Responsibilities / Policies

Responsibilities

The positions of Mayor and Councillor are defined in the publication "Becoming a Councillor" - 2011 Interim Update, NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet.

What is the role of the mayor?

The mayor is often considered to be not only the voice of the council but also the leader of the local community. In addition to having responsibilities as a councillor, under the Local Government Act the role of the mayor is to:

• Where necessary, exercise urgent policy-making functions of the governing body of the council between meetings of the council
• Exercise such other functions of the council as the council determines
• To preside at meetings of the council
• Carry out the civic and ceremonial functions of the mayoral office

What is the role of a councillor?

The Local Government Act divides the role of a councillor into two broad categories:

1) as a member of the governing body of the council to:

• Provide a civic leadership role in guiding the development of the community strategic plan for the area and to be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the council's Delivery Program
• Direct and control the affairs of the council in accordance with this Act
• Participate in the optimum allocation of the council's resources for the benefit of the area
• Play a key role in the creation and review of the council's policies and objectives and criteria relating to the exercise of the council's regulatory functions
• Review the performance of the council and its delivery of services, and the Delivery Program and revenue policies of the council

2) as an elected person to:

• Represent the interests of residents and ratepayers
• Provide leadership and guidance to the community
• Facilitate communication between the community and the council

Policies

Independence is the key to making a change for the better.

With forty (40) years business management experience, thirty (30) years as a small and medium business owner, Greg Petty knows that infrastructure and solid economic analysis is critical to the financial growth and stability of our community.

Greg acknowledges that Neighbourhood Volunteers have been representing ratepayers and residents at Council since the sacking of Councilors in 2008. These people have shown that their commitment and integrity towards the betterment of their respective suburbs.

Greg states "I will actively work towards implementing and resourcing Precinct Committees so that residents have a direct contribution to where ratepayer money is spent". For this reason, Greg recently participated in the Community Reference Panel forums held by Council as part of the return to an elected Council.

Greg Petty is standing for Lord Mayor / Ward 1 Councillor and will embrace the principles of open and transparent decision-making, free of political influence.

As the Lord Mayor / Ward 1 Councillor Greg will work to ensure that: -

Wollongong Local Government Area

• Listening
• Open and transparent decision making free of political influence
• Respect for ratepayer's funds
• Port Kembla is properly utilised through improved infrastructure (I support the Dombarton - Maldon Rail link)
• Increased public transport
• Address crime rate
• Represent ratepayers at all levels of government

Ward 1

• Provide essential services and maintenance requests in a timely manner
• Protect the Royal National Park and Dharawal State Conservation Area
• Our pristine forests are free from Coal Seam Gas mining and a Power Station
• Protect the Hacking headwaters catchments by maintaining the equivalent 7D protected zonings

Personally

Greg's long business career and experience as a small and medium business owner coupled with his qualification as an accountant and company secretary in a comprehensive list of areas with an amenity for the environment affords him the ability to make clear and concise decisions based on facts. Greg Petty is committed to listening and he is resolved to find the most effective outcome that will provide a permanent solution to your issues, with an overarching responsibility to a commitment of integrity of office and transparency of decision making.

Greg says:

"I look forward to representing the whole community. At last residents in the Local Government Area have a candidate prepared to represent the community, small business and the environment with a commitment to full open transparency, honesty and altruistic goals. Through community consultation solutions can be found to any problem, we just need the desire in our Lord Mayor and Councillors.

Most importantly, I want to hear from you on issues concerning you".

Where to meet Greg

Thursday, August 11		12 noon to 2.00pm		Corrimal Town Centre and surrounding shops
Tuesday, August 9		11.00 to 1.00pm		Woonona Shopping strip and surrounding shops
Thursday, August 4		9-30am to 11-00am		Wollongong Small Business Complex 237 Berkeley Road, Unanderra
Tuesday, August 2		9-30am to 11-00am		The Kiosk, Stanwell Park

Watch the website for more locations during the election campaign.