Withl election day looming, Warwick Stanthorpe Today reached out to all Southern Downs council candidates to ask them one simple question. Why should voters vote for you?
Ross Bartley:
I bring experience, knowledge and consistency to the council chamber which will benefit the region when making all decisions that affect the residents of the Southern Downs Regional Council. The best outcomes are achieved through good governance when supported by informed decision making, combined with public consultation.
All candidates should be reasonably aware of the bigger issues that council continues to deal with such as water security, waste management, planning, and aging infrastructure.
Policy making is an important part of local government, and is crucial to the day to day operational component of council.
If elected, I will continue to be a strong voice at the table.
Andrew Gale:
I am a passionate and experienced councillor, who takes his role and responsibility to represent the current and future needs of the Southern Downs extremely seriously.
I am a councillor with a no-nonsense approach who values his position and community immeasurably. I am extremely open and approachable and I take pleasure in helping people when they are in need of assistance.
I have shown in the previous term of council that I know the role very well and have stood up to be counted on behalf of the community when called on. A vote for Andrew is a vote for you.
Cameron Gow:
I have 20 years’ experience in local government and thoroughly enjoy working with individuals and our local community groups to deliver on what our residents need. We have an amazing community and we can achieve extraordinary things when we work together. I enjoy engaging with people and representing their needs, concerns and ideas to my council colleagues and the organisation. Representing our community is an honor and a privilege and I like to work hard to deliver on the outcomes our community looks for as affordably as possible and as respectfully as possible.
Noel Grosskopf:
There is a growing feeling amongst the middle class that the elected representatives we have at all levels have lost touch with the people who pay the taxes. Either that or they just don’t care how their decisions affect us. Rather than just whinge about it I’m putting my money where my mouth is and standing to represent people like myself.
I’ve earned my living by troubleshooting and rectifying faulty equipment. I can analyse a situation. I know how to prioritise. I value our heritage and our way of life.
Morwenna Harslett:
You should vote for me because I am smart, I am an independent thinker and I am personable and approachable. I have run a successful small business (Cherry Lane Nursery) and I have worked for a large government institution (Education Department) so I have experience in how the cogs turn in different workplaces. While I have opinions on topical issues, I do not intend to stand on a soapbox and make people listen to me. I prefer to listen to what the public and the experts have to say, weigh up the advantages and disadvantages and represent the majority.
Kelvin Johnston:
I have a demonstrated track record of community minded values through actions and deeds. I am a professional occupational health and safety consultant and practitioner and will seek improvement notices for safe workplaces. I don’t shy away from difficult issues that affect the community. I have been constant through floods, fires, covid and cost of living hardships to provide free entertainment for community well-being and cultural advancement since 2019. There needs to be a greater fiscal accountability of council expenditure. Vision is required to move forward in a positive direction and I have vision and can conceptualise this into practical outcomes for housing and water security.
Cynthia McDonald:
The current Southern Downs Regional Council is in need of solid leadership and a cultural change to improve outcomes for ratepayers. I believe that the elected officials are marginalised by the bureaucratic nature of SDRC, and that this must be rectified. This can only be achieved through generational change at this next election which brings a diversity of representatives throughout the region, by electing candidates from various areas, mixed age and gender and various specialisations and experience or careers. I am asking voters to support me to work with the new council to achieve this generational change to make SDRC more responsive to its constituents.
Marika McNichol:
I have previously been a councillor and understand the pressure people are facing especially with rates, which have been going up significantly in the last few years.
I think that rates should be fair and equitable and would like to look at a discount for pensioners. I believe that councillors need portfolios, which I will be pushing to get projects done that will improve the community, and work towards government funding. I believe that we also need divisions so the community can be heard and issues dealt with where possible in a quicker manner.
Joel Richters:
I have integrity and when I say I will do something that is exactly what I do. You can read the things I stand for on my website www.joelrichters.com. I’m transparent and you should hold me to account for the things I say. You should expect more!
Nick Suduk:
Because I am hard working and honest. I am not a career politician, I have worked in many industries, all my life. I have been both an employee and employer, a business owner, farmer, a local, I have grown up, lived and worked in the Southern Downs. My kids were born here, and I love the community – and want to see it thrive. I can work with anyone and above all I listen – I am a resident and ratepayer, and I am so frustrated with the way that the people of Southern Downs have not been heard and it needs to change.
Stephen Tancred:
I’m an experienced councillor. I know how to represent and help my community. I’m a successful business operator. I work hard. I care about people. I’ve vision for long term projects, but know it’s often little things that matter. I support our staff and liaise with state and federal governments.
Your current council has done well despite drought, fires, floods and covid. It has momentum.
When your team’s going well you keep the best players on the field. This is a good council and I’m proud of it. I offer my skills, knowledge, experience and passion for four more years.
Brett Tunbridge:
As a councillor I’ll offer an entirely new view as to councils interaction with ratepayers, regardless of my personal opinions my job is to represent the people who elected me. If ratepayers want an issue raised then in correct submission form I will raise this to council. That’s democracy! I’m tired of politicians who don’t answer the phone so I have a dedicated phone no for contact that will be always available: 0435829183. You tell me what you expect from me and do let me know if you think I’m not performing to those expectations.
Russel Wantling:
As I make my way around the region, I’ve noticed one thing. People feel they aren’t being heard. It would be so easy to stand on a platform and make promises to simply get elected, but I am just not that person. If you are looking for someone who will listen and put our community above all else, then you should vote for me. I am not going to stand up and make speech after speech. This council needs action. They need someone who will find a way to make things happen and not use red tape as an excuse.
Sheryl Windle:
I have gained eight years valuable experience as your representative. I am committed, I listen, I communicate respectfully, and I will advocate for your needs while seeking suitable outcomes.
I understand the issues facing council, including water security, increased costs, providing services, meeting residents expectations, housing shortages, supporting community organisations & events, promoting tourism, road improvements and funding infrastructure.
My aim, if re-elected, will be to utilise my experiences and work with a committed team with a positive approach. I am passionate about the Southern Downs & Granite Belt region and recognise the huge potential for growth.
Candidate Dave Thompson was unable to respond by deadline due to work commitments and personal reasons.
Remaining candidates Sarah Deane and Carla Pidgeon were contacted but did not respond by deadline.
