Local Government Election on Saturday 21st April 2007

There are a large number of candidates standing which indicates a community dissatisfied with the Council. Where do the candidates stand? The majority infer they will ’change’ things.
You should ask them specifically what they intend to change. Then ask yourself, when did you last see them stand at a Council meeting, AGM or public meeting and say their piece? When did you last hear them take on a controversial issue in public or in print?

I have always stood and been counted and never wavered despite the odds.
How many candidates will do likewise? What's their track record for effecting change?

Knowledge of the Local Govt.Act

If you have a genuine issue, I will go into bat for you, irrespective of the consequences.
Over the years I have been asked to intercede on behalf of individuals who haven’t been able to get even ONE Councilor to do the lobbying, pushing, negotiating or whatever for them.
On these occasions I have been amazed at how poorly the majority of Councilors understand their obligations to the community under the Local Government Act.

Social issues.

With the increasing rise in drug addiction and binge drinking - not to mention a break-down in family life - we face issues that intrude uncomfortably into our lives.

A nation’s response to cultural trends starts at grass roots level. The voice of the people can be first expressed at local Government level. Then at State and then at Federal level. The opening policy statement of the Local Government Act says ' ...local Council members are ideally placed to monitor the changing needs of local communities... ...and to bring local concerns to the attention of the State Government ... and the Australian Government...'

When did you last hear of our Council seeking community opinion on social matters and then lobbying State or Federal MP's concerning social problems? I have done so regularly and will continue to do so.

Open and Transparent administration.

Too many matters of consequence to the community have been discussed behind closed doors - formally and informally. The latest Involved the Council deciding to close the Monkey Mia jetty to public access. Since the decision was made secretly we’ll probably never know what really went on. The Councilors have a range of excuses, none with any sound foundation. e.g.. the jetty is in need of maintenance.. etc

On such subjects of consequence I will move for meetings to be audio or visually recorded to prevent matters being misinterpreted or misrepresented in the minutes.

Economic Responsibility.

Look at the disastrous and costly decisions this Council has been responsible for. A slip of the accounting pen last financial year saw the community forego a third of a million dollars of proposed benefits.

The Shark Bay World Heritage Interpretive Discovery Centre is a classic. Its funding was achieved on figures without substance. The operation of the Centre was based on a minimum of 40,000 visitors per year. It is doubtful that it will receive 10,000 visitors this year. So far this financial year the community has had to find, in cash, almost $130,000 to keep the Centre running. By the end of the financial year the loss (including depreciation) will be around $400,000

The truth behind the Shire closing the Monkey Mia jetty is that it is strapped for cash and is grabbing money from whomever it can. It intends to levy the two wildlife cruise operators a $1 per person to use the jetty. The minutes record the Shire expects to get $10,000 from the two operators in the next two and a half months. The Councilors must have used the same calculator they used for the Interpretive Centre because the miscalculation is of the same order.

What sort of an atmosphere is this for local investment? Speak with the departing business families for a second opinion. I am not an accountant but I will ensure that the members of the business community, the Chamber of Commerce and Tourist Committee are kept informed and invited to comment at Council on any project of any consequence.

Incidently,when at the AGM I brought up the matter of $7,000 spent in 12 months by this Shire on wine, beer, champagne, whisky etc I was publicly derided by the Deputy President.

Relations with State Government Departments

The current Council's practice to constantly lay blame for Shire problems on CALM, DOLA, DPI and Government bureaucrats is a cop-out that has given the Council a reputation with these Departments for being antagonistic and belligerent. No wonder they ignore us, are uncommunicative and get on with doing business in other Shires. If on Council I would make it my business to go and personally apologise to all such aggrieved parties and strive to re-establish a constructive, courteous and proper working relationship.

Native Title

I will stand shoulder to shoulder with my Aboriginal friends - of whom there are many In this country - who say we should be ONE PEOPLE under ONE FLAG with ONE set of LAWS. I will resist at every turn. those making for a disastrous divide in this country by promoting or financially favoring one racial group over another.

Conservation

I believe in SANE and BALANCED conservation. Like others who really do care for Shark Bay. I have been prepared to hazard much to preserve it’s identity. I won't be bought, bribed, swayed or coerced through vested interests. When a developer wanted to put what amounted to a satellite town in our waters (Denham Quays) I spear headed the fight to prevent it. I was threatened with litigation if I didn't bow out. That cost me my superannuation from 7 years as the school gardener/handy man or $7,500.

There were also the cost of a newspaper so that the facts overlooked in the Shire’s Newsletter could be made public.

Will the candidate of your choice go that extra mile for our town?

Development

We need development. A community risks dying without it. I have promoted the Gunsons mining venture more than any one else here - Shire included. I believe it will in some measure prove the saving of Shark Bay in terms of bringing in young families who will actually live and work here. We have enough in the way of empty houses with absentee landlords and a dwindling school age population.

Likewise we need some form of adequate boat harbor facilities.

CALM/DEC

I believe CALM have made some ill-advised decisions over the years. But they are here and next to the Salt works works are the largest employer. Many CALM employees are local residents, glad of a job and fellow citizens. The bulk have husbands or wives or partners who likewise contribute to the community. These folk should not be subjected to the regular diatribe that the Council put out about CALM. As a Councilor I would make it my business to put an end to this pointless antagonism and seek a healthy working relationship.

Medical

Obviously it is preferable to have an on-going continuity of relationship between Doctor and patient. This can only an only be brought about by a resident medical practice. .Dr.Howse is happy to come in but not if the Council are against his setting up a practice here.. As a Councilor I would seek a referendum to ask the community’s opinion.

Community commitment

How much time have candidates given over to the community in a consistent,un-paid capacity? How dinkum are they about serving their community?

My track record includes -

Founding member of the Tourist Committee
Founding member of the local unit of the RSL (17 years , currently vice-president )
Former member St. Johns Ambulance (7 years)*
Current member Fire Brigade (12 years)*
Co-founder of the Shark Bay Youth Assn.
Instigated the acquisition of the Community Bus
Current Secretary & Treasurer of the local Red Cross (8 years)
Financial member of the VMR (5 years)
Commissioner for Declarations
Run the Crisis Centre from own home and thus
Involved with Ministry of Justice and Dept Family Services
Restored the local Church and established the first regular Church services in Shark Bay – going now for 20 years.

As a Marriage Celebrant I only charge a minimal fee to cover documentation for a wedding.($50)
When privileged to bury people or the like there is never any talk of a fee.

General

I put it to you after 37 years there is stability to our family’s presence in Shark Bay. I am an ex-serviceman who identifies strongly with traditional values. If there is a community need that needs filling I will do my best to ‘answer the call’. If committed to a cause I believe in ‘holding the thin red line’. As a Christian I believe in helping my neighbor and in particular the weak and disadvantaged. I am not cowed by talk of ‘political correctness’ Nor the jargon of ‘duty of care’ when used to intimidate us from having such things as kids Christmas parties or a Carol Service. I am an educated man who is widely traveled. I have worked with every condition of man at sea and on land.

I have come to the conclusion that only SOME men – and women – CAN change things. Of these only a FEW choose to. I know that I CAN and WILL do so

.Summary

Before you cast your vote take a good look at candidates’ background.

How many issues have they addressed as a community member?

Cast your vote where you know it will achieve something – rather than voting for someone just because you like them and think they’ll probably be alright.

Criticisms of the Council expressed by me in this do not include the new Administrative staff in the Shire.