By Lucy Waldron and Jeremy Cook
Just 10 days out from voting day, the Stanthorpe Chamber of Commerce held their ‘Meet the Candidates’ evening where community members could speak to the council candidates and listen to the Mayoral Q&A. Warwick-Stanthorpe Today again took this opportunity to ask some attendees about their hopes for the upcoming council and what major issues will be impacting their vote.
Heather S had a list of things she wanted to see from the region but said it wasn’t what they would bring, it was about what they would continue.
“I would like to see the region continue to recover and get support from the drought from the floods. I would like to see innovation not for innovation’s sake but for stability and to continue cautious growth. I would like to see our young people feel that they have the opportunity to stay here or get an education and return.
“I don’t want to see huge changes, I want to see careful, thoughtful progression so that everybody both towns and all sides of politics are represented and we progress with caution, not because it is the latest fashion but for the long term,” Heather said.
For Heather, she will be voting on a willingness to represent all and people who will represent everybody’s viewpoints to keep the region vibrant and progressive.
Donna Parker had a viewpoint many people share, she wants the fighting to stop and the council to work as a team.
“I hope they can all work together and there’s no fighting and it is just a more calm environment where they can get things done,” Donna said.
Influencing the way Lisa Golby votes is how candidates see the climate issues and whether they are going to stand up for the people or follow state and federal pressures.
“I would like to see more help with housing and protection for agriculture here as I think there is a fair bit of pressure on farmers now with the green agenda going on,” Lisa said.
Robin Fraser and Mr Smith stood together analysing their conversations with the candidates. Mr Smith’s deciding factors were their plans to control weeds, fire ants and fire brakes, while Robin’s biggest problem was compatibility.
“The council isn’t compatible and there is a conflict of interest problem, those with a conflict have to leave meaning they aren’t allowed an opinion, and I think it’s important to have an even number of councillors from each region,” Robin said.
Marion Carrick shared a similar thought as she would like to see fewer complaints between the councillors.
“I would like to see an active plan for water in the region particularly for Stanthorpe as it’s a growing town,” Marion said
“I would like to see council step up and be more active in tourism, they do run tourism for the region and I think that could improve.
“I’m looking for candidates that show integrity are honest and have an understanding of how council operates and people that are dedicated and committed to the region.”
A major issue for Adrian is water security for the region and the lack of transparency around it.
“Stanthorpe has reached its limit on water and there’s a big development going on the other side of town, where’s that water going to come from,” Adrian said.
Liz Bourne is known to many for her role in environmental conservation and that is one of the major issues that will be impacting her vote.
“For me, environmental issues are very high and even though the council has supposedly adopted the environmental sustainability strategy, it’s weak and not being implemented,” Liz said.
“If you compare us to other councils such as Toowoomba, Scenic Rim, and many of the southeast Queensland councils, they all have bushcare officers. They have people who are dedicated to the environment and we have none of those so community groups are having to pick up the slack.
“This council desperately needs some better expertise to deal with the range of environmental issues it’s facing. The innovation is coming from outside community groups not from within the council.”
She hopes they will be more functional and perform as a proper committee that listens to one another’s opinions and to stop the harassment and bullying.
The new councillors were a worry for Eric who was concerned they don’t know what local government is about.
“Any new councillors that come on have got to relive the work that’s been done and they’ve got to continue with that work,” Eric said.
Jay, on the other hand, spoke about how little power he believed the council has.
“These people can get up and say what they like, but in theory it is different,” Jay said.
While the Stanthorpe Civic Centre was packed at the start of the night, it was clear most people were only there to talk to the candidates as when the Mayoral Q&A began more empty seats appeared.
Whether the expectations of the 10 people interviewed will be met can only be determined over the next four years.
