I will work with the state government to ensure that the amalgamation outcome is positive for the whole Cassowary Coast Region.

To be urgently implemented following discussions with councillors and professional staff.

The CCRC will have only 6 councillors. I think CCRC would benefit greatly, particularly in the first term, with help from a volunteer committee of community-minded persons with a 'whole shire' mentality, who could facilitate understanding of important issues: advisory capacity only. There could be a representative from all major industry groups including tourism, from business, education, the arts, indigenous organisations, pensioners, self-funded retirees, youth groups, sporting and service clubs. This committee could decide its own chairperson. Such a committee would be very helpful in promoting a harmonious, cohesive community across the Cassowary Coast, and could back submissions for funding from state and federal governments.

New offices are expensive and not an immediate priority. CCRC could make do with existing offices in Innisfail and Tully. A referendum could be held in conjunction with a future election to determine the location for a new civic centre should this prove advisable. I would focus on minimising the cost to ratepayers of unnecessary duplication without loss of service to the community.

As Mayor, I will be available for meetings and deputations in both Innisfail and Tully each week. As an elected representative my approach has always been to listen to people's concerns, then seek the advice of professional and specialist staff in their areas of expertise. Taking responsible account of such advice, Council must decide on priorities and support the CEO regarding implementation.

To build a sense of unity within the enlarged shire, and to gain a feel for the direction we should take in the future, council meetings should initially be held alternatively between Innisfail and Tully.

Council meetings will be properly controlled. Every councillor you elect will be listened to. Enough time will be allowed for debate of contentious issues. I'm totally committed to open government and community input. On the other hand, I do not walk away from the hard decisions that go with the mayoral office.

It is expected that councillors properly represent their electorate, but overall decisions must be for the greater good of the whole CCRC. As mayor I would be determined to ensure that no pockets of the new shire are neglected or unfairly treated.

CSC did a review of the rating system early in my mayoral term. It was decided that, with a few modifications, the Differential Rating system we already had (based on Qld Government valuations) was the fairest system overall. It has worked satisfactorily and I would recommend it for CCRC, but it could well be updated in future. A 15% discount for payment by due date is sensible. Water Rates should be uniform throughout CCRC, both urban and rural and based on consumption.

The arts and cultural activities are important and can help towards unifying the shire and enhancing lifestyle. The challenge for council is how to provide support responsibly, while fully utilising resources available through state and federal governments and the various public and private foundations.

Encourage development with appropriate safeguards for lifestyle and the environment. It is essential that all developers abide by council conditions: there must be no favouritism. Development should be about balance and sustainability. There must be responsible resource assessment to guide land-use planning. We need to know what we have before we lose it.

The Innisfail Aerodrome provides an essential service for the whole CCRC, especially in times of disaster. It must be retained in its entirety and maintained - even expanded into the future with more leased hangers to offset costs. The land must remain CCRC freehold. A financial plan for the site should be implemented to ensure the facility becomes self-sustaining. (Tully Aerodrome cannot be greatly expanded owing to adjacent power lines.)

Through the FNQ Regional Organisation of Councils I will lobby for state and federal governments to help solve our urgent problems regarding health issues.

The sugar industry has my firm support in its lobbying with state and federal governments for a fairer deal.

The banana Industry has my continuing support in its strong opposition to banana imports.

Tourism is an important industry in the area and is poised to expand, particularly eco, adventure and cultural tourism. I believe that council should support Information Centres because they benefit everyone in the shire in various ways. CSC gives significant support to 3 of them as part of its job in self-promotion. CSC tourism expenditure has increased by about 65% since I have been mayor.

Two years ago CSC was the first council in FNQ to build a pontoon for a public boat ramp. Subsidies are available for pontoons. In conjunction with Rotary, we are now constructing a pontoon at Hull Heads.

But I think ratepayers' money should not be used for other tourism infrastructure like jetties and marinas or for advertising private tourism enterprises. Jetties and marinas should be owned and maintained by the state government or private enterprise.

Tourism representatives have been telling me for the last 20 years that they needed local government subsidies for only a short time. This is an appropriate time for them to set up their own Tourism Industry Organisation, to further link and promote the attractions of the Cassowary Coast Region.

There is much state and federal funding available for tourism infrastructure. I'm a proven lobbyist and would be prepared to strongly support high quality submissions from local tourism to access this money.

Here lies our future. I will create and maintain links with schools. I will also encourage the development of training programs to facilitate an educated workforce for local industries.

Council should maintain sporting grounds for children. Most parents are too busy to do so.

Such a facility was promised by CSC and JSC. Accessing state and federal funding towards a pool should be a first term priority. Mission Beach needs safe swimming for children, other residents and for tourists.

This much-needed community facility project is underway. Over the past 3 years funds totalling approx $3.2 million have been secured from state and federal governments. The CSC has also budgeted funding. The project will need the support of CCRC to be finalised. After the election there should be additional public consultation before plans are finalised.

CSC was quickly proactive about protecting the established agricultural industries which underpin our economy. We liaised with Tully Canegrowers and Tully Sugar Mill to find a solution fair to all stakeholders. CSC's last budget applied conditions for the timber industry which alleviated fears. CCRC should do likewise.

Owing to the high cost of vehicles and fuel, plus environmental issues, I would urge restraint in the purchase of vehicles. Four cylinder cars are adequate for most purposes including the mayoral car. Consideration should be given to pooling vehicles. The council fleet should use E10 fuel.

To save time and maintain efficiency all work depots should continue to function.

CCRC should remain part of this organisation with one executive committee.

The lower section where CCRC rural ratepayers live should be maintained by CCRC. But the remainder is a road for tourism and should be maintained by state/federal governments. I would organise a submission for funding from them similar to the way I obtained funding to 'flood-proof' the Bruce Highway.

TULLY WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT SCHEME (to safeguard the Barrier Reef):

CSC insisted that the farmers be the lead agents in the project because it's the farmers who are affected by reforms. The draft report was meant to be complete by Sept 07, and I'm concerned that there will be no public consultation and no publication before the March election. The CCRC will need a strong mayor to ensure that all our industries are treated fairly by the state and federal governments.

In recent discussions with Mr Giuffre I confirmed that Giuffre Development will provide and maintain a bus terminal for the community and for tourists as part of its development near Woolworths.

In the northern part of CCRC farm roads have been neglected. Fruit growers in particular require smooth road surfaces.

My staunch support of the RSL will continue.

Authorised by Joe Galeano, 127 Brannigan Rd, Lower Tully 4854

Phone - 0428 669 240