Good Governance is needed
Good
governance is about transparent decision making that follows predefined set of
rules or process. Transparent process needs to be observable, measurable and
accountable. Our elected Councilors (representatives) need to be accountable
for the decisions they make, as they are servants, caretakers and leaders
working for the common good of all rate-payers. Finally, our Councilors should
be representative of the people they serve. That means being inclusive and
consultative during the process that makes up decision making.
My
current concern is, do the councillors really represent me? Can I really access
my elected councillor who is my proxy on the council? From my recent and
personal experience, no. In last 12
months I wanted to raise my concerns around the parking issues in the Toowoomba
CBD area where I work and seek information about process in regards to town
planning. I was stopped at the council reception by loyal and well meaning
staff. On both occasions I asked to speak to the councillors responsible for
parking regulation and town planning, and was told that I couldn’t access the
councillors, so I asked to speak to the staff working in those portfolios, again
no. I asked for contact details, either for a councillor or staff, again no.
What I got, was on one occasion a handout on town planning, which gave me much
to do about nothing and the second occasion a relayed message from a staffer
who refused to see me. I must point out, I’m not a very menacing fellow in my
professional garb of long sleeve shirt and tie, but still I went away feeling
like I was a misbehaving child for daring to ask for something more than I was
entitled to. I want my councillors to be approachable and representative on the
rare occasion I do want to excise my democratic right to be heard.
As
a result, I feel for rate-payers who live outside of Toowoomba, if I can’t
excise my democratic right to access a councillor what chance do they have? A
test of transparency, consultation, communication and therefore good governance
is whether you can list off what each councillor has achieved during the last
term of office? If like me, sadly probably not, because they don’t come from
where you live. It makes it difficult to really judge, the merits of an
individual councillor and that makes them less accountable for the decisions
they make. I believe we need reconsider the electoral divisions in our region.
As a citizen, I want to be able to voice my opinion and get a hearing from my
elected representative. Elected representatives need to come from where we
live. Local government should be democracy in action because your decisions are
very up close and personal, so it means you better consult with your fellow
citizens and get it right.
We
also need new rules for transparent dealings and a process which must include community
consultation and communication. If we get governance right, then current
confrontational disputes such as economic stimulation, community
representation, town planning, regulated parking, access to housing,
environmental and heritage protection should not be issues they currently are
in the minds of the rate-payers.
Therefore,
I want to offer transparent government that listens to its citizens it serves.
I plan to bring balance and consultation to Council.
Some
of my platform on good governance includes:
·
Support for a model of
representation that ensure representation from each geographical area of our
community
·
Ensure each councilor is involved
with a portfolio as well as representing a division or ward
·
Redevelopment of published criteria
for transparent decision making
·
A Councilor to declare any political
affiliation or donations.
·
Transparency in decision making
·
Wide consultation processes
developed and reference groups or boards developed to support portfolio owners.
·
Communication needs to be through a
variety of media channels.
·
Reviewed planning process that gives
Authorised C Marendy 11 Burnell Crt,
Toowoomba, QLD, 4350
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