This is the final week of the CV Independent, Clarence Valley Council election candidate questions. We hope readers have enjoyed and taken in the answers submitted by our 17 candidates. We thank all candidates for their cooperation in answering our questions over the past 3 weeks and we wish them all the best on Saturday.
In this final week we have four questions listed below.
Question 7 Does Council communicate their activities well enough with the public and should Council increase their dissemination of information via digital and social media at the expense of traditional media.
Question 8 Do you harbour any ambitions to serve as Mayor?
Question 9 What is your attitude toward Council applying for Special Rate Variation above normal Rate Pegging?
Question 10 Is it ever the role of Council to become involved in commercial enterprise, and if so, how and why?
Justin James
Question 7 – There is certainly room for improvement in this area, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of traditional media. Many residents still rely on these mediums for their news and information. However, with an increasing number of people interacting primarily through digital platforms, it’s crucial for the Council to find a balance. Effective communication with all residents within the LGA requires a strategy that incorporates both traditional and digital channels, ensuring that no one is left out of the loop.
Question 8 – As a former President of the Grafton Chamber of Commerce, I’m frequently asked about my ambitions regarding the Council. However, I have no aspirations for the position of Mayor. I believe that a newly elected Councillor should focus on gaining experience and demonstrating their capabilities before considering such a role. Leadership positions within the Council require a deep understanding of the responsibilities involved and the skills to navigate complex issues effectively.
Question 9 – In the current economic climate, exploring alternatives to rate increases is crucial. We are living through a period that is straining our residents, both in their businesses and in their everyday cost of living. The pressure of rising expenses is felt across the community, and adding to that burden with higher rates could have detrimental effects.
Question 10 – The Council operates much like a business, providing services to the community. If the Council could engage in commercial activities that enhance residents’ well-being without conflicting with existing businesses, it could generate additional revenue. This income could offset rates and fees, reducing the financial burden on residents. In an ideal scenario where these elements align, the Council could use this revenue to improve the LGA, avoiding the need for rate hikes while enhancing community services.
Des Schroder
Question 7 – I think Council is doing a much better job than it used to getting information out on social media and digital sources. It’s important the community chooses to follow the sites – communication is a two-way interaction.
The recent addition of the Clarence Magazine in hard copy and digital is a good example of using both mediums. Tourism brochures another.
The complaints I have heard at candidate meetings is more about accessibility and appropriate consultation methods which probably needs to be looked at with the new Council.
Question 8 – First and foremost, I want to be a Councillor that represents all our communities from the smallest village to our city. I think my experience and great knowledge of the Council itself and the whole valley will be invaluable as a Councillor. Mine will be very capable experienced hands looking after this large complex organisation in the biggest coastal LGA by size.
On the Mayor, I have learnt in politics you never say never. But I think in the first two years probably not, I just want to concentrate on representing all our communities.
Question 9 – Firstly, let me say I’m acutely aware of the cost-of-living pressures now on our community the joint effect of high interest rates and high inflation. This is exacerbated by massive increases in house build costs, affluent sea changes from cities still forcing up house prices and rising rents. These later are exacerbated by short term holiday rentals in our coastal towns (this is an area for more attention by Council to help the cost of living). In some ways a perfect storm.
In this environment it would be a brave Councillor to suggest a special rate variation. It is clearly beyond our community at the moment to stand such an increase.
Question 10 – Simple answer is no Council has enough challenges facing it running its existing services efficiently and effectively in a business-like way. It does not need to take on any commercial business that private enterprise will provide.
My concentration is more on supporting our 4000 small businesses to thrive with a Council who has a can-do attitude to help not hinder.
Peter Johnstone
Question 7 – There is always room for improvement in communication. Over the last two decades, the number of communication avenues has vastly increased, with electronic forms being added to traditional media like newspapers, radio, and television. However, digital communication often lacks the same level of bias control, fact-checking, and objectivity as traditional media. That said, a recent article in another newspaper, (not the CVI), that I also found quite biased, spelled my name three different ways in the same piece – ouch!
Readers have their own preferences for receiving information. Many people don’t read newspapers and will never see what is written within. This poses a challenge for organisations like councils, as each additional form of communication increases costs. Some people prefer a summary of information, while others want comprehensive details. It would be impractical to send everything to everyone in every format, and many would not appreciate such a large volume of information.
Therefore, while communication can always be improved and a variety of forms is beneficial, I believe traditional media should be maintained for its generally higher trustworthiness.
Question 8 – Yes.
Question 9 – The rate peg is designed to deliver below-inflation increases to local governments. In real terms, this means that if a council only applies the rate peg, its revenue will decrease in proportion to price increases each year. Interestingly, the NSW state government, which sets these rules for councils, does not apply them to itself.
In recent years, the NSW state government have often shifted costly responsibilities to councils, forcing them to cover expenses they didn’t previously incur. We have addressed this “cost shifting” in several Mayoral minutes, where either Ian or I have written to everyone who would listen—and many who wouldn’t—to complain about it.
Some of these increasing costs not covered by the rate peg can be absorbed through efficiency savings. However, eventually, the services provided by the council will need to be cut unless the council applies for a Special Rate Variation (SRV). Many councils that go into administration do so because a majority of their councillors lack financial wisdom and lose control of council finances. Often, one of the first actions taken by an administrator appointed by the state government is to apply for an SRV.
While I can’t foresee any situation in the near future that would require an SRV, we don’t know what the future holds or what our community may need even a few months ahead. Candidates who promise they will never support an SRV probably do not understand council finances. I will be interested to see their answers to this question!
Question 10 – Water, sewage, and waste management are examples of existing council-operated commercial enterprises. There is strong community support for these services to remain under council control rather than being privatised.
Regarding other potential commercial enterprises, I believe that, if there is a community need not being met by private businesses, it would be appropriate for the council to address that need. Council should then charge users to prevent the cost from falling on ratepayers. However, if the service becomes commercially viable and a private entity is willing to take over, it would be appropriate for the council to sell the business.
Cristie Yager
Question 7 – I was going to say that the council does not communicate their activities well enough to the public via social media, but they do. Community in my opinion sees the content but they do not want to engage with it. The lack of trust between community and council harms the communication channels. Personally, I like traditional media and would like to see it and true journalism supported and valued. But understand the convenience of online sources of information. I do think social media could be utilised far better. It is a useful tool when used correctly. I do not like the Clarence Magazine. I feel the money here could be used far better elsewhere.
Question 8 – I didn’t think I’d have a chance of being considered a councillor, let alone Mayor. Being shown so much community support, I’ve got a humble sense of pride and feel a very deep responsibility to do my absolute best for us all in the Valley. I’d be open to serve in a greater capacity should I think I was the best option for us all. I would need to learn far more, and I’d need to feel confident within myself first and foremost. I assume it is a great weight to carry. I am yet to understand what being a councillor is like and for now that is my only goal. I think it would be heavy enough.
Question 9 – My attitude towards councils applying for SRV’s above the rate pegging isn’t a pleasant one. IPART dictates the rate peg determined by many factors; it indicates the maximum percent to increase the region’s rates by for that year. For the council to apply for the SRV on top, it makes me wonder why we need it and under what guise it will be introduced to the community. I can imagine there would be various situations where it may need to be genuinely considered but at this time, in this current economic climate I suggest we tighten councils’ machine side finances before we seek struggling families’ last few bucks.
Question 10 – No, I don’t think councils should become involved in commercial enterprise, if we’re talking about corporations and for-profit businesses. I don’t think it is the role of the local government to be in the business of making money. They are to provide community services, create the environment for businesses to establish and exist and ensure a healthy environment for the people residing in the region. When profits become a priority, people are often forgotten. This is our home, we matter and it’s time our government, especially our grassroots level of government puts our people first.
Andrew Baker
Question 7 – I’m aware the expectations of some people are not met by Council communication methods. My experience is that some would like Council to participate in their chosen media channel rather than through the number of well publicised channels council has open to the public. I’m also aware that Council must find the most cost effective and efficient methods for the dissemination of information. Elected councillors have a role in considering the (limited) budget allocations for all of its activities, they can propose increased spending in some areas – by decreasing spending in other areas – so more money spent on communications is a (non-priority for me) possibility for the new council. Lastly, I’m well aware that people I know would still like to be able to find their information on a full page or more in a local newspaper as a single source accessible to all.
Question 8 – Likely yes. However, that’s not so much my burning ambition as it is a willingness to take on the role with the aim of improving the standard of governance and meeting conduct. Firstly, though I need to be elected. Then it’s a matter of whether at least 4 of the others elected want a focus on governance improvement and want to embrace council fundamentals first. I’m comfortable that I would do justice to the role of mayor. I’m also realistic enough to recognise that, by not being prepared to do deals or form allegiances with other councillors, my independence could be a disadvantage in finding the initial support of 4 other councillors. Of course, I see my independence as a strong advantage that I’ll always maintain in attempting to promote integrity in the decision-making processes whether as councillor or in any other role – again all for consideration only if I get elected.
Question 9 – I’m open-minded to any and all financial considerations councillors must participate in. A Special Rate Variation (increase) would be a last resort for me. However, should a majority of councillors become ‘big-spenders’ in excess of income, a SRV might be necessary to clean up the problems that will create. I believe in avoiding the big spending before it creates the problems that might force a SRV to later clean it up. During my first council term we had inherited the results of earlier ’big spenders’. We were forced to make cutbacks and adopt a policy of ‘no new borrowing’. Even that wasn’t enough. The 2016 election term started with the threat of a 41% SRV looming. I opposed that high amount knowing that wasn’t a real solution – just a band aid over past malpractice. So, together with bigger cuts to services and unwanted assets – and much heartache – enough financially astute councillors got together to get it down to 26%. And to set following Council up as financially sustainable. Once again, my aim is to prevent financial problems before a SRV would be necessary.
Question 10 – I understand councils are not restricted from being involved in commercial enterprises. Indeed, some of the activities Council is currently involved in are purely commercial in nature – such as the contracting out management of caravan parks on Crown Land – to raise revenue for other Crown Land activities. So, while commercial in nature, it’s not a risk to ratepayer funds. In recent years Council operated a community care business at a loss – my 2016-2021 council term decided non-council enterprise could do it better, so it was sold. Other councils have large commercial property portfolios. However, I would be reluctant to see Clarence Valley Council become entrepreneurial while it still has much basic stuff to get right. Perhaps some time in the future when Council has proven it’s better at business than all those hardworking businesspeople that risk their own money? I suggest that’ll not be in my lifetime. In my 2 previous council terms 2012-2021 I demonstrated always a strong preference to ensuring the basic functions of council were the focus of my thinking.
Debrah Novak
Question 7 – CVC uses the following online and traditional platforms to engage and communicate with their community: Weekly email newsletter, quarterly magazine, media releases to traditional media, Facebook, Industry newsletter, Clarence Conversations online (CVC website), My Clarence Valley FB and Instagram, brochures, booklets, online quarterly magazine, paid advertising in local newspapers.
Question 8 – Will see first who is elected and who puts their hand up.
Question 9 – Council has not applied for an SRV.
Question 10 – CVC runs 80 business units. Some are a cost neutral business while some run at a loss and others make no money for Council but are more a service. My personal view is Council should compete against private enterprise.
Amanda Brien
Question 7 – Generally, I am hearing the community say they are not receiving information in a way that is useful to them. There is an opportunity for council to rethink what information it shares, and how and when it shares – particularly when it comes to community engagement and consultation. It is important to recognise that not everyone accesses information through the same communication channels.
One of the roles of a councillor is to facilitate communication. If elected, I would continue to engage in conversations, listen to people’s concerns, and share information in a way that is accessible.
Question 8 – My only ambition right now is to work with the community to focus on decisions that support connected communities, a strong local economy, and that strengthen natural disaster mitigation and recovery.
Question 9 – I understand that special rate variations are about funding our future community needs. I would first ask our community what their future needs are, look at how this is reflected in the council’s long-term financial plan, and look at what this would mean for the council’s ability to fund our needs.
By law, the council must share the draft operational/management plan with us each year, for which the rates will be charged. If it was flagged that an additional cost would be needed to be able to achieve what’s in the draft plan, I would ask council to provide all other possible alternatives to an additional cost to rate payers and share this information with our community. I would make sure it is clear what the options would mean in terms of service provision, and seek advice from our community before making a decision.
Question 10 – The NSW Local Government Act and Regulation guide council on their role in commercial enterprise. Any role that council plays needs to be consistent with the core functions of council and be in the best interest of our community.
I believe there is benefit in partnering with organisations to provide services where specialist expertise/skills is needed, and council doesn’t have this expertise. As long as council is transparent about their role, I believe there is potential for us to benefit more as a community from the value created through such a partnership.
Karen Toms
Question 7 – Yes, Council does communicate their activities well in my opinion. I also receive positive feedback at how improved council’s communication is. There is the weekly e-newsletter ‘Noticeboard’ distributed to subscribers every Friday, it includes Council Meeting Agendas, Items on Exhibition, Schedule of Works. Then there is the Clarence Magazine published quarterly, available online and hard copy. A new and interesting way to report back to community on actions completed from the Annual Operational Plan, (budget) a mandatory requirement of State Government. Council Briefs, news from Council meetings.
Full page newspaper advertisements are expensive, and council has reduced costs by changing to Banner style adds in the local paper.
All businesses need to make tough decisions to cut costs. Council is no different and has a responsibility to rate payers and residents to be as efficient as possible.
Traditional media has been in decline for years and it is clear the way society communicates has been the cause. Social media has changed the way people communicate and receive news. Regional print media is disappearing. It is an unfortunate fact. I like many, enjoy reading the local paper and I am happy to support this business who have had to change their model of operation of providing a free paper to charging $2.
Question 8 – No
Question 9 – There is a lot of misinformation on this subject. The facts are, there was a workshop on an Environmental Levy because Councillors voted unanimously for staff to prepare a business case for an Environmental Levy.
This action has been in Council’s Annual Operational Plan for the 2023/2024 financial year and this financial year.
I am not supportive of funding more environmental works by a Special Rate Variation, at this time. The financial hardship experienced by many, could be about to get worse. According to the Reserve Bank of Australia, families who have mortgages may be forced to sell their homes. An SRV is not the only way to fund more environmental works if the community see that as a priority.
Question 10 – Councils do provide services for a fee. Councils are running a business, but without the objective to be profitable.
Councils have a focus on the renewal and management of their assets and provide local communities with the infrastructure they deserve. It is not about making a profit.
However, it is not unusual for councils to be involved in commercial enterprises. Ballina Council’s airport is a good example. Coffs Harbour have leased their airport to private enterprise and receive income from this lease agreement to benefit their communities.
Then there are councils who have invested in property for many years and have large property portfolios that provide a source of income other than rates and grants.
Public Private Partnership (PPP) is another option governments use to improve services and achieve better value for many. NSW Treasury have Policy and Guideline for Private Partnership Policy & Guidelines.
Greg Clancy
Question 7 – Council has been poor at communicating the good things that it has achieved but this has improved in recent times with the magazine, although I know there is concern about the cost of that production, and with Facebook etc. I think that council should use traditional media as well as digital media within the constraints of the budget.
Question 8 – I am not harbouring great ambitions to be mayor as it is a time consuming, virtually full-time, job, but I would put my hand up if I couldn’t see another potential candidate that I could support. I am more interested in nominating for deputy mayor.
Question 9 – Special rate variations are very divisive in the community. I would not be keen to support one while the cost of living pressures are so great and in general I am not keen on them and would look for alternative ways of funding projects. It was suggested that we adopt an environmental levy but that would have to be in the form of a special rate variation and that would then be added to the rates and would increase annually with the rate pegging percentage. As a councillor I have to be open to the debate on all subjects but there would need to be an extremely good case for me to support a special rate variation.
Question 10 – Some councils in New South Wales do operate with a business arm but these are usually large councils. I don’t see the need for Clarence Valley Council to get involved in commercial enterprises. If it did it could end up competing with local businesses rather than supporting them. I would have to consider any proposals put to council, but I don’t think that it is likely that council would get involved in commercial enterprises.
Phil Provest
Question 7 – Council tries to communicate mostly through social media and other outlets.
Unfortunately, I feel many people are not interested in Council activities, until the activity affects them, which I think is a sad situation.
Question 8 – No
Question 9 – My view on rates and SRV.
Better management practices should ensure survival of council within the normal rate pegging.
Unless there was a major disaster from which the entire community would benefit personally, I would prefer to stay away from an SRV.
Question 10 – Stay well away from commercial activities
Shane Causley
Question 7 – No, the council does not communicate its activities well enough. I think council should be using all means at its disposal to disseminate information. During the community meet the candidate meetings this has been a recurring problem being brought up.
If elected I will discuss with the mayor and other councillors’ ways in which this can be improved.
Question 8 – That’s putting the cart before the horse. First matter of business is to become a councillor.
I don’t have any ambitions to become Mayor. This is a job that requires experience, and I don’t believe a newly elected councillor would have this experience.
If elected I’m happy to work with the mayor and other councillors to achieve positive outcomes for our communities.
Question 9 – I am not in favour of the council applying for a Special Variation above normal Rate Pegging. Young families are finding it hard enough with the cost of living. They don’t need any more expenses.
Question 10 – Not as a rule. Council’s expertise, time and money should be focused on delivery of core services and infrastructure. And if a commercial business can’t attract a private investor, its likely to be a bad investment for ratepayers.
Council also shouldn’t be competing with local businesses.
That said, I’m open to the possibility that a temporary commercial business opportunity may provide community benefit.
Steve Pickering
Question 7 – The ability of the Council to communicate with our community has been a concern raised by many members of the community. It has also been a topic of discussion at the various Meet the Candidate sessions. Council can certainly improve, and if re-elected, I will do my best to enhance communication with the community. Many community members do not receive timely responses to phone calls and emails, and they feel disappointed. The Council needs to work on improving this situation. As technology evolves, the way the council communicates must also change. This does not mean that traditional media should be replaced; our community has varying levels of technological literacy, and the council needs to be flexible and adaptable, using technology methods that are most suitable for the topic and the audience. There is certainly a place for traditional media to work alongside digital media and face-to-face communication.
Question 8 – I have served one term as a councillor under two mayors, and if re-elected, I will put my hand up to serve as mayor. I nominated to become a councillor to serve my community, and I know that if elected as mayor, I will be a uniting, responsive, and available leader. I have the skills, stamina, and ability to be a good mayor, and if re-elected, I will be putting my hand up to serve our community to the fullest.
Question 9 – The issue of implementing a Special Rate Variation (SRV) often comes up during local government elections. This process takes several months and involves a lot of community engagement and consultation. When the current council was elected, many people in the community expressed a desire for the council to focus more on environmental issues. To fund these additional environmental projects, the council needed to explore different funding options, one of which was implementing an environmental levy. The council has been looking into the possibility of an Environmental Levy, which has been in the council’s Operational Plan and budget papers for over two years, and it had unanimous support from all councillors. However, feedback suggested that the only way to implement an Environmental Levy was through an SRV. Personally, I believe that we should consider more options before deciding on an Environmental Levy. As a councillor, I approach each council meeting with an open mind, and if an Environmental Levy proposal comes up, I would seek guidance from our community and council staff before making a decision.
Question 10 – There are times when the council needs to be involved in commercial enterprises. In fact, the council is already involved in various commercial enterprises such as drinking water, sewerage, and caravan park management. There are many reasons why the council is involved in these enterprises. The council is involved with caravan parks because the council is the Crown land manager. The council is involved with water and sewerage because they are vital pieces of infrastructure that most residents are connected to.
James Allan
Question 7 – Councils communication with the public needs a makeover. Whether it be through social and digital media, traditional media or a combination of both, the new council needs to put their heads together and come up with a new strategy. I believe this new strategy must be focused on engaging with a true cross section of the population, this requires an effort to engage with young people. Currently young people are not involved in conversations with council; hence their voices are not heard, and council is largely ignorant of their desires, issues and opinions. Councils’ information is not accurate if they are gathering it from a narrow section of society.
Question 8 – Not in this term.
Question 9 – I believe an application for a SRV would have to be an absolute last resort for a council that was in dire straits, or alternatively, for a council that was offering their community services, buildings and infrastructure that was truly amazing. At the moment council is not providing services that justify charging beyond the rate peg set by the state government. When the new council is elected, I will be advocating for a review into spending in order to determine where things can be tightened up in order to free up funds.
Question 10 – I don’t believe it is councils’ role per se, to be involved in commercial enterprise, its regular functions should always be its number one priority. That being said, if there is an opportunity to generate revenue in a way that is clean, green and that won’t directly compete with existing businesses and industries in a detrimental way then I think the options deserve exploration.
Lynette Cairns
Question 7 – Council communicates their activities very poorly with the public. In relation to the Draft Local Housing Strategy (LHS) and Flood Model, Council provided 4 days’ notice of drop-in sessions in Yamba. Council provided a PowerPoint presentation on the same matter to builders and real estate agents in the Maclean Chambers. Public were not invited. Public personally impacted by the LHS were not notified of the proposal to rezone.
Council is very poor at disseminating information to the public in any format.
Council needs to listen to what the public want. The public is not the enemy, as seems to be the attitude at the moment, they are the people, Council and Councillors are employed to serve. I would suggest the local newspaper should be used as a source of information, as well as a more user-friendly website. The local paper is read by many people. Not all people use the internet or have the ability to do so.
Community groups have demonstrated the ability to attract people to after hours meetings. Recent meetings in Iluka and Yamba have exceeded 200 people.
Council needs to provide a mix of meetings: town hall meetings after hours with adequate notification, and drop-in sessions.
Question 8 – At this time, I have no ambitions to serve as Mayor.
Question 9 – From the publicly available reports and discussions with some Councillors it is indicated there is no need for an SRV either generally or environmentally. If this is the case, there should be no reason for an SRV, and I would not support it.
More facts would be needed to completely rule an SRV out but in the current environment when people are doing it tough, the entire viability of Council would need to be under threat to gain my support.
Question 10 – Council has a mandate to serve the public interest and managing commercial enterprises can require significant time and resources, potentially diverting focus and attention from Council’s primary responsibilities, such as services to the public and infrastructure. Council has a limited budget and currently cannot adequately carry out all projects and services.
The Wooli Street Hall and Library in Yamba has been included in Council’s Business Paper in July 2024 to be “investigated for affordable housing on Council-owned land delivered through public private partnerships using a competitive tender process and that recommends Council partner with Community Housing Providers.” The Mayor recently mentioned on radio, Council could lease the land for accommodation for essential workers, and Council retain ownership of the land. The Hall and Library is in a prime location and an apartment block does not suit the character of the area. Furthermore, I believe, it could not be classed as affordable housing, as Yamba is one of the highest priced and highest rated areas in the Valley. In summary, Council should not become involved in commercial enterprise, unless under exceptional circumstances.
Ray Smith
Question 7 – I believe that Council’s communication channels could be improved but I would certainly not be dispensing with the print media. There is a significant aged population in the Clarence Valley many of whom would not be conversant with the various social media platforms that are available and rely on the local newspaper such as the Independent as their source of local news and community information.
I believe that the Clarence Magazine does a good job at disseminating council information, I find the council website easy to navigate and you can subscribe to other avenues of information from the council website.
The most common complaint I have been hearing during my election campaign is not so much about disseminating information but more about engaging directly with the community on major council issues. If elected I would be advocating for regular visits, by the councillors, to the towns and villages to engage face to face with the people and at times that suited the majority of the people, not when it was convenient for the councillors. If we are putting our hands up to represent the community then we need to be flexible enough to engage with them at their convenience.
Question 8 – If I poll well at the election I would consider nominating for Mayor. I believe that my local government experience would stand me in good stead to lead the council. I have had many dealings with State and Federal Ministers, Premiers and Acting Prime Ministers. I have held executive positions on a range of local government bodies including that of Secretary of the NSW Country Mayors Association.
I present well, I am articulate, and I am across the broader issues facing local government at State and National levels.
Question 9 – Before supporting a Special Rate Variation I would need to be conversant with council’s financial position, both short and long term, I would need to be convinced that there were no alternative solutions and I would need to be convinced that the additional rate income received from a Special Rate Variation would be applied effectively to the identified area and that it would be beneficial to the wider Clarence Valley
Question 10 – I think the only time that a council should be involved in a commercial enterprise would be if there was an ironclad guarantee that the venture would not loose ratepayer’s funds. I am aware of some successful Public– Private Partnerships but these had the financial support of the state government.
While a council is a multi-million-dollar business it is not a profit-making business as any surplus from its operations is reinvested into community assets, not dispersed to shareholders. I would have to say that my focus, if elected, would on delivering the services, facilities and infrastructure required by the community, not risking ratepayer funds on a commercial enterprise.
Melissa Hellwig
Question 7 – I’m hearing that communication (with/from Council) is our Valley’s greatest impediment to local government success.
People from Ewingar to Iluka feel disenfranchised from democratic processes. I don’t know exactly the depth and breadth of how true this is – but it’s kind of irrelevant. Even if it’s not true, it’s perceived, so I think Clarence Valley Council (CVC) the institution has an obligation to reverse that.
We need multiple engagement pathways. CVC are also not merely an agency on “transmit”. They are us. We ought to be empowering and collaborating and listening.
We have to bring more agility to our communication. Technological engagement doesn’t work well here. Why should it? Covid is over. We can go back to face-to-face. We have to try numerous angles. Given there are staff shortages – we have to also allow community groups to do some of this work in collaboration. Co-host, have volunteers support staff, heavens maybe we could even advertise in papers again?
Until such time as phones and laptops are a legislated requirement (like licences for cars or a street address for rates) there is absolutely no need to force IT onto people. It is a democratic choice. I’m no techno-optimist.
Question 8 – This is the first time I’ve thought about it, 7 days from the election, 1 day from pre-poll. It’s a bit late!
Realistically, I have a new farm to run with my husband, a renovation to do and lots of aspirations to increase my community contribution! So, I’d say instinctively no – because it appears to be an extremely rigorous task and one I’m not equipped to do time-wise.
That said – I feel excited by this question! Crikey, what if I could do it? That would be an extraordinary honour.
It does feel like there are people at CVC who have done many years of the “hard yards” and perhaps deserve or feel they deserve to step up to this role. I think this has caused division in the past. One thing I wonder if we could advocate for is a secret ballot. There has been too much animosity between people about this role. I’d like to see a bit more dignity to the process.
Question 9 – I feel sick answering this question in any other way than with a vehement “no way”.
Moving back to the Valley, I’ve been humbled by my good luck, success and privilege. There are so many people hurting out there it’s deeply disturbing. Keep your eyes open. Keep looking at it. Keep feeling uncomfortable, disturbed and frustrated by it. You should be. We have moved from a city where socio-economic struggles are harder to spot. I see it, I see people and hear their stories. It’s dire. That’s unacceptable.
I’m a humanist and can’t abide by turning the other cheek and leaving people to suffer. Our system has entrenched systemic inequity. The top 10% of wealth in Australia took 90% of the economic gains in the last 10 years.
I have heard people say once you get in to CVC, you’ll change your mind. So, it’s impossible (given I’ve never been a Councillor) to know if I’ll change my mind. Can a Council declare bankruptcy? What happens then? Is that so bad? I have no idea. Do we radically cut services instead? I guess soon I might find out.
Question 10
Hmmmm…. I haven’t much expertise around this. I see NSW has an Office of Local Government guideline on how to conduct them. I’d be wary of wading into this territory, but it’s common.
There are stadiums, toll roads, hospitals, etc. all over the place. It is obviously something that’s crucial and common for large infrastructure projects. But how do you determine success, performance, avoid risk, corruption, etc?
Examples would be the role of social housing, the prison, etc. I’m sure there are many more. We may have to enter into such arrangements for specialist health services, forestry, drought responses, tourism, pre-schools, water treatment, etc.
Obviously, I am coming at this from a high-level perspective. I have little experience in this. That said – I do have some experience from long ago with project management activities (in the mining industry).
Allison Whaites
Question 7 – CVC does communicate very well and in many forms from a great magazine, newsletter via email weekly, radio, social media, website and print in the newspaper when needed. We work with a set annual budget, if we raise this then rate payers will need to foot the bill.
Question 8 – I do not harbour any ambitions to serve as Mayor or Deputy Mayor, I enjoy serving my community as an elected councillor. I am happy to support a few of the re standing councillors if they desire to run.
Question 9 – As a current councillor who was part of the discussion for the Environmental SRV I am not in support, I was in favour for the motion to come to council to vote on and my vote would of been NO. As a ratepayer in another LGA, I pay an Environmental SRV and I feel it has not supported or made a difference in that region and mismanaged’. For a Special Variation about normal Rate Pegging, I feel the same, we as councillors need to support staff to look at ways at saving cost.
Question 10 – Answer not supplied.