What I’ve Learned About Local Government

A First-Term Perspective

When I first took office as a councillor, I knew I wanted to make a difference, but I also knew there was a lot I didn’t know about how local government actually functions
behind the scenes. Sixteen months in, I’ve learned that what most people see – roads being fixed, parks being built and bins being collected – is only the surface of a much deeper and more complex processes of governance.

Many residents assume councillors can simply “get things done”. The truth is, we don’t directly do the work, however, we direct it through policy, budget and strategy.

Our job is to make decisions that set the direction, priorities and funding, while the operational delivery is handled by council’s professional staff and contractors.

Understanding this separation between strategic governance and day to day operations is crucial, it protects both accountability and fairness. In council, there are rarely simple yes or no answers. Every decision must balance community needs, financial limits and long-term planning.

For example, fixing one drainage issue might mean delaying another project somewhere else. Learning to weigh those trade-offs and explain them honestly to residents has been one of the biggest challenges and most valuable lessons of my first term.

I’ve found that people don’t expect perfection, but they do expect honesty and the right intentions that benefit our community as a whole.

Through meetings, social media or columns like this, council can help bridge the gap between the council chamber and the community.

Nothing in local government happens in isolation. Real progress requires councillors, staff, community groups and sometimes even other levels of government working
together.

As a first-term councillor, I’ve learned to value patience and partnerships just as much as passion and persistence.

I’m still learning, every day brings new insights into how governance, budgets and community expectations fit together.

But what keeps me motivated is knowing that each decision we make, no matter how small, contributes to shaping Mackay’s future.

If residents take one thing from this column, I hope it’s this: local government works best when we all understand it and engage with it.

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. The next session will be at Seaforth Bowls Club from 5.30pm to 6.30pm on November 5.
Details on upcoming sessions can be found on the Connecting Mackay website.

— Cr Namarca Corowa
Mackay Regional Council

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