Closing the gap between Ratepayer and Council
I have many ideas on how I could help change the council and region for the better, these are just a few of the policies I would like to see implemented if they were viable.
- Waste Management has always been a big concern of mine. We are not doing enough in our community or in our own homes to lessen our impact on earth. I would like to investigate the viability of Weekly Recycling Collection as well as a Green Waste bin which can be used for garden and food waste. I would also like to see a policy created for better plastic waste management in our region. Plastic waste is growing at an alarming rate and we need to find a way to manage this as well as push for less plastic packaging.
- MBRC Mobile Application Upgrade. Currently the app has very limited capability but you can use it for reporting hazards. I would like to see it catch up with the time and be an amazing source of information for our community. It would be more extensive in it's range of information and capabilities to allow the community to see development applications and make submissions directly through the app. I would also like to get Senior Staff, Planners, Councillors, Even the Mayor do Podcasts that can be listened to through the app. These could be about upcoming events, developments, upgrades, maintenance, explain how certain processes work, the options are endless
- Transparency in Council. This is a big issue for the community and one I completely agree with. We need to bring back the trust and respect. We need to start listening and respecting the views of our community because people feel unheard when it comes to submissions on Development Applications. I believe recording all meetings for viewing through the website/mobile application will be a fantastic start in making this happen.
- Development in MBRC. While there are certain expected levels of growth and development within the region this council has not ensured the Infrastructure keeps up with the ever expanding pile of DA Approvals in their office. What is happening to the wildlife while we keep developing? How is this impacting on the land and potential future flooding due to over development. Roads and other local infrastructure can not cope with the influx of residents due to these new developments that have been given the go ahead BEFORE the infrastructure is in place. I know some people believe if we let the developers build we will get the roads upgraded faster with the influx of people….. How is that working out for us? Truth is it simply isn’t!
Development Application Processing - I would like to see longer submission periods as well as better planning of when they are open for public scrutiny. No more doing this on the sly during holiday periods when the community is busy enjoying our region or making huge decisions right before caretaker mode. Full transparency when it comes to Development Applications and Councillor held Q&A’s for large developments where the community can discuss the development and get help understanding how to make a submission.
Community Involvement - For a long time I have believed that the community has the power to control the developments but we just don’t use it wisely. A large part of the problem when it comes to lack of involvement from the community in decision making is Education and lack of faith. I want to turn that around for the better. I would like to introduce community education events on matters of local council so WE as a community can build a region we love together. I would love to see educational Podcasts on the MBRC App and In App Engagement with the community where they can ask questions on issues.
Animal Management - I believe this department needs to have a lot of the processes reconsidered. I love all animals but have a real soft spot for cats personally. As a responsible pet owner I totally get the communities frustration when it comes to domestic animals killing wildlife because they are not adequately restrained in their own property. I would also like to see a Snip/Chip and Lifetime Registration Program introduced to help curb unwanted cats.
Homelessness - This is a worldwide issue that is getting worse as the cost of living rises and the divide between rich and poor grows bigger every day. There is no easy fix for this but more funding and support for local organisations would be helpful. I have also seen instances where old council buildings were renovated into affordable housing. I have seen a lot of brilliant ideas of ways to help combat homelessness it is just a matter of working as a team to find the best outcomes.
Community Service - Often when people are given the option to work off their fines or are given Community Service as part of a punishment they often aren’t doing things that are truly of benefit to the community. They will often work in places like the op shops or local charities folding clothes and delivering furniture instead of doing what I consider to be community service. Why are they not picking up rubbish, cleaning graffiti and local parks or planting trees. Assisting in the Waste Management or Parks & Recreation is where they should be doing their community service. I am unsure how we can make this happen but it is something I feel very strongly about.
I could honestly sit here all day telling you all the ideas I have had for this region but I will just leave you with the above few for now. I would love to hear your feedback on this or any ideas you may like to see in this region so please feel free to email me CheriePorterMBRCMayor2020@outlook.com or give me a call on 0424 225 175.
- Waste Management has always been a big concern of mine. We are not doing enough in our community or in our own homes to lessen our impact on earth. I would like to investigate the viability of Weekly Recycling Collection as well as a Green Waste bin which can be used for garden and food waste. I would also like to see a policy created for better plastic waste management in our region. Plastic waste is growing at an alarming rate and we need to find a way to manage this as well as push for less plastic packaging.
- MBRC Mobile Application Upgrade. Currently the app has very limited capability but you can use it for reporting hazards. I would like to see it catch up with the time and be an amazing source of information for our community. It would be more extensive in it's range of information and capabilities to allow the community to see development applications and make submissions directly through the app. I would also like to get Senior Staff, Planners, Councillors, Even the Mayor do Podcasts that can be listened to through the app. These could be about upcoming events, developments, upgrades, maintenance, explain how certain processes work, the options are endless
- Transparency in Council. This is a big issue for the community and one I completely agree with. We need to bring back the trust and respect. We need to start listening and respecting the views of our community because people feel unheard when it comes to submissions on Development Applications. I believe recording all meetings for viewing through the website/mobile application will be a fantastic start in making this happen.
- Development in MBRC. While there are certain expected levels of growth and development within the region this council has not ensured the Infrastructure keeps up with the ever expanding pile of DA Approvals in their office. What is happening to the wildlife while we keep developing? How is this impacting on the land and potential future flooding due to over development. Roads and other local infrastructure can not cope with the influx of residents due to these new developments that have been given the go ahead BEFORE the infrastructure is in place. I know some people believe if we let the developers build we will get the roads upgraded faster with the influx of people….. How is that working out for us? Truth is it simply isn’t!
Development Application Processing - I would like to see longer submission periods as well as better planning of when they are open for public scrutiny. No more doing this on the sly during holiday periods when the community is busy enjoying our region or making huge decisions right before caretaker mode. Full transparency when it comes to Development Applications and Councillor held Q&A’s for large developments where the community can discuss the development and get help understanding how to make a submission.
Community Involvement - For a long time I have believed that the community has the power to control the developments but we just don’t use it wisely. A large part of the problem when it comes to lack of involvement from the community in decision making is Education and lack of faith. I want to turn that around for the better. I would like to introduce community education events on matters of local council so WE as a community can build a region we love together. I would love to see educational Podcasts on the MBRC App and In App Engagement with the community where they can ask questions on issues.
Animal Management - I believe this department needs to have a lot of the processes reconsidered. I love all animals but have a real soft spot for cats personally. As a responsible pet owner I totally get the communities frustration when it comes to domestic animals killing wildlife because they are not adequately restrained in their own property. I would also like to see a Snip/Chip and Lifetime Registration Program introduced to help curb unwanted cats.
Homelessness - This is a worldwide issue that is getting worse as the cost of living rises and the divide between rich and poor grows bigger every day. There is no easy fix for this but more funding and support for local organisations would be helpful. I have also seen instances where old council buildings were renovated into affordable housing. I have seen a lot of brilliant ideas of ways to help combat homelessness it is just a matter of working as a team to find the best outcomes.
Community Service - Often when people are given the option to work off their fines or are given Community Service as part of a punishment they often aren’t doing things that are truly of benefit to the community. They will often work in places like the op shops or local charities folding clothes and delivering furniture instead of doing what I consider to be community service. Why are they not picking up rubbish, cleaning graffiti and local parks or planting trees. Assisting in the Waste Management or Parks & Recreation is where they should be doing their community service. I am unsure how we can make this happen but it is something I feel very strongly about.
I could honestly sit here all day telling you all the ideas I have had for this region but I will just leave you with the above few for now. I would love to hear your feedback on this or any ideas you may like to see in this region so please feel free to email me CheriePorterMBRCMayor2020@outlook.com or give me a call on 0424 225 175.