Cr Di Bell: Light at end of COVID tunnel

The COVID journey continues to challenge many with lack of connection with others, and as Councillors, connection with our community.

Changing restrictions confuse many, and some have reconsidered what is important in their lives. But it’s time for hope with a roadmap now, and we can once again think about playing sport, events and catching up with family and friends.

Living with Covid, will come with changes, but we are a strong community.

For Council, it may also mean reconsidering the priority of current and future projects and focusing on the new needs of our community. I’m hearing, the Aquatic Centre, the Town Hall, Performing Arts Centre, Gallery, Visitor information, Cinema, Green Lake and our Open Space and Events are all very important.

Many are excited to see that Green Lake will now be full of activity this summer, that the Aquatic Centre is open (but you need to book), and the Town Hall, Performing Arts and Gallery are all setting their activities to keep us busy after reopening. I personally can’t wait to see performances again.

However, I’m also hearing of facilities struggling with restricted numbers. Community needs have changed. For example: Do we need a community hub, accessible for all activities, and groups, e.g. U3A etc.? I keep hearing about roads, and that, footpaths, playgrounds, and parks are a higher priority for people now? How do we as a Council get the balance right?

How do we ensure that we are representing you fairly and equally across the municipality as required by the Act? By hearing from you. So let your elected Councillors know what’s important.

As a community member, I always struggled to write submissions on all the plans that Council put out for comment. I wanted a say but found it hard to express. I wanted to know what would be built (new facilities or improvements around the municipality), what would be fixed (roads, buildings, playgrounds, footpaths etc.) and what would be done to support our health and wellbeing.

I will continue to honor my pledge to reinstate public confidence in Council and be approachable to listen to all residents equally and support responsible, accountable, and transparent decision making on matters that offer the greatest net community benefits fairly and equally across the municipality.

/Public Release. View in full here.