My three minute speech – Tenth Councillor Candidate of the Ballot Paper

I would like to share with you, as residents of our region, my three minute speech which is delivered at the Meet    the Candidates Nights:

Mr Chairman, Fellow Candidates, Ladies & Gentlemen.

My name is Cheryl Gaedtke, and I am the tenth Councillor Candidate on the ballot paper.

The reason I am standing for Council is to achieve identified goals, and to improve the overall operation, and image of Council. I have the commitment to deal with conflicting demands, I have aspirations, and possess logical thinking, to secure the best results for the community as a whole.  I am passionate about our region, and believe that we live in an area that has the potential to develop more successfully, with long term vision, an intellectual approach, a sincere attitude and sound management strategies.

There is a need to develop a strong partnership with all levels of government and as well as other local government, and adopt a communication pathway to avoid bad decision making. Bad decision making is alive and well, and we need to plan with our eyes open.

I commend Council on its achievements over the past term – However, there is always room for improvement.

Items that have made my radar include:

• Road Maintenance Policies
• Unsupportive & at times arrogant display of Attitude
• Management of Land Use and Sustainable Development
• Transport & Connection Between Towns and Major Cities
• Management of our Natural Environment
• Building a Strong Economic Base
• Strengthening Tourism
• Acknowledging that Agricultural Business and Industry is a major employer in our region

To enhance our region, future collaborative planning should include the feasibility of establishing:

1. A higher Educational Facility
2. An RV Friendly Home Base
3. A Retirement Village, and other levels of Aged Care Facilities
4. Regional Government Offices

And in addition:

• I want Councillors to actually listen to their Communities and Share Concern of the Smallest Issue
• I want Affordable Community Venues
• I want Each Councillor to Champion Planning Documents
• I want Council to continue Addressing the Social Needs of our Communities, in partnership with Other Levels of Government
• I want Better use of our Recreational Facilities, by examining the Performance of Current Management
• I want Council to continue to Reap the Benefits of a Strong Investment Strategy
• I want A Council that Supports One Another and Works As A Team
• I want this region to be Lead by its Board of Directors, and that is the Mayor & 6 Councillors

Operational Challenges for our Council include:

• Cost shifting from other government levels
• Maintaining current grant and subsidy allocations

In Conclusion

I invite you to contact me if you wish to discuss any Local Government related issue or just to say hello. I welcome feedback and I also welcome your point of view.  As I have boasted in my election campaign Two Way Communication Always!  Empowerment & Pride for the Region, for the People

THANK YOU