PERSONAL DETAILS
Name?
Melissa Hamilton
Age?
51
Suburb of residence?
Eukey
BACKGROUND
How long have you lived in the Southern Downs?
We’ve been holidaying at our block since 2001, and we made it home in 2016.
What was the last time you lived away from the region and why?
Before 2016 I lived in a lot of different places in Australia and overseas when working as a commercial lawyer.
CAMPAIGN GENERAL
What has prompted you to run for mayor?
This region has so much potential. I think a more professional council with stronger leadership will help our region and our communities achieve their goals.
What is your assessment of the current council?
I wouldn’t be running unless I thought I could do a better job for residents.
At this stage what is the main thing you offer residents as a whole?
That I will work with energy, enthusiasm, integrity and professionalism. Because I’m not originally from either Warwick or Stanthorpe I can fairly represent everyone.
CIVID COOPERATION
Are relationships with other levels of government problematic? If so, which ones, and how will you address it?
I would say they are important, rather than problematic. Getting funding from State and Federal governments is critical to be able to deliver services to residents, and to do the projects that our communities want.
How will you seek to unite the council in the face of growing councillor misconduct complaints?
I’m used to managing large teams of lawyers, so I’ve got a lot of relevant experience. As they say, trying to manage lawyers is like herding cats! The role of mayor has powers, particularly in relation to appropriate meeting conduct, that are there to make sure councillors are respectful of each other and work together.
INFRASTRUCTURE
There is a long list of outstanding projects, most requiring federal/state assistance. Current priorities lie in ensuring the security of the region’s water supply. How do you propose to solve this issue? What is your assessment of council roads and civic infrastructure?
All of the projects that require significant investment, such as housing, water, roads and infrastructure are dependent on a collaborative engagement with State and Federal governments. In particular in relation to water security I would work closely with any State government to identify the best project to guarantee a drought supply of water to Stanthorpe and then do everything I can to secure funding from the State and Federal governments.
GROWTH
How do you plan to foster growth for the region?
At the moment our region’s growth is limited principally by a lack of affordable housing and not having a guaranteed supply of water during drought. Both for Warwick and for Stanthorpe having a secure drought supply will allow the development of more industry and attract companies that have been deterred from establishing here because of the lack of water security. Focusing on these issues is fundamental, but also having a well planned and coordinated approach to developing the visitor economy across the region is an important strategic role for council. We have such a unique offering in terms of our location and variety of attractions.
COST
What is the cost to ratepayers of your promises?
I am financially very conservative, so I am not making any unfunded promises. My approach is to run a professional council so as to improve our ability to obtain funding from State, Federal and private sources for ideas and projects which benefit our communities. If a project aligns with the strategic goals for our region then I will do everything I can to secure funding for it.
