Councillor Corner: A Bigger Picture

By Cr Namarca Corowa

In my last column, I shared how my values were shaped long before I ever sat at a council table, growing up in Slade Point and working with families, young people and men trying to finish their stories differently. Those experiences didn't disappear when I was elected. They came with me. What has changed is the scale of responsibility.

Council decisions are rarely simple. Budgets, service levels, capital works and growth planning aren't abstract ideas, they quietly shape daily life across our region. It's fair to ask, why doesn't council just do more?
But every decision involves trade-offs. Funding more in one area means less in another.  Maintaining services requires long-term planning, not short-term reactions.  Growth must be realistic, not just aspirational on paper.

One lesson I continue to learn is that good governance isn't about grand gestures or election cycles. It's about being intentionally realistic and understanding the responsibility of the role. Councillors are here to provide oversight, strategy and direction, not to interfere in operational detail. When those lines blur, trust erodes and outcomes suffer.

That's why early visibility and transparency matter. Councillors need to understand risks and long-term impacts before decisions are locked in. This thinking sits behind my recent Notified Motion. It's not about politics or control; it's about responsible governance. Better visibility leads to better questions, stronger oversight and better outcomes for the community.
What hasn't changed is how I see the people behind the numbers. Housing figures represent families seeking stability. Infrastructure plans shape what we leave for future generations. Financial reports reflect the trust ratepayers place in council to manage their money carefully and honestly.

Leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about listening, weighing different perspectives and making decisions that are fair, sustainable and grounded in reality, even when they're not popular.

This is a shared journey, and I'm grateful for the trust placed in me to serve our community.

Let’s Chat – Council Connect
Residents can catch up with councillors in person at upcoming Let’s Chat - Council Connect sessions held across the region.

Details on upcoming sessions can be found on the Connecting Mackay website.

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