This month we are profiling two councillors from New South Wales.
Deputy Mayor Tracey Carpenter, Bathurst Regional Council, New South Wales
How long have you been on Council and why did you become involved in Local Government?
I have been on Bathurst Regional Council for six years. I stood in a by-election in 2006, when the two women on Council stood down due to their other work and family commitments. I decided to stand because I was inspired by a remarkable young woman, Kath Knowles, who had led the Council as Mayor, Deputy Mayor and also as administrator through an amalgamation. Moving to a regional area made me realise how relevant local government is in both serving the community and being the best place to have a voice regarding our direction.
What are some of the significant features of the Bathurst Regional Council area?
Bathurst is a beautiful heritage town on the Macquarie River surrounded by undulating farming country. We are famed for our university as well as for our racetrack. Only three hours from Sydney, Bathurst offers the best of city and country life.
Do you have another job and how does it contribute to your role as a councillor?
I moved to Bathurst when my children were young, initially to teach journalism at the University and TAFE. I am also active in the community, particularly on issues around the environment, energy, heritage, sustainability and social justice. I became an executive member of the Local Government Association in 2008, to represent the sector across the state. I studied a Masters in Peace and Conflict before putting my hand up for Local Government, and I had previously worked in State and Federal Parliament, so I have always been interested in politics. I still write for the local paper and local groups, which keeps me strongly engaged with community interests and views.
What challenges are currently facing you and your Council?
Bathurst is a growth area, so we are always looking at how we can accommodate and provide services and infrastructure to a growing population whilst protecting the local environment and addressing community aspirations. Like everyone, we face increasingly stretched resources. particularly through cost shifting and infrastructure financing backlogs in combination (somewhat absurdly) with rate capping. Increases in energy costs will also require greater efficiencies and innovation in our management of water, waste, lighting and facilities. Councils also need to take a long term view on many of the big picture issues, from the economy to climate change and disaster recovery and mitigation.
What innovative projects is Bathurst Regional Council working on?
We are pursuing greater energy efficiency and renewable energy generation for our council facilities, including a methane gas capture project on the city’s tip. We’re working on ensuring water security for our expanding population. We’ve also established land improvement grants for local landholders and an urban catchment revegetation project. Council also supports some very dynamic arts and cultural institutions, which continue to offer the community many significant and valued events, performances and exhibitions.
Tell us about a success you have had in your role on Bathurst Regional Council.
I am proud to be a part of putting climate change and a new commitment to sustainability on Council’s agenda. I believe I have provided a voice for progressive views on Council and have played a role in building a stronger relationship between environmentally concerned citizens and their Local Government.
What lasting impression would you like to leave from your time on Council?
I particularly want to encourage more women and greater diversity on Council. The lasting impression that I would want to make is that our community is our responsibility, and being informed and engaged in the local community is a reward in itself.
Deputy Mayor Michael Pearce, Uralla Shire Council, New South Wales
Tell us about Uralla Shire and some of its distinctive features.
Uralla Shire is a small to medium sized rural council in the New England area of New South Wales. It is 545km north/west of Sydney, 77km north of Tamworth, and 22km south of Armidale. Uralla Shire has a population of over 6000 people and is known for its prime grazing land and sheep/wool production. It is also the resting place of Captain Thunderbolt, the infamous Bush Ranger from the late 1800s.
What is your background, and what led you to run for Council?
I am a retired New South Wales Police Officer. I feel my 30 years experience with the Police makes my duties as a Councillor easier, in terms of relating to members of the public, etc. I have been on Council since 2008, and in the last two years I have held the position of Deputy Mayor. I became involved with Council after a group of residents, including myself, objected to a Development Application. After attending a number of Council meetings, I thought that I could offer a fresh outlook to the Council.
What are some of the challenges facing Uralla Shire Council currently?
We have a number of issues facing Council at this time. One of these is attempting to locate a suitable industrial land site. If we succeed in this endeavour, we can attract business opportunities and more residents to our Shire. Also, as with other councils, we are focusing on establishing a better integrated working relationship between Local, State and Federal Governments, enabling a more efficient and effective provision of service to the community, and the best use of available financial resources.
What is the most difficult part of your role as Deputy Mayor?
First, it is important to make yourself available to residents, to look and listen. Second, you need to fully understand residents’ desires and priorities. Third, you need to find a balance between what is achievable and what is not, and convey the results of this process to the residents. One example, which I am sure was very difficult for many Councillors, was the decision to erect a mobile telephone tower at Invergowrie (where I live). With many opposing views, a difficult decision had to be made in what I felt was the best interests of the community.
Tell us about a recent success that you and your Council have had.
Uralla Shire Council, with the full support of our community, held off a forced amalgamation with several neighbouring councils. This was achieved through the ‘voice of the people’ and a huge amount of effort by Council and Councillors. A number of public meetings were held opposing the forced amalgamation. At one of these meetings, approximately 1000 residents attended in support of Council remaining autonomous.
What do you view as Uralla Shire Council’s greatest achievement, and how do you envision your role into the future?
I believe that Council’s greatest achievement is that we are very stable, financial and conservative. We work within our means, and are more than able to manage our infrastructure. I hope to continue to assist in the growth of my community through maintaining this economic stability. More than anything, I see Uralla Shire growing in both population and business, but still maintaining its ‘country’ lifestyle.
