Adriana Taylor’s 10 Point Plan for Glenorchy
Introduction:
I present to you my 10 Point Plan for Glenorchy – a blueprint for a new era of economic and social prosperity for the City of Glenorchy.
This is the most comprehensive policy document ever presented by a Mayoral Candidate in any Tasmanian Local Government election.
It is my goal for this plan to demonstrate clearly to the residents and ratepayers of Glenorchy the direction I would like Glenorchy to take if I am elected Mayor.
This Plan does not just reflect what I would like to see happen in Glenorchy. More importantly it reflects the ambitions, hopes and priorities of the people of Glenorchy for what they would like to see happen in their city.
This is because this plan is based on the Glenorchy Community Plan – Glenorchy’s 20-year economic, social and environmental plan for the City written by the people of Glenorchy through extensive community consultation in 2000, and again in its review in 2005.
The Glenorchy Community Plan is guided by its own set of values. These are the same values that guide my 10 Point Plan for Glenorchy.
These values are:
People: – Each person is equal and has a positive contribution to make. The rights and opinions of all are heard, valued and respected.
Diversity: – We value differences that enrich our community and the positive contributions everyone can make in improving the quality of community life.
Progress: - We value innovation, flexibility and imagination in building a better and sustainable community.
Prosperity: - We commit ourselves to achieving social and economic prosperity for all.
Environment: - We work together to improve our city so we can enjoy a safe and healthy environment and a good quality of life. We respect our heritage and have pride in our City.
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My 10 Point Plan for Glenorchy is a deliberately ambitious document.
Its goal is to achieve the people’s vision for Glenorchy, as expressed in the Glenorchy Community Plan that:
‘Glenorchy is the best place in Tasmania to live, work and play; both now and into the future.
To achieve this vision for Glenorchy, the Council needs to be a leader in the practices of local government and a leader within its community. It needs a Council that works together, is united and has forward-thinking, strong leadership.
It needs a Council that consults with its community, responsibly manages its finances, provides value-for-money services to its ratepayers and has a plan to achieve the community’s goal of ensuring Glenorchy is the very best place in Tasmania to live, work and play.
I will work closely with my Deputy Mayor and actively encourage all the Aldermen to be proactive in introducing new ideas and best practice from their own fields of expertise, whether it be business practice, the arts, tourism, sport, health or housing.
That is the type of Council I intend to lead. That is the type of Leadership I intend to provide if elected the next Mayor of Glenorchy this October.
Ald Adriana Taylor
Glenorchy City Council Alderman
Candidate for Mayor.
My 10 Point Plan for Glenorchy
1.‘A United, Strong Glenorchy City Council’
..achieving the community’s vision. A Council functioning again, as a united team, with elected Aldermen working together cooperatively, along with respect for the contributions of all.
2. ‘A Community Council’
..giving the community a say in important Council decisions through their elected Aldermen and staff consulting and engaging with residents and ratepayers.
3. ‘A Responsible Council’
..managing the City’s finances, getting the balance right , from providing value-for-money services to keeping rates as affordable as possible.
4. ‘An Economically Prosperous City’
..A Council that is aggressive in attracting new developers and industry to our City, while helping existing businesses to grow, prosper and create more jobs for the community. A Council that balances economic prosperity with responsible environmental management.
5. ‘A Place for Locals and Visitors to Enjoy’
..A Council that seizes the opportunities presented by the huge growth in Tasmanian tourism, while providing better services and facilities and improving the lifestyle of Glenorchy people.
6. An Active Community’
..A Council that recognises the vital role our many sport and recreation clubs and associations have, in the lives of Glenorchy residents. A Council that supports these clubs better and helps them to grow and prosper.
7. ‘A Safe, Healthy Community’
..A Council working with the Police and community on focused and effective strategies to further reduce acts of crime and alleviate concerns in our City. A Council that recognises the vital role it has in fighting for better health services for its community.
8. ‘A Strong, Diverse and Caring Community’
..A Council that recognises Glenorchy’s greatest asset is its people. A Council constantly improving the level of support and infrastructure available to the wider Glenorchy community.
9. ‘Regional Infrastructure and Transport Cooperation’
..A Council that works with the other Southern Councils towards setting up a regional stakeholder and interest group responsible for developing regional strategic infrastructure, incorporating and balancing economic, social and environmental best practice. A Council that encourages the use of alternative transport solutions
10. ‘A Clever, Creative Community
..A Council determined to achieve the best deal for Glenorchy’s many great schools. A Council that working cooperatively – providing better facilities for our students and stimulation for a new focus in art, craft, music and culture.
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The Plan In Detail
1. ‘A United, Strong Glenorchy City Council’
…achieving the community’s vision. A Council functioning again, as a united team, with elected Aldermen working together cooperatively, along with respect for the contributions of all.
Background:
For many years respected as one of the most united and cooperative Councils in Tasmania, Glenorchy City Council has over the last five years undergone a transformation that has resulted in the Council experiencing the division, factional infighting and negative publicity that is entrenched in the culture of many other Tasmanian Councils.
This infighting, more-often than not played out in the public sphere, has deeply concerned and angered many Glenorchy residents who just want their Council – and its Aldermen - to be working cooperatively and getting on with the job of representing the interests of Glenorchy’s residents and ratepayers.
The last thing Glenorchy needs is for factionalism and infighting amongst its elected Aldermen to engulf the culture of the Glenorchy City Council organisation. This sort of negativity can destabilise and damage the Council and its reputation within its community, and wider to prospective developers considering investment in the City.
What Glenorchy does need are Aldermen who respect each other’s opinions and views and who are constantly working in the best interests of the Glenorchy Council organisation.
It needs leadership from the Mayor to set the example.
It also needs a Council that respects its staff and that works cooperatively with every member of the organisation to advance the interests of Glenorchy and its people.
As Mayor, Adriana Taylor will:
- Provide strong, focused leadership for Glenorchy Council and the Glenorchy community.
- Work towards a united Council where every Alderman is treated with respect and always acknowledged as an elected representative of the people of Glenorchy.
- Implement a Code of Conduct for Aldermen.
- Lead a united Council that welcomes diversity, strong debate and different points of view from every Alderman.
- Lead a Council that is committed to achieving the goals of the Glenorchy Community and Social Plans.
* 2. ‘A Community Council’
…giving the community a say in important Council decisions through their elected Aldermen and staff consulting and engaging with residents and ratepayers.
Background:
Glenorchy City Council has a proud record of consulting with its community on important decisions and policy of Councils.
The Glenorchy Community Participation Program is a model for Local Government across Australia in engaging our community in how Council allocates resources.
The Glenorchy Precinct Program is one such innovative and effective way for Glenorchy City Council Aldermen and staff to remain in regular contact with local communities. The 9 Glenorchy Precincts have all made a real contribution to their local communities and each Precinct can proudly boast a list of real achievements that would not have been possible had it not been through the energy and enthusiasm of volunteer Precinct members.
As the only candidate for Mayor who supports the retention of the Precinct Program, Adriana Taylor as Mayor will work closely with dedicated Precinct members on enhancing their role in Council’s decision making.
Adriana Taylor will also promote and expand Council’s Special Committees of Council to ensure greater consultation between Council Aldermen, staff and community members.
As Mayor, Adriana Taylor will:
- Embrace, support and further develop the Council’s Community Participation Program including the retention of the Glenorchy Precinct Program, Youth Participation Program, Safer Communities Committee, Glenorchy Community Road Safety Committee, Access Committee and Cultural Diversity Committee, as essential elements of Council’s decision-making and policy formation process.
- Ensure Glenorchy continues to be a leading Council in community consultation.
- Lead a Council that provides opportunity for residents and ratepayers to have a say on all important Council decisions and policies.
- Ensure all Council Aldermen and staff are regularly engaging with the people of Glenorchy.
- Improve Council’s processes for dealing with the community. Implement a Council standard for community service and feedback.
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3. ‘A Responsible Council’
…managing the City’s finances, getting the balance right , from providing value-for-money services to keeping rates as affordable as possible.
Background:
Glenorchy Council’s main responsibility to its residents is to provide the best value-for-money Council services and facilities that rates can provide.
Glenorchy Council is in a strong financial position and has implemented an aggressive debt reduction strategy. Council has also demonstrated a commitment to keeping rate increases as low as possible, particularly in response to the recent revaluation of Glenorchy properties.
Adriana Taylor recognises that Councils have a responsibility to get the balance right between keeping Council rates as affordable as possible, while providing the very best traditional services possible, such as clean and reliable water supply, waste removal, road and footpath maintenance improvements. These sit alongside essential community services such as child-care facilities and programs for our youth, senior and migrant communities.
As Mayor, Adriana Taylor will ensure Council is open for business to private investment and will lobby other levels of government to meet their responsibilities in providing the very best possible facilities and services to the Glenorchy community.
As Mayor, Adriana Taylor will:
- Manage Council’s finances responsibly.
- Continue Council’s aggressive debt reduction strategy.
- Lead a Council that is always ‘open for business’ and seeking out opportunities with Federal and State Government, the business sector and the community to deliver better outcomes for Glenorchy.
- Provide the very best value-for-money for important Council services to ratepayers, such as water supply, waste removal, road works, footpaths, lighting, and childcare.
- Give local communities a say, through the Precinct Program, on how capital works funding is best spent in local communities.
- Work to implement a kerb-side green waste collection service for all Glenorchy households.
- Consult with the community through the Precinct Program and resident feedback on Council’s budget and any rate increases.
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4. ‘An Economically Prosperous City’
…A Council that is aggressive in attracting new developers and industry to our City, while helping existing businesses to grow, prosper and create more jobs for the community. A Council that balances economic prosperity with responsible environmental management.
Background:
As Mayor, Adriana Taylor’s major economic priority will be to ensure Glenorchy remains a key Tasmanian business hub.
Recent economic development in the areas of retail with the Big W and cinema complex developments in the Glenorchy Central Business District and major development at Moorilla Estate, Elwick Racecourse and Prince of Wales Bay have led to more jobs and economic activity.
As Mayor, Adriana Taylor will work cooperatively with the business community to further improve the level of economic activity in Glenorchy City.
This will include the development of a Glenorchy Economic Plan to sit alongside the existing Glenorchy Social Plan to provide a long-term strategic plan for creating more jobs and development in Glenorchy.
Adriana Taylor will also work with other Aldermen and Council management on cutting red tape for investors dealing with Glenorchy City Council. This will be with the goal of making Glenorchy Council not just the best community Council in Tasmania, but also the best Council to do business with.
As Mayor Adriana Taylor will:
- Work with key-stakeholders on developing a strategic plan for the future development of the ‘Elwick Precinct’ including the Derwent Entertainment Centre, Elwick Racecourse, Wilkinson’s Point, the Showgrounds and Technopark.
- Aggressively promote Glenorchy’s industrial land to commercial developers as one of the last areas open to medium-scale industrial development in the Greater Hobart area.
- Make Glenorchy Council the best Council to do business with in Tasmania by implementing a faster, more streamlined process for developers and small business operators.
- Develop a long-term strategic ‘Glenorchy Economic Plan’ to sit alongside the existing ‘Glenorchy Social Plan’ to guide Glenorchy’s economic development over the next 20 years.
- Review the Glenorchy Planning Scheme considering the need for more office and housing space in the central Glenorchy area.
- Develop a group of key-stakeholders and community and business representatives in the Moonah area, to aggressively develop a commercial renewal plan for Moonah.
- Encourage the completion and adoption of a Main Road Corridor Plan to guide developers and Council for the next 20 years.
- Pursue the Cities for Climate Protection goals by leading the way in reducing green house gas emissions, tertiary treatment of sewage and recycling green waste into compost.
- Continue to cooperate in the clean-up of the Derwent River Estuary until it is once again a safe place to fish, boat and swim.
- Encourage wise use of domestic water.
- Promote the establishment of Internet Cafes in the business districts.
5. ‘A Place for Locals and Visitors to Enjoy’
...A Council that seizes the opportunities presented by the huge growth in Tasmanian tourism, while providing better services and facilities and improving the lifestyle of Glenorchy people.
Background:
Tourism has been the major contributor to Tasmania’s economic recovery over the past few years. The number of visitors to our State has increased by nearly 40%, or 250,000 people in just four years.
Adriana Taylor believes that Glenorchy should be doing more to attract visitors to spend time in our City and to enjoy more than our major visitor attractions, such as Cadbury’s, Moorilla Estate, Alpenrail, the Transport Museum, Elwick Racecourse and the Derwent Entertainment Centre.
Adriana Taylor wants to see our restaurants and cafes better promoted to the broader southern Tasmania community and work to get increased tourist and visitor activity on the Derwent River.
Adriana Taylor will, as Mayor, take a direct interest in getting more national and international events to the Derwent Entertainment Centre and will work to minimize the cost for community groups to use the Derwent Entertainment Centre’s wonderful facilities.
As Mayor Adriana Taylor will:
- Encourage the development of more restaurants, cafes and entertainment venues in Glenorchy, through the development of a ‘Glenorchy City Hospitality Committee’ bringing together hospitality operators from across the City to market and develop Glenorchy as a dining and entertainment venue.
- Better use Glenorchy’s natural assets, the mountain and the river by aggressively promoting the Derwent River and Myrtle Forest as great visitor spots.
- Work with the State Government on constructing a public ferry/yacht berthing at Wilkinson’s Point to attract commercial and recreational boat operators to Glenorchy.
- Investigate other suitable jetty locations along the Derwent.
- Work with the State Government, TT-Line and business operators to reduce the cost of national and international acts coming to the Derwent Entertainment Centre.
- Find ways to make the cost of the Derwent Entertainment Centre more affordable for community groups.
- Re-instil pride in our city with a beautification and lighting program. Led by Council, supported by business, schools and residents, leading to pleasant streetscapes in residential streets, in business districts and in commercial and industrial areas.
- Develop a ‘Glenorchy Heritage Trail’ to better promote Glenorchy’s unique and proud history.
- Initiate a major annual festival within Glenorchy City, which will be unique to Tasmania.
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6. ‘An Active Community’.
…A Council that recognises the vital role our many sport and recreation clubs and associations have, in the lives of Glenorchy residents. A Council that supports these clubs better and helps them to grow and prosper.
Background:
Adriana Taylor wants Glenorchy Council to continue to support and promote Glenorchy’s many wonderful sport and community recreational clubs and associations within our City.
Adriana Taylor believes that these clubs serve as the basis for improving fitness and participation levels within the Glenorchy community and resources should be better allocated to supporting their facilities and programs.
Adriana Taylor wants Council to take a greater interest in the health and wellbeing of our community, through the development of a dedicated ‘Healthy Communities Unit’ within Council. This unit will be dedicated to working with sport clubs within our City and will work with a newly-established Glenorchy Sports and Recreation Advisory Committee’, made up of representatives from Glenorchy’s major sports and recreation bodies to act as a united voice to lobby Council and Government for a better deal for clubs.
Adriana Taylor also believes that Glenorchy should be getting a fair go from Government in regards to sports facilities within our City. While other parts of Tasmania have benefited from significant recent investments from Government on their facilities, Glenorchy appears to have been forgotten.
As Mayor, Adriana will fight for badly needed improvements at the Moonah Sports Centre and the Glenorchy Pool.
As Mayor Adriana Taylor will:
- Work with the State Government and Centre Management on developing a plan to revitalise and redevelop the Moonah Sports Centre.
- Investigate the viability of adding a hydrotherapy and indoor lap pool at the Glenorchy Aquatic Centre, with potential involvement of a private operator and state and federal government.
- Work to establish a ‘Healthy Communities Unit’ within the Glenorchy City Council to work directly with Glenorchy’s sports clubs, schools and fitness clubs to maximising community participation in sport and recreation.
- Work to establish a ‘Glenorchy Sports and Recreation Advisory Committee’, made up of representatives from Glenorchy’s major sports and recreation bodies to act as a united voice to lobby Council and Government for a better deal for clubs.
- Promote Council’s ‘Project Healthy Worker’ to other workplaces.
* 7. ‘ A Safe, Healthy Community’
…A Council working with the Police and community on focused and effective strategies to further reduce acts of crime and alleviate concerns in our City. A Council that recognises the vital role it has in fighting for better health services for its community.
Background:
Adriana Taylor believes in meaningful solutions to crime prevention, not just expensive, unproven strategies based around surveillance cameras.
Adriana is committed to implementing the recommendations of the Council’s Safer Communities Strategy, including greater cooperation between Council, the community, Metro and the Tasmanian Police to address crime and anti-social behaviour.
Adriana will work with the Police to maximise their presence and effectiveness on Glenorchy’s streets.
As Mayor, Adriana Taylor will also work with private investors and the State Government to get more public, affordable and inner-city housing development throughout our City.
Adriana Taylor also wants Glenorchy to get a fair deal in essential community health and dental health services, including the expansion of the Pulse Youth Health Centre.
As Mayor Adriana Taylor will:
- Pressure the State Government for the better provision of basic medical and dental services in central Glenorchy.
- Commit Council to work with the State Government to develop excess Council land for more affordable and public housing.
- Encourage the development of inner city, above-retail housing in the Glenorchy and Moonah central business areas.
- Work with the Glenorchy Police on sensible crime prevention solutions, including getting more Police on the beat.
- Further enhance relationships between Glenorchy’s schools and Council’s youth services such as the Pulse Youth Health Centre, the Volunteer Centre and the Youth Task Forces.
- Work with stakeholders and the State Government for the development of a Police and Citizens Youth Club (PCYC)
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8. ‘A Strong, Diverse and Caring Community’
…A Council that recognises Glenorchy’s greatest asset is its people. A Council constantly improving the level of support and infrastructure available to the wider Glenorchy community.
Background:
Adriana Taylor recognises that Glenorchy’s number one asset is its people and that Glenorchy’s greatest strength is the way in which its people look after each other.
As Mayor, Adriana Taylor will work to get better services for our migrant community, through the development of a much-needed Cultural Centre to serve both our older and more recent migrants.
Adriana Taylor will aim to develop a Glenorchy Icons Program to identify, support and better promote sporting, cultural and business icons of our City.
Adriana Taylor recognises shortages in childcare services and as Mayor will seek an audit of appropriate land for additional development of childcare centres where they are most needed across the City.
As Mayor Adriana Taylor will:
- Work with the State Government on developing a Cultural Centre, to provide a one-stop shop for services and programs for Glenorchy’s many new and older migrant communities.
- Develop a ‘Glenorchy Icons’ Program to support and promote distinctly Glenorchy icons such as our football and cricket clubs, Concert Brass, Cadbury’s, Incat, Zinifex, Elwick Racecourse, Derwent Entertainment Centre and Showground.
- Undertake a consultation program to develop a Glenorchy Positive Ageing strategy and proactively plan for the services and facilities Glenorchy will need as our population ages.
- Undertake an audit of areas in Glenorchy needing further childcare facilities, develop a ‘Glenorchy ChildCare Plan’ to ensure Glenorchy is investment-ready to guide private developers wanting to establish childcare centres in areas of greatest need.
- Implement the Glenorchy Access Committee work-plan.
- Continue the recognition of the first inhabitants of the land, and work to improve their health, education, housing and employment statistics.
- Promote pride in the heritage and contribution of Indigenous Tasmanians.
* 9. ‘Regional Infrastructure and Transport Cooperation’
…A Council that works with the other Southern Councils towards setting up a regional stakeholder and interest group responsible for developing regional strategic infrastructure, incorporating and balancing economic, social and environmental best practice.
A Council that recognises a key responsibility is to be constantly improving its infrastructure including roads and footpaths.
A Council that encourages the use of alternative transport solutions such as cycling infrastructure and river-transport. A Council that fights for better public transport services for its community.
Background:
Adriana Taylor recognises that Glenorchy Council needs to work within its region to develop a cohesive strategic framework to guide decision makers for future sustainable regional development.
Adriana Taylor recognises that there are major concerns within the Glenorchy community regarding accessibility to suitable public transport.
As Mayor Adriana Taylor will:
- Lead a Council that is willing to find the best solutions regionally for the supply of water, the treatment of sewage and planning processes.
- Hold regular meetings between Metro Management and Council Staff and Aldermen.
- Use the Community Participation Program, including the Precincts, to consult communities better about public transport timetabling.
- Work with Metro to provide more frequent, small buses on less popular routes, especially to cater for less mobile and older residents.
- Proactively plan now for the re-use of the railway line if, in the future, rail transport ceases at Bridgewater, including investigating a light rail commuter service.
- Develop more cycle paths along our roads to connect to the inner-city cycleway.
- Provide secure bicycle parking at the bus station to encourage commuters to leave cars at home.
- Develop a public transport solution for Collinsvale.
* 10. ‘A Creative, Skilled Community’
…A Council determined to achieve the best deal for Glenorchy’s many great schools. A Council that working cooperatively – providing better facilities for our students and stimulation for a new focus in art, craft, music and culture.
Background:
Adriana Taylor recognises that Glenorchy is blessed to have so many outstanding primary, secondary and senior secondary schools across our City.
As Mayor, Adriana will fight for a better deal for these schools to ensure our young people get a fair share of state and federal Government funding allocations.
Adriana Taylor is also keen to see the ongoing development of Moonah as an arts and cultural precinct, including the ongoing improvement of the Moonah Arts Centre and the development of a Performing Arts Centre within our City.
As Mayor, Adriana Taylor will:
- Fight for the long-awaited development of a Performing Arts Centre within our city.
- Pressure the State Government for Glenorchy’s fair share of capital funding for our schools.
- Work towards the development of an arts, crafts and cultural precinct based in the Moonah business district.
- Support our regional education and research institutions.
- Work with Council, the business community and the Government to retain and attract talent and strategic skills.
- Develop a best practise model for integrated life-long learning opportunities in cooperation with public and private education providers.
- Encourage Council to lead the way in providing on-the-job skills training in areas such as environmental health, planning and management.