Tightening spending and getting the budget back in the black, a better deal for the region, and improving the experience of dealing with the Southern Downs Regional Council are the focus points of Peter Blundell’s mayoral campaign.
After nearly 15 years in local government including being the first ever Deputy Mayor of the newly-amalgamated Southern Downs Regional Council and the last Deputy Mayor of the now defunct Stanthorpe Shire Council, Cr Blundell believes being Mayor is the only way he can use his experience and knowledge of the workings of local government to solve systematic problems in the council and move the region forward.
“There is a lot I can and will change and improve as Mayor, but we have to operate within legislative guidelines. Where the legislation is hurting our community, I will lobby to change it,” Cr Blundell said.
He is fully aware of the concerns of local residents in relation to mining, and as an active member of the Surat Basin Coal Seam Gas Engagement Group, he is in a good position to improve the communication between mining companies and the local community.
“Mining is likely in this region down the track so we need to learn from the experiences of other regions to get the best outcomes.
“As Mayor, I will ensure that the community is well informed about the issues with the pros and cons of the industry.”
Cr Blundell is also very aware of the need to be more inclusive of the region’s smaller communities and the feeling of residents in Allora, Killarney, Leyburn and Wallangarra in particular of being ignored.
“As Mayor, I will change how we consult with the community and how issues are addressed with the council. We need to present as many avenues as possible so these communities can have input into the council and provide solutions so their issues can be addressed.
“This is why getting a better deal for all our community is pivotal to my campaign. Strategies are important to give direction, but they need to be followed with solutions and actions.”
Although he thought putting all our hope into de-amalgamation might prove disappointing, if the situation arose, he would be guided by a referendum from the community after it was fully aware of the potential costs involved in this process.
However, Cr Blundell said, we need to look for the best outcomes for the region as a whole when making decisions.
The election will be held in March.
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Rebecca Brown
