Mayoral candidate Cr Rob Turner says he wants to bring a business focus to the operations of council.
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Cr Turner will contest the mayoral by-election on July 29.
With five years’ experience as a councillor and more than 25 years in business and 46 years of living in Port Macquarie Cr Turner says building good relationships will also be a key objective if elected.
“Business skills and financial performance are hugely important, but a truly successful business is all about culture and relationships,” he said.
“At council, this translates to meaningful relationships with the community, with councillors, with council staff, and with politicians. Council can’t do everything itself.
“If the business community is our engine room, our service clubs and volunteer organisations and individuals provide the heart and soul.
“We can all see the enormous opportunities ahead, but the growth that comes with these opportunities also brings serious challenges. We do need to do a better job communicating how we meet these challenges".
He said there is already a stronger focus on council’s longer-term strategy around how our road network, our water supply and our recreational and cultural facilities will address the needs of the community right now and into the future.
“As mayor, I want to ensure we get it right for all of us, I have the business acumen, strong community ties and I don't have a political agenda” he added.
Cr Turner said council exists for one reason: to make our place a better place to live for everyone who lives here.
He says to achieve good results, council needs to be a community-focused and multi-faceted organisation.
Council is now delivering almost double the number of important projects for the community than ever before, with road maintenance getting back on track and finances now in good shape, he said.
“I think it’s such a privilege to live here, and I want us to continue to have the enviable lifestyle - in the best part of Australia,” he said.
“As mayor I want to lead a council and a community that is proud of where we live.
“Of course that includes the quality of our roads, our water supply, and the full range of council’s services; but also our foreshore areas, our public spaces, our diverse natural beauty, and our culture and heritage,” he said.
