I will be standing again as a councillor candidate for Noosa Shire. More than ever, Noosa needs councillors with experience, ones who have a long-term connection to the community.
The past four years have taught me that this job is many things, but mostly it is not what you would think. Vitally important is the job to read reports from council staff and give meaningful feedback. It is working collaboratively with staff in developing plans and strategies. Each councillor has an influence and involvement in the decisions made by the council. Each councillor can see their impact on the path, or evolution, of the council. For example, I can clearly see my influence on the Corporate Plan and Climate Change Response Plan in terms of supporting local farming and regenerative agriculture. I can also see my influence on the council’s shift away from supporting STA applications and the development of the STA local laws.
Another large part of the job is to participate in committees and groups. I am the appointed councillor member on the Audit and Risk Committee, the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation, the Mary River Coordinated Catchment Committee, the Environment Levy Group and the Case Management Working Group (overseeing Noosa’s legal battles). I participate in the decisions of these groups and they in turn provide the reports to the council for final decision making.
I also have participated in several community groups. I was the president of Permaculture Noosa for two years and a committee member of Country Noosa. I have put an enormous effort into understanding and advocating for regenerative gardening and agriculture. I am presently volunteering at Pomona’s Majestic Theatre and on the committee of the Pomona Arts Incorporated. I believe councillors should be encouraged to donate their time to community groups. Recently there has been an unhelpful encroachment of Conflict-of-Interest regulations, putting a chilling effect on councillor’s participation in community groups and hobbling our effectiveness to serve the community. I hope to change this if re-elected.
But perhaps the biggest part of the job is to listen. A councillor is on, 24/7, and you never know when someone is going to approach you with a real concern. Listening is the biggest part of the job.
My key principle is to maintain Noosa as the paradise it must remain. To strike the balance between residents, businesses and our precious environment requires constant effort and vigilance.
When I came to Noosa in 1998, I thought ‘This is the best place on earth!’. I learned that Noosa did not become this way by accident, but due to the vision of earlier councillors and the battles fought and won by dedicated residents and council staff.
Inspired by the thousands of community volunteers who dedicate their time and efforts to the betterment of Noosa, I truly believe that Noosa is worth fighting for. If re-elected it will be a privilege to serve another four-year term and to leave Noosa to the next generation in safe hands. I have a lot more to give to Noosa.
