INTRODUCTION: Our ticket was forged out of a common goal to achieve change within our Council and ensuring community members have a voice. Our team is diverse, dynamic and spans across the age spectrum to enable us to effectively represent all members of the communities. Kylie McKelvie and Rose Lajtar, both working mothers driven by a desire to have a collaborative and inclusive council, that advocates strongly at all levels of government to enable better outcomes for Bathurst. They also are keen to contest the next election. Callum is a student, who has a passion for our regional villages and localities and brings innovative ideas to the table. Rob is a former High School teacher with an interest in history and politics, is heavily involved in the community and brings a balance to the team .
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PRIORITIES:
Through a strong community consultation framework, our top three priorities are: drought proofing our water supply, Hereford Street and the Macquarie River crossing and supporting our local businesses and cultural development; inclusive of performing arts.
BIMC: It should be noted, that a development application has not been released. Therefore, approval should not be given for the proposed development in its current form. The rate payer should not be asked to contribute in excess of $10 million, to provide a car park for this development. Car parking should be provided on site, in line with all other development applications. Additionally, at 29 meters it is outside the guidelines in our heritage conservation area. We welcome and encourage better health facilities and an Integrated Medical Centre to Bathurst. However, the ratepayer shouldn't be pressured to agree to a design that isn't fit for purpose at the behest of the developer. A more transparent and consultative approach is required with the people of Bathurst.
RIVER CROSSING: Community consultation is the key in determining the best option. Undoubtedly, an additional river crossing should be part of the plan to relieve traffic congestion from Kelso to the city. This plan should include Hereford Street and proposes city bypasses. We can't wait to engage with the community on this very important and pressing issue.
AMBULANCE STATION: Firstly, it should be listed by NSW Heritage Council. The opportunities are endless by the community to utilise this unique asset to its full potential. We look forward to consulting with our community to further explore the potential of use, including as a café or food venue, cooperative craft or art centre, meeting place for community groups or a combination of all the above.
GO-KART TRACK: This site has already been rejected as a site for the second circuit by the EPA on noise issues. The original plans for a second circuit provided funds for a go-kart track. I was advised by Council earlier this year, that the Section 10 has been removed for the second circuit project. Let's stop procrastinating and get the job done.
RATES CAP: The ratepayers shouldn't have to foot the bill for poor planning and governance. We do not support raising rates. We need skilled Councillors who can lobby governments to fund infrastructure and have responsible financial management experience to alleviate these pressures.
BUSINESS COMMUNITY: Bathurst Business Chamber should be given a voice to repent business in Council. There needs to be structural changes in Council to link business development with Tourism and Event Management to work with the community. We need to leverage off the potential in Cultural Tourism, as opposed to predominately relying on Sports Tourism to increase economic outcomes for Bathurst. As a former business owner, I understand all too well the challenges that face small businesses. We need a strategic plan in Council to attract, promote and retain small and medium business to Bathurst. We also need to provide support and reduce red tape to prevent those prospective businesses at looking at other towns with the Central West.
WOMEN'S VOICE: Our team is passionate about ensuring women have a seat at the table, with Kylie McKelvie and Rose Lajtar in second and third position. Both are very skilled, enthusiastic and passionate women, that are keen to make changes within Council. With a proven history of advocating for women, they are determined, to contest the next Council election also, to ensure that our Council is representative of the views and aware of the challenges facing women in our community. We will develop a strategic plan to develop consultive frameworks with women and provide opportunities to enable a pathway for women to engage in and run for Council. We will also ensure that there is an opportunity at all meetings for women and/or women's interest groups to address Council on issues impacting on them.
COUNCIOL DIVISION: We have a proven record of being able to work with people with a range of views and interests. Our leadership skills and proven ability to chair meetings and forums encourages and promotes diversity and inclusion. We welcome debate and different opinions through respectful and robust discussions. It is only through this process do we have the opportunity to grow as a Council and open people's eyes to new possibilities, perspectives, ideas and innovative approaches. We will be elected to represent the people of Bathurst and this will be our focus at all times.
FUNDING: I did not receive any funding for this council campaign.