| TIME TO REFLECT AND SAY GOODBYE |
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After 33 years in local government, it is time to say goodbye. As I reflect on my career, there is no doubt the last four years has been the most challenging and interesting. I came into the amalgamated council with a fresh team of councillors, who faced a daunting task. On my first day, the advice of our most senior bureaucrat was "our finances are in a diabolical state".
Four years ago, the newly-amalgamated council was not sustainable. Queensland Treasury reported if we continued to run in huge yearly overdrafts, we would not be able to borrow and repay money for important community infrastructure. I am very proud of this council's financial achievements. Queensland Treasury now rates us second only to Brisbane City Council for financial sustainability.
It hasn't been easy. I must pay tribute to my fellow councillors who should be respected for making the right decisions, although not always popular ones.We have gone forward during a global financial crisis, while state and federal governments have gone backwards in their management of surplus and loss.
We have a long term financial plan and short and long term surplus and debt goals. We have extensive planning for flood mitigation, tidal storm management and long term road and transport planning never before seen in this city.This is a great achievement in light of the challenges we faced post-amalgamation. We have met every milestone in the process and within local government circles, we are regarded as a leader amongst the state's amalgamated councils.
At the commencement of our term in council, we also undertook five ambitious, major capital works projects aiming to continue to stimulate the local economy through the GFC, and deliver much needed community infrastructure. One of our greatest achievements has been planning and building a city heart we can be proud of. The other four projects we delivered on were the upgrades of our water and wastewater services (four year expenditure of $376 million), upgrades to the Civic Theatre, and constructing North Shore Boulevard and Townsville RSL Stadium. All projects were delivered on time and within budget.
Some of the funding for these projects has come from the state and federal government and I thank them for their faith in the council to deliver this infrastructure and in sharing our vision to improve the city's amenity.
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| MY HOPES FOR TOWNSVILLE |
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If I had to narrow my hopes for the city as I say goodbye, it would be for three major programs to be realised. I believe strongly that Townsville needs a new Convention Centre, either in the existing or different location. I hope that a future business case can be developed and funding provided across all levels of government. The opportunities for conferences, major sporting events, concerts and tourism activity hinge on a new facility.
I hope the state and federal government will continue to support major improvements to our road networks, to recognise the growth of our city, especially in the outlying suburbs. Ring Road Stage 4, duplication of the highway from Alligator Creek to Cluden, Blakeys Crossing and the Bohle River crossings at Woolcock St and Dalrymple Road are essential projects to cater for traffic into the future.
And finally, I hope that the goals and projects in the Townsville Futures plan become a reality. The plan provides vision and guidance for business, community and all levels of government to work in one direction to achieve great things for our city.
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| THANK YOU TO SOME SPECIAL PEOPLE |
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I have said goodbye to staff across the council and offered them my heartfelt thanks. Our council's success can be greatly attributed to our dedicated and hard working staff who have helped to guide us in our decision making.
I would like to acknowledge the work and support I have received from the people who are passionate about our city, especially the Chamber of Commerce, TEL and our city's business leaders. I also thank our political leaders at all levels of government who have supported council's visions for the city.
And finally, I thank the members of the community who have offered their guidance and wisdom to me, I humbly thank you for the trust you have put in me throughout my career, and I wish you all the best for the future.
My contact details are:
Mobile (stays the same) – 0419772618
Email address - lesrtyrell@gmail.com | |