Clearing Cobwebs from Council
Some of the issues that Leon will be taking on as major policy include;
"Department of Alternative Revenue"
I propose the establishment of this department because as a realist I understand that nobody can promise lower rates without first having another source of finance for the Council. This department will be responsible for the investigation and carrying out viable business opportunities such as residential housing developments, shop fronts, storage yards and industrial estates. I believe the new regional council should be run like a modern business. Not relying entirely on ratepayers to fund the supply of services and development.
If elected, I will immediately open an office in the business precinct of Warwick and make arrangements for Stanthorpe. I will be available for personal appointments with constituents to discuss issues when all other channels have been explored and also to be efficiently available for council business on a full time basis, not relying on doing the job from out of town.
I am quite aware that, as a councillor I would be restricted from aproaching any staff to discuss council business. This does not prevent staff from aproaching me, in my office, where I will have an open door policy, on appointment for any concerned constituent. These are the people who have to work within the confines of councils policies and with machinery & equipment supplied under direction of council. These are the people who are aware of any extreme or sensless waste caused by council policy.
Roads and infrastructure Councillors to take responsibility, through the whole of the new region, along with a re-evaluation of councils priority system, before issues are resolved to stop the buck passing to the Dep't Directors.
Reliable water supply for Stanthorpe including the construction of the proposed new dam.
Killarney water supply, upgrade of storage from the existing puddle to a storage that can be relied on in the event of a drought.
Yangan. Commitment to completion of the water pipeline in a timely manner not in the next 20 years. It is immoral for council to charge for a service before the access to the site for construction of the service is decided or access guaranteed. Councils do have legal avenues to fast track this. It would be a matter of resumption of a corridor for critical services.
Respect of regional differences between The Granite Belt and The Southern Downs, ie, Farming practices, Broad acre cropping, feed lots, poultry, piggeries in the Southern Downs as opposed to tourism, orchards, wineries & vineyards & market gardening in the Granite Belt region & Eastern Downs.
Sporting & recreation ground maintenance where previous shires have set the precedent this should continue..
A sporting ground for Leyburn. Funded by the local community & supported by council.
Tourism Development. Continued support of tourism organizations & protection of current opperations when the new town planning scheme is introduced. I am the president of the Leyburn Motor Sprints an organization which is totally reliant on tourism and has been renowned for adding over $1 million to the regions economy for the two day event. I understand the benefits tourism brings to the region.
Accountability of councillors. I believe we need detailed minutes of meetings, not the abbreviated versions currently issued, which do not show any details of debate or who voted for what. I understand the need for accountability of councillors to their constituents. I believe councillors should have the freedom to discuss public & relevant issues with the press.
Safety for school children.
I am committed to seeing St Mary's school utilize the State Gov't funding for the children's safe crossing of the highway. I will instigate a study into road safety issues encompassing all of the regions schools.