Candidate Statement

Another election, more politics. What does it matter who you vote for? It’s only one councillor out of nine, and they’re all useless anyway, right? That’s certainly the way a lot of people will view the upcoming Palerang Council by-election. But there are good reasons to look at another aspect of the local government election process.

In my capacity as president of the Wamboin Community Association, I have attended all but one of the general meetings of the current Council, and all but one of the extraordinary meetings aimed at preparing the new Palerang LEP (a better record than most councillors). At a personal level, I probably do have better things to do with my time. But as a community representative, and at times the only member of the public gallery, this exercise has been quite enlightening. I have developed a different perspective on the importance of community engagement with local government.

Many of the Council matters that have occupied my time since Palerang’s inception have been the result of inadequate community engagement—lack of fundamental understanding of the issue and/or a lack of appreciation for the importance of the issue within affected communities. The dramatic increase in rates for rural residential ratepayers, the threatened closure of the Macs Reef Road waste facility, the destruction of heritage structures in both Braidwood and Captains Flat, and the most recent matter of staff cuts in Braidwood, all controversial issues inflamed by inadequate community consultation or representation.

I have lived in the rural residential community of Wamboin for the last 15 years. While I originally worked as a research chemist, I spent most of my professional career delivering professional services within the ICT industry. I have been involved for over ten years, at various levels, with the Wamboin Community Association, and in a broader context have interests in sustainable living, and in youth development through my role in Scouts Australia.

One councillor can make a difference, but they will only be as effective as their knowledge of relevant issues and their ability and commitment to support these issues in Council. I am committed to the representation of community interests, to the ongoing process of community engagement, and to the fundamental principle of transparent governance. I believe that these three factors can make a real difference in the effective operation of our Council.