I’m looking forward to working with the new council - a talented group of individuals with diverse backgrounds, wide life experience and a range of skills.

We are without doubt a group of fiercely independent individuals with strong opinions and will bring varying priorities, perspectives and ideas to the table. That said, we’ll be drawn together by our shared commitment to serve the Ballarat community; to plan for the future and to work toward positive change that will enhance the quality of life enjoyed by residents.

We’re not yet a team; real teamwork comes with time and an understanding of each other’s strengths. Each of my colleague’s unique skill sets will be invaluable as we progress through the next four years. 

It’s been an intense time for councillors since the declaration of the poll 17 days ago; my sense from meetings and discussions so far is of a feeling of great intent; without doubt there is a different mood around the table. A new mix of people has brought a new sense of optimism.

Our new council has already begun work on the council plan; it’s the single most important document our council will develop during its term; it’s a legislative requirement and it drives everything the City of Ballarat does.

It sets the vision, directions and priorities for council’s four-year term; it guides the council budget and council strategy and it lists how progress will be measured.

There’s still a lot more work to be done; Ballarat residents will have their first opportunity to look at the plan, and provide feedback early in the new year. 

From a personal perspective I plan to make activating the Central Business District strategy a priority; it is the historical, and traditionally, the economic centre of our city; the heartbeat of Ballarat. Eight years ago, after I was first elected, council approved the CBD strategy, its vision for planned growth in the CBD. Key components of that strategy are still to be realised.

This is not to say the focus will be city-centric, this council will continue to deliver a suite of community infrastructure in Cardigan, Brown Hill and Sebastopol as part of the ‘Engaging Communities Program’. My focus will also be to support development of the railway precinct; and next steps to implement the agreed plan for the Civic Hall; in fact stage one works are already underway. The development of an emergency services hub in the Ballarat Airport Precinct, to include a major upgrade to the north-south runway, are other key projects I want to see progress that will lead to manufacturing opportunities and job creation.

The 2016-2020 council will continue to work closely with key advocacy organisations including Committee for Ballarat, Commerce Ballarat and Visit Ballarat. Each group works within its sphere of influence to maximise opportunities and outcomes for Ballarat’s residents and businesses.

It’s important that there be a strong degree of synergy between each of our organisations if we are to fully realise available opportunities.

Each of my councillor colleagues have earned the platform that elected office and the council chamber will give them; we’ve all put our hands up because we believe we have much to contribute as we work together for a ‘better’ Ballarat.