Decision Time

On March 1, 2016March 4, 2016 By kerryhayes01In Agriculture, Business, Education, General, ResourcesLeave a comment

Ballot papers for the 2016 Local Government elections are arriving in the post and its decision time for electing a new Mayor and Councillors to represent us for the next four years. Please read the instruction carefully to ensure that all your ballot papers and the referendum paper are posted properly.

This is a crucial period for our Region and we need to have a strong leader and hardworking cohesive team.

As your Mayor I have given clear undertakings in respect of these important issues.

Levee Banks

Rate Payers, stakeholders and landholders know the clear position I have made and the solution I have proposed.

No Levees but a feasible course of action.

Read more on my position for levees here.

Rates

There is no more capacity in our community to pay any more rates and charges. We will have to focus on our spending and our productivity to reduce rates to an affordable level.

Economic Development

I have the strong backing of the business and agricultural community to improve and strengthen existing businesses and attract new business to our region.

Marketing and Tourism

I will continue to improve and support our Regions branding and to partner with our neighbours to build drive and visitor numbers to our natural and tourist attractions.

Reputation and Respect

My experience in Local Government, my reputation as a businessman and my effectiveness as a leader will restore the respect and credibility that this Region was known for.

Council is a place for strong, robust debate and good clear outcomes and I look forward to leading a strong, reliable, reputable team to deliver for all Central Highlands.

Read my message to Ratepayers here.

Fast, reliable Internet for Central Highlands

On February 23, 2016March 1, 2016 By kerryhayes01In Agriculture, Business, Education, General, Resources

An exciting new opportunity has presented itself to Central Queensland. South Western Wireless Communications Company (SWWCC) is a business committed to delivering high speed internet to regional and remote areas across QLD and the company is targeting the Central Highlands as their initial roll
out. The company plans to deliver a service not yet offered by mainstream providers at a cost similar to current market rates.

SWWC2 SWWCC is fully Australian owned and operated business with head office based in Macquarie Park, Sydney, NSW. SWWCC holds an Australian Telecommunications License and has developed a unique product enabling high speed internet access for regional and remote locations. This company will provide local employment opportunities while working with local IT businesses to maximise the potential of the technology and contribute to the local economy.

Continue reading “Fast, reliable Internet for Central Highlands” →

Emerald Flood Levees

On February 19, 2016February 19, 2016 By kerryhayes01In Agriculture, Business, General, Resources

The 2008 and 2010-2011 flood events that impacted Emerald will undoubtedly be recorded as two of the worst natural disasters the town has experienced. There was also significant flood damage at Sapphire in 2008 and Bluff, Springsure, Capella and Rolleston in the latter event.

As acting Mayor in the first instance and as councillor in 2010-2011 I am acutely aware of the devastation to rural and urban landholders during these terrible floods.

I was honoured to accept the roles of Chair of Recovery after both events and had incredible support from the Council and hard-working volunteers who were motivated each day for almost 11 months in the Recovery Centre to help and support affected rate payers to get their lives back on track. Continue reading “Emerald Flood Levees” →

Lead by good example

On February 18, 2016February 18, 2016 By kerryhayes01In Education, General

12711054_1111969868847471_1171551113832200226_o Emerald State High School ceremony this morning highlighted an outstanding group of
young students in leadership roles who made an Affirmation of Office which in part read “I promise to lead by good example, participate in Continue reading “Lead by good example” →

From little things big things grow

On February 18, 2016February 18, 2016 By kerryhayes01In Agriculture, Business, General

John and Mary Walter had no idea that the small macadamia orchard they decided to plant in 2002 would end up attracting one of the largest macadamia nut growers in the world to their property.

Saratoga Holdings, an entity of the Zadro Family, headed by octogenarian Phil Zadro started noticing that the Walters Nogoa Valley Orchard nut crop that was processed at their Hinkler Park processing plant at Bundaberg, was increasing in Continue reading “From little things big things grow” →

Kerry Hayes, Mayor

Tag: Central Highlands