The following topics represent areas in which I am committed to promoting and advancing as a Councillor, should I be elected. While I cannot guarantee positive outcomes, I will strive to move these issues forward. It's important to note that my efforts will part of a collective endeavour involving all nine Councillors.
Therefore, individual aims or promises are contingent on achieving majority support within the Council Chambers. In this context, none of the Candidates can promise specific outcomes, as doing so could be misleading and potentially unattainable.
Small Business & Economy
As a former president of the Grafton Chamber of Commerce and a current member of the Valley Business Group, I have a deep-rooted belief in the critical importance of small and medium-sized businesses and their contribution to the survival and prosperity of the Clarence Valley community. During my tenure as President, we navigated the challenges posed by the Grafton bypass construction and completion, which raised significant concerns about the town's survival. Our collective efforts in launching various shop local campaigns heightened community awareness about the consequences of not supporting the local economy. Despite the additional strain brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, our community has demonstrated resilience and determination.
In Council, I will seek ways to promote new business ventures in the Clarence Valley and simplify business operations for those already established here. Our region boasts numerous exceptional attributes that are underutilised. We must spotlight these features to attract tourism and new residents, thereby fostering a thriving local economy.
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Affordable Housing & Cost of Living
Addressing affordable housing is a complex and long-term endeavor that requires a multifaceted approach. It involves not only immediate actions but also strategic, long-term planning and promotion within the Council. The issue of affordable housing is deeply intertwined with various socio-economic factors, and while the Council may not have direct control over the cost of living, the policies and decisions the council implement can significantly impact this area.
As a Councillor, my aim is to advocate for the development of affordable housing. This means supporting initiatives that encourage the construction of new, affordable residential units and ensuring that existing housing plans continue to move forward. This could include exploring options such as mixed-income housing developments, incentivising developers through zoning changes, and leveraging state and federal funding for affordable housing projects.
Moreover, addressing the cost of living extends beyond housing. It encompasses a broad range of factors, including utilities, transportation, healthcare, and access to essential services. It would be my aim to ensure Council policies do not inadvertently increase these costs.In addition to these measures, it is crucial to foster economic opportunities that can help alleviate the financial pressures on our residents. By supporting local businesses, attracting new enterprises, and creating job opportunities, we can enhance the overall economic stability of our community. This, in turn, can help reduce the cost-of-living pressures by providing residents with better employment prospects and more disposable income.
Transparency
Concerns about transparency within the Council have been raised over many years. While confidentiality is sometimes necessary, it is crucial to maintain openness whenever possible. Often, information is available, but many are unaware of where to find it or are reluctant to seek it out. Transparency is fundamental to fostering trust and accountability between the Council and the Community it serves.
As a Councillor, I will prioritise transparency in all my actions and decisions. I will ensure that my decisions and the reasoning behind my votes are communicated to any who wish to seek them out. This includes providing detailed explanations for my positions on various issues, sharing information that influenced my decisions, and addressing any questions or concerns from constituents. By doing so, I aim to demystify the decision-making process and make it more accessible to everyone.
In summary, as a Councillor, my commitment to transparency will be unwavering. By implementing clear communication, fostering public engagement, making information accessible, practicing proactive disclosure, building a culture of openness, establishing feedback mechanisms, and upholding ethical standards, I aim to build trust and accountability between the Council and the community. Whether my perspectives are agreeable or not, I am dedicated to being open and transparent in all my dealings.