The Border Mail rounds out responses provided by Albury Council election candidates to five questions that it posed to all team leaders vying to be in local government and ungrouped contender Peter Hood. Replies from other hopefuls, can be found here.
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HENK VAN DE VEN
What is your favourite thing about living in Albury?
Albury is the perfect lifestyle alternative to living in a congested capital city. Much of our food is grown locally and we have a great range of choices when it comes to eating out. Our educational, cultural, entertainment and sporting choices are of a very high standard and these are underpinned by a diversity of job and business opportunities. The cost of living is much cheaper than the capital cities yet we have efficient access to the capital cities by road, rail and air.
How can the council contribute to Albury recovering from COVID woes?
Keep doing what we are doing, within the limits of the NSW Local Government Act. Keep supporting our communities with zero interest rates on unpaid rates and charges, and hardship provisions that are already in place.
How effective do you think the Two Cities, One Community initiative has been?
Very effective, as without it we would not have the Regional Deal, projects for which have been identified and agreed to by all levels of government.
Should the Albury pool remain at its site and/or a new aquatics centre be built?
Both, depending on the financial impacts. A new aquatics centre, which would need to be indoor has a massive price tag, which would need to be borne by state and federal governments, not the local community.
What qualities should the next mayor of Albury have?
First and foremost the new mayor should have experience on council. In addition a mayor should:
- Have a clear vision for Albury and a strong commitment to delivering the 2030 plan as well as driving the outcomes of the 2050 plan which is in progress.
- Be approachable, have good listening skills and be able to communicate effectively with the whole community,
- Be a problem solver and a leader especially when negotiating with state and federal representatives.
DAVID THURLEY
What is your favourite thing about living in Albury?
I have lived here for almost 41 years and there are so many things I enjoy here. We have great parks and gardens, wonderful sporting facilities and cultural spaces such as MAMA and the entertainment centre. The medical and educational facilities are excellent although the need for an expanded hospital is becoming urgent. We are in a great food and wine region and our access to major capital cities is easy.
How can the council contribute to Albury recovering from COVID woes?
Council put a number of initiatives in place including making allowances for people having difficulty making rate payments and also supported local business by waiving certain fees. This support should continue as necessary and our events team should step up and work hard to attract major events to the city in 2022. A marketing campaign targeting the major capitals and using Murray Regional Tourism should encourage visitors from the cities to come here for events and to try the food and wine we have to offer.
How effective do you think the Two Cities, One Community initiative has been?
I would say that the success to date has been limited but this means we just need to work harder to bring about projects and events that will benefit both cities. A difficult part of the initiative has been getting the two state governments to forget about the border and work co-operatively to help. I sense there has been reluctance on the part of some councillors to wholeheartedly support the initiative lest it be seen as "selling out one's ratepayers". The new council will need to demonstrate a willingness to co-operate and share to achieve good outcomes.
Should the Albury pool remain at its site and/or a new aquatics centre be built?
The riverside precinct masterplan will call on the views of ratepayers about the possibility of moving the pool. If a new aquatic centre is to be built, the city will need to source grant funding especially if the centre is to include an all year round indoor heated pool. The capital cost is more than $50 million and the operating costs of such a facility are not cheap. This is one area where the two cities and state governments need to come together to build a regional centre rather than duplicating facilities on both sides of the border.
What qualities should the next Mayor of Albury have?
The mayor is the leader of a group of nine councillors so she/he must be able to work with a group of people who will at various times and on various matters have quite differing views.
He/she should be respectful of fellow councillors and be prepared to listen to the views of ratepayers. A good understanding of the role of local government and how it relates to state government in particular is important and the ability to be a strong but respectful negotiator. The mayor will also need to have a good knowledge of the code of meeting practice or the ability to quickly learn the essentials
PETER HOOD
What is your favourite thing about living in Albury?
I have lived in Albury since 1976 and enjoy its lifestyle and community. I believe that Albury-Wodonga can be a leading renewable living city.
How can the council contribute to Albury recovering from COVID woes?
By the council working with the community, we can move forward from COVID-19. By encouraging people to get vaccinated and putting the resources in place to ensure business and the community are safely protected.
How effective do you think the Two Cities, One Community initiative has been?
The Two Cities One Community has been very effective, despite the problems of COVID-19 and state governments. One thing it has shown is that we are one community.
Should the Albury pool remain at its site and/or a new aquatics centre be built?
There needs to be strong community consultation on the Albury pool and where the new aquatics centre is located. I support an aquatics centre for Albury-Wodonga and will ensure that the community is fully consulted on its location and the effects on the Albury and Lavington pools. After all it is for the community and it needs to be involved at all stages in the planning process.
What qualities should the next mayor of Albury have?
The next mayor should be independent, consultative, forward thinking and have a strong commitment to renewable energy in tackling climate change.
KYLIE KING
What is your favourite thing about living in Albury?
Aside from the natural beauty and geographical location of Albury, it's probably the vibrant, welcoming, community-minded people that live here. As someone who didn't grow up in the region, I felt instantly welcomed and at home when I took up a journalism/presenter role at Prime Television in the mid-90s and couldn't wait to return after a short stint living in Melbourne. (Having an airport is really handy too and allowed me to continue my television career covering motorsport across the country.)
How can the council contribute to Albury recovering from COVID woes?
Develop and/or encourage events to help lift our collective spirits and encourage us to reconnect again, as well as attract visitors to support our hard-hit businesses would be a good start. Find ways to assist our sporting and not-for-profit organisations, who often create successful events that bring thousands of visitors to the region.
How effective do you think the Two Cities, One Community initiative has been?
It appears to be very effective. It's given us a clear message of collaboration to stakeholders and state/federal agencies. Joint branding and marketing of Albury-Wodonga as ONE tourism destination seems to work well with AlburyCity managing tourism on Wodonga's behalf. It's given us a united focus on the desperate need for a new hospital and health services. The Halve Waste program has delivered leading waste management outcomes. Both cities jointly funded the new Albury Wodonga regional cricket hub in Wodonga for the benefit of players on both sides of the river. The signs look good so far.
Should the Albury pool remain at its site and/or a new aquatics centre be built?
If I lived in Lavington or North Albury I would be concerned about the prospect of losing easy access to my local pool. Looking at the riverside precinct plans near the Albury Swim Centre - how does the pool fit in with those plans? What about the needs for Thurgoona residents? Is a new aquatic centre a longer term priority for the 2050 plan? I'm open to listening to all perspectives.
What qualities should the next mayor of Albury have?
I would expect the mayor to display a professional, positive approach as our city's leader. Have an inclusive and collaborative mindset, and seek the best outcomes for the benefit of the community.
STUART BAKER
What is your favourite thing about living in Albury?
Having been born and bred in Albury growing up here influences this response however community, natural beauty of the river and hills and work-life balance sums it up for me.
How can the council contribute to Albury recovering from COVID woes?
By providing strong leadership with clear and consistent communication. Sound economic management of council funds to ensure we can provide for our community. Better consultation with our community and more transparent and open discussion at council .
How effective do you think the Two Cities, One Community initiative has been?
Unfortunately it has been a case of the concept and hype getting ahead of itself. As social, business and sporting communities we are close but the differences at local council and state and federal government levels are pronounced. Ratepayers are very parochial and they need to believe they are getting value from their council to make their city more livable.
Should the Albury pool remain at its site and/or a new aquatics centre be built?
The Albury Swim Centre is an outstanding pool with many good years left in it so it should remain. Albury's dilemma with aquatics is that there is no all year round facility to cater for the massive demand for learn-to-swim, sporting, recreational and therapeutic needs of our rapidly expanding population. The new council will need to undertake a thorough aquatic review and the first thing to do will be to uncover the ratepayer-funded comprehensive 2017 Albury City Council aquatic strategy consultant's report which was archived by the previous council and expose it to the danger of public consideration. We are however determined to assist council to manage its resources prudently and any such facility would need to attract state and federal funding and satisfy the business case and not put pressure on rates. Sound economic management also extends to the resources required to manage and maintain existing aquatic facilities.
What qualities should the next mayor of Albury have?
Strong leadership abilities. Honest representation for all residents of Albury. Promote and support open government and encourage constructive debate. Support and guidance for Albury City staff. Effective and transparent communication with all stakeholders. Able to bring people together for the benefit of our community.
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