My Account
My wife Karen and I, and our twin boys, have lived locally for about 14 years. I’ve forged a reputation that has transcended my position as a coach and rugby league icon, and I value honesty, integrity and loyalty to NZ.
I have been recognised with a QSM and ONZM for my services to the community.
What are the three crucial issues facing the Hibiscus Coast?
Infrastructure: Why is Penlink not on the front burner? Traffic in Silverdale is a huge concern. Our transport system isn’t working efficiently and our park n rides need further development.
Performance: Council has been marked with a 15 percent satisfaction rating. This is embarrassing and a disgrace on many levels. How can anything be achieved with a council that receives such a low approval rating from its stakeholders. Obviously a new team is needed. Brisbane City Council has a 70 percent approval rating!
Building and resource consents: Too slow and too expensive. Quite simply, Council needs a rocket up its backside!
How would you address these issues? Get a committed early start for Penlink. It’s clear to me it hasn’t been the priority it should have been. I would also work to improve the park and ride system, Silverdale traffic will become unlocked. Focus Council on its core responsibilities and cut out the excess fat.
How can Council improve its performance?
Gain customer satisfaction for a start. One very important lesson from professional sport is that ‘you fail to listen to your fans at your own peril’. Clearly, Council has not listened and therefore has been delivered by the ratepayers and residents an approval rating of just 15 percent. In coach speak that means you’re just not good enough!
Brisbane’s 70 percent approval rating has to be a goal! A centre right majority on council would change this immediately.
What would you hope to deliver in the next three years?
For a start, if elected, I would deliver nothing less than my best. But it is critical also the Council itself works as a team. Clearly this has not happened for the past three to six years. I will not tolerate non-team players or the lack of accountability. If we can form a Council that we are all proud of, I have no doubt that it will be a Council that delivers.
