Article: Thompson elected deputy mayor

[Fares_Fair]

Article: Thompson elected deputy mayor
Sunshine Coast Daily
by Nicole Fuge
23rd May 2012 3:14 AM

Updated: 12:15 PM

http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/story/2012/05/23/new-council-to-go-public-today/

UPDATE: FORMER finance chair Chris Thompson has been elected the deputy mayor, replacing Caloundra representative Tim Dwyer for the coveted post.

The  division 4 councillor was unanimously voted in as the Sunshine Coast Council deputy at the first council meeting this morning at Kawana.

New mayor Mark Jamieson was watched by family, friends, council staff and invited guests as he was officially sworn in along with the other 12 councillors.

Mr Jamieson promised to deliver on his promise of heading council in a  new direction with a strong focus on jobs and economic development.

Mr Jamieson said he was determined to work with councillors to deliver a strong economy while protecting the environment.

"We have the right mix of experience, expertise and enthusiasm to deliver for the people of the Sunshine Coast," Mr Jamieson said.

"I'm committed to a well-managed economy, taking positive steps to create jobs, and providing the right environment to attract worthwhile investment.

"I'm committed to sound financial management of council, and value for money for ratepayers.

"I'm committed to getting the right balance between economic, social and environmental policies."

Each of the councillors were invited to make a short speech in which they thanked voters, their families and their wives.

Cr Jenny McKay, the only woman on the council, said the council had a big job ahead in delivering on jobs while balancing the need to protect the environment.

Cr Dwyer seconded the motion to support Chris Thompson as deputy, though the Daily understands he had nominated for the position in a meeting before the public vote but did not get the numbers.

"It's a great honour to be appointed as deputy mayor and I look forward to the opportunities and challenges of the position," Cr Thompson told the Daily.

Cr Jamieson welcomed Cr Thompson's appointment.

"Deputy Mayor Thompson is well respected across council and the community, I look forward to developing a strong working relationship with him."

The council will meet again at the Nambour Council Chambers next week where it is expected portfolios will be announced.

New council goes on public show

THE new Sunshine Coast Council deputy mayor will be appointed today at the council's first public appearance.

The council's first post-election meeting, held at Lake Kawana Community Centre, also will determine the timing and location of upcoming council meetings.

It is proposed they meet every four weeks starting next Wednesday at Nambour Council Chambers. A review will be undertaken in three months.

At today's meeting, the council will appoint councillors as members of the Sunshine Coast local disaster management group and the council's audit committee.

It is proposed Division 2 councillor Tim Dwyer continue as the councillor member on the local disaster management group.

Cr Dwyer and Division 4 councillor Chris Thompson have been proposed to continue as councillor members on the audit committee with Mayor Mark Jamieson as ex officio member of each, in accordance with the Local Government Act 2009.



Sunshine Coast Council's must-do list based on election promises:
• Regain control of Caloundra South.
• Undertake a comprehensive review of amalgamation progress.
• Review effectiveness of decentralized model.
• Review level of customer service.
• Commit to "local first" where all things are equal on big and small contracts.
• Fix maintenance of local roads and public spaces in Division 1.
• Create task force to review existing road and rail upgrade project proposals and pursue Federal Infrastructure Australia funding.
• Guarantee residents are not slugged with large rate hikes.
• Thorough flood damage assessment.
• Develop extensive stormwater repatriation program to ensure greater stormwater system capacity.
• Upgrade La Balsa and Charles Clark parks amenities.
• Complete Coastal Pathway.
• Deliver more exercise equipment along walking tracks.
• New town plan ensuring lifestyle choice, housing affordability and job growth are the focus.
• Nurture local economy, including eco-tourism, home-based businesses, niche rural opportunities and clean green technology.
• Construct new access road from Owen Creek Rd intersection to Sunshine Grammar School at Forest Glen.
• Continuation of the gravel road sealing program for country areas and resealing of suburban bitumen roads in Division 7.
• Improve traffic and parking issues in Buderim.
• Fair budget allocation for divisions.
• Monitor and preserve health of Maroochy River.
• Reduce red tape.
• Establish key performance indicators for residents to judge after 12 months of operation.
• Reinstate kerbside bulk rubbish collections.
• Free tip vouchers.
• Establish meetings between communities and council staff to consider flood mitigation issues.

[Fares_Fair]

Story comment .. 

By Metatron31 from Nambour, about 9 hours ago

Edited excerpt only ...

The rail upgrade can be pursued by Sunshine Coast Residents by going to http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work... then go to current e-petitions and 'sign' the petition calling for the rail duplication 1882-12. We need thousands of signatures otherwise Brisbane will be prioritised over us. How long can we survive with one line? 6 of the 8 Mayoral candidates signed the petition at the meet the candidates meeting in Nambour. I would hope the council would put up some information in libraries and council offices to get more exposure for the petition - that would be nice. The community to lobby for this important infrastructure upgrade, rather than leaving it up to elected officials.

[Stillwater]

The Sunshine Coast is a city of individual towns and villages, each with its own identity that contributes to the coast's diversity.  A network of greenways and national parks separates the rural towns from each other and provides a buffer between the greater Brisbane conurbation and the Sunshine Coast proper.

The Coast has eleven railway towns and villages, ranging from the smallest at Eudlo to the largest at Nambour.  Caloundra South-Palmview will be he largest single urban bloc on the Coast.  Its public transport linkages back to the SCL and to Caloundra, Kawana, to Maroochydore and onto the SC Airport represent a significant challenge for the new council.