17 Questions emailed to Candidates

NSW Local Government Elections - 14 September 2024 - Tamworth Regional Council - election of 9 Councillors

We asked all the candidates the same 17 questions (below) and we are waiting their answers.

Q1: What are your thoughts on Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) being considered for our region instead of upscaling coal-based energy or using other alternatives to meet our needs. Should energy subsidies be cancelled to allow market forces to determine the best energy methods? Do you agree CO2 in the atmosphere is currently at .04% (Reference: Prof Ian Plimer) which would mean the climate change narrative and actions are unnecessary?

Q2: What is your opinion about fluoride being added to the water supply. Do you believe new housing should have sufficient rainwater tanks to provide for normal household usage which also provides a means of avoiding fluoridation and irradiated water via SMART water meters.

Q3: Are you concerned at the label that Tamworth has of being the “fattest city in Australia”? Many fast-food outlets have been approved for our region. What are your thoughts on making our community healthier?

Q4: Are you aware of TRC Blueprint 100; and how it ties in with the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals which have been localised into 9 Focus Areas? Every ordinary council agenda item shows which focus area/s are being met under section (e) Delivery Programme Objective/Strategy. Do you believe it is appropriate TRC is aligning with international goals rather than creating local goals and guidelines? Also, do you think TRC should continue its $80000 yearly membership to Evocities when other councils have withdrawn?

Q5: Blueprint 100 is promoted as a future plan created especially for Tamworth Region after extensive consultation with the local community. However, Blueprint 100 seems to be the exact same plan being rolled out in many LGAs, under different names, around Australia. The plans follow United Nations Agenda 2030, World Economic Forum, SMART 15 and 20 minute Cities control and surveillance concepts. Would you take action to exit the Tamworth region from these international, unelected, non government organisation arrangements?

Q6: Would you permit government libraries in our region to host Drag Queen Story hours? TRC Councillors and senior staff have previously been provided with proof the United Nations, World Economic Forum and World Health Organisations are actively promoting the sexualization of children through school programmes and are endeavouring to implement laws to decriminalise paedophilia. No action was taken after receiving this information. What action would you take with this information once proven to you?

Q7: Should a land or business developer be precluded from running for Council due to conflict of interest risk? If allowed to run, how could this risk be mitigated?

Q8: Should a member of a society or group, which requires the member to swear an oath to that society above all else, be precluded from running for Council due to conflict of loyalty between the society and the electorate.

Q9: Do you believe Councillors should be limited to serving only one or two terms? Once Councillors have left this role, should there be restrictions on migrating to other positions where they may enjoy undue influence or enjoy incidental benefits because of their previous Councillor role?

Q10: Would you vote in the affirmative on the motion that has been put forward to Council twice previously; if it was presented again? The motion:
That Council develop a framework and smart device/laptop application that records and publicises interactions between developers, builders and their agents and senior council staff and councillors to provide clarity of decision making, transparency and accountability to ratepayers and residents.

Q11: The top seven bureaucrats at TRC annual packages total in the vicinity of $1.8 million which includes around $378000 for the GM/CEO alone. Would you request a review into the necessity of some of these roles and the remunerations provided?

Q12: Do you know whether it is correct that TRC GM/CEO performance review for continuation of contract is carried out by two councillors chosen by the GM/CEO. If that is the case, would you instigate or support a motion for that to be amended to being carried out by at least three randomly chosen councillors?

Q13: Do you think all council/councillor expenses need to be published in open forum so they can be scrutinised, queried and challenged by the community, if necessary? Should all Council projects and their progress, along with related spending and loan details, be available for the public to peruse in an easy to follow format on Council’s website? In this vein, do you support a complete and independent enquiry into the status of the Ray Walsh House building; and an audit of all previous decisions which have led to its current situation?

Q14: Do you think there should be plebiscites or similar to obtain consent from ratepayers for rate rises and major projects prior to seeking grants or allocating funds? If yes, what would be the minimum project expenditure amount you would recommend be included?

Q15: Do you believe the $45 million aquatic centre should go ahead? Do you know where the funds are coming from and what is being provided as security? If the approval was rescinded would you recommend sufficient funds be applied to repairing existing town pools to an acceptable standard?

Q16: Would you be able to confirm the veracity of information that the building on the corner of Bridge and Carter Streets is being used to store Council furniture and other assets; and that staff are being invited to gift any of these items to themselves? As an elected councillor, what steps would you introduce to help safeguard the people’s assets?

Q17: As Councillors are there to serve the people and not dictate to the people, it would be very helpful if speakers were able to ask questions of Councillors at Council meetings. Would you consider it appropriate for community speakers to be able to ask up to three questions about their topic to any councillor of their choice during the meeting?

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