Monday 23 January 2012

Schier launches campaign

: Mayor Val Schier has launched her campaign in a bid to remain in the top job.

Mayor Val Schier has launched her re-election campaign by pledging to continue building on Council's job creation and investment attraction work.

Mayor Schier highlighted said she had a record of achievement in office delivering infrastructure, enhancing the lifestyle of residents with better parks, sporting facilities, events and festivals.

“I have a strong record of achievement in office, but I believe there is more to do to get us through this economic downturn and diversify our economy. That's why I'm asking the people of Cairns for four more years,” Cr Schier said.

“I know the people of Cairns see job creation as their highest priority right now and I am the only candidate who is offering real plans for job creation through direct stimulus such as the Cairns Entertainment Precinct and the only candidate who has a record of working successfully to diversify the economy by establishing Council's economic development arm to attract investors and bringing mining companies and workers to the region.”

Cr Schier said she has worked hard to protect the tropical lifestyle and stop excessive development.

“I was elected four years ago on a platform of protecting our lifestyle and environment, stopping breakneck development that was turning us into the Gold Coast, and supporting local communities.

“Although the GFC has taken priority this term, I've delivered on many of these campaign pledges with the backzoning of our hillslopes, increased funding for community groups, sports, events and festivals.”

The Mayor also highlighted the planning work that Council had been doing over the past four years as a key achievement, including the City Centre Masterplan, Economic Development Strategy, Edmonton Town Centre, Mt Peter Masterplan and Port Douglas Waterfront plan.

“I inherited a Council that had little in the way of planning for the future – for growth, for lifestyle enhancement or for economic diversification."

Do you agree with Cr Schier’s assessment of her term? Have your say below or ask her a question via our 'Ask Your Pollie' feature.

Cheap, easy, and lasts longer. Check out The Newsport Classifieds.

Have your say!

The comments made below are the opinions of the reader and do not represent the views of The Newsport. We ask you to provide your full name and valid email address to ensure your comments' legitimacy is acknowledged. Editor reserves the right to amend comments in accordance with Publisher’s Terms and Conditions. Click here for full publishers terms and conditions for reader comments.

Barry. , 25-01-12 22:50:

Remember Val. can you ? what you promised last election.

Rate increases at CPI levels. Reeemmmmmemmmber !!!!

My Rates went up $1000 in 1 year, plus water of $400 - $600 per year.

That's 72% Val. My dog, know's the reserve bank likes to keep inflation at 2-3%.

But that's not the end is it Val tip fees gone up 150% ( Commercial gardners ), even more for builders.

Now if I turned up to someone's place to mow their lawn for $50, then turned around and said added inflation that's $90, they would probably
what to kick me in the Klackers !

Wel VAL. that's pretty much how most people in the former Douglas Shire see you. A Person who cannot be trusted.

Sinnercerly,

Barry.

Russell Jean, 25-01-12 12:33:

Thanks for your reply Mayor but I stand by my comment about PORT DOUGLAS but as I asked can you please give a comprehensive list of what you are going to do for the Old Douglas Region if re-elected?? What infrastructure is going to be built, what sporting facilities etc are going to improve, what new parks or upgraded parks are we going to see etc etc etc etc???

Natalie Johnson, 24-01-12 10:00:

I would just like to know why my last set of Douglas Shire Council rates before the amalgamation were $1800.00 and last year they were $2800.00 including the water charge. I cannot with confidence say I have received and additional $1000.00 of value.

Glenn the Pest, 24-01-12 00:33:

4 years of waiting for a swimming pool, 4 years waiting for the upgrade to the foreshore, which looks second rate and inadequate, lack of toilets lack of parking, lack of shade areas, and look at whats happened in front of the surf club, total farce. You took off with our assets and the planned ideas for the region and now attempt to take credit for the last councils foresight. We still have the dangerous Port turnoff, the main road reseal was a total bandaid job, the old potholes and trenches are still evident and felt. Warner St is more of a danger to walk along, less employment in the "shire", Death and destruction to the historical old Mango trees next to the old Courthouse building- 3 years of tests and surveys and your still mowing grass and posioning the weeds instead of saving the trees. Have you told the Douglasites yet that thier magnificent 100 year old mango trees are soon to die.You take our monies and divert them to Cairns, and then give back white elephants. You claim for the bridges so what did the state and Fed Gov's pay for. you introduced water costs so why should l thank you for showing me how to save $5 of God's free creation per annum, my rates cost me extra $ 200 per year THANKS!!, You appear caught up in your past talk spinfest,you bagged Kevin last election to win, l wonder who you intend bagging this election. you have not delivered on your past promises, so lets see if you can hoodwink the general public a second time round, l think your weed eradication program in the tropics will be your legacy.. a total washout waste of time

Mayor Val Schier, 23-01-12 17:25:

Scott, if the decision is made by the State government to deamalgamate I will support the aspirations of the Douglas Shire and do all I can to assist. The Douglas Shire had a proud 105-year history and I understand how unhappy people were at the prospect of being "taken over" by Cairns City Council. On being elected I discovered some unfortunate anti-Douglas attitudes in a small minority of council staff and councillors. CEO, Lyn Russell, has worked to change this and I think the appointment of a Manager for Douglas has improved customer service markedly.

Mayor Val Schier, 23-01-12 17:18:

Achievements: Mossman All Abilities playground; Four mile Beach esplanade upgrade; Murphy St walking trail balustrade; Front St upgrade; millions of dollars on bridges north of the Daintree (Coopers Ck, Masons etc); $40,000 for Great Barrier Reef Marathon plus 3 year agreement for Carnivale; huge rectification works on Alexandra Range; 950 homes took advantage of Water Smart service to reduce their water costs; sorted out land for Mossman District Nursing Home; Temporary car park for Mossman Show; nursery upgrade and increase in plantings of native trees and weed eradication . . . . to name a few Russell; new library kiosk at Port; Clink Theatre improvements; Douglas Art Base heritage building maintenance. I hope you give credit where credit it is due Russell. Cr Leu has been a great advocate for the Douglas.
Ready to go next time: Daintree Gateway implementation; Port Douglas Waterfront Masterplan including lagoon; innovative new play space in Rex Smeal Park; playground at Cape Trib . . . and more to come

Scott , 23-01-12 16:28:

Sorry Mayor, you are a dilusional fraud. We need a Mayor to represent us in Douglas, not Brisbane. One way or another, things will be different after the 31 March.

Russell Jean, 23-01-12 10:58:

Sorry Mayor cant see the better parks, sports facilities, infrastructure in and around Port Douglas?? Just one question - What are you going to specifically do for the Old Douglas Region during your four years if re-elected?? A full and comprehensive list please.