The Hot Button Issues

March 19, 2016

southburnett.com.au also asked all Divisional candidates a set of five simple questions.

These were different to the ones posed to the Mayoral candidates as the work of a Divisional Councillor is different from that of the Mayor.

The questions were designed to compare clearly where they stood on the “hot button” issues (such as the Road Levy or communication with ratepayers) that emerged at Candidates Forums held around the region over the past four weeks.

The questions were also designed to show just how well-informed the candidates were about Council’s operations, and the major issues in the Divisions they were standing for, as well as to let their personalities shine through.

Sadly, though we gave everyone ample time to respond – and answering these questions would only take most people 15 minutes or less – four candidates failed to make the deadline.

We have published the responses we received in the order in which we received them.

Note: Some answers have been edited for the sake of brevity. We do not believe we have altered the meaning of what the candidate intended to say.

Jump to your Division:

Division 1 (Nanango)
Division 2 (Blackbutt-Benarkin and Maidenwell)
Division 3 (South Kingaroy)
Division 4 (North Kingaroy)
Division 6 (Wooroolin to Wondai, Kumbia and Durong)

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Division 1 Candidates

Sandy Towell

Will you vote to keep the road levy? Yes or No
Yes, at first.
Why?
Before the Road Levy can be removed we have to find a viable way of replacing the $3.2M it generates – it would be fiscally irresponsible to just vote No because it isn’t popular. As soon as we can find a replacement for this money, I would be voting for its immediate removal. However this is a large amount of money and makes up half of the current road maintenance budget, so it seems prudent that we at least start by introducing a gradual reduction to the Levy until we can phase it out altogether.
Do you commit to keeping rate rises equal to or under the CPI?
I am committed to fair and affordable rates and to ensuring that our residents both now and into the future are not burdened with excessive debt. Money is tight everywhere and I am mindful that we have many pensioners and low income families who are struggling with the current level of rates. As a Council, we need to be mindful of that when making any financial decisions that will impact on our residents.
How do you plan to communicate with residents in your Division?
Regular Meet & Greets in the Street where residents can chat with me about their concerns and issues and I can tell them about Council progress; encouraging residents to make appointments to meet with me in the office or at their location; social media updates; attending community events and meetings; being flexible and making myself available to the constituents; returning calls and following up on issues
What is the greatest challenge in your Division?
Boosting local employment opportunities and business growth. To achieve this I would advocate for and support local businesses, work to reduce the blocks that inhibit growth and development, invest in small community regeneration strategies, empower the community to get involved and take some ownership, negotiate with government and industry and invest in our tourism potential. The most significant action would be to bring an economic driver to the area which, in turn, will stimulate employment and business growth.

Roz Frohloff

Will you vote to keep the road levy? Yes or No
Yes.
Why?
No one likes the road levy but I think it needs to stay or be reduced because it generates $3.2 million every year for maintenance of roads and infrastructure. and if we lose that money we will have to put off road crews of approx. 10 to 12 people, which I am not in favour of at all. People will also definitely see less work being done on our roads. So if we want to keep the road crews on but still get rid of the road levy, the money will have to be sourced from other avenues or the rates will have to rise, and they could rise up to 16 per cent if there’s no Road Levy. And nobody wants their rates to go up any higher. So until we can get back the money from the State and Federal governments for our roads, I think it needs to stay. Even a reduction in the road levy would be better then losing it altogether at the moment.
Do you commit to keeping rate rises equal to or under the CPI?
Yes, I strongly agree that our rates should be under or equal the CPI, and I will definitely commit myself to keeping rises at this level.
How do you plan to communicate with residents in your Division?
I will be proactive and get out and about around my Division and surrounding areas to listen to the people about their concerns and ideas. If a resident contacts me in regards to a problem and I am unable to answer their question immediately, I plan to have an answer for them in the next 24 to 48 hours after contact. I also think it would be a great idea to put everything in black and white in a pamphlet of frequently asked questions by residents in the South Burnett so that they can understand where the council is coming from and not be left in the dark.
What is the greatest challenge in your Division?
Roads and businesses. A lot of roads around Division 1 need to be looked at and fixed. We should also be trying to bring in new business opportunities to the town, as well as supporting the businesses in our Division right now, hopefully creating more job opportunities for people around our community.

Steve Jeffery

Will you vote to keep the Road Levy? Yes or No
The answer is not a simple yes or no. I would vote for a graduated commitment to be rid of the road levy within the term of the new council.
Why?
For the reasons I just outlined. Immediate removal of the levy would mean
either less road maintenance or utilising funds from other areas of the Council budget. Either option is not acceptable. The new Council needs time to analyse current budget expediencies and look at innovative ways to fund road maintenance.
Do you commit to keeping rate rises equal to or under the CPI?
Council has a 10 year budget forecast that includes a 3.5% rate increase per annum. I believe that this figure is excessive and needs to be curtailed.
How do you plan to communicate with residents in your Division?
“Actions speak louder than words”
What is the greatest challenge in your Division?
While Council will need to work as a team, I am elected firstly to represent Division 1 and will act in the interests of the Division. We
are seeing benefits coming to fruition in Division 1 that were put in place decades ago and should have been delivered sooner. I will have to work to bring benefits to Division 1 with strong representation.

Caroline Haskard

Will you vote to keep the Road Levy? Yes or No
See Q3, below
Why?
See Q3, below
Do you commit to keeping rate rises equal to or under the CPI?
Until I am provided an opportunity to read all of council’s financial reports and access detailed figures it is not possible to say anything with certainty to these three questions. What I will say is that I would vote in favour of removing the road levy as soon as practically possible, and that it would be preferable if rate rises followed the CPI.
How do you plan to communicate with residents in your Division?
I will maintain my website and public Facebook account so I could provide information, respond to enquiries and generally be accessible online. I would have a monthly booth at the Nanango Markets and where possible, I would be available to visit events, groups or individuals on their properties, or meet in town by appointment. I would also be available via phone or email at most times.
What is the greatest challenge in your Division?
Open communication and unity across and between council and community to implement positive local action in regards to infrastructure development, transparent and proper allocation of funds to upgrade a prioritised road network, lobbying for improved phone and IT services, and unemployment and training are some of the challenges facing Division 1.

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Division 2 Candidates

David Kinson

Will you vote to keep the Road Levy? Yes or No
No. It has to go back to the drawing board.
Why?
The Road Levy was brought in as an emergency measure following unprecedented flood damage. It was perceived in the community from its onset as a rate rise – ie it is claimed on the rate notice and it added to the bottom-line cost of rates. Most ratepayers believed once brought in it would not be removed. 3 years on, and included in forward estimates supported by Council incumbents, with no end in sight this has proved to be the case. We need a cost/benefit analysis of the last 3 years of road levy before we can even contemplate any targeted extension.
Do you commit to keeping rate rises equal to or under the CPI?
We have a very expensive administration for a small population. I intend to inspire efficiency of service and service provision at all levels. In addition, I will critically review all rates, charges and levies and non-core contributions to minimise rates. My overall aim, particularly from starting at a very high base level of rates, is to maintain it within the CPI escalations.
How do you plan to communicate with residents in your Division?
I have had a particularly tough campaign with the 12 hours of each weekday taken up by work commitments. If I am fortunate enough to win, those hours and more will be devoted to the job and the communities in my Division. I currently have 5 open lines of communication, including after hours, which will be maintained if elected. In addition, I will be available to attend public forums, community group meetings, functions and events. I would like to develop the local Community Councils to be an effective interface between Council and the community as a whole. Regular newsletters and/or a news feed are also high on my agenda.
What is the greatest challenge in your Division?
The challenges faced by Division 2 are common to the whole region. We need to reinforce respect for the position of Councillor and the Administration as a whole. We can achieve this through meaningful engagement with the community, expressing strategic vision and leadership, policy direction, delivery of services and incorporation of appropriate wants, needs and desires of the public. Long term master planning is critical to the ultimate success of the region, and it has to be driven if we are to achieve successful ongoing development. Short term administrations welcome any perceived appropriate development without any consideration to the long term appropriateness of its location. This ad hoc approach ultimately compromises the area and the development or business, sometimes fatally. Access, open space and particularly parking are some of the main compromises accepted for or in development approvals. This has to stop!

Wayne Browning

Will you vote to keep the Road Levy? Yes or No
No
Why?
The Road Levy was introduced as a consequence of two devastating rain events. Flood repairs have been completed and this Levy has run its course. The priority is a budget review to direct additional funding from other areas to maintain damaged roads and improve road safety.
Do you commit to keeping rate rises equal to or under the CPI?
Rate rises are inevitable but should most certainly be kept under the CPI.
How do you plan to communicate with residents in your Division?
By internet, phone and correspondence. I intend to set time aside at venues in Nanango, Maidenwell and Blackbutt for face to face consultation, plus I will be travelling to Kingaroy for meetings and can call on any group or individual enroute to and from Kingaroy.
What is the greatest challenge in your Division?
Enhanced road and park maintenance and upgrading programs throughout the Division are most important. So are innovative ways to promote tourism in the Bunya Mountains, Maidenwell, Nanango and Blackbutt. A supermarket somewhere in Blackbutt, a bypass for heavy vehicle traffic, and a widening the dangerous Tanduringie bridge on the Cooyar-Maidenwell Road are other priorities.

Emeric Charles

Division 2 candidate Emeric Charles replied with a link to a 39-minute video and asked us to retrieve the answers we required from it.

Liz Hollens-Riley

Division 2 candidate Liz Hollens-Riley replied that she was sorry that her deadlines this week were not in sync with ours.

Gavin “Spud” Jones

Division 2 candidate Gavin Jones missed our deadline, too.

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Division 3 Candidates

Abigail Andersson

Will you vote to keep the Road Levy? Yes or No
Yes, until we can find in our spending and demand guarantees for our contracted roadworks.
Why?
I don’t believe anyone wants dangerous roads. If we can’t find funding to achieve better maintenance, then we really have limited options. I do believe we will be able to find a way forward to at least reduce the levy.
Do you commit to keeping rate rises equal to or under the CPI?
Yes, equal to CPI. If we can’t, we have the wrong team.
How do you plan to communicate with residents in your Division?
Online and in printed news. I would also like to open the council meeting gallery to some question time.
What is the greatest challenge in your Division?
Division Three currently faces continued pressure from Morton Resources, despite a strong community response against their proposed coal mine. We also have quite a few roads susceptible to flood and storm damage.

Stan Corbett

Will you vote to keep the Road Levy? Yes or No
Yes.
Why?
The road levy would have to stay at present until newly elected councillors become familiar with Council’s current finances. To remove the road levy totally, new efficiencies would have to be found to compensate for the loss of that income stream.
Do you commit to keeping rate rises equal to or under the CPI?
Yes.
How do you plan to communicate with residents in your Division?
Face to face consultations, email, phone and letters.
What is the greatest challenge in your Division?
Division 3 has more than one challenge covering town and country. For rural ratepayers, roads and road maintenance is a high priority. For town and rural ratepayers, health services are a major concern with a need for day surgery centre with more visiting specialists, cancer treatment and a palliative care facility so the sick and elderly do not have to travel to other towns for treatment. We also need a major upgrade of our public hospital to include a private wing.

Deb Dennien

Will you vote to keep the Road Levy? Yes or No
Yes, until other funding methods can be sourced and efficiencies can be effected.
Why?
Our roads need to be maintained for the safety and access of residents. We are only just keeping up with road repairs at present. I don’t think we can afford to lose a road gang if we want our roads to be safe.
Do you commit to keeping rate rises equal to or under the CPI?
Yes, I believe that this is imperative for the forseable future.
How do you plan to communicate with residents in your Division?
Via a newsletter in paper form and online via email and social media. Also I will keep in touch personally with people. I intend to be available to discuss any concerns that people have regarding council.
What is the greatest challenge in your Division?
Our residents and visitors not feeling they have a voice or a connection with council.

Danita Potter

Will you vote to keep the Road Levy? Yes or No
Yes.
Why?
Until we are able to obtain more funding from the State and Federal Government, or obtain money from other areas within the budget, I think it will have to stay. Unless we are able to find money from cutbacks and minimising waste within council, then it may be obtainable or at least we might be able to cut back the levy.
Do you commit to keeping rate rises equal to or under the CPI?
This is something I really hope is possible as I myself, a ratepayer, am unable to afford any more rate rises. I hope to keep the rates down for all people.
How do you plan to communicate with residents in your Division?
I plan on being at the Produce Markets in O’Neil Square weekly if possible, and the Kingaroy Friendship Markets every month, to meet up with anyone who needs to discuss any issues. I will also be available through the council office (if elected), also by phone or email.
What is the greatest challenge in your Division?
Getting to know all the people in Division 3 and finding out what they truly want, and delivering on all the needs and wants within the budget without making an impact on the pockets of ratepayers.

Ace Bleney

Division 3 candidate Ace Bleney apologised for not replying.

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Division 4 Candidates

Andrew Saal

Will you vote to keep the Road Levy? Yes or No
No.
Why?
I’m committed to downward pressure on rates to minimise costs for ratepayers. I believe that with a combination of lobbying the State and Federal governments to renew the $3.2 million (or thereabouts) in road funding and cost saving measures being implemented, this is achievable. I’ve been involved in State Government changes where heads of departments were requested to find 2% savings in their budgets and I believe the efficiencies could be found in our South Burnett Regional Council budgets as well.
Do you commit to keeping rate rises equal to or under the CPI?
I commit to keep rates under the CPI by finding savings and new revenue sources.
How do you plan to communicate with residents in your Division?
I’ve committed to publishing the rationales for all major decision making via social media in the interests of transparency and accountability. I’m also committed to continue to meet on a one-on-one basis with residents to hear the concerns and visions for our region. I’m only a phone call or email away and will be approachable by whatever means residents see suitable.
What is the greatest challenge in your Division?
Business confidence is the greatest issue challenging my Division, and it can be improved by putting a number of measures in place. We need to continue to encourage property development and have an efficient approval process; thinking local first and utilising local contractors and suppliers to keep Council money in the local economy; market the South Burnett far and wide to draw business and employment to the area by utilising our proximity to Ipswich and the Wellcamp airport; ensure roads and water need to meet the needs of our agricultural sector; and Kingaroy needs a facelift to improve the town’s aesthetics and attract and retain the tourist and business dollar.

Terry Fleischfresser

Will you vote to keep the Road Levy? Yes or No
Retain the Road Levy for the coming 12 months until a full investigation into Council’s financial situation is clear. I do not believe in telling ratepayers one thing then finding there is a large discrepancy in the budget which currently cannot be managed.
Why?
My experience has always been that no matter what, ‘fat’ can always be carved from a budget, so I will be seeking a 2.5 per cent overall reduction in Council’s budget across all departments.
Do you commit to keeping rate rises equal to or under the CPI?
If the council is running effectively and efficiently, the CPI adjustment should be all that is required for ongoing Council commitment to our ratepayers to ensure stability of rates.
How do you plan to communicate with residents in your Division?
My main objective will be to deliver consistent updates through various forms of media to keep our public informed of decisions being made and their outcomes, good or bad.

What is the greatest challenge in your Division?
Delivering sound medical and health services, and ensuring Council is operating with financial due diligence.

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Division 6 Candidates

Uwe (Tom) Nowack

Will you vote to keep the Road Levy?
No
Why?
Council introduced the Road Levy as a one-off to fund flood-related damage to our roads, and to offset Federal and State government funding cuts of $1.2 million dollars. The Road Levy annually collects $3.2 million – two million dollars more per year than the cuts, so far almost $10 million dollars over the last three years. Can you show me better roads? The solution is in setting up a proper Road Maintenance Schedule and carefully managing the resources, machinery and labour, to get the job done. Council says they spent $6 million dollars per year on road works. We heard that some road crew members only work a few hours per day, because of lengthy travelling times to the actual job site. That could be a starting point. A Road Maintenance Schedule is essential it will make sure that materials, machinery and labour is on site when required.
Do you commit to keeping rate rises equal to or under the CPI?
Yes! I will work hard to achieve this, lobby other councillors to listen to the people. I will point out where the savings are. A lot of money can be saved by carefully managing Council’s expenditure. I will ask Council to tighten its belt and work smarter. Some people call me a tightwad, but I will turn every dollar to find a better deal without taking away from what the community already has, uses and enjoys.
How do you plan to communicate with residents in your Division?
I have an open door policy. I like to hear people’s opinion. Councillors need to listen to the people. Look at the mess we are in now. We had a council that didn’t listen to the people, did the opposite of what ratepayers wanted. And all behind closed doors, it appears. We need to turn that around, we need to be upfront, open and transparent. Why hide anything, people will ask the question anyway or suspect conspiracy. You will hear current councillors saying, that we need to improve our communication!!? What about improving our services!!!
What is the greatest challenge in your Division?
Where to start! The water you can’t drink in Kumbia but pay full price for, the roads throughout the Division you can’t drive on safely but pay the rates and levy for. The empty shops and houses in Wondai. The amount of people not being able to pay their rates! The high costs of rates landholders are required to pay. The dissatisfaction and distrust of the community with the council. The list doesn’t end. So there isn’t just one great challenge. Most of us in Division 6 aren’t asking for much, just for a fair share. We need to get the balance right, we need to have a plan for the future, make it sustainable, find ways to keep the young, create opportunities, encourage business. We need to create an environment, a feeling to belong and bring back the pride for our region. We need change, we need to look up not down!

Ros Heit

Will you vote to keep the Road Levy? Yes or No
Yes
Why?
The road levy brings in over $3.1 million in revenue, which together with another $3+ million from general rates goes towards road maintenance. We have over 3500 km of roads of which over half are not sealed and need regular grading and maintenance. Removing the road levy would effectively halve the road maintenance budget. This would mean standing down one or more grader crews (and putting these staff out of work). Council cannot halve the maintenance on the roads without there being a drastic deterioration in the standard of our roads. For this reason I could not support removing the road levy unless there was an alternate funding source to ensure our roads are adequately maintained. I don’t believe Council can find $3.1m from other areas of the budget without there being a severe decline in services.
Do you commit to keeping rate rises equal to or under the CPI?
Any decision on the rate rise is a decision of the whole council at the time the budget is brought down so one councillor cannot promise the outcome. Rate rises are dependent on a number of variables including staff award increases, interest rates and major infrastructure replacement. I am a firm believer in always scrutinizing every expenditure and borrowing to put downward pressure on rate rises but this has to be assessed against ratepayer expectations and external funding received. I am certainly committed to striving to keep all rate rises equal to or under CPI.
How do you plan to communicate with residents in your Division?
Since being elected in 2013 I pride myself on being accessible to Division six residents on a regular basis, and if elected I will certainly continue this. Being a councillor is my full time position so I am available by phone and email at any time. I attend as many community functions throughout the Division as I can to interact and communicate with residents. This enables me to understand more about residents, listen to their issues and share information. Just a few examples of local functions I attend are: the Wondai Art Gallery opening each month; working in the canteen at the Burrandowan Campdraft; delivering meals on wheels in Wondai; attending the markets in Kumbia, Wondai and Hivesville on a regular basis; attending the Wondai Senior Citizens monthly meeting regularly; attending QCWA meetings across the division; attending Wondai Hospital Auxiliary meetings; attending functions and P&C meetings at the six schools in Division Six. I enjoy interacting with residents, advocating for a just solution to their issues and working to make the division and region a great place to live and work.
What is the greatest challenge in your Division?
Division Six is by far the largest region covering over half the South Burnett, so it also has the greatest number of rural and unsealed roads. Maintaining these roads is the greatest challenge of the Division, and I always advocate for more spending and more effective methods of road maintenance. Also, the Division has many of the smaller communities in the South Burnett, and ensuring these townships get their fair share of resources to maintain their separate identities and uniqueness is a challenge. I strive to ensure these communities are fully supported.