Marie Fenn - Answers to 17 Questions - Thank you

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Answers read out as written by Marie

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 0.04% (Reference: Prof Ian Plimer) which would mean the climate change narrative and actions are unnecessary?

A: There is such a lot to take in when we take in the issue of Renewable Energy. To see these changes coming into Tamworth or any other area for that matter I am not for it at this point. I believe that the debate regarding infrastructure such as the windfarms, battery and solar farms etcis quite one-sided. It has a huge impact not only on our agricultural land but impacts heavily on people’s lives, as too often they’re being located near residential areas. There is also the question of what happens at the end of the infrastructures lifespan? Can we actually dispose of it in a way that it does not impact on our environment? All I seem to see are companies and investors making profits – how does all this alternative renewable energy actually benefit the members of a community? With regards to the CO2 being at 0.04% yes that is correct. It’s certainly worth asking the question “are the climate change narrative and actions 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.

A: The benefits of rainwater tanks to all properties would be enormous. Water in my opinion is best consumed for drinking purposes in it’s natural form, with only necessary treatment, notunnecessary chemicals added to it.

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?

A: To be honest, it’s quite an embarrassment and should not be treated lightly. A healthy lifestyle is somethingshould be taught firstly within the family unit, and then should be re-enforced throughout our education system. The fast food industry has just made it so easily accessible and more affordable compared to quality restaurants and eateries. We can only encourage people to become more responsible for themselves when it comes to eating habits.

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?

A: I can see the theory behind the Blueprint 100 regarding growth within the region however, Tamworth Council need to focus on Tamworth and get back to basics representing their local community and to deliver on services to meet the current populations local needs andstriving to improve a quality of life and community well being. $80,000 yearly membership? Wow perhaps another reason we have just had to incur a rate rise!

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?

A: An astounding YES to this question. It comes back to our freedom issue in my opinion. I am all for safety etc but at the end of the day, these agenda’s are heading towards a sense of loss in our basic right of freedom.

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?

A: Once a person reaches adulthoodthenwhat one does in their life is their choice.No problem. I cannot believe that the UN, WEF and WHO can actually believepromoting the sexualization of children and are endeavouring to implement laws to decriminalise paedophilia. Who are these “experts” to say this should be the norm and inflict such activity into the family unit’s way of life. It’s criminal in itself. We have lost so much within the family unit without this occurring.

Let children be just that, children and let them learn about life and develop into their own unique individual person naturally.

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?

A: Yes – no doubt about it. They should be precluded. Past experience has shown this to be a huge conflict of interest.

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.

A: If there is any doubt arising about conflicting loyalties – then they may not take the oath during swearing in seriously. If that were to be the case then they should not be representing 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?

A: If the Councillor is doing what they were elected to do then the people will select them again so I can only see this being a good positive outcome. Moving onto another role well in a perfect world, you’d hope that the issue of undue influence or the self gainingtag would not arise. At the end of the day it is a free country, and people shouldn’t be stifled from pursuing their chosen career.

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.

A: I believe such a motion was put forward 3 times. Yes, I would most certainly agree to such a motion for that framework allowing for transparency and accountability etc between council and representatives and developers, real estate agents & builders etc. I would definitely support this motion.

Q11: The top seven bureaucrats at TRC annual packages total in the vicinity of $1.8 million which includes around $378,000 for the GM/CEO alone. Would you request a review into the necessity of some of these roles and the remunerations provided?

A: Yes. And I would like to see an audit done on all spending.

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?

A: I am not fully aware of the actual current procedure. However, one would think that randomly chosen councillors appointed would be more appropriate. I would believe this to be a more common sense approach, and a fairer process, to ensure the duties and obligations of the GM/CEO are being carried out according to their job description. That should eliminate the chance any sort of favouritism.

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?

A: With regards to council/councillor expenses – I would believe there is already a limit to these. Obviously if they are exceeded then to provide accountability there needs to bean explanation provided, as this is paid for by the ratepayers. With regards to the projects/progress, most certainly transparency and accountability need to play a huge part in these areas and the public have a right to have their say on matters of great expense or controversy. With regards to RWH, I most certainly do agree to an investigation into this matter. This is a prime example of a matter that is screaming out for an inquiry into what actually has transpired. There are many conflicting views on why this has happened, and with the huge amount of money that is now required to reinstate the building it begs investigating.

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?

A: One would assume that ratepayers should be informed on matters regarding larger projects as ultimately they are paying for it. Making all facts available so that feedback from the community is encouraged ultimately makes the councillors decision easier, as it is based on all ofthe known facts and there is hopefully lots of community feedback to fall back on. This is what transparency looks like!

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?

A: While the Aquatic Centre sounds like a great idea, the cost of it is enormous. I believe it is financially irresponsible of the council at this point in time to proceed with the Aquatic & Wellbeing Centre. Having implemented a 36.3% rate increase over two years while ignoring the mood of the ratepayers and ignoring their input. There’s also the relocation of all staff from RWH, withthe expense of Council leasing an enormous amount of office space for it’sdisplaced staff. Money will need to be found for the re-establishing of a Council Chambers Building, either a new one or a refurbished RWH. The roads are in a terrible state. There are many needs, this project is merely a want. In this current climate it is quite simply a financially irresponsible decision.

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?

A: Unfortunately, I have not heard of this claim. I certainly hope that is NOT occurring nor the case. I’d definitely like to know more! Council property should definitely not be gifted to staff!

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?

A: I have been to a few meetings and in all honesty, they can be mighty long without members of the public actually nominating to speak. But the public needs a way of asking the Councillors questions. I would like to see more community input / consultation into matters and hope that sub committee’s are formed for the outlying communities to address their concerns. To other members of the community, implementing for example bi-monthly public meetings between the community and councillors should be looked at to compilate general concerns or issues that could then be addressed and dealt with accordingly.

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