September 9, 2013
Meet the would-be councillors for Division 6 of the South Burnett Regional Council.
Eight candidates have put up their hands for the by-election which is being held to replace former councillor Cheryl Dalton who resigned in July.
The election date is September 14 but there are no polling booths; it is being run as a postal ballot and all ballot slips have already been sent out.
Division 6 residents must return their completed ballot papers by Tuesday, September 24.
As whoever is elected will represent not only the residents of Division 6 but will also be voting on matters that affect all South Burnett residents, we asked all candidates the following eight questions to give our readers a feel for how the candidates stand on both Divisional and Regional issues.
The eight questions:
How do you propose to raise the extra funds needed by Council after the Federal and State Governments have cut the funds they once supplied?
If you’re elected you’ll be expected to represent the entire South Burnett. How well do you know Division 6? How well do you know the rest of the region?
If you’re elected, how many hours a week do you expect you’ll need to put into the job?
Were council amalgamations a good thing? Why?
Is tourism important to you? Why?
Do you support recycling? Why?
Do you support the Coopers Gap wind farm? Why?
What should happen to the Memerambi housing estate?
NB. We asked the candidates to limit their responses to each question to 100 words. We received answers from all candidates except Mr Ron McKinnon. The answers are printed below in order of receipt:
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Ros Heit
Ros Heit
1. How do you propose to raise the extra funds needed by Council after the Federal and State Governments have cut the funds they once supplied?
There is a huge disparity in funding from the Queensland Local Government Grants Commission ($217 per capita in the South Burnett compared with $962 per capita in the North Burnett). I support the Mayor in tackling this issue and challenging for increased funding. All levels of government are short of money and we can’t expect the ratepayers to continue to absorb increases. Looking outside the square and researching alternate funds is one of my strengths. Through my work in the last two years, I was instrumental in sourcing nearly $1.4 million from different funding bodies. I am keen to bring this experience to Council.
2. If you’re elected you’ll be expected to represent the entire South Burnett. How well do you know Division 6? How well do you know the rest of the region?
I have lived in Division 6 for 30 years and have an extensive knowledge and understanding of the division and the entire SB region, its people and their issues.
When I was secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, I gained a good understanding of many of the issues facing the region’s businesses.
As an employment consultant I worked with small businesses throughout the SB to manage their human resource requirements.
Working as a livestock manager and running our own cropping and livestock property has given me a good understanding of the rural issues of the South Burnett.
As UnitingCare Area Manager I traveled the SB region managing staff and offices in Kingaroy, Murgon, Cherbourg and Nanango.
I was involved in setting up and overseeing youth groups in Proston, Goomeri, Wondai, Blackbutt, Yarraman and Cherbourg so understand the needs of these smaller communities.
3. If you’re elected, how many hours a week do you expect you’ll need to put into the job?
Now that our children are older I am ideally placed to put in the time as a full-time councillor to ensure the residents of Division 6 are well represented. If successful I have the passion, skills and experience to help make the South Burnett the best place it can be to live and work. The South Burnett has given a lot to me and my family and now I feel is the time to give back to the community. I am fully expecting this to be more than a full-time role!
4. Were council amalgamations a good thing? Why?
Amalgamation has been painful but it has happened and I see my role, if elected, to ensure the positives of amalgamation are developed. Looking to the future I can see a number of advantages for the South Burnett:
Economies of scale, financial sustainability and more efficient use of ratepayers’ dollars.
Making the South Burnett a ‘community of interest’ and one entity for attracting funding, tourism and investment.
Strengthening the ‘voice’ of the South Burnett in the State and Federal arenas.
Improving inter-town connection and resourcing for the betterment of all South Burnett residents.
5. Is tourism important to you? Why?
Wikipedia tells me that in the financial year 2010/11, the tourism industry in Australia brought approximately A$35 billion to the national economy. Boosting local tourism can increase our share of this and increase local income and job opportunities. Also people visiting the South Burnett will see what a great place it is and may decide to move here to live and start local businesses. The recently announced $550,000 grant from the Federal Government to develop a Rail Trail linking Murgon to Kingaroy will be a great boost to tourism for the communities along the trail. Having walked the trail from Linville to Yarraman, I know what a great asset this will be to the region.
6. Do you support recycling? Why?
Recycling is a good thing, it’s environmentally sustainable and responsible practice and it extends the life of our landfill. However this comes at a cost to set up and administer at a time when ratepayers are struggling with the recent rate hikes. I would like to see a full cost benefit analysis prior to any implementation. A couple of suggestions to consider would be:
Council to investigate the possibility of twice yearly kerbside collection of green waste and bulky items for collection on these days.
Individuals to take responsibility for separating and taking their recyclables to the waste disposal facilities.
7. Do you support the Coopers Gap wind farm? Why?
It is a concern that this issue has caused division in the local area.
The Federal Government is currently committed to 20% renewable energy by 2020 so renewable energy options are going to be kept on the table.
The Coalition have flagged a possible reduction in subsidies to renewable energy so the election result may be significant.
The State Government is in process of drafting guidelines for wind farms.
The current proposal does not meet the SBRC commitment of a 2km setback.
The decision about the Coopers Gap wind farm will be made by the State Government. If elected to council I will focus on ensuring this and any other proposed development fits within the government guidelines and is in the best interests of the South Burnett residents.
8. What should happen to the Memerambi housing estate?
Council, the owners and locals all want finalisation of this estate and I believe it is currently with the legal experts. Perhaps an option could be for SBRC to complete the infrastructure and the drainage under a debt-for-equity swap similar to the PCA /NAB deal. Certainly I would like to see some trees or a fence along the Bunya Highway to improve the aesthetics of the estate. More importantly SBRC needs to learn from this and look at other historical sub-divisions in the region to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen again.
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Ian Newson
Ian Newson
1. How do you propose to raise the extra funds needed by Council after the Federal and State Governments have cut the funds they once supplied?
Firstly we need the facts from all tiers of Government. And we need answers as to why the QLCGC has made such severe cuts to the SBRC allocations, and why State road grants have been reduced. The question needs to be asked as to why the North Burnett and Lockyer Valley received a 6.76% and 8.09% increase for their 2012/13 Budget, and why at the same time the SBRC was stripped of 10.79% in funding for the same period? I support both our Mayor and Deb Frecklington in their lobbying for funding whenever possible, particularly Wayne Kratzmann’s request for an overhaul of the taxation system to deliver consistency in funding to Local Government in order to deliver essential services in the future. Hopefully, a new Federal Government may be more receptive to the basic needs of all Australians. We cannot continue to impose unreasonable rate increases and levies on a limited rate base.
2. If you’re elected you’ll be expected to represent the entire South Burnett. How well do you know Division 6? How well do you know the rest of the region?
I know Division 6 like the back of my hand as this is where I was born, reared and have chosen to live for the whole 51 years of my life. You could also say that the South Burnett has been my backyard as this is where I have conducted my business activities since I was 16. I have provided service to my cattle clients and completed real estate valuations throughout the whole of the South Burnett region and am very familiar with the localities and towns within its boundaries. Smaller areas like Chahpingah, Ironpot, Inverlaw etc will not be overlooked if I am chosen as Councillor for Division 6.
3. If you’re elected, how many hours a week do you expect you’ll need to put into the job?
If I have the privilege of representing Division 6, I am prepared to put in whatever time and effort it takes to get the job done! I am now in a position to do this as my family has grown up and two of our three boys have left the nest, while the third is now a teenager. I have the steadfast support of my wife, Karen, who will be assisting in the office and other roles. Importantly, I will be setting aside my real estate valuation business to free up time to fulfill my role as Councillor. I will be available to constituents on a daily basis and will program set days on a regular basis for the community to see me at Wondai, Wooroolin, Kumbia and Durong. Many would be aware of my proven track record in business of ‘getting the job done,’ and I will employ the same energy in my role as Councillor.
4. Were council amalgamations a good thing? Why?
I believe council amalgamations were inevitable: premeditated by the previous Beattie State Government. In a perfect world, it would have been great to see each Council remain independent so that they could each raise and administer funds as they believed best for their Shire. South Burnett Online reports that there were 37 Councillors to attend to the needs of the South Burnett prior to the 2008 amalgamation. Unfortunately, now there are only seven, one for each of the Divisions, and the Mayor. This is why it is imperative that the constituents of Division 6 select a candidate who has sound business skills which he can contribute to the Council to help balance the books. He should also have a humble attitude enabling him to listen to constituents’ concerns and inputs, and a strong and determined voice to competently negotiate on behalf of his Division. I believe that I have the ability and credentials to do the job.
5. Is tourism important to you? Why?
Tourism is very important to our region – but no more important than agriculture. I acknowledge tourism as an attractive alternative income generator, which can supplement our communities’ traditional activities, but we can’t spend thousands of dollars on promotion to get the visitors here, if the very people who are paying for this promotion, are being rated off their properties and can no longer be viable. Feedback from a number of tourist operators indicates visitors to the South Burnett will very likely be turned off coming back or encouraging others to come here if they encounter appalling roads which are not only dangerous in places, but also damaging to their motorhomes and vans. Supplying the facilities and services needed for tourism is costly for council, and just at the moment, there are more pressing needs such as getting roads back in order, and upgrading sewerage and water supply systems. Let’s get back to basics for now, and in time, when we’re back on our feet, give tourism projects the ‘shot in the arm’ they need. Or maybe we look at an alternative ‘user pays’ scheme?
6. Do you support recycling? Why?
Yes, like many of us, I support recycling in principle, but only if it is cost neutral, or better still, provides a positive income stream for a local business. I believe that the majority of respondents to the recent survey showed overwhelmingly that they did not want recycling. I certainly don’t want to see yet another rate increase or levy to our ratepayers to see it established. Recycling is expensive, at least partly due to the fact that waste is being sent away for processing. Could a recycling plant be set up within the South Burnett itself, partly subsidised with the money saved by not having to transport recyclables long distances? Maybe a grant could be obtained to help with this establishment? Further investigation is definitely needed.
7. Do you support the Coopers Gap wind farm? Why?
In principle, I am in favour of progress and the benefits brought to communities by any major project, whether it be a wind farm or any other project. However, let me be very clear that I will not support a development of any kind that can be proven to be harmful or that negatively impacts the quality of life of nearby residents. The positives will always need to far outweigh the negative impacts of any proposal brought before the SBRC whilst I am in office. My understanding is that the Coopers Gap Wind Farm Project is a decision to be made at State Government level, but the SBRC will be able to make a submission on the proposal. If elected, I will make it very clear that council will need to demand – at the very least – independent internal attenuation testing (as directed by the State Government) and at the cost of the proponent of all houses within the two kilometre setbacks.
8. What should happen to the Memerambi housing estate?
What a fiasco and eyesore this has become! Not only impacting locals visually on a daily basis, but also damaging the reputation of the Memerambi area and the South Burnett region as a whole. It’s “Mum and Dad” investors that are being hurt due to ill-informed decision making by previous councils. A substantial bond from the developer may have been the answer, but the horse has already bolted. In any event, it needs to be sorted. I am not, however, in favour of the council (ratepayers) funding the solution, though, as this sets a very bad precedent for any future development that may go bad.
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Marc Peters
Marc Peters
1. How do you propose to raise the extra funds needed by Council after the Federal and State Governments have cut the funds they once supplied?
It’s difficult for councils to generate new income streams. The current Council has framed two budgets and after each one Council has been shocked because State and Federal funding they had hoped to receive didn’t materialise. Councils that border the South Burnett receive 3 and 4 times the dollars per person we are getting from other spheres of government. There must be a problem. I will try to identify the problem and work to implement solutions. I spent 23 years of my life managing companies so I know how to frame a Statement of Income and Expenditure and work within its parameters.
2. If you’re elected you’ll be expected to represent the entire South Burnett. How well do you know Division 6? How well do you know the rest of the region?
I know the area very well and have lived here since January 1988. During this time I have been involved in business, sporting organisations and community groups. My three sons grew up and completed their secondary education here.
3. If you’re elected, how many hours a week do you expect you’ll need to put into the job?
As a Councillor I expect to work between 45 and 60 hours a week. If elected, I will resign from my present job and be a full-time Councillor. Councillors need to attend meetings, workshops, briefings and Committees. They must follow up on issues relating to their Divisions and Portfolios. I will base myself at the Wondai Council Office and spend one full day each week in various places in Division 6 listening to residents’ concerns and issues. After all they are my bosses.
4. Were council amalgamations a good thing? Why?
I support the amalgamation of small unsustainable Councils into larger bodies. The South Burnett has a population of around 33,000 people. Prior to amalgamation we had four Councils to administer the region. This meant a large degree of duplication of plant and equipment. But the economies of scale that will be a result of amalgamation won’t however happen overnight.
5. Is tourism important to you? Why?
Yes, tourism is important to our region. It is one industry which can have a direct and growing input into our region’s economy. Our neighbouring tourism region of North Burnett and Bundaberg get one million dollars each day as an economic benefit from tourism. The development of a Rail Trail from Murgon to Kingaroy will in time become a huge asset for our region.
6. Do you support recycling? Why?
Yes, I do support recycling. Some regions in Queensland have been recycling commodities such as engine oil, plastics, glass, paper and metal for decades. Families in our region – including mine – already recycle by way of composting, worm farms and backyard chooks. You can’t, however, compost steel, plastic or glass. Council needs to introduce a cost-effective recycling program.
7. Do you support the Coopers Gap wind farm? Why?
I oppose the establishment of a Wind Farm at Cooranga North. I believe we need to increase the research into, and development of, alternative energy sources. I strongly support progress and development but I will not support any form of development that could have adverse effects on our lifestyle, health and well-being. The wind farm at Cooranga North falls into this category. Until the health risks that have been associated with wind farms in Australia and overseas have been proved not to be real, I will oppose their construction. We don’t want another asbestos story.
8. What should happen to the Memerambi housing estate?
The company or people responsible for the Memerambi debacle should be made to bring it up to an acceptable standard by establishing streets, drainage and other necessary infrastructure.
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Michael Magnussen
Mike Magnussen
1. How do you propose to raise the extra funds needed by Council after the Federal and State Governments have cut the funds they once supplied?
The funds shortfall from SBRC budget from the government cuts will be no different to the real business world, being the total budget dollars you have to work within. So there will be NO need to raise extra funds, start thinking outside the current increase, increase mentality. Achieve this by rationalisation and open tendering of services using local-based Council contractors. For example, local gravel contracts, currently the majority is imported from near Brisbane and also major out-of-town contractors’ mobilisation costs. Local contractors, if given the chance, would be far more cost-effective. Embark on a “Best Practice Program” model for all activities to reduce outgoings.
2. If you’re elected you’ll be expected to represent the entire South Burnett. How well do you know Division 6? How well do you know the rest of the region?
I have lived in the South Burnett all my life and know the district back-to- front. I was a partner in a farming / earthmoving family business which was operated from Division 6 providing earthworks services to the entire South Burnett region. I also operated earthmoving equipment at Tarong Mine and Power Station. In recent years I have been managing my own engineering business which interacts with a number of local SB business providers.
3. If you’re elected, how many hours a week do you expect you’ll need to put into the job?
As in any business you have to put in an immense effort to get results. Ultimately in this business, the aim is to have the shareholders, ie. the ratepayers, satisfied and confident with the business output. Current feedback received from the ratepayers regarding the SBRC activities has disclosed that they are completely appalled at being charged Gold Coast rates for SB properties. So I believe it will be a 24/7 effort for the remainder of this term and thereafter.
4. Were council amalgamations a good thing? Why?
Amalgamation has been a calamity since its inception by Peter Beatie Government. It has not delivered the savings of scale at all that was modelled prior to its introduction. Previous regional outlying on-the-job Council depots have been closed and relocated to shire centres leaving outlying ratepayers disadvantaged. For example, Wondai Council Depot has been closed and equipment sold; workers now travel to Nanango Depot daily, and then travel again all the way to Durong to work for the day. The structure of work is all over the place with the inefficiency issues reflecting on our current rate charges.
5. Is tourism important to you? Why?
Tourism in the SBRC is paramount to the region’s viability. Visitors provide an injection of much-needed dollars for the hospitality and small business sectors’ stability. We have many tourist attractions in the region and more growth in this area is needed. SBRC is currently doing well assisting this sector ie. spearheading the Boondooma Homestead Caravan park approvals to cater for all-year-round tourism to the Homestead and surrounding region.
6. Do you support recycling? Why?
I do not support recycling at this stage. The district is struggling and this recycling program is yet again going to increase your rate costs; another levy! Why embark on another program that will cost ratepayers more dollars! We have existed and managed waste effectively up until now utilising ex-gravel pits for waste. If we stop importing gravel from near Brisbane and dig our own gravel pits locally, we will have more pit holes to fill with waste and save on gravel supply costs as well.
7. Do you support the Coopers Gap wind farm? Why?
As stated in my recent advertising: “The AGL Proposal to SBRC which is based on their AGL standards alone reduced setbacks to houses from industry standards of 2kms back to 1.4kms.” The current SBRC voted unanimously in January 2012 opposing the above AGL proposal which I also support. Unlike the recent no impact study solar rollout, an impact study needs to be conducted on the effect of the wind farm on Stanwell so as we don’t lose another 200 jobs and $20m to the district per annum. If in future AGL can structure > 2km setback to existing houses and achieve < 30 dBA inside houses, I will reassess my position with valued input from all concerned parties.
8. What should happen to the Memerambi housing estate?
SBRC needs to be held accountable for 102 years of rates monies they have collected – where has it gone? The facts:
Titles issued from 1911 – Council has received rates for over 102 years on these parcels and still expect others to provide basic services – isn’t that the council’s primary role?
51 blocks sold and 51 houses partially constructed – in limbo for 3 years
Holding owners to ransom for over 3 years creating extreme hardship for all involved
Massive embarrassment to the district – passing visitors are horrified – needs to be sorted out – action not talk!
Underground power has been in place for over a year
No prospective developers would ever want to invest in the South Burnett after witnessing this disaster
Legal action has been enacted by owners as a last resort to attempt to get the council to see reason
Scare tactics with flooding concerns but yet no flooding issues in Memerambi in Jan 2013 which was the highest rainfall event ever on record.
In summary, Council just wanted to collect rates for 102 years and make others pay so they can waste money everywhere else. If they were a business they would go broke in a month.
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Peter Powne
Peter Powne
1. How do you propose to raise the extra funds needed by Council after the Federal and State Governments have cut the funds they once supplied?
Funds will always be an issue, there is never enough. Raising rates is never popular and should always be done with careful consideration. It was a brave move to impose a road levy, it was never going to be popular and there needs to be improvement as a result. The problem is that ratepayers who have worked hard and acquired numerous blocks cop a heavier load. I believe there are savings to be made by working with staff to develop efficiencies. There will always be an option to borrow but would only support extensive borrowing if it is within council’s means and to create long-term savings or efficiencies of services to ratepayers.
2. If you’re elected you’ll be expected to represent the entire South Burnett. How well do you know Division 6? How well do you know the rest of the region?
Division 6 is a huge area and very diverse. I’ve lived here for nearly seven years now. I don’t admit to knowing it like the back of my hand but I like to take the back roads because I’m a sticky beak. I’m interested in what is going on and where. I’ve seen much of the area in my current job and pass through it every day going to and at work. Don’t be concerned, I will represent the whole area. I have travelled the world and I know by comparison this area is fairly special in many ways. I will say, a lot of our roads are not something we can be proud of and need attention.
3. If you’re elected, how many hours a week do you expect you’ll need to put into the job?
I’m committed to doing whatever it takes; to me it will be full-time job. As State President of the Isolated Children’s Parents Association I spent many late nights and early mornings attending to business and as a small business owner I was used to long hours and being available 24/7. You only get out of a job what you put in and I will be committed
4. Were council amalgamations a good thing? Why?
I’m not sure amalgamation on the existing scale was a good idea. There was some scope to encourage smaller councils to share services and reduce costs to make them more viable but total amalgamation has been tremendously disruptive and costly. Local Government is the people’s government and in my view the most important tier of government. With proper funding to local government great things could happen. Communities have lost their autonomy through amalgamation and that is a shame. We need to make an effort to bring that back.
5. Is tourism important to you? Why?
I believe this area is still an untapped resource in terms of attracting tourism dollars. This area has so much to offer naturally, great views, great climate, and accessibility just to mention a few. We sit within reach of a huge market and we need to further support existing initiatives and create new promotions to bring more people to the area. Tourism is about being proud of what we have and encouraging people to come and share it with us and help our economy while they do. Tourism is also about outside dollars bringing money to this area from another. It is very important to have a quality product. We have many, and we need more.
6. Do you support recycling? Why?
I believe in recycling but only to a point. This point being that the cost of recycling can blow out of proportion so at times we need to look for other alternatives. Many products can easily be recycled, for example metal. If we are concerned about the environment we should be encouraging people to place their rubbish is an easily accessible facility (that is dumps open all the time) to ensure we have control over the rubbish and discourage rubbish being dumped inappropriately ie in the bush
7. Do you support the Coopers Gap wind farm? Why?
I support any new initiative that brings benefits to the region but not at any cost. I understand the council has an existing resolution that suggests a 2km setback and an adherence to the Queensland noise pollution guidelines. As a member of council I would stand behind this existing recommendation. I also remain open-minded if it become apparent in the future that properly conducted research proved this decision needed reviewing.
8. What should happen to the Memerambi housing estate?
I feel for the individuals that have invested in this project and have to date seen no benefit or return. I feel the only way this project will come to completion is for outside investors to salvage something from it. I would never support a plan for council to bail the project out financially. I would encourage and support measures to ensure this type of thing doesn’t occur again. It would require a better understanding of the makeup of the project for me to comment on what should happen to it. I will be looking into it if elected, for sure.
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Wendy Turner
Wendy Turner
1. How do you propose to raise the extra funds needed by Council after the Federal and State Governments have cut the funds they once supplied?
By ensuring Council operates their business more efficiently, offering better value for money, supporting local business and services for all Council purchases and eliminating waste.
2. If you’re elected you’ll be expected to represent the entire South Burnett. How well do you know Division 6? How well do you know the rest of the region?
I have lived in a small community in Division 6 for over 21 years and the South Burnett for over 31 years. I have been employed in Murgon and Kingaroy and played sport all over the South Burnett region. I feel I have a good understanding of the entire South Burnett.
3. If you’re elected, how many hours a week do you expect you’ll need to put into the job?
Our family have owned and operated private business in the South Burnett for many years. I understand and am prepared to put in however many hours it takes to get the job done.
4. Were council amalgamations a good thing? Why?
I believe Council amalgamations were a good thing to unite our region. The forced process and logistics of the amalgamation have been costly to our region, however we are reaping the benefits through regional tourism and events
5. Is tourism important to you? Why?
Yes, tourism is important as it brings to our region visitors and potential new residents injecting income into the region and supporting local business.
6. Do you support recycling? Why?
I support the principle of recycling, however I would need to ensure the cost-effectiveness to ratepayers, Council and local business before offering full support.
7. Do you support the Coopers Gap wind farm? Why?
No, I do not support the Coopers Gap wind farm. After recent reading and research, I feel strongly that all local residents are entitled to their chosen lifestyles without interference. The South Burnett infrastructure and prosperity evolved around the power station which is now suffering due to the supply of solar energy.
8. What should happen to the Memerambi housing estate?
The Memerambi Housing Estate should be completed. All interested and represented persons should sit down together and work out the best option for all involved. The unfinished estate provides a poor impression and shows the region as unprosperous. This will have an impact on tourism and real estate.
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Don Pinwill
Don Pinwill
1. How do you propose to raise the extra funds needed by Council after the Federal and State Governments have cut the funds they once provided?
We can expect funding from Federal and State governments to remain tight. Council must prioritise essential services and delay new projects and improvements to facilities until affordable. Ratepayers (farmers and businesses) can simply not financially support an ambitious spending agenda. Several million could be saved by delaying town beautification schemes and Kingaroy airport resurfacing, by scrapping financial aid to the Markwell Street private hospital and running a smarter works and personnel budget. Tough times require tough measures. Council needs to have regard for struggling ratepayers so they are still around when financial fortunes change for the better.
2. If you’re elected you’ll be expected to represent the entire South Burnett. How well do you know Division 6? How well do you know the rest of the region?
Twenty-five years of living, working and operating businesses in Division 6 is a good grounding. The best apprenticeship for a Councillor is to campaign hard by knocking on doors, addressing meetings, meeting people, travelling all the back roads and attending community events as I have done. The knowledge and feedback is most valuable. Having been a candidate for Division 6 during last year’s election and now this by-election means I know the area and the issues. My knowledge of the entire South Burnett district is good and, if elected, I will look forward to representing our region.
3. If elected, how many hours a week do you expect you’ll need to put into the job?
Being a Councillor is one of those jobs where you must do whatever it takes for as long as it takes as I consider this to be a full-time job. Being free from personal business interests gives a time advantage. If you put yourself in the public arena then you must expect to be available whenever required. This is why approachability and responsiveness are essential credentials for any good Councillor. Being a Councillor is not about hours – it is about service. Entering a Council mid-term will require a great many catch-up hours.
4. Were council amalgamations a good thing? Why?
The short answer is no. Amalgamation was marketed as a big step forward in financial efficiency. It was enforced without proper community consultation by a Premier who retired shortly afterwards. A glaring example of amalgamation failure is Wondai. Wondai Council was well run, well financed without debt, with sensible rates and decent community services. All this is now reversed. Some of the back roads of Division 6 have not seen a grader since amalgamation. It is an unfortunate reality that large amalgamations always come with their own set of in-built inefficiencies. The money goes to the bigger centres – where the votes are, rather than the sparsely populated outlying areas.
5. Is tourism important to you? Why?
Tourism is important because it brings outside money into the local community. Over previous years Council has done a fair job of promoting our region and providing tourist facilities. However, there is much more to be done, especially in the field of ecotourism which has not been utilised. The South Burnett region has rare and endangered vine scrubs with interesting flora and fauna not seen in other parts of Australia. These need to be protected and if promoted will attract visitors from all over Australia and the rest of the world.
6. Do you support recycling? Why?
The idea of recycling is good. It is the responsible thing to do having regard to our dwindling resources and pollution problems. Whether it is a practical and cost-effective move for the South Burnett region will depend on the details. Where will it be done? How will it be done and by whom? What commodities exactly will be recycled and recycled into what? What will it cost the householder? It is easy to support the concept of recycling but we need the details before we can make a decision on its relevance to our situation.
7. Do you support the Coopers Gap wind farm? Why?
I have consulted with opposing parties. Those opposing are concerned that the noise will disrupt their households and animals. They maintain AGL will not comply with noise standards. Queensland is currently setting standards specific to wind turbine noise levels. It is premature to assume AGL will not comply before we know what the standards are. Noise levels are affected by many factors – turbine make and size, topography, vegetation, distance, etc. Given this, each turbine location is different so computer models are not necessarily accurate. What matters is noise levels within the closest residence. Provided AGL comply with the standards as set by government, I can see no grounds to oppose this development. With diminishing staff at Tarong, we need the proposed 20 permanent jobs the wind farm will provide.
8. What should happen to the Memerambi housing estate?
What a shambles! If this mess is ever going to be sorted then the place to start is to expose the process that enabled this development to ever get off the ground. Somebody must be responsible. With the complications of bankruptcy and financial receivers now involved, we are in for a long-drawn out process that will mostly be beyond Council control. Can anything be salvaged from this chaos? Let the dust settle first and then we’ll see what remains.
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Ron McKinnon
We received no answers from Ron McKinnon.