We’ve heard it all before. Elected members rarely see election promises as "promises" in the plain English meaning of the word; basically to most pollies “talk is cheap.”
Well Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Andrew Willcox, supported by his councillors, appear determined to buck the trend of broken promises and has hit the ground running delivering on the majority of their election pledges.
Cr Willcox and Whitsunday Regional Council CEO Barry Omundson will again hit the road this Thursday on their proactive approach to establish engagement and connection with the State Government when they attend separate meetings with Minister for State Development, Natural Resources and Mines, Dr Anthony Lynham MP, Minister for Tourism, Major Events & Education Kate Jones MP, Minister for Environment, Heritage Protection, National Parks and the Great Barrier Reef, Steven Miles MP and Deputy Premier, Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government & Planning, Trade and Investment Jackie Trad MP at Parliament House.
These meetings were instigated and requested by the Mayor and CEO, allowing them to knock on doors in person to ensure the Whitsunday Region is given its fair share of attention and funding.
Promises made and instigated in his first four months as Mayor include: a unified Council , development of a workplace cultural program, reinstatement of a Community and Environment Directorate, commissioning an Economic Development Strategy, representation on the board of Tourism Whitsundays, providing residents with a choice of water pricing tariffs, a strong focus on community engagement, appointment of a Grants Officer to leverage Federal and State funding opportunities and increased rates discount for pensioners.
Mayor Willcox said this council’s proactive attitude and common-sense relational approach would continue to see delivery on strategic action plans to stimulate growth and activity in the Whitsunday Region.
“Our local economy is going through a very difficult period with the downturn in the resources sector and the flow on negativity that has been created in our region. With rising unemployment rates leading to a lack of consumer confidence we see less people spending and the retail sector struggling,” he said.
“As an action-council we must plan and deliver projects in partnership with both state and federal governments that will reinvigorate our region’s economy, stimulate job opportunities and guide our ongoing growth and development.”