FIRST-term Wentworth Shire councillor Brian Beaumont says his experience with function and compliance auditing makes him a prime candidate for re-election.
He said he felt it was important his knowledge and experience from the past three years on council was carried forward.
“I’m very strong on things like transparency, process and compliance,” Cr Beaumont said.
“I see those as very key factors in relation to achieving the best outcomes for projects and tenders that go out, and achieving the best value for money for the Shire and the ratepayers.
“If you can get your processes right, you have that level of transparency and compliance, the outcome at the other end in terms of results for money spent on projects is generally good.
“I guess I see that as a strength of myself, and it’s a good basis on which to start.”
Achievements from the term he highlighted included driving the reintroduction of a hard-rubbish collection option for ratepayers, and introducing free entry into community swimming pools for supervising adults.
He said he assessed council matters with an open mind, and wanted to be in the chamber to provide an independent community voice.
“I’m putting myself up as a truly independent voice for our community,” Cr Beaumont said.
“I’m not tied or linked to any political party, I have no agenda, I’m purely putting myself forward as a community member.”
He’s actively involved with the Wentworth District Community Medical Centre, Wentworth Regional Tourism Inc, Wentworth District Racing Club, Greater Murray Darling Junction committee and the New South Western Standard local newspaper.
If re-elected, he said he initially would pursue six matters in the coming term: a recycling service; continued enhancement of health services; recognising and maximising the Shire’s tourism and economic potential; enhancing and maintaining community spaces and the environment; and greater heritage, river port and Indigenous recognition.
“The other thing too, of course, I think a Services NSW shopfront in Gol Gol (or) Buronga would be a distinct advantage for the community at that end of the Shire,” Cr Beaumont said.
“One of the things I hear quite often from people down that way is they’ve got to travel all the way out to Wentworth to register their vehicle or renew their licence.
“I would advocate for a Services NSW Office in Buronga.”
