The Beagle Editor,
The Local Government elections are due in September 2020, and it's time to start to think about what we want from the Councillors we elect to make decisions on our behalf.
If we have Councillors who have a strong connection to their community, and have a robust and well informed view of the issues confronting us such as climate change and over-development , it is likely community concerns will be taken into account. If this is to happen we need to take a strong interest in who is seeking election and ensure that we do have well informed community based Councillors elected in 2020.
We need Councillors who:
· work with local people and other governments to build a sustainable local economy based on emerging technology we can proudly hand down to our children and grandchildren - that includes nurturing small businesses and local industry which enhances our living environment.
· Honour the land we live on that has been cared for so well by first peoples for tens of thousands of years.
· Represent the people rather than be a handmaiden to business. Progressive Councillors will advocate for the Shire when powerful interests such as Federal & State Governments and big business work against us
· Make sure we keep our Shire as an attractive tourist destination- clean beaches; lots of forest and wilderness; thriving small businesses.
· Serve the voiceless & powerless by providing services and facilities that respect them and increase their ability to act on their own behalf.
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A councillor sitting on their own can’t make this happen. The best way to achieve this result is to work with established progressive parties.
I am putting my name forward for preselection as an ALP candidate at this next election. I’m hoping that come September next year we will have a Progressive Council working to make a secure and sustainable future for us all.
David Grace
