What is your working background?
Over the last 25-plus years:
– Chartered Accountant (CA) – strategy and analysis roles in consulting and big corporates (EY, Caltex, Qantas, Fairfax)
– Self-employed copywriting, editing, proofreading
– Chief Financial Officer of a small education business.
– Teacher and education design – post graduate accounting, Financial Modelling.
Why are you running for council?
I’ve recognised that the community is largely frustrated with the current council, which seems to have been plagued by division, leading to delays in action. I believe I bring valuable skills (such as financial literacy), and a fresh perspective, and would be honoured to serve the community. I want to contribute to a council that runs cohesively, effectively and efficiently to meet the needs of residents first, as well as other stakeholders.
What qualifies you to be councillor?
My experience in corporate finance and business, as well as tertiary education, would translate well to council. I’m used to reading voluminous reports, analysing complex data, and summarising it to produce quality reports and proposals. My teaching experience helps me to explain complex information to others, while my experience in executive roles means I can comfortably challenge others’ viewpoints, present to board meetings and work to tight deadlines. As an accountant, I’m a natural sceptic, and am very thorough in researching and reviewing evidence before arriving at a conclusion, in particular “following the cash” to determine who benefits.
I also consider all viewpoints in my decisions, and will act ethically and in the best interests of the community.
Are you a member of a political party? If so, which one?
Labor Party since 2019.
What organisations in Noosa are you a member of or affiliated with?
None
If elected, will you be undertaking any other paid employment? If so, what would that be?
No, or minimal (eg teach an occasional workshop).
List the four top council issues you believe to be the most important to Noosa residents.
1. Excessive Airbnb and other STA, leading to lack of housing supply for local workers, and disruption to residential areas (particularly where not regulated).
2. Over-saturation of tourism, and a focus on making Noosa attractive to tourists, to the detriment of residents and community, including traffic management issues.
3. Council rates keep going up but residents are not seeing a return on investment. Ratepayers should be able to expect that basic services (roads, waste, transport) are maintained effectively and the environment protected.
4. Lack of affordable housing, especially for low to middle income earners, and the balance between housing supply and overdevelopment.
