What is your working background?
Born in Brisbane to parents who were WWII refugees, Nick’s career began as a 21-year-old truck driver and after 20 years, I climbed the ranks to a global management role in the Americas. Later was General Manager of YUM Restaurants International, Eurasia, overseeing over 4000 staff followed by consulting as the CEO for major retail brands in Eurasia and lastly as CEO of one of Eurasia’s largest cinema chains.
Why are you running for Mayor?
At a time population pressures affect our daily lives more and more and when many are struggling with the cost of living and interest rates, it is time to change.
I believe there is a clear lack of leadership and accountability and when put into the context of staffing and culture problems, I feel that we are in trouble. You cannot deliver community expectations if the house is not in order! Today it is not.
There is a perception that Council is anti-business led by a ‘boys club’ who do not represent nor listen to all sections of the community. Public trust is low citing a failure to address the major problems of infrastructure and ratepayer monies has been wasted on low priority projects. The policy of doing nothing in the hope that people will not come has failed.
What qualifies you to be Mayor?
Nick holds a B.Bus. and a Master of Business from Monash University. He has also studied at Harvard USA, the Graduate School of Management at the University of New South Wales, and Financial Management at INSEAD in France. Over thirty years, community involvement has included serving as the President of the Noosa North Shore Association, Chair of the Noosa River Stakeholder Advisory Sub-Committee, and contributing to the Council Climate Change Round Table, Teewah and Cooloola Working Group, Rural Fire Brigade and as an oyster grower for the NICA Oyster Project.
Are you a member of a political party? If so, which one?
None
What organisations in Noosa are you a member of or affiliated with?
I have resigned from all associations, groups, etc so as to focus only on the role of Mayor and to avoid any conflicts going forward.
If elected, will you be undertaking any other paid employment? If so, what would that be?
No
List the four top Council issues you believe to be the most important to Noosa residents.
In the core context of protecting our environment and Noosa lifestyles:
1. Better Management – a more efficient, stable, accountable and well-managed Council controlling costs and imposing only the very minimum rates and levies.
2. Noosa River Strategy – Partner with the State to create a Catchment Action Plan including implementation of the approved anchoring, mooring and live-aboard vessel recommendations.
3. Infrastructure – We need to stop putting our heads in the sand and start prioritising infrastructure such as public transport, roads, parking, and boating access urgently.
4. Strong Leadership – We need to fix our staff problems and culture to build an effective, streamlined management team who has defined goals and are accountable for their results.
