AS THE largest electorate in the state, a person on the Launceston City Council will play a pivotal role in determining how the city and the broader region, will develop over the next four years.
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There are 46,363 eligible voters, with four people hotly contesting for the position of mayor – the incumbent Albert van Zetten, Aldermen Hugh McKenzie and Ted Sands, and businessman Darren Alexander, five for deputy and another 16 candidates vying for one of 12 positions on the council.
Launceston council has almost 10,000 more voters than Hobart and big issues affecting the city range from the need for job creation, a revitalisation of the central business district, to development and heritage protection.
Incumbent Mayor Albert van Zetten believes the big issues for the city over the next four years will be the revitalisation of the city through the City Heart project, keeping AFL at Aurora Stadium, the development of North Bank and a continued focus on addressing the needs around the northern suburbs.
‘‘Within the Greater Launceston Plan sits the City Heart project, plus work in the northern suburbs, so we’re looking at that revitalisation and working together with the community to continue to make this city a great place,’’ he said.
Making council more transparent and collegial for it’s and community’s own good is at the top of Alderman Hugh McKenzie’s list.
‘‘I believe Launceston requires a different style of leadership to what we currently have ... someone who will bring the whole 12 aldermen together, along with the staff and general manager, the business and wider community groups and further integrate the region,’’ he said
Alderman Ted Sands said he would take a sensible and logical approach to build confidence over the next four years in the city.
‘‘I will be leading from the front and setting the example – it’s just a matter of bettering what there is in the city and making the tough decisions that have to be made,’’ he said
Alderman Sands said the big issues for the council were tackling the council’s $4.2 million deficit, upgrading the city’s sewerage system and changing the operation of the city to work smarter.
IT company Autech chief executive Darren Alexander believes now is the time for change.
With his business background, he believes council has to take a different approach and by doing so, will instil confidence not only in the local business community, but future prospective investors to the city.
Mr Alexander said the council’s establishment of a gym at the aquatic centre to go into direct competition with local businesses, should never have occurred.
