IMPROVED traffic links to Eglinton and continued tourism growth through sporting events are among the key election platforms for former deputy mayor Ian North.
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Councillor North is contesting his fifth local government election and has registered a ticket for the second time.
His team comprises David Veness, Katreena Shelley, Bob Triming, and Alaine Fitzpatrick under the New Vision Team banner.
Cr North first ran a five-person ticket at the 2008 election and in a poll that was dominated by former mayor Paul Toole’s team, he still managed to be the third councillor elected.
Cr North improved his primary vote running as a solo candidate in 2012 but has returned to the above-the-line strategy for this year’s election on September 9.
He said his team “brings together a rich melting pot of ideas and experience in our community”.
“A new vision combined with a strong sense of community is needed to ensure the right decisions are made,” Cr North said.
“We must protect and enhance what we already have in our great community, as well as creating new solutions and opportunities moving forward.”
Cr North said his team would campaign on the continued development of strategies to support local businesses and to encourage new businesses and government departments to relocate to Bathurst.
“Sport and heritage tourism is [also] a massive growth area that we need to diligently pursue for the continued growth of Bathurst,” he said.
“For example, the NRL game has seen nearly 30,000 spectators attend in its four years, with thousands more attending our tennis, football, cycling and hockey tournaments, amongst others.
“Combine this with the thousands that attend cultural events and shows, as well as visitors to our museums and villages and we have a product in Bathurst that we must continue to grow.”
Cr North said he wanted to see council look at its road sealing and maintenance program to see if it could continue to improve its methods.
“With Eglinton being recognised as a growth area of Bathurst, we need to look at traffic flow solutions to Eglinton and an improvement to the school land to continue to encourage families to move into our community as it continues to grow,” he said.
“Our infrastructure needs to grow at the same rate we do as a community.”
Cr North said he has had a long-standing role as a councillor and been an active advocate for a range of community projects, developments and events.
“Finally, I am committed to a council that is completely transparent in its operations,” he said.
“I want the community to know how council is investing its money in our city and villages and how it is running its business.”
