Race for Mayor heats up

• Mayoral candidates for the upcoming Dorset elections Beth Donoghue of Bridport, Greg Howard of Jetsonville and Edwina Powell of Springfield.

October 5, 2022

By Taylor Clyne

Much like the 2018 election, the Dorset community will have three candidates to choose from for the position of Mayor.

Incumbent Mayor Greg Howard is being challenged by Councillor Edwina Powell and newcomer Beth Donoghue.

In the previous election Howard won in a landslide attracting 64.07 percent of the vote with Powell gaining 14.57 percent.

Cr Powell explained that she is throwing her hat back in the ring as she wants to change the culture of Council after serving the past four years.

“I communicate well, and have skills in advocacy, management, networking, recruitment and building relationships. I am keen to put those skills to work as Mayor,” she said.

Cr Howard said he hopes to be re-elected as he has unfinished business in regards to the vision of Dorset.

“I want to see through the completion of the Sideling, a new entrance to the port at Bridport and associated marina, new pier for Bridport, new wind farms for Rushy Lagoon and Waterhouse, upgrade of Derby Back Road and a new housing subdivisions for Bridport Scottsdale and Derby,” he said.

While Mrs Donoghue explained her reasonings were more simple,

“I want to give people an additional choice.

“I can offer the community a diligent and considered approach. 

“There needs to be a balance between what ratepayers get for their monetary input and what the region needs to provide for the wider community and visitors to the region,” she said.

The Advertiser sat down with each candidate, here is a snapshot of what they had to say.

What are the major challenges you see?

Cr Powell said improving access to health and mental health services in the region is a top priority.

“Projected population figures indicate a falling population and an aging demographic. 

“We want to attract new business and jobs as well as newcomers to the region.

“Inflation and rising prices and shrinking funding from both State and Federal Governments.  “I believe Council will need to be smarter about where we spend the dollars,” she said.

Mrs Donoghue said she’s learnt that ratepayers are concerned about finances and Council spending after attending candidate forums the past week.  

“Ratepayers want to be reassured that the Council is financially sound and no further budget shortfalls happen,” she said.

Cr Howard explained that a few challenges he sees are the shortage of long term rental housing stock and residential real estate stock.

“I would like to see the establishment of a downstream processing plant of some description in Dorset.

“These actions and others revolve around collaboration with stakeholders, the State and Federal Governments and their departments to ensure projects can be delivered on time and in a cost effective manner,” he said.

What is your vision for the municipality and its residents across all sectors?

Cr Howard said his vision was simple.

“I want to ensure that Dorset remains one of the most liveable places in which to reside and remains one of the world’s best tourist destinations.”

Mrs Donoghue said she believed it was the community who sets the vision for the future.

“However personally I would like to see some of our rural roads sealed.  

“This was a policy of both the Scottsdale Council and the Ringarooma Council when they were separate.  

“Careys Lane, Muskfield Road, Oakdene Road and Jetsons Road, to name a few that could be sealed.

“I’d also like to see unmade streets developed, and footpaths put in where none now exist,” she said.

Cr Powell said decent strategic planning which includes the community is what will establish the priorities. 

“I have lots of good ideas and a vision for this corner of our world, but it is a up to all of us to bring that vision into reality.  

“The vision is for a vibrant inclusive community as well as a healthy, safe and happy place to live and bring up our families,” she added.

How do you plan to work with management and other Councillors and overcome the issues of transparency and communication?

Mrs Donoghue said she hoped there was a level of continuity in this Council election.  

“It would be less than ideal to have a completely new Council. 

“Thankfully, whoever is elected as Deputy Mayor will have had Council experience and that will be invaluable.”

Eluding to the fact the experienced Councillors Leonie Stein and Dale Jessup were standing for Deputy Mayor.

Cr Powell said opening up Council meetings would help.

“Only matters of commercial in confidence, tenders and ongoing negotiation of contracts or funding should be subject to total confidentiality. 

“The rest should be openly discussed by Councillors without fear of code of conduct actions.

“We need to build respect and trust with each other and in our dealings with the community as a whole and to be prepared for closer scrutiny,” she said.

Cr Howard said in comparison to most other Councils our transparency and communication is well above that which residents in those municipalities receive.

“We are one of only a handful of Councils where Councillors are permitted to converse with senior management, other than the general manager.

“While there has been some serious lack of communication around Derby, communication in general is very good. 

“This however relies on Councillors accessing the lines of communication that are available to them, this doesn’t always happen,” he said.

What are some main topics you would like to focus on and how will you action them?

Mrs Donoghue believes in positive and respectful relationships with clear communication and teamwork at the fore front is the key to an effective Council.

“With regard to transparency in decision making, it is difficult for Councillors to defend themselves on this front when operational matters are outside of their control,” she said.

Cr Howard said there was a definite need to improve communication around Derby.

“We need to move to transfer the income steams and costs of the bike trails to the Blue Derby Foundation as soon as they are ready.”

Cr Powell said on the topic of Derby a need for more footpaths and parking to improve safety and convenience for residents.

More broadly Cr Powell said building community spirit in each town was important.

“The health and wellbeing for
the region.

“People need to feel they own a project, Council values the volunteers in our community and what they achieve. 

“It is this community ethic that is at the centre of any council activity.

“Improve debate and discussion, which invites community input,” she said. 

Is there anything else that you would like to tell the community about your vision or self?

Cr Howard commended the community,

“We are all very lucky to live in such a wonderful community which is extremely generous, resilient and have a sense of pride that you don’t find in many municipalities. 

“We have low rates, fees and charges, low unemployment, low crime rates, quality infrastructure and Council services. 

“The reality is that residents can have just about anything they want as long as they are prepared to pay for it,” he said.

Mrs Donoghue said it may be necessary to go back to the basics and have Council review plans and budgets to ensure that Council has a solid financial position going forward.  

“Councils are required to have a ten year plan and to review that plan every year.  

“It would be my view that a conservative approach is necessary and, perhaps with it, a reset of priorities.”

Cr Powell said there is a subtle scenario of Council being the facilitator and the driver within their communities. 

“As a leader you have to be both.”