ELECTION: On The Front Line Question Of The Week

Who do you think is your biggest competitor? What do you admire about them and what qualities do you have that will ultimately make you better for the role?

If you could throw your support behind a particular local community organisation what would it be and how would you support them?

What’s your vision of the Burdekin in 10 years’ time?

Warren Francis

Councillor Candidate

 1:

I recently spoke to a reputable citizen of the Burdekin who attended the Chamber of Commerce meetings and he said, “There is not one of them you wouldn’t vote for” and I agree that all Candidates are all high quality. I feel my experience working in varied environments in different jobs has strengthened my ability to converse with people. Coupled with my volunteer works makes me an ideal candidate for working with the community.

 2:

 As the Local Controller of the Burdekin SES, I am committed to raising membership numbers by actively recruiting volunteers. I feel that this is an issue that many community organisations in the Burdekin region are struggling with. I would like to work with other community organisations to increase volunteer numbers and offer local community members the opportunity to gain experience to develop their employable skills. This will help to increase the sustainability and resilience of the Burdekin community.

 3:

I would like to see the Burdekin reverse the declining population and work at attracting families back to the area. The Councillors need to be futuristic and think outside the square to attract industry and population. Also to work with current industry to see if they can expand their current operations. Housing, schools, medical and shopping facilities would need to be developed in proportion to the increasing population along with activities and spaces for families to enjoy together.

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Pierina Dalle Cort

Mayoral Candidate

1:

In the current election, my only competitor is the incumbent Mayor – Lyn McLaughlin. While I acknowledge the role she has played over the years, I do believe there has been a lack of leadership and genuine support for the Burdekin community. Having been a successful business owner for 42 years and working with people from all walks of life, I know the skills that are needed. I know how to listen affectively and deliver accurately on everything I do.

2:

Choosing one local community organisation is challenging as there are so many deserving groups who volunteer towards the welfare of our community. One that stands out, is the School Chaplains which Council commenced contributing to during my time as a councillor. Chaplains go beyond all expectations and provide safe guidance and reassuring support often during times when our youth have no one else. Ongoing funding for this organisation is paramount to ensure this service continues. 

 3:

There is much to do over the next decade to deliver on my vision - a thriving region. Town centres that deliver activations to create a sense of community and to support continued development for local business. The expansion of industrial estate will provide diverse opportunity for growth and as a result retain our next generation and attract new population. I will support the expansion of the defence base in Townsville as this in turn will open our region for future possibilities.

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Callan Oar

Councillor Candidate

 1:

I don’t see any of the candidates as my competitors. What I can say is, most of the nominees, if elected, will bring some great skills and experience that I would like to collectively work with. I believe with my skills and determination; I can be the backbone in council that will help the council stand up and be counted. Not just shoved aside because hands are being tied.

2:

I couldn’t answer this question, as there isn’t just one community organisation that I think needs more council support. There are plenty. Council is sitting on great cash reserves that could be more easily used to support community infrastructure. I know there have been schemes available like interest free loans in the past, but typical of council, these prove very hard to acquire.

 3:

A bigger Burdekin. Growth! We need a growth plan now! The Burdekin population has been slowly shrinking for at least 15 years. Sporting and community clubs are struggling. Volunteers declining. Without growth, less people are left to foot the bill. And that bill doesn’t stop growing.

Lyn McLaughin

Mayoral Candidate

1: 

I love the quote, ‘The only competition worthy of a wise person is with themselves.’ However, with International Women’s Day tomorrow, it is empowering and timely to note that our Shire will elect a female mayor on March 16 and I respect fellow candidates’ passion and commitment to our Shire. Ultimately, I respect democratic process knowing I am just one vote among many and work well collaboratively with all elected members of all parties at local, state and federal levels.  

 2:

 There’s so many fantastic not-for-profits and community groups in our Shire, it’s difficult to select and support only one. All are run and supported by dedicated teams of volunteers and I have supported them wherever I could – from making donations and attending events to providing advice. Every bit of support provided goes such a long way: even if you aren’t in a position to financially support them, sharing their Facebook posts can mean a lot, helping them reach new audiences.

 3:

The Burdekin’s reputation as Sugar Cane Capital of Australia will continue to grow, while also innovating in other agricultural products and industries with the successful continued expansion of the Industrial Estate. It’s important that our roads, drainage, footpaths and parks continue to be maintained and renewed as required, which is done through effective asset management plans. Ongoing strategic planning through community consultation ensures Council will continue to have a range of shovel-ready projects ready for funding, developed by Burdekin residents.

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John Furnell

Councillor Candidate

1.

I don’t see myself as competing. I am putting my name forward for the people of the Burdekin to decide if I am worthy. I admire all candidates just for nominating. I admire them for what they have done for the Burdekin thus far in their various roles and admire newcomers to the community eg Warren Francis SES controller and his background of military and police service.    

2.

I would like to support all volunteer organisations as they contribute to the fabric of the Burdekin. I would support them by being an active participant. Currently I am involved with, outside of Council committees, ‘Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club’ First Aid Officer, ‘Burdekin Men’s Shed’ Grants Officer and ‘Friends of the Burdekin Theatre’ Past President/current volunteer, to name a few.  

 3. 

My vision in 10 years is that the Burdekin is a thriving, safe, inviting and connected community. A place where my children and grandchildren enjoy the community and contribute to its future. Infrastructure wise I want to see booming Industrial Estates in Ayr and Home Hill, ANZAC Park Ayr and Memorial Park Home Hill Masterplans completed, a thriving sugar industry, no empty shops and people shopping locally. Continually improving roads, drainage, cultural and park facilities.

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Michael Backo

Councillor Candidate

1:

I do not see other candidates as my competitor, I see them as people that I may get the opportunity to work with soon. I admire all of them for putting their themselves forward to take on this challenging role. I believe that I will be able to work with anyone as I am a flexible person who can adapt to any situation and I can negotiate to achieve positive outcomes.

2:

I would like to get involved in assisting the PCYC as I see the benefits that their programs can deliver to assist the youth of the community to develop their skills and help them achieve their goals and to assist them to become future leaders of our community, for example I see first-hand how the driver program assists the youth to gain the hours and confidence to obtain their driver’s license. 

 3:

My vision for the Burdekin is to assist community members to start their own businesses so that the community can thrive and in turn this would assist the community to attract tourism opportunities and bring more revenue to the district. I would like to see how this could assist with lowering of the rates and make room for more accessible services such as renewable energy projects in the future that could assist with the price of power bills.

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Amanda Hall

Councillor Candidate

 1:

I don't regard the Council election as a competition and I believe all Councillor candidates have their own strengths and passions to offer. However, as a Sugar Cane Farmer, I do have an understanding of what is necessary to run a successful business - and Council is a business - by doing our budget and books. The need to prioritise spending is paramount so that all areas of the Shire are treated equally and receive necessary and comparable infrastructure, services and facilities.  

 2:

My Dad spent time at the Home Hill Hospital before his passing last year and was treated wonderfully as are all the residents. In 2011, through fundraising efforts of Christie Gist and her mother Sharon, "Christie's Dream Room" was opened. To my knowledge, the Hospital receives no financial support for the maintenance and upkeep of this room. Even though Health Services are a State issue, I would like to see Council offer its assistance financially, as the room was built through local effort for our elderly residents.

 3:

It’s impossible to state the importance of infrastructure, services and facilities in 80 words. All are necessary and vital – to ALL areas of the Shire. We all yearn to see our towns safe and thriving once more with no empty, dilapidated shops and well-maintained roads with adequate drainage; good water quality is a given.  Council needs to work with individuals and developers and not against them to ensure growth, prosperity and the creation of jobs. Our Shire can be amazing again.   

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