As the 2016 Local Government Elections enter the final week it is appropriate to reflect on the commitments and vision that I outlined when I announced my candidacy for Mayor.

The last 4 weeks have seen myself and other candidates meet with ratepayers and residents across the Region to discuss their issues and hear their aspirations for the future and it is pleasing that they are largely in line with my own.

It is clear that the role of Mayor is vitally important to all and the expectation is that the Mayor must have the experience necessary to guide the Council to deliver the outcomes that residents expect and deserve.

I have 15 years of Local Government experience on Councils that were cohesive, constructive and consultative and grew the communities they represented.

As a businessman with a 28 year old business that I grew from foundation, residents across the Central Highlands understand the practical skills and experience I share with them and can be confident that my management approach is soundly based.

And as a councillor who chaired the Recovery Groups after two devastating floods, the people of the Highlands know me as someone that they can rely on in good times and bad, and who can lead by example to rebuild and renew. They will rely on me as Mayor to lead a responsible process on Flood Mitigation, and I have given a clear course of action for those in our communities who want certainty.

Our region is experiencing an economic slowdown due to the significant decrease in Resource activity and we are enduring the population movements that inevitably follow. It is critical to sustaining our future that Council relentlessly search out new industry and build on our existing industries to create opportunities and draw families back to our towns. There are exciting innovation projects and world leading agricultural developments contributing to our diversity and there is significant marketing and tourism strategies that combined are filling the gaps on our economy.

As Mayor, I will use my wide ranging industry knowledge to promote the Region to the private sector, and to government for funding partnerships. And it is these skills that have our champions of industry and government endorsing my candidacy for Mayor.

Our ratepayers have given all candidates a clear and unambiguous message that they cannot carry the current rate burden and need relief as a matter of high priority. It will be the responsibility of all Councillors to create a budget environment that gives this relief to ratepayers but also reviews our capital works programmes and reserves policy, to achieve a balance that recognises our current economic environment but with the fiscal precaution that a prudent Council should maintain. A difficult task that will require hard work, hard decisions and importantly a Council that works as a team with contributions from all.

The Central Highlands Region is a strong, diverse, exciting place that has traditionally been governed by committed, selfless men and women who have created great opportunity and prosperity for its residents.

With your support It would be a great honour to become the next mayor of this Region.