Politics

28-09-2023

TOM SHARP FOR MAYOR 2024 – LET’S TALK: IT’S YOUR COUNCIL

Dear reader,
Firstly, I would like to acknowledge Eve Curtis for publicly endorsing my bid for Mayor of the Scenic Rim in 2024. Eve Curtis is one of a kind when you consider her lifetime achievements and contributions to the cultural, historical and environmental preservation of Tamborine Mountain.

Secondly, I would like to acknowledge the Tamborine Mountain Progress Association and their members both past and present for their tireless efforts in building and preserving a better way of life for the people of Tamborine Mountain for some 108 years.

To read the “TMPA 100 Years – 1915 to 2015” by Eve Curtis one can only feel greatly disappointed by the total lack of support from the SRRC and the indifference our Council has towards its people.

The TMPA, while actively advocated for moderation, caution and guidance in guarding their mountain against otherwise what may be the ravages of excess, also delivered in preserving our community and social history to be enjoyed by future generations. There is no better example of this than the purchase and preservation work of the Zamia Theatre.

I dare say the TMPA also, while more often than not, were on opposing sides with certain authorities such as Council, it was clearly a two-way relationship built out of respect and understanding and served the people well. That is, until the formation of the Scenic Rim Regional Council.

The history clearly shows a change in attitude by Council towards its people. One that has evolved into a total lack of respect for the people and a total lack of trust of Council by the people.

There are no two better examples than the demise at the hands of Council than the closure of both the TMPA and the Beaudesert Pig and Calf Saleyards.

In the case of the TMPA, Council led the charge to appeal the Eagles Retreat Place inappropriate development application and was joined by the TMPA, only to have Council pull the pin two weeks before the case was to end, leaving the TMPA to hold the bag. This sabotage allowed a judgement for the developer, and costs were awarded against the TMPA. Rubbing salt into the wound, Councillors (with the exception of Division 1) of this region along with the mayor voted for the recovery of costs from the TMPA – i.e., the people it represents.

In the case of the Beaudesert Pig and Calf Saleyards (pictured below), a demolition order was put in place by Council to make way for what is essentially a Council staff car park. This was done without consultation with the people on the future of the saleyards, which was finally admitted by a Council officer in a Council meeting after months and months of denial from various Councillors. A number of actions were initiated by the people to stop this demolition including media coverage, two petitions and an application for heritage listing by The Beaudesert Historical Society. The initial application was successful but was soon appealed by Council, at the expense of the people.

These pure acts of bastardry need to STOP.

RESPECT for the people by Council needs to be instilled in the Council psyche and behaviour.

If elected Mayor in March 2024, I will seek from the elected Councillors two resolves:

The reformation of a Planning Committee, with the key principle of adhering to and applying the Planning Scheme and its rules and guidelines.

This committee will be open to the public for the purposes of accountability, openness, transparency, consultation and submissions by the people.

The formation of a Community Assets Steering Committee for each division, with the key principle of ensuring all community assets owned or controlled by Council are managed, maintained and or disposed of with the clear understanding and approval of the people.

Council will be obliged to engage and listen to these committees, and their recommendations will be put to Council in an open and transparent manner for full consideration.

Chaired by the divisional Councillor elected, the committee will be open to include representation from the people with special regard to Historical Societies, Sporting & Recreation Groups & Organisations, Show Societies, Arts Groups & Organisations, Community Support & Wellbeing Organisations and Environmental Organisations.

Again, these committees will be open to the public for the purposes of accountability, openness, transparency, consultation and submissions by the people.

It is envisaged that these divisional committees will be elevated to a total region level for the purposes of uniting the region with better cross communication and understanding of experiences, needs, activities and general sharing of knowledge which may ultimately lead to greater interaction and understanding within the many and varied communities within our region that will ultimately benefit all the people with special regard to its social fabric and community assets.

May I suggest you ask candidates in the upcoming elections where they stand on this policy.

Get in touch. Send me an email or call me, and let's talk about politics.

contact@tomsharp.com.au
Authorised by Tom Sharp – 424 Binna Burra Road, Beechmont 4211