LISTENING, TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY – NEW MAYOR’S PLANS FOR CHANGE

The Electoral Commission has yet to formally declare the outcome of the election, but Beechmont resident Tom Sharp – with a little under 47% of the primary vote – is expected to become the new Mayor of the Scenic Rim. He has outlined clear plans for his approach to the new role.
One of Mr Sharp’s first actions will be to meet with the newly-elected councillors to gather their insights from the election campaign, their aspirations, and their goals for this term.
He plans to share his policies and commitments made during the election with the councillors, and seek their feedback.
Meeting with the administration, staff, workers, and the Scenic Rim Regional Council CEO is a high priority.
Mr Sharp aims to establish a foundation of respect, trust, and cooperation, emphasising the importance of listening to their aspirations and goals.
He emphasised the importance of teamwork and communication within the council.
Following the election declaration, he expects the new council to promptly begin budget discussions, focusing on budget reform and discipline, for which he strongly advocated during his campaign.
Addressing the council’s past toxic culture and discussing this with the administration is another critical goal for Mr Sharp. He intends to actively foster a collaborative environment for moving forward.
He is committed to ensuring the council operates with transparency and accountability, regularly providing information to the community, and aims to eliminate waste and to introduce efficiencies, signalling a new direction for the council.
Recognising that change is a gradual process, Mr Sharp is prepared to implement these changes step by step.
Wherever possible, he plans to remain engaged with the community, listening to the concerns of all residents, regardless of their vote.
From Mr Sharp:
“To the People of the Scenic Rim...
I am overwhelmed and humbled by the support and vote of confidence resulting in this election victory.
We will now have to wait for the formal declaration by the ECQ but there is no doubt as to the end result.
During the recent election campaign I have been meeting with as many electors as possible and listening to their issues.
The people of this region left me in no doubt that they wanted change and were not interested in more of the same.
This desire for change was clearly reinforced in the election result leaving no doubts or questions.
It is now my commitment to the people of this region to deliver on that change.
I acknowledge the concession by outgoing Mayor Greg Christensen, and I wish Greg, Denise and family all the very best in their next chapter.
Moving forward, it is now time to action that change, and for council to engage with the people and start listening.
I am committed to serving the people of this region and will give my all to delivering on the commitments that I have made.”
In Division 1, incumbent Amanda Hay has been declared the winner, with nearly 55% of the primary vote, whilst in Division 2, publisher Kerri Cryer was comfortably elected, with more than 75% of the vote. It will be Kerri’s first term as councillor, while Ms Hay aims to continue her efforts of the past year, when she was victorious in a by-election to replace ousted councillor Derek Swanborough, who resigned after a long campaign of council-instigated complaints.
For the good of the region, let us all hope that this term rejects the waywardness and toxicity evident in recent years in favour of genuine cooperation and community consultation to the benefit of all Scenic Rim residents.