Our goal is to listen and voice, and work towards solutions, regarding issues and problems affecting the Hawkesbury.
The Hawkesbury is filled with a wonderfully diverse group of people who are hard-working and who appreciate the value of community in their lives. We are privileged to live in this unique area with its abundance of natural beauty and history.
We have a vision for the Hawkesbury aimed at maximising its potential as a stand alone area rather than allowing it to be swallowed up into the greater Sydney area. Our independence will ensure we are not directed on issues by other levels of government or influenced by party politics. Each issue which emerges in the Hawkesbury needs to be carefully evaluated in terms of its long and short term impacts on residents and the environment in which we live.
Between now and September 8 we will inform you of our policies and visions and welcome your input to assist us to understand what exactly the people of the Hawkesbury want their future to be like.
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Hi Mary, I have been looking at your fliers but see nothing mentioned about your policies regarding council finances. Is your position to REDUCE (and better control) council spending? Reduce or eliminate unnecessary spending of funds (in other words the rate payers money). Council in the past have been guilty of wasting significant amounts money on unnecessary expenses (this has previously been reported to ICAC). I look forward to your reply. Regards. Gary
ReplyDeleteHello Gary,
DeleteThanks for your question.
We are definitely committed to more efficiency in the management of Council's finances. I had hoped to go through the most recent Council budget papers thoroughly and better formulate a specific policy regarding finances, but unfortunately time has not allowed that.
It is quite evident money is being wasted and management of public assets requires a major 'shake up'. Prioritising projects and obtaining good value for money are necessary goals. Currently Council expends large amounts of money on outside consultants, and the details of this and also the need to engage consultants so frequently and extensively needs to be looked at.
We are well aware of the need for ratepayers to be able to see where their rates are being spent, down to the detail of breakdowns of costs - transparency is an oft used word these days but genuine transparency when it comes to the finances of Council is not a reality. We aim to deliver not just transparency, but effective management of public assets and sensible application of ratepayer's money to projects which meet the needs of the community.
We are also committed to preparing thorough submissions for funding applications as well as investigating investment opportunities for Council. There have been many funding opportunities which have been missed when money has been given out from other levels of government - all potential sources of income must be carefully assessed and analysed for suitability.
Again, thanks for your interest and I hope I have answered this sufficiently - i am happy to elaborate further if you would like.
Kind regards,
Mary
Hi Mary,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your answer. I have one more question for your party. It has been suggested (by a political group) that independent groups may align with other parties to form a coalition. Will your party truely remain "independent" to represent the people of the Hawkesbury?
Regards
Gary
Hello again Gary,
DeleteI am opposed to local government having coalitions and voting blocks. If elected I, (and any other of our candidates who may be elected) would be looking at every single issue individually and assessing it on its merits and its compliance with the relevant legislation. Naturally at times we might think along the same lines as other Councillors but I certainly do not agree with coalitions or pre-arranged decisions. When it comes to local issues it is so important to get the perspectives and the feedback from all 12 people about what they think on an issue - the aim is to represent the interests of the people so decisions therefore should be determined in line with what those in the community are telling Councillors are the things they feel should be done in order to deliver the best overall outcomes for the whole community. It should not be limited only to certain parts of the community, and yet party political dominance favours this sort of outcome. The fear campaign that there will be alliances with parties by independents is not even a relevant consideration for local government as the structure of the council is not like that of other levels of government where a system of government and opposition with potential balances of power exist.
12 individuals working collectively for the community to ensure we have services, facilities and infrastructure we all deserve is what we are committed to.
Group G can deliver this!!!!!
Again thanks for your interest Gary,
Mary
Just thought I'd put this up here for comment. Was told tonight that land at Grose Vale has already been compulsorily acquired/resumed from a private land owner for the proposed bridge over Navua Reserve. There will be no community consultation process. Barry's SSI policy is already making its mark on the Hawkesbury. We will be forced to give over our environment and social welfare to the control of the state and have no say and no rights to appeal. It's happening now.
ReplyDelete