Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Councillor Column

With Clay Bauman

I’m very happy to say that other Councillors and Whitsunday Regional Council (WRC) staff have supported my idea for a Cannonvale Community catch up which will be held at the restaurant in TAFE Cannonvale (190 Shute Harbour Rd) on Wednesday, March 29 from 9am till 11 am.  

If you can’t make it in person, you can ask a question now through the WRC Yoursay webpage. There is even a chance to win an Easter Hamper if you register or update your details on Yoursay this month. Visit yoursay.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au for more information.

I fully support the Mayor’s initiative to connect directly with the community through these events as they move around the region and I look forward to talking with as many people as possible.

As part of Council’s current Community Engagement Strategy, we are investigating creating a network of ‘Community Champions’. These people would collaborate with Council early in project development and channel information back and forth between Council and their networks.

If you have the time and passion to participate in forums, workshops and other consultation activities relevant to your areas of interest, or if you have a strong connection to social networks that you represent or share information with, being a Community Champion might be a role for you. Head to Yoursay Whitsunday for more information.

For those that haven’t heard, Council has voted against the approval for a Transport Depot near the intersection of Rifle Range Road, Mt Marlow and against a proposal for commercial storage sheds next to Tropic Rd, Cannonvale. 58 submissions and a petition played a role in Council’s decisions and shows me how important having your say is.

Working towards planning that allows new residential, industrial and economic growth, while maintaining our liveability and amenity will always be very close to my heart. It is not just the current decisions that are important, but the long term forward thinking that sets us up for a successful and prosperous future which is a key aspect of our job.

Amongst lots of meetings and reading, I’ve been following up on people’s concerns and complaints and had the pleasure of visiting the Scouts, SES, PCYC Sports Expo, the AFL Preseason Carnival and even had the opportunity to crew in the lady skipper’s sailing race on International Women’s Day.

My role as your Councillor certainly is varied and I am trying my best for everyone who has put their trust in me.

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