Douglas Decides 24': 'We need to work smarter, together' - Bill Allison Councillor candidacy statement - UPDATED
THE BUILD-UP CONTINUES
I’ve been a resident of the Shire for over 20 years having moved to join my daughter, Sharon. Both Sharon and Karly are now teachers at the school and are raising their families here. I have five grandchildren who have been born here so my commitment to the Shire is deep.
I’ve been a keen golfer since arriving and more recently a bowler. I’m currently the Chairperson of the Mossman Bowls Club having previously served as Treasurer.
I’m currently involved in some big renovations of the club which we hope to finish in late August. I have also been an active member of the Men’s Shed where we use our skills to support the community.
Through all this activity, I’m in touch with many residents and people are comfortable to come forward to tell me their thoughts and views. I am very approachable and open to hear residents’ views, which I believe is an important quality for a Councillor.
I’m a member and supporter of our local fishing and boating club and saw the need for a decent boat ramp at Newell Beach. I took the opportunity to take this up with our local member and after some years finally had a new ramp built.
It’s not everything that we wanted, but at least we have a boat ramp that we can use. I like to think that I played a part in achieving such an important piece of infrastructure.
The recent flooding has exposed the state of our water supply. It’s just not good enough for the Shire to be without reliable drinking water for our families, our tourists, and our businesses. This must be a priority.
As a Councillor, I want to work cooperatively with the new Mayor and with the State and Federal governments. We are a small Council; we can’t afford to waste ratepayers’ money. We need to work smarter, together.
We can also do better to provide accurate and reliable information during disaster events.
Tourism and agriculture provide the economic basis of our Shire and I believe that Council’s role is to facilitate a sustainable future for both sectors.
Council needs to work better with our local sporting and community organisations. It’s about a partnership with these important community services.
I’ve been concerned for some time that the northern approaches to the Foxton Bridge need to be raised because that’s where the road is cut during floods, leaving residents cut off from work and school. After Jasper, it was so frustrating to see the Ergon workers having to wait in Mossman, not being able to get north to fix the power lines. I’m sure we can find a solution to this issue.
We can also do more to secure our electricity supply by trimming trees near power lines and putting power underground where possible.
I have no conflicts of interest and, if elected, I intend to devote myself full-time to working as your Councillor.