The achievements of flamboyant Frenchman and Glamorgan Spring Bay Mayor Bertrand Cadart have been recognised with a Life Members’ Award for Meritorious Service at the Local Government Conference Dinner in Hobart.
Since his election to Council in 2005, Councillor Cadart has been a passionate advocate for the region. His flamboyant style and unique approach to building a reputation for Tasmania’s east coast nationally and internationally has shone a spotlight on the area.
Faced with issues such as poor water quality, failing marine and civil infrastructure, industry downturns, drought, bushfires, falling tourist numbers and inadequate primary health services, Cr Cadart has used his ability to look, listen and quickly access the heart of a matter to tackle these issues head-on and take the Municipal Area forward.
Since being elected Mayor in 2007, Cr Cadart has led, revitalised and inspired Council and achieved many things including:
- the major communities of the region now all have access to potable water
- tourism on the east coast is now a recognised and well-supported industry
- marine infrastructure is now able to support and service professional and recreational fishers and tourist vessels
- existing bridges are safe to use and have been well-maintained
- primary health is supported by Council, both administratively and financially
- Glamorgan and Spring Bay are becoming a united region and
- Police, Education Department, Health and Human Services, and phone books no longer divide the Municipal Areas.
Cr Cadart has also led Council to financial sustainability through strategic cost-cutting and revenue raising initiatives. These have included trading his fuel-guzzling council car for a two-wheeled motor scooter – more fitting for the motorcycle enthusiast and Ulysses Club member.
His personal passion for two wheels has also led to Glamorgan-Spring Bay being recognised as Australia’s first ‘motorcycle-friendly municipality’ and motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world frequently visit the area.
Cr Cadart worked on and appeared in the original Mad Max film opposite Mel Gibson and, more recently, seized numerous publicity opportunities for Council with visiting national and international media, including the world’s largest French TV network, Reseau France Outremer, which filmed and aired a one-hour documentary on Cadart titled Le French Mayor.
He has also forged relationships with dignitaries and officials from several French-speaking nations, resulting in numerous official visits to the region and a high level of publicity, with the flow-on effect being a noticeable increase in national and international visitors.
Presenting the award, Life Member Lynn Mason said Cr Cadart was a deserving recipient of the Life Members’ Award for Meritorious Service.
“Bertrand is an inspiring, passionate, committed and visionary leader.”
