Why are you running?
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I have decided to nominate again for Blayney Shire Council because I would like to continue the success and progress of the council and our community.
Council has many significant projects and initiatives that have been started in this current term that I would like too see finalised for the community.
The completion of the major Centrepoint redevelopment, the railway station hub, solar farm proposal, main street improvements and the implementation of our new settlement strategy across the shire are just some of these projects for the new council to deliver.
I would like to continue the positive momentum within the shire as we continue to plan and prepare for the many future opportunities and challenges.
What knowledge, skills and qualities do you bring to council?
As the current mayor for the last 9 years and a total of 21 years served on council I believe I have the experience and desire to continue working for our community.
I am the deputy chairperson of our regional joint organisation and have been regional / rural vice president on the board of the local government NSW association which is the peak representative organisation for all councils in NSW.
I was born in Blayney and have enjoyed bringing up a family here and for the last 30 years have run a plumbing contracting business throughout the shire and region. I have close associations with our rural community and have had the experience of working on council as we faced the challenges of drought , water security and recently the terrible pandemic.
I have developed strong relationships with State and Federal governments as they have continued to work with the council to improve community infrastructure and facilities.
What do you see are some of the strengths of Blayney shire?
In my view the main strength in our community has always been our volunteers who work so hard behind the scenes supporting all the various groups and organisations within our shire.
I believe that we have promoted our shire's location between Orange , Bathurst and Cowra into a real strength as our closer connections with tourism, business, workforce and residential development have supported growth and investment and as a result we are an important part of a dynamic and successful region.
Also a great strength is our close connection to our colonial past with our beautiful historic villages and our increased awareness and appreciation of the Wiradjuri culture and history.
What do you see are some of the challenges facing Blayney shire?
While our council has been successful in supporting our community for many years we are still a small council and will always be challenged by financial sustainability.
We have seen major upgrades to our community facilities and infrastructure across the shire but they will all need continued maintenance and investment that has to be budgeted for into the future.
Our major current challenge is one facing the whole country in regards to affordable and available housing.
We are also now experiencing unprecedented investment and development within our shire and it will definitely be a combined effort to manage this growth and still retain the country lifestyle that we all enjoy.
What's your vision for Blayney shire?
My vision for Blayney shire is that it continues to be a friendly safe community that supports young people and families as well as being an attractive place to retire and for all to enjoy the wonderful community facilities and activities on offer.
I hope and expect a prosperous future for our agricultural community and that together we can manage the growth and development within our shire that offers opportunities for everyone while enhancing and protecting our natural environment.
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