Introduction: Megan Jackson, 5 years. For council to be representative of the community, it needs strong, capable female councillors, and I believe I can fill that role. I have a business and management background, and am involved in a wide range of community roles. I tend to look at things strategically, and want the Bathurst community to be strong, successful and inclusive.
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Popularly-elected mayor: No, I think the council needs to work as a team, and that will work most effectively if the councillors themselves select the mayor, similar to the board of a company electing the chair.
Water sale: No, and I think the outcome of the Regis Resources McPhillamy mine situation, where the use of recycled water is now being investigated, shows that if we stand up for our water resources then better solutions can indeed be found.
Roundabout: The Mitre/Suttor/Lambert intersection certainly needs fixing, and I fully support that, whether that ends up being a roundabout or an alternative solution. If black spot funding is not made available, then it will be part of the new council’s role to determine priorities for future council funding, and there are many roads in the Bathurst Regional Council area that will vie for that funding, including work on re-opening the Bridle Track. I would not want to pre-empt that process, other than to say that I recognise the community’s high level of concern regarding both of these projects.
Australia Day: Australia Day should be a day that all Australians can celebrate together. Currently that day is set as January 26, and yes I think Australia Day celebrations should be held on that day. Along with many others, I do recognise that 26 January is not a comfortable or happy date for many indigenous Australians, and I would like the federal government to begin seriously addressing options for changing it, so that we can end up with an inclusive national day that everyone can celebrate together. The setting of the date for Australia Day is a federal issue, not a local government issue.
TAFE building: The old TAFE building forms an important part of the Bathurst Town Square precinct, and I think substantial community input should be sought before any decisions on its re-use are taken. Community, arts and youth sectors are all options that should be considered, but the cost of restoring and maintaining the site must be taken into account.
Rates cap: I think we need more community discussion on council funding, and rates as a part of that. The community has high expectations of the services and infrastructure provided by council, but understandably wants proper justification for any increase in rates above the IPART rate peg. If council was to seek a ‘special rate variation’ then it needs to bring the community with it, through close consultation and communication.
Christmas decorations: Yes, it lifts everyone’s spirits, there should be some decorations in the CBD.
CCTV: Council currently provides a subsidy program to support businesses choosing to install CCTV, and I support that program.
Demolition by neglect: “Demolition by neglect” has become a serious issue in recent times, but looking at it positively, I think council has an opportunity to provide encouragement and support to owners of historic properties to assist them in maintaining older buildings in workable condition. I’d like to look at these options before resorting to sanctions against home owners, as this can lead to a cycle of distrust and antagonism between home owners and council which is in no-one’s best interests.
Attendance: I have attended three meetings in recent months, and have read the council meeting documents and minutes for many more.
