Interpreting election results and community message:
I am very happy with the election results and look forward to working with the new councillors Nicola Wilson and Jess Phillips and Frank Wilkie as the mayor. I think the large support for Nicola and Jess clearly shows how Noosa voters are educated and engaged in choosing representatives. They overwhelmingly chose an accountant and a police negotiator over all the rest of the new aspirants. I believe the message is, “Get on with the job!“.
Reflections on the campaign and fairness:
I think the election was fair with everyone free to express their opinions. With my campaign, I was most happy with the Contest of Ideas held at Land & Sea Brewery. Young people were invited to bring their ideas to the crowd and they were all very good. I look forward to championing some of them in the next term.
Spencer Hitchens has asked the councillors to read his voice of the youth statement at council meetings and we will do this. Thank you Spencer.
First priorities as councillor and goals for the term:
My personal goal for this term is to better understand the council budget, asset management, and service levels. This is the heart of council responsibilities and now that I have one term under my belt, I can better manage the inner workings of this very large and complex organisation.
Additional comments:
One insight I had during the election is that there is more than the natural environment and the built environment (which is what we normally talk about). There is also the social environment. After the election, and after the Covid era, the social environment needs focus and inclusivity to bridge the fissures that have opened. I am confident that this new council will do this.
