Personal Details
What is your:
Name? Andrew Gale
Age? 55
Suburb of residence? Warwick
Background
How long have you lived in the Southern Downs? Over 20 years.
When was the last time you lived away from the region and why? I lived in Yelarbon (150km west) because I was the sole Police Officer stationed at that town.
Campaign
General
What has prompted you to run for council? I was elected at the last election in 2020 and have been part of many positive changes the current council has put in place. It is an honour and privilege to represent my community in this tier of government and one I hope to continue to do in the following term.
What is your assessment of the current council? I ran for council in 2020 because I didn’t think the previous council were listening to the community and too much business was being done behind closed doors. The community was angry under the previous council and parts even tried to de-amalgamate. The current council has listened and the community appears much more content.
We have also “thrown open the doors” to the community. The ability to watch and even replay our meetings online is proof of that.
At this stage what is the main thing you offer:
– Residents as a whole
I came into council with an extensive history of community service and getting things done. I am now an experienced councillor as well.
I listen and I act in accordance with community desires whilst successfully navigating the often tricky landscape of the council chamber.
– Ratepayers
By seeking savings at every opportunity. So that the rating burden is kept to a minimum.
Are there specific differences in approach for:
– Particular suburbs/towns in the region?
I value the differences between the communities in this region. I am a champion of the underdog and have stood shoulder to shoulder with residents no matter where they live in this region.
– Rural landholders?
Our farmers the pillars of this community and we must make sure council is geared to helping. I’m proud that we were able to save our saleyards in this term of council as well as remove red tape in the form of the pest management scheme.
What are some of the big issues currently facing the region and how do you propose to address them?
As far as issues that council can influence, the biggest is water security. We have made tremendous steps in the northern part of the region, but we need to continue to work with other levels of government regarding the Granite Belt. I have and will continue to raise this at every opportunity when I get in front of our state and federal counterparts.
If elected, how do you promise to generate real change which improves the livelihoods of residents living in the Southern Downs.
I think we are largely on the right path, and I will continue to monitor this and move forward.
