MAYOR OF CARDWELL SHIRE
POLICIES (Click Here)
Phone - 0428 669 240
www.joegaleano.com
Joe Galeano will stand for inaugural mayor
of CCRC. The experts say that it is harder to keep a small shire on a solid financial footing than a large one.
Cardwell Shire is in a good financial position. It would be sensible to trust the experienced and successful mayor of
a successful shire.
The first term of the new Cassowary Coast Regional Council
will be a difficult and crucial time. I believe that the shire will need:-
a mayor with the confidence that comes from solid experience in local
government
a mayor with proven leadership skills
a mayor who is eager to listen to and understand the concerns of a
larger and more diverse electorate.
Challenges for the amalgamated council:-
To unite the community under the CCRC banner.
Work with the state government regarding our poor financial position.
Prioritise spending wisely and well.
Promote development while safeguarding our environment and the lifestyle
of residents.
Achievements for Cardwell Shire and my
team of councillors since I was elected mayor in 2004:-
Completion of joint CSC/JSC Mission Beach Sewerage Scheme on time
and within budget.
I obtained huge support from other local governments, industry, business
and community groups for CSC submissions to state and federal governments for funding to 'floodproof' the highway near Tully.
We received the funding commitment.
CSC disaster management worked well before, during and after Cyclone
Larry.
Quality upgrading of library facilities at Tully and Cardwell.
Securing state and federal funding of approx $3.2 million for a much-needed multi-purpose hall within
the high school grounds.
Establishment of an SES group at Mission Beach following
Cyclone Larry - 24 active members by January 2008.
Service as a CSC Councillor:
CSC representative for 12 years on the JSC/CSC Marine Board.
During the 13 years I served on the CSC River Improvement Trust we
instigated a study to promote well-planned development guidelines for drainage in the Murray Valley area. This resulted in
a grant of $4.6M for water management infrastructure.
Lobbied for years with the P&C to 'floodproof' the Tully/Hull
Rd between the beaches and Lower Tully School. The work was done in 2003.
CSC representative on the JSC & CSC Joint Facilities Advisory
Committee ever since it was formed.
Lobbied for years for a boat ramp at Tully Heads - built in 2003.
Personally lobbied state and federal governments on behalf of our
farmers.
Initiated the JSC/CSC Sister City relationship with 2 Sicilian towns
where many residents have forebears.
Personal information
I've always lived in Lower Tully, but have spent enough time holidaying
in other countries to truly appreciate being Australian. At an early age I began managing the small family canefarm. After
I married Pam, a teacher, we bought the farm with just 50 acres under cane, gradually expanded the business, and now have
350 acres under cane. Pam and I have 2 children and 2 grandchildren.
Community life has always interested me. In the early 1970s I initiated
the push for the Mt Coom National Park to protect valuable swamp habitat for fish, crabs etc; also the push for a barramundi
closed season. Those two initiatives succeeded while Joh Bjelki Petersen was premier.
I've maintained strong links with Tully High School ever since my
children first attended, becoming a life member of its P&C. Our young people are our future.
Hinchinbrook & Cardwell Shires Development Bureau gave me experience
with business and tourism. I served 5 years deputy-chairman and 3 years chairman, successfully lobbying for a Cardwell Shire
Support Centre. The Bureau created and adopted the Great Green Way slogan to promote our area.
In 2000 I was privileged to carry the Olympic Torch for community
service.
Concerned about the governance of Cardwell Shire I nominated and was
elected for Division 2 in 1991. I held that position for 12 years, polling well in all elections. In 2000 I was unanimously
elected Deputy Mayor.
My hobbies are bush-walking, clay target shooting, boating and fishing,
and I like to spend time with my family.
Last Updated: 4th March 2008
