The Race is on for Division 9 – Fraser Coast Regional Council
by Stuart on January 10, 2012
In March 2012 I will stand for election as a Fraser Coast Councillor, representing division 9. I believe that my skills and experience have equipped me with the attributes required to provide strong and effective leadership.
My experience includes:
- Owner of a local tourism based business in Scarness
- Qualified Police Prosecutor
- Community Based Police Officer
- First Response Police Officer
- Industry Consultant – Australian Apprenticeship Services
- Youth Worker
I am passionate about the Fraser Coast and believe there is so much potential our community has yet to enjoy. My wife, Dana, and I are eager for our children to grow up in a community that is safe, prosperous and sustainable. I am committed to:
A Safer Community:
This would include e ective lighting in key areas in our community; locally monitored CCTV surveillance system; and soft fall matting in playgrounds.
A Strong and Sustainable Tourism Sector:
This would include securing a major yearly event for the Fraser Coast that could be leveraged nationally and internationally; marketing the Fraser Coast to attract business/corporate tourism and community/incentive travel groups.
United & Engaged Community:
This would include investing in community events and community organisations, providing assistance where required.
A Transparent and Effective Government:
This would include 7-10 day response time limits for applications submitted to the council; greater public access and input into council meetings and a higher level of transparency in council process.
Update and improve current Disaster Management Plan:
A locally created and managed disaster management plan that effectively addresses flooding, storm surges and Tsunami threats. This would include audible public sirens; specific local community action plans; community education and designated safe areas.
Hervey Bay Esplanade Beautification:
The Esplanade is one of our greatest tourism and community assets. We should aim to make it ‘Postcard Picture Perfect’. This would include improving the roadway along the Esplanade; lighting in the parks to create atmosphere; boardwalks through wooded areas and creating a unique identity and point of difference for each of the ‘seaside villages’ along the Esplanade.
2 comments
Mr Taylor,
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Jim Connelly and I am a resident of Hervey Bay, having retired here three years ago from the ACT. Upon arriving in “The Bay” it became evident very quickly that this town was lacking “something”. Alright, it has Fraser Island and whale watching to draw the tourist dollar, but nothing else. It appears from what I read Fraser Island has become or close to becoming too expensive for the average tourist to visit and numbers are dropping off. Whale watching is no longer the exclusive right of Hervey Bay and similar whale watching cruisers are popping up all along the eastern coast at far lower costs than what the Bay’s operators currently charge. It’s an almost given that tourist numbers in the whale watching arena will decrease; how much, only time will tell. We need an attraction that will bring people to this area, 7 days a week, 52 weeks of the year; unlike whale watching which is a short period seasonal activity.
Hervey Bay has to develop another venture, a unique attraction, something that will not only attract local visitors but also those of overseas. We have an airport, beautiful bay and a marina just looking for redevelopment. Let’s throw all three into a big pot and produce a delight tourists will find irresistible.
A casino incorporated into a redeveloped marina with cruise ship berthing facilities would make Hervey Bay the jewel of Australia.
It has been indicated Sydney and Brisbane have insufficient berthing area to satisfy the huge growth in the cruise ship industry that Australia is currently experiencing, and by the way, Marg and I are going on a cruise mid year and have to travel to Brisbane to meet the ship. Just imagine if it was Hervey Bay we were departing from.
The closest casino south is Brisbane, and north is Townsville…what an opportunity for Hervey Bay to establish itself not only on the local tourist scene but also that of the world.
We have an existing airport for cruise passengers and casino patrons to fly in and out of this town; all we need is a Mayor and a council with vision and determination for it to happen. Hervey Bay will prosper and grow, money will be available for infrastructure development, jobs will be created and boy do we need that in this area which is currently running an unemployment figure over double that of the Australian average. We may even get of the bottom of the list of areas in Queensland with the lowest disposable income per household.
This is an opportunity for the Bay too good to pass up. If we don’t grab the opportunity now and start lobbying both the Queensland and Federal Governments hard through our local and federal members then the greatest opportunity for Hervey Bay to grow and prosper will be lost forever.
Lets not become preoccupied with ten reasons it can’t happen and focus on one reason to make it happen.
James Connelly
18 Hythe St, Pialba
Hervey Bay
by Jim Connelly on February 13, 2012 at 10:27 pm. #
Hi James,
Thanks very much for your very well thought out response to my blog, I very much appreciate it. There was a problem with my website and I was only recently able to access your response. I apologise for the delayed response.
I totally agree with you in relation to a cruise ship berth or terminal. I actually met with the person responsible in Toursim Queensland for lobbying the cruise ship industry to take up destinations in Queensland. The response was not as encouraging as i had hoped.
It was indicated to me that Hervey Bay was not even a consideration at this time as it would not be able to cope with the strain that cruise ships would place on the Bay and that there are not enough activities for people to do. I disagreed with this view and argued the case that the Fraser Coast is a MUST DO destination for cruise ships.
I truly believe that we can offer something unique for the cruise ship industry and think it should be further explored.
In relation to a casino, I understand that there were some development applications for a casino at the Marina and that they have been put on hold for some reason, of which I am not sure. I would have to look into it further.
Cheers,
Stuart
by Stuart on April 8, 2012 at 10:19 pm. #