I prefer to talk to people because too much is lost in text but I will be adding to this section as a way of conveying my thoughts for those who prefer print media.

 

Why DIV-SIX when I live in Bargara, 900m from the boundary?     

I’m inspired by the diversity and opportunities DIV-SIX offers, I’m fortunate to have friends and clients across the division from the coastal communities to our farmers and producers.  It is my nature to do what I can to see everyone prosper, I know DIV-SIX needs attention as some places are lacking in basic services like proper drainage, curbing and channelling, some of our community areas are run down and need maintenance - I want to get it all fixed.

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Some of my thoughts about the Bundaberg Regional Council

The advantage I have in representing DIV-SIX is my experience on Council Advisory Committees.  I also know I need a seat at the table as a Councillor to convert that experience into results for DIV-SIX.  The Bundaberg Regional Council needs some readjustments, in recent years there have been big decisions made with little or no consultation and oversight, a renewed focus on transparency and accountability to ratepayers is paramount.  I don’t necessarily disagree with the decisions made, however, I disagree with the lack of due process.  To highlight my point, I have served on the Bundaberg Regional Council Sport and Recreation Advisory Group for 11 years and the decision about new aquatic centre was not once referred to in our meetings PRIOR to the decision being made to build a multimillion dollar aquatic centre.  I was a community representative in these meetings, this is the place where community consultation should have started.

 

The New Aquatic Centre

I am not opposed to the new aquatic centre as it will be a wonderful legacy asset for the region especially for its disability access but I do question the decision making process for this major infrastructure spend.  $75.8 million could have been distributed to five different $15M projects, one of which could have been the multi modal pathway between Bundaberg and the beach, covering the Port at Burnett Heads through Bargara to Elliott Heads.  For decades people have been talking about and advocating for the multi modal pathway.

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I have been asked if I will be quitting my job if elected to Council.  

My Brother Scott and I are the partners in our firm DGZ Chartered Accountants, we employ a large team of Accountants and other Professionals, all of whom are supportive of me running for Council and prepared to step up in my absence.  I will step back from day to day duties but will continue in a consultative role. I will also continue to volunteer my time to carry out audits and reviews for local not-for-profit and charitable organisations.  Scott and I have provided over 500 free audits to some very worthwhile organizations as part of our voluntary and charitable work within our community.

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Rates!

There is a lot of talk about reducing rates or bringing back the 10% discount for paying on time, this is where I put my Accountants hat on.  Unfortunately the way discounts work is by increasing the amount due in order to give the appearance of being cheaper.  In my book that’s deceptive therefore not something I can support. 

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If there is a multimillion dollar underspend in any council department the right thing to do is spend it on what it was allocated to or divert the funds to other areas of need, we certainly could do with it in DIV-SIX to address numerous issues like drainage curbing footpaths and more regular maintenance of public spaces.

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With the price of everything increasing significantly over the past three years it would be unwise to promise a reduction in rates if we are to progress in line with population growth.  I am well aware of the indefensible increases in rates imposed on our farmers and growers, I will be looking into that. As an auditor I would be closely scrutinising any increase to rates, fees and charges while looking into how Ratepayers money is spent to ensure value for money. 

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A vital role I see me playing if elected to council is that of protagonist, applying pressure to the State & Federal Governments to make sure Bundaberg Regional Council receives its fair share so DIV-SIX and all the divisions can receive their fair share.   

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Food Organics and Garden Organics 'FOGO' Bins 

We have a landfill problem that needs addressing, the FOGO bins are most likely inevitable if we are going to get serious about addressing the issue, it’s one way of taking responsibility for the waste we are creating.  There should be consultation with, and exceptions made for those who compost their own waste or those who have minimal waste.  How often each bin type is emptied also needs careful consideration.  The FOGO bin is in trial, I imagine it will go to tender and that’s where I would go over the details and costings with my accounting / auditors hat on to ensure the best outcome for ratepayers.

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Mining Application MDL 3040
When it comes to the mining lease I’m a hard NO! It will have a negative impact on our agricultural land and possibly on our water supply. We have nesting Loggerhead Turtles and the Great Barrier Reef to protect. The application has expanded and now extends from Myra through Sharon, across the Burnet River taking in parts of Branyan to The Ring Road intersection on Childers Road.
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I am not against extractive industries but there is a time and place for such activities.  We need facts and not spin. It is good to see that a Regional Reference Group has now been announced and we look forward to their input.  People power will win out in the end - we already live, work, play and farm in this area.

 

Planning and Development

A planning and development portfolio/committee should be reinstated. This committee should include three councillors for the purpose of review and oversight. 

I am a man of process, with regards to major projects and development applications, there are rules to be followed and each must be judged on its merit without fear of favour.  Part of the process includes community consultation, my role would be to keep the community informed about opportunities to have their say about proposals.

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Accessibility
We have a many people in our area who are older or have a disability, I would advocate for better accessibility which also helps those pushing prams and young children using bikes etc. I support initiatives like: Inclusive all ability playgrounds, U-BEACH for universal beach accessibility and More Changing Places for accessible bathroom facilities.

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Multimodal Pathway
During my time on the Sport & Recreational Committee a Multimodal Pathway connecting town to beach has been in the top three most requested projects to enact.  I support the proposal to link the city via the river to the Port and Burnett Heads all the way through to Elliott Heads.
Such a pathway could be accessed via walkers, joggers, wheelchairs, prams, strollers, bikes and the like – free to use

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Water / Adventure Playgrounds
I would love to see not just one but multiple water playgrounds.  Something like the one in Hervey Bay and the Yeppoon lagoon & splash park on the foreshore.  Great for all ages and abilities.

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Sporting Groups and Facilities
This is close to my heart and evidenced by my lifelong involvement in sports.  I will go into bat for almost anything involving sporting field and equipment upgrades as I believe children who play sport benefit from a recreational environment that promotes and encourages discipline, team work, respect for others, and overall general lift in wellbeing.