Recently, Greg Hallam from the Local Government Association of Qld (LGAQ) pointed out that there will be an unprecedented number of mayoral resignations prior to the next elections.
17 mayors across Queensland have decided to call it a day, amongst them our own Cr. Ron Bellingham. Mr Hallam believes the demands of the position have become greater and that the mayors leaving the job see that fresh blood is needed.
The role of local government has become over regulated under the current State government and this has impacted on the ability of councils to effectively govern.
Of course the elephant in the room is the forced amalgamation of functioning shires into monolithic organisations with an increasing reliance on processes instead of people’s needs.
It is heartening that an LNP government under Campbell Newman has pledged support for returning autonomy to local government and offering de-amalgamation to those communities that desire it.
However, the reluctance of starters for the Mayoral race is perhaps an indication of this challenging time ahead. To some, such as myself, it is an opportunity to inject some common sense and humanity into what has become just another bureaucratic machine.
The candidates for this Council election should have a fresh outlook and a willingness to serve the public, as well as a determination to marry the legislative constraints with the pragmatic realities of life on the Southern Downs.
It is time for a change, the older hands are stepping aside to allow fresh energy into the local government arena and this is the natural and productive way for communities to grow.
Mary Rofe,
Stanthorpe
