A mayoral forum was held on October 3 in Launceston.
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Six of the eight candidates standing for the position City of Launceston mayor attended.
The forum was hosted by the Launceston Chamber of Commerce and The Examiner.
At the forum, the candidates were invited to answer further questions that time didn’t permit to ask.
Here are the responses.
Data shows Tasmania, but particularly Northern Tasmania, is a demographic time bomb: an older and ageing population with fewer working people in years to come. How do we tackle that? And what role can council play?
Janie Finlay: I believe that we need a multilayered approach. For me - I know that I can make a contribution by connecting with other regional communities (like the EVO Cities of NSW) and learn about what has, and has not, worked for them.
I can invest my skills and reinforce our local strategies by creating opportunities to speak at events in Melbourne and Sydney and directly pitch and showcase what we offer here in Launceston and Northern Tasmania. My strengths as a connector and ambassador can add value to our population strategy.
Alan Harris: Launceston needs to market it’s unique advantage in being the largest city in Australia with full FTTP NBN & Gigabit Internet services available throughout the city. Council could initiate a marketing campaign promoting Launceston to a younger mainland demographic who wish to move for a better work/life balance or even continue their current role but work part-time from home on their Gigabit internet connection.
An aging population is not necessary a negative thing, more retired and semi retired people in our city means that there are more people with time to volunteer and with experience to share. People should be encouraged to continue to work part time or volunteer rather than just stopping work altogether whilst they are capable of doing so.
An increase in people in aged care or providing elderly care in the home provides an opportunity for new employment for younger people.
Albert van Zetten: I believe there is an opportunity to harness the skills and continued energy of retirees to work on economic and community development projects that they are passionate about. I have committed to progressing a Launceston Action Team made up of members of the Launceston community (including retirees) that can provide direct feedback to the council. Such a group can bring together experts in different fields to mentor small businesses, create new events, facilitate new processes, and help us deliver programs to attract people wanting to get out of the big cities. Increasing our population in a coordinated and measured way will be important, and work is already underway on developing a population strategy for the region to ensure we get it right.
Tim Walker: The state government plans to grow Tasmania's population by 150,000 by 2050. That would mean an extra 30,000 people in Launceston region. With climate change, we will experience that growth via climate refugees quicker than we think. The council can better prepare for this by careful planning of future sustainable development of our city and greater municipal region.
Bob Salt: Council has a role to play as does the general community, Launceston Chamber of Commerce, state and federal Governments in facilitating and encouraging new and existing business to relocate and expand. The Examiner and other news outlets have a roll to play in agitating for our region. Identify infrastructure and services that business and the community require so that employment will follow. One of these is the NBN which has opened up opportunities that we must grasp, with both hands.
Basil Fitch: Councils need to become more entrepreneurial. I have personally witnessed in New Zealand the wealth creation, vibrancy and prosperity by councils becoming entrepreneurial in creating business activity and risk management which has been divorced from government. For example, they have councils in which have their own power schemes where available and applicable, wineries in others – they are acting as private enterprise. Why can’t councils run carefully considered and profitable business enterprises instead of governments?
Most Launcestonians view the health of the Tamar River as a priority. We have seen funding commitments to it, but what would be your goal in regards to amelioration and how would that be achieved?
Tim Walker: We need to increase water flow back to the South Esk via a community owned and run Duck Reach Power Station. We can build a 'Tamar Canal' , moving gravity fed water from the Tailrace outflow at Riverside back to the upper Yacht Basin along the West Tamar. These two things will increase the amount of fresh water in the upper Tamar, move the floculation point (where sediment is dropped) and create greater tidal mass, allowing for increased flow rates, and therefore less sedimentation. We can also relocate the sewerage treatment plant further downstream and make it state of the art tertiary, recyclable treatment.
Albert van Zetten: As mayor, I have lobbied for improvements to the Tamar River Estuary to be a priority under the City Deal, which brings all three levels of government to work together for the first time. Last year the City of Launceston’s infrastructure, environmental and engineering experts worked with the Tamar Estuary Management Taskforce to help deliver a new action plan for the river, ultimately securing $95 million in funding commitments for projects that will drastically improve this important waterway. It will see major upgrades of pump stations, pipes, and associated infrastructure over five years from 2019. We must work to ensure the 12 Tamar River Estuary improvement projects are rolled out in a coordinated and strategic way that allows us to be proud once more of this waterway.
Janie Finlay: As a community we are planned out. We collectively have the evidence, facts and data to resolve many problems - including the ecological and public health issues of the Tamar Estuary. What has been missing is strong consistent leadership, and persistent action. The Tamar Estuary taskforce has presented their recommendations; and the priority projects for the combined system and catchment are funded. My absolute commitment is to drive these outcomes and not allow others to distract us the work that needs to be done.
Basil Fitch: A lot of ideas have been put forward, however I believe we can dredge the Tamar and instead of dumping the silt somewhere, use it to beautify the banks of the Tamar and mixing it with green waste from the council tip for low-cost enriched garden soil for example. Another business enterprise that council could be running to offset your rates.
Bob Salt: I don't pretend to be an expert, but it seems logical that we must have increased water flows through the gorge to assist in flushing the Tamar basin as a start. We must continue to work with landholders in the catchment areas to eliminate pollutants entering the rivers that flow into the Tamar.
The Tamar Estuary 2018 Report Card makes for alarming reading when we compare it with the 2016 report, we are going backwards in four of the five zones. I implore people to read the 2018 report.
Alan Harris: The current $95 million committed to improve the health of the Tamar River will make a significant difference to the river and this work should be completed as soon as possible.
I am committed to improve the health of the Tamar River and that ultimately will require the separation of the stormwater and sewage from the last 7000 premises in Launceston to ultimately prevent raw sewage from flowing into the Tamar River in times of heavy rain events. We need to start this now but I recognize that it will take many years to complete because of the expected costs of $432 million.
I would support increasing the water flow through the Cataract Gorge to help flush the upper reaches of the Tamar River.
August was a particularly tough time for retailers in the city. What more could be done to support traders and encourage people to our CBD?
Albert van Zetten: The CBD is the heart of our city, and the economic engine driver of the region. The Council has invested in major upgrades of our CBD public spaces with the ideas and opinions of more than 6000 Northern Tasmanian residents. Now it is time to activate these spaces by helping retail precincts through the Launceston Action Team to find creative ways for events, community gatherings, retail, and other activities.
We must be smarter in the way we deliver parking services, and provide more flexibility for people who don’t always carry loose change. I believe it is also important to revisit the debate over 90 minutes free parking in some or all Council-managed CBD off-street car parks.
Basil Fitch: Cutting the costs of parking is one of many steps to encourage people to come from everywhere. An effect which was demonstrated by the massive improvement in numbers at the Launceston Show where they reduced entry fees. I would look into off street parking being free on certain days of every week. One day a week, we could have a farmer’s market in the Mall precinct together with Cityprom and traders all creating one huge market. CBD landlords could provide incentive to new traders by adopting free rent until established instead of empty shops for months or years. We should also remember that the City of Launceston has some great suburbs, wonderful townships and gorgeous natural attractions within its boundaries to support and attract people to our region, not just 500m either side of the Brisbane St Mall.
Alan Harris: Introducing the 90 minutes free parking in CBD Council owned car parks I’ve been advocating will encourage more people to come into the CBD more often to shop and enjoy our cafes and restaurants.
In the longer term, building a bigger and better mall by closing the Avenue and St John Street from York Street to Paterson Street to traffic will make a large cross shaped pedestrianised shopping mall that could be used for markets and such will also boost the CBD.
Tim Walker: The obvious first step is to reduce parking fees. Beyond this, encouraging more eclectic and dynamic small businesses by lowering costs (Cityprom/rates) as long as this was passed on to the shop renter. For all the mall refurbishments, I do not think that will make much difference at all. In the end, better transport, including public transport and cycleways would also bring many more people into the city, including a tramway from Mowbray, via the city, to Kings Meadows. I ride a bike through town ... it’s not always easy.
Bob Salt: From all reports August was an extremely tough time for many CBD retailers as it has been for retailers in the surrounding suburbs. The feedback that I have been receiving when I have visited retailers in the CBD, Lilydale and the suburbs vary. CBD have parking concerns which in part could be alleviate by instigating a program of free parking for the first hour. Another issue is the St John Street bus stop, move it to Paterson Street. Suburbs issues are traffic congestion and public open spaces.
Janie Finlay: I wholeheartedly support the development of more inner city living - bringing people, and life, into the CBD is crucial to the long term viability of our city.
Events and community activation takes long term commitment and requires everyone (not just council) has permission to be creative with our ideas and solutions. Focusing on supporting activity in the winter months is also important.
We have seen dysfunction and disunity at several councils across the state. What type of council will you lead and how can you assure good governance?
Albert van Zetten: We have seen dysfunction and disunity at several councils across the state. What type of council will you lead and how can you assure good governance?
I have led a strong, stable, future-focused council which has delivered unprecedented new projects in our community and I believe this is what Launceston deserves going forward.
I will bring the council aldermen and the wider Launceston community along in pursuit of the vision that Launceston can become one of the great regional cities of the world. We’ll invite passionate people to form a Launceston Action Team. We’ll find out what you, the people of Launceston, are passionate about and support you to make the changes. After all, change is a threat when done to you, but an opportunity when you do it for yourself.
Bob Salt: If I am elected I will work by following principles, which I have followed in the past. Inclusive, equitable, responsive, transparent, accountable, participatory, consensus oriented.
Janie Finlay: The community elect the team - the team collectively have the capacity to support our community to thrive. I will work with each alderman to understand their strengths and passions to assist them, “share the load” and involve and support each alderman individually and collectively to shine. More can be done to leverage individual strengths and the city is the ultimate benefactor of this style of leadership. I am a passionate and skilled chairperson and can artfully navigate meeting procedure to achieve great outcomes. I feel confident that with my leadership, the individuals elected from the long list of candidates who have offered themselves up for consideration, will work together, with the general manager and the organisation – most importantly – with the community and be a strong, dynamic and strategically focussed team.
Basil Fitch: Unfortunately, there is no current way to assure good governance under the present Local Government Act due to it being dysfunctional and there is much evidence that it has caused chaos across many councils to the point of where administrators are being appointed - caused solely by sections 62 and 65 of the Act. We need to revise the Act and not let the GAT dictate what is in it. Much could be gleaned from the NZ model again. The present Act allows city managers to hold closed councils and workshops or meetings such that when the public ask questions on such matters, all they are told that it is commercial in confidence. I see it as a potential breeding ground for corruption.
Tim Walker: I would lead a transparent and accountable council. I cannot mention individual aldermen, but there are obvious differences of opinion on Launceston City Council as it stands today. There has been little light shone upon this by anyone. As a result, there has been a lack of rigorous debate on many important issues. There will always be differences of opinion on any council, but making decisions behind closed doors does not mean this council is in any way unified.
Alan Harris: If elected to lead the City of Launceston council I will implement an open, respectful and broad-based consensus style of leadership when making decisions and reduce the number and frequency of closed council sessions.
Launceston has an enviable lifestyle but what are the levers you can pull and ideas you have to take it to another level?
Albert van Zetten: We’ll build more infrastructure to make your lifestyle even better and use this to attract new residents, visitors and major events.
We’ve already invested in City Heart, for example, and are developing an integrated Riverbend Park precinct with a new Seaport cycle/pedestrian bridge and a new all-abilities playground and Sky Walk.
We’ll continue to fund great festivals and events and work with the CBD retailers and other in the suburbs to support fun and activities all year round. We need to work hard to attract new events to Launceston, as we’ve done with Big Bash cricket, the CAMS rally championships, Mona Foma and so many others.
Tim Walker: A long term traffic plan that includes cycleways and tramways. A healthy Tamar River (see question two) Keeping our natural public spaces development free (especially the Gorge). Facilitating understanding and compassion for all members of our community will help make the city a more enjoyable and inclusive place.
Janie Finlay: I love Launceston. I chose to live here and raise my family here. And, I believe we can do more. We can be more innovative. More vibrant and more creative. I support the Gehl report and encourage inner city living. I am a strong advocate of the Cultural Strategy (which is in its infancy). I support the work required to become an official Child Friendly City. Growing the economy and supporting our community work hand in hand to supporting lifestyle; and for our entire community to flourish. Tourism is great - as long as it adds to and not takes from, our experience of living here as a local.
Alan Harris: Launceston’s lifestyle is one of the city’s most marketable features and I would encourage the Council to promote the city’s many advantages to those younger families wishing to leave crowded mainland capital cities to take advantage of lower property prices and an improved work/life balance, boosting our population and lowering the average age of our region.
Bob Salt: The lifestyle is a major plus of our municipality. I can not think of a better place to live. Our parks and recreation areas such as the Gorge, City Park, museum, bike trails and sense of community are second to none. However I would like to see a greater emphasis on Churchill Park as well as other facilities. This winter there were nearly two thousand registered junior soccer players who were using this facility each weekend. In saying this the council can not do everything on their own, but there needs to be a balance. The youth are our future.
Basil Fitch: The only way to take it to another level is to create more jobs and that goes back to the earlier questions – councils need to become proactive in creating supportive environment and framework for job creation. Sadly, for many, our lifestyle has become dormant. Our wages are some of the lowest in the commonwealth and until they are boosted to the level of mainland states, we will struggle to see a vibrant economy for all (not just a chosen few). A buzzing city will encourage people to come, but it is restricted by too much red tape at both state government and council regulations.
The University of Tasmania’s plan to relocate its campus to Inveresk has been a topic of much community consultation. Where do you stand on the move?
Alan Harris:
Having visited many other cities both in Australia and overseas that have their University campuses located close to the CBD, I do support the concept of bringing the University closer to the centre of the city. However I don’t believe that the Inveresk site was necessarily the best place for the new UTas campus to be built. It’s my understanding that it’s now too late to change that, so we need to get on make the most of the opportunity that the UTas move presents.
Having increased numbers of students living and attending the University at the inner city site should provide increased economic activity in the heart of city which in turn should make the CBD safer and more attractive for both locals and visitors alike.
The opportunity for new defence related industries relocating to the old UTas campus site at Newnham next to the AMC or using part of this large the site for retirement living or Aged Care should also be explored and accepted as a positive for the city resulting from the UTas move to Inveresk.
Janie Finlay: I wholeheartedly support the relocation to Inveresk. However - and the University are fully aware of my position on this - I am a serious, challenging and annoyingly persistent advocate for our community first and foremost, and am not afraid to ask the hard questions and assert pressure as and when required; and I do so often. This is an extraordinary opportunity for our community - we need to deliver on the associated infrastructure to ensure it adds to and does not take away from our current lifestyle - and I am confident this is possible.
Tim Walker: I would like a moratorium on any yet unapproved developments by the Uni, but I think it has been decided in the main, which makes any change difficult. I am supportive of a more central campus, but the process seems to have been mired in closed council meetings, Most concerning is now course downgrades, traffic chaos, what will happen at Newnham and climate change flood risks. If we had a more open process, one or both of the private hospitals (which may also be moving) could have been alternative sites, and other solutions could have been explored. Let's not forget that Inveresk Railyards were originally given to local council for recreational and cultural benefit of Launceston, around 20 years ago.
Basil Fitch: The UTAS fiasco continues. It is the greatest con job I have ever witnessed in my lifetime. A memorandum of understanding signed on May 13, 2015 by the LCC Mayor, Utas, TasTafe (why?) and the State Government. Utas have had 3.5 years to get started and be operational with monies offered by major political parties, university and state government to the tune of $260m. It has only been in very recent times that a business case was produced for federal infrastructure to get approval for the money to be released. But still not a spade has entered the ground. Utas have stated that completion date will now be 2022, but there are fears that Utas will be slowly turning the Launceston campus into providing only associate degrees. Council should rescind its support to send them back to Newnham and have no costly traffic problems to rectify or flood mitigation needed.
Albert van Zetten: The University of Tasmania’s plan to relocate its campus to Inveresk has been a topic of much community consultation. Where do you stand on the move? I totally support this move and want to see it rolled out in such a way that we combat unwanted side effects life traffic congestion and pressures on parking.
The move itself is being undertaken by UTAS to address the falling enrolments at the Newnham campus, to make the university much more a central part of the Launceston community, and to allow the university to establish a new business model. The influx of students into the CBD as a result of studying, shopping and having fun here will be a major factor in increased economic growth and should create a real buzz in the city.
Bob Salt: Whether people agree or disagree with the move of the university does not matter. We as a community need to focus on the positives and make this project work. The building work will create jobs and opportunities for business. In saying this I have grave concerns for the Newnham site. For every action there is a reaction. The retailers in the northern suburbs are struggling now. This is without the relocation of further students to the city campus.
What has been your greatest lesson in leadership?
Janie Finlay: I have learned in what I call my “apprenticeship of fire” – that not everyone wants you to succeed. I have learned not to take things personally – often when people target you – they are in fact showcasing their own deeply personal weaknesses and insecurities rather than constructively seeking to raise you up to a higher level of operating. I have learned that by working with your strengths and the strengths of others around you - by supporting others to achieve their very best - you all succeed. I am a very inclusive, supportive, positive leader.
Basil Fitch: My greatest lesson is to create an atmosphere to provide an avenue to allow people to have their say and explore their ideas instead of ignoring them. Many current local councils, state government and federal government are not listening at this time to the people as I have stated. The outcome from the most recent by-election of Wentworth is a classic example.
Alan Harris: Having a clear vision of what you wish to achieve, being able to share this vision in a simplistic way to others and then motivating others to share and commit to achieving the seemingly impossible is something I have done many times from being a winning house captain in high school to improving community facilities as a local community leader.
Bob Salt: My parents. who set the example. Be true to yourself. Listen to others, you are not always right. Be respectful of others and their views. Be honest and show integrity.
Tim Walker: Standing up for people who cannot defend themselves, and not expecting anyone to help me. I know what I stand for, and I make no ambiguity about that. I am happy to discuss an issue with respect and courtesy, but will not tolerate bigotry or bullies.
Albert van Zetten: The best advice regarding being an effective leader was given by a wise philosopher who said: “When the best leader’s work is done the people say, ‘We did it ourselves’.” The greatest lesson I have learned is that there is no I in the word ‘Team’. That’s why the vision for making Launceston one of the great regional cities of the world has to be a joint effort of the people, businesses and institutions of Launceston with council playing our part.
Where do you think a council should stand on social issues that might not necessarily be in its remit? Do you take a leadership role in the conversation or focus on core duties?
Alan Harris: I support local councils passing motions on major social justice issues as it is important to reflect the community’s support for things like same-sex marriage, Aboriginal rights etc.
Bob Salt: As a responsible council we do need to take a stand on social issues that effect the people. The days that council were only responsible for roads, rates and rubbish are well past.
Albert van Zetten: It is important to take a leadership role as a strong community with good skills, motivation and values is necessary to build a strong economy, while a strong economy is essential to fund and support a strong community. I believe it’s important to listen, and when there is an issue of concern to the Launceston community, the Council has a role to advocate, influence and lobby to act on those concerns. Our priority needs to be delivering services to the Launceston community and working to make our city a better place for future generations. The council does have an important community development role on supporting our suburbs, including the Northern suburbs.
Tim Walker: The idea that social issues are not in the remit of local council is hard to defend. Councils facilitate many health, cultural, sporting and social events that are dependant upon providing an equitable and inclusive environment. Necessarily, councils must have policies that reflect this. I believe in social, cultural and economic inclusiveness, and this should rightly be defended on every government level.
Basil Fitch: Councils have a responsibility to voice an opinion if it is affects the constituents, such as if they suffer a wrong by a body or organisation which degrades or denies a benefit to people. It has a duty under the Local Government charter to do just that. But it is not being exercised routinely at the moment. For example, the struggles of the current Tasmanian health system with the LGH and the difficulties within the current education system.
Janie Finlay: Community is what life is all about - identifying and addressing social issues is at the heart of why we exist. Business cannot thrive without willing employees and customers with money to spend. Working to ensure wherever possible individuals and families within our municipality are as engaged and productive as possible is good for our economy and our community. Council must at times play a different role - sometimes we lead, lend support, advocate and sometimes we must take a step back and allow the community to find their own way. Nothing is ever achieved in isolation and no single approach works for the great many complex and diverse challenges within our community - but - we must work with the community to identify what our role is in each situation - and act accordingly.
Mayoral candidates who attended the forum were also offered the opportunity to publish their opening and closing statements.
Bob Salt – opening statement
Who is Bob Salt?
I have lived and worked in Launceston most of my life. I am passionate about our local community and believe Launceston is a beautiful place to live, work and raise a family. I am the father of Amelia and the poppy of Frankie and Louie.
I currently operate a small state-wide business out of Launceston.
Communication, cooperation and community service is key if we want to continue to ensure Launceston and the suburbs are vibrant and welcoming to visitors and locals. I am a good listener and problem solver who will not give up until the job is done.
We must all support Launceston and the surrounding suburbs to be sustainable and for local people and business to grow. When local business thrives, a flow on effect is created, jobs for our youth and an improved economy.
I have volunteer time and resources to many community organisations including Lions International, Rotary, Festival of Dance, Bowls, Netball, Men's Shed and South Launceston Football Club to name a few.
Issues that will be my primary focus are:
- Traffic conge stion
- Sporting grounds
- A clean Tamar River
- Waste in council
- Transparency and Accountability
- Rate increases
- Sensible development and reduce red tape
- Facilitate council amalgamation
- Quarterly community forums where your voice will be heard.
Closing statement
Can I make a difference?
I make only one promise if elected and that is I will work hard for you to make Launceston and the suburbs a better place to live, work and raise a family.
Janie Finlay – opening statement
My name is Janie Finlay and I am inviting you to consider voting for me to be your next mayor of Launceston. I love Launceston. More importantly I chose Launceston, like many of us who have committed to stay here, or moved here for the many opportunities and fabulous lifestyle that we offer.
There are many elements of our community right now that require both strong leadership and consistent action. I offer both.
Our community is in a really strong place and I believe we are on the cusp of much more. As much as Launceston is a great city; we can do more. I am an independent candidate and have a strong history of being able to work with both a Liberal and Labour government at both the state and federal levels. I believe that the strength of our economy and the health and well-being of our community are intricately linked. I have the skills as a proud local to advocate at a local level for the most basic needs in our community and at the same time advocate on behalf of our business leaders.
One of the greatest challenges for our community is that we are both complex and diverse. We have people achieving the most incredible outcomes globally and at the same time the most challenged individuals, families and communities.
Over the past 12 months I have worked hard to secure many opportunities to showcase our community and demonstrate my skills and ability at a local, national and at an international level.
I believe for Launceston to achieve all that we can, we need to be connected more intimately within our communities and more connected across Australia and the world. Recently I have spoken locally about the opportunities and challenges associated with tourism and development at an Australian Property Institute forum; I presented as a key note speaker in Melbourne at the Australian Smart Cities and Infrastructure Forum; in Sydney on the main stage at Emergence - pitching a local company scaling globally; and I proudly secured the opportunity to present at the Blockchain Economic Forum in Singapore and moderate a panel discussion on building community around blockchain projects.
I believe a mayor must have the skills to work with a team and the community to collectively achieve strong outcomes across our entire community. I am today asking for your support to be your next mayor of Launceston. Thank you.
Albert van Zetten – opening statement
In my time as mayor, the council has been strong, stable and results focused and I have proven I can be a team player and team leader. Council has led a sweeping agenda for transformation of Launceston that will benefit residents and businesses for decades. Just look at some of what has been achieved:
• We’ve secured a Launceston City Deal - one of only fourn in all Australia - with funding for Tamar River Estuary improvements, the City Heart Project and the UTAS expansion;
• The C.H. Smith site is being redeveloped after so many, many, many years with council support;
• Council won awards for our response to the 2016 flood threat and we’ve constructed a new Newstead flood levee;
• a new Seaport cycle/pedestrian bridge;
• a new Riverbend Park all abilities play space, Sky Walk etc is now under construction;
• funding commitment for the planning of a new Tamar River bridge;
But we can do more.
As mayor, I want Launceston to become one of the great regional cities of the world, up there with cities like Dunedin, New Zealand.
A great regional city has an engaged community and strong leaders, a productive economy, an enviable lifestyle and great arts and culture.
How can we achieve this?
- We’ll invite the hidden – as well as the well-known - leaders to form a Launceston Action Team. If we are to make Launceston one of the great regional cities of the world we need the people of Launceston to be involved. We need to give them the chance to help make that vision of us as a great regional city happen, by supporting their specific projects. In that way people will understand what has been achieved and because they have been involved people will be proud of what we’ve all achieved. This will also empower the next generation of leaders to step up and keep the momentum going.
- We’ll find out what you, the people of Launceston, are passionate about and support you to make the changes.
- We’ll attract more start-up businesses and create jobs.
- We’ll build infrastructure to make your lifestyle even better and use this to attract new residents and visitors.
- We’ll fund great festivals and events and support fun and activities all year round.
- I truly believe that together, we can make Launceston one of the great regional cities of the world.
Basil Fitch – opening statement
In my opinion, there is a definite generation gap emerged in all three tiers of government. This ‘brigade’ only seems to know three things – spend, spend, spend. The most recent evidence of this emerged on the 22nd of October when our own LCC budget was “blown” by $3.5m in 4 months. They will also not listen to the people, especially on contentious issues and claim they know best and wonder why the whole political structure in Australia is a mess. Amalgamations should not take place under the present local government act and sadly it is only fool’s paradise to believe that there will be massive savings to be achieved across the board.
CLOSING STATEMENT:
My number one focus will be to provide the best possible outcome for the whole community as well as improving the honesty, integrity and transparency in council. I will listen to your concerns and value your opinions and stop the politicisation of our council. I encourage you to have your say and to make the changes that we need for the City of Launceston. I would appreciate your support in this election so that I can support you. Your vote is your voice and you must now decide which direction you are prepared for this great city to be taken in. I will not let you down.