These are the things I want Council focused on. They come from what I said when I was elected Mayor on 17 September 2026, and from the platform I stood on in 2024.
1. Focus on the basics
Roads, parks, rubbish and the other core functions of a rural council — done extremely well. That is the job.
2. Every dollar needs a why
Ratepayers deserve to know the reason behind every dollar we spend. Council should reduce spending to balance the budget before it asks households and farms for more. I will not support rate rises or extra fees while families are already under pressure, and I will support rate reductions where spending can be brought back to core services.
3. Listen across the Shire
One of my first priorities is to visit the towns and villages, speak with local groups and organisations, and listen. Council has to stay aligned with the community.
4. Local jobs, and a reason to stay
If we get the basics right and create more local opportunity, we give people a reason to stay and a reason to come. Securing more light industrial and employment land would help attract new people and give existing residents work closer to home.
5. Property rights
You should be able to do what you wish on your own property so long as it does not harm your neighbour’s rights. Council exists to protect that, not to nibble it away.
Come to a community outreach meeting and tell us what is working and what is not. Dates are on the Outreach page.