"Your elected representatives need to be focusing on bringing Council's finances back into the black. To demonstrate Council is able to generate enough revenue to pay its debts when they are due. Not just this year or next year, but in a sustained way – year in year out.

In order to do this, in my view, priority should be given to:

1. Optimising revenue from existing Council business units, and looking for new ways to generate revenue.

2. Minimising reliance on selling property, cashing in financial investments or drawing on funds set aside for other purposes.

3. Drawing more effectively from the significant expertise in our Business and Volunteer communities.

4. Setting up a single fully functioning IT Financial Management System capable of producing accurate, reliable and complete financial statements and reports.

5. Produce fully audited unqualified Financial Statements in line with Statutory Requirements.

Free speech, contested debate, transparent and accountable decisions, and community engagement are fundamental aspects of Council’s ability to be able to achieve the above.

Elected representatives must be able to freely express their point of view. To challenge and debate ideas and views that may differ from that of Council staff or other Councillors. Contested debate is what leads to good decisions in the best interest of the Community.

As Councillors we have an obligation to question staff. To verify what is said. To be satisfied that we have relevant, complete and accurate information to inform our decisions.

As Councillors we also have an obligation to be transparent about what has informed our individual views and decisions on why we vote a particular way.

These things are the essence of good Governance.

In my view a common understanding across Council is required about how we can meet these responsibilities and obligations in a mutually respectful way without fear of reprisal.

Finally, our municipality has an abundance of people with extensive knowledge and expertise in local government and importantly who can also provide valuable insight in prioritisation of community expectations for the future of our Municipality. In my view Council would benefit greatly from embracing this valuable resource in a more comprehensive way into the future.

For those who want to learn a bit more about me and what I see for the future of Kiama you might like to listen to my Kiama Community Radio interview from 26 September 2023.