Candidate John Clark lays out what, in his view, are the most significant challenges in the Charters Towers region.

Charters Towers Regional Council faces challenges!

Infrastructure

Regardless of where we live, the role local government plays in providing us with the basic
service necessities is vital. The future regional council in this rural area needs to have a
clear focus on:

• The provision of suitable roads so that all may access their service centres, conduct
their business to provide the flow on economic benefits to others and lessen the
perception of geographical isolation. 

• Ensuring all of our communities have reliable services (e.g. water, rubbish
collection, etc.)

• The services and structures supporting the economic life of our communities are
enhanced and new initiatives established 

Quality of Life

One of the major elements that attract people to this region is the quality of life that is
found here. Whether it be the ambience of historic Ravenswood or the lifestyle of Charters
Towers, future regional council must ensure that its citizens are supported in living lives
that are of value and enjoyed.

Local governments have a role in:

• Supporting the sporting and cultural aspects of communities

• Preserving the valued historical elements while balancing the need for an economic
future for our children

• Supporting the education of our youth and those who wish to enhance their skills in
the workforce

• Challenging the legislation when it acts against the communities which it is supposed
to serve

Financial accountability and efficiency

Taxes and rates are part of Australian life. Acceptance of this does not mean that people
welcome rising financial demands on their income.

The future regional council must ensure that:

• Its rate base is kept as low as possible balancing its services with the appropriate
income

• Sources of funds other than the traditional ratepayers are identified and accessed

• Its operation ensures that expenditure is effective and operations are efficient

Council Transition

The movement from two local government areas – the Dalrymple Shire and Charters
Towers City Council - into a single regional council should have been decided by the
people. However the amalgamation is to occur and the role of the new councillors and
mayor will be to ensure that this occurs and that the maximum advantages are obtained
while supporting those affected by this transition.

Over the next few years, the council must:

• Ensure that all its constituents feel that the new council values and supports them in
their work and life

• Establish a culture that takes the best from the past and builds on respect and
service

• Treat the employees of the new council with respect as they work their way through
the changes and develop into the skilled and loyal workforce our communities need

• Identify and manage the changes that are required to ensure the new body is
effective, efficient and meets the expectations of the people of this region

The Long Term Future

If the people of the Charters Towers region are to sustain their life style, its economic base
and ensure a have a future for their children, then the Regional Council needs to be active
in dragging business and appropriate development to this area while also supporting
existing producers/business houses.

The Council must be active in developing opportunities for managed growth in all of our
communities. It cannot simply believe and act as though the future of our communities is
drawn from rates!

Opportunities include:

Power generation: Drawing on the coal reserves in the western area of the council (i.e.
Pentland) there is long term opportunity in establishing clean power generation for industry
across North Queensland.

Industrial land and opportunities: Establishing appropriate sites for small to medium
business development as well as advocacy for appropriate businesses to relocate to this
region.

Housing: Supporting investment in housing for all parts of the Charters Towers Regional
Council’s communities through appropriate land release, support for construction and
encouragement for families to make their homes in the great places within this council
area.

Tourism: Locations within this region have great historic significance with architecture and
industrial ruins unique to Australia. Coupled with the unique and changing beauty of the
land and rivers, ongoing work in this area will contribute to the needed economic growth.
Transport Hub: This region is the pivot point for transport between many of the regions of
Queensland.

For any future Regional Council’s decision making process to be successful, the
councillors must listen to and reflect on the views and opinions of others. John Clark does
have all the answers; he does have the ability to listen, seek information, work diligently
and attempt to address the needs where possible.

Further information can be found in the website:
http://www.jclark.com.au
through the email ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) 
or by telephone: 0410528991