They want you!

CANDIDATES WANTED

Paul Makin

Journalist

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The community needs you says the DSRA Picture: Supplied

The Douglas Shire Rate Payers Association (DSRA) want YOU!  They’re calling on all residents to consider standing up and running for council to represent the community.

With the local Government elections on Saturday March 16, the DSRA hopes new candidates will heed the call to arms. Rate payers President John Sullivan didn’t mince his words.

 “From now on we need to look at the calibre of candidate because we need unity, we can’t continue in the Douglas Shire with no progress because councillors are fighting over bits and pieces with personal agendas getting in the way,” Mr Sullivan said.

The DSRA says a united front is needed if the Shire is to progress as it should.

“We need skilled people who have a proven track record not only in business but in local community activities as well and they need to know the dire situation our Shire is in and be able to put personal agender aside and work as a team for the good of the whole community," Mr Sullivan said.

Asked to name the items high on the list for future councillors to tackle when elected, Mr Sullivan listed:

  1. Water security
  2. Road repairs and accessibility in all areas and a proper solution to the Daintree Ferry issue.
  3. A vision for the Douglas Shire.
  4. Town planning solutions with a review of zonings to accommodate workers, new homeowners and retirement dwellings, plus rural alternative farming practices.

Mr Sullivan says the DSRA is a vital link that represents the most invested part of the community, the rate payer. Rate payers provide 52.5% of the Douglas Shire budget with the remainder being fees, charges, fines, and grants.

Therefore, Mr Sullivan says they should have a big say in how councillors conduct themselves. “We’ve had a disruptive council over the last thirty years, and it needs to stop,” said Mr Sullivan. Nominations close with the Electoral Office on Tuesday 13th February at 12 noon.

Any ratepayer can join the DSRA at [email protected] membership is $10.

John Sullivan the President of the Douglas Shire Rate Payers Association wants new blood in Council to create harmony and a clear vision for the Shire. Picture: Paul Makin