Introduction: My name is Monica Morse and I have lived in Bathurst for 33 years. I am standing for re-election to Council because I believe that it is important to have a role in the community in which I live and have worked. Bathurst has given me opportunities to learn, for my children to learn and grow and for me to take part in wonderful activities. I believe our city should be a caring community and I therefore consider that I should contribute by way of serving as a Councillor.
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Popularly-elected mayor: I have always been against a popularly-elected Mayor. I have known of many councils in which an elected Mayor does not have the support of the Council and who cannot be removed during the four-year term. The safest way for a workable Council is to have a Mayor who can lead a team of Councillors and work well with the General Manager. This is best achieved by being elected from within the sitting Councillors who have the insight into the operations on the Council. Also, election by Councillors requires a majority vote which ensures the support of the majority Councillors who have an understanding of the skills of the person elected Mayor.
Water sale: No.
Roundabout: Solutions to this difficult intersection have been put forward for many years. Issues such as ownership of adjoining land, Australian standards for roundabouts, and cost/benefits have been discussed. In the past that area has not been declared a ‘black spot’ because there have been very few accidents there. In the event of no black spot funding being made available, further research needs to be undertaken to find the best solution for the problems of the intersection to provide the best value for money in terms of the future safety of drivers, pedestrians and school children.
Australia Day: No, I don’t think Australia Day should be changed but discussions should be held with the Australia-wide Aborigine community on how and when the development of this nation can be celebrated in an inclusive way.
TAFE building: The heritage part of the TAFE building should be developed for the benefit of the community and included in a master plan for the whole site which is a large area in the centre of the City. A mix of commerce, perhaps a public/private partnership and a focus on the heritage of the area should be developed.
Rates cap: Council is faced with mandatory wage rises and increases in costs of services and supplies. This is an impossible financial position when rates are pegged by the Government. A compromise needs to be reached, which may well mean a small rate rise.
Christmas decorations: Yes. We must not be the only city without anything Christmas decorations.
CCTV: Council should explore the cost and effectiveness of CCTV in terms of reduction of crime and of catching the culprits. Many businesses already have CCTV and share their information with the Police and should be of a quality enable proper identification of criminals.
Demolition by neglect: We should introduce a system over the next few years whereby buyers of buildings in the conservation area are bound to maintain their properties. It is hard to undo the damage done to old houses in the 1960s but owners should be encouraged to renovate rather than demolish. Owners of empty houses should suffer an increase in rates.
Attendance: I have served on Council for nine years and have missed only one meeting in that time and that was because of ill health.
