficiary is the City of Port Lincoln.
Another challenge is the interface zone – the City of Port Lincoln’s population, hilly topography and current planning differences.
Q. What innovative projects is your Council working on?
We have recently approved an ecologically sustainable, staged land division for Point Boston, 12 kilometres from Port Lincoln. We are also in discussions with developers, regarding the feasibility of building a retirement village in Coffin Bay on Council land.
In addtion, Council is developing a joint waste facility in conjunction with the City of Port Lincoln, the District Council of Tumby Bay and a private operator.
Q. What are the key aspects of a good Councillor?
Having an open mind and working as a team with fellow Councillors and Council staff. Listening to the community, individuals and groups, and yet retaining a commitment to ensuring the long term aspirations of the community are reflected in Council’s Strategic and Development Plans.
