Robert Miller
Robert Miller is a fifth generation local and operates “Narrawilly”, a large dairying enterprise started by his family in 1859 at Milton. Robert has an honours degree in Agriculture and Business studies from the University of Sydney and has undertaken postgraduate studies in Accountancy and Business Administration.
Robert’s public profile includes representing the dairy industry at the state level of the NSW Farmers Association and the wider rural community on the Rural Lands Protection Board as Deputy Chair. He is also chair of a Natural Resource Management team which is a partnership between the Southern Rivers Catchment Management (SRCMA), Department of Primary Industry and South Coast farmers. This group has a major emphasis on climate change and better resource management. Robert Murray also sits on the Milton and Districts Bendigo Bank board and has extensive work experience in corporate finance and international business before returning to full time farming.
Robert Murray is standing for council in Ward 3 because he sees there is an urgent need for change, a new direction and new ideas in local government.
“We need to move from the 1970’s to the 21st century,” he says.
Robert adds, ” I am committed to real community participation and public consultation, the promotion of, and assistance to, small and medium businesses in order to create local job opportunities and foster the growth of educational and training facilities. I have a strong commitment to ensuring that subdivisions meet climate change targets. I am keen to see fitness and exercise opportunities enhanced, including shared cycle/ pedestrian pathways and greater recreational facilities.”
Robert Miller believes there is an overwhelming need for greater accountability, transparency and integrity in local government. He believes we need to respect recommendations made by qualified council staff and professional consultants. He is further committed to sustainable development restricted to 3-4 storey aesthetically designed buildings to avoid compromising the character of our villages and our unique environment and the need for improved strategic planning to ensure infrastructure requirements are achieved for the future growth and tourism needs of our villages and towns.
Mark Hurley
Mark Hurley moved to Mollymook from inner city Sydney in 1996 with his wife and daughter. They brought with them their antique restoration business, a business Mark and his wife, Jennifer, have worked in for over twenty years.
The family bought a house in Milton in 1999, the same year Mark was first elected Councillor on Shoalhaven City Council.
At that time Mark stood for Council with Shoalhaven Community Action. Whilst a Councillor Mark served on some twenty committees and developed clear insights into what Councils do and how they do it. During this time Mark developed an enormous respect for Council staff.
Mark says, “They are, by and large, a highly qualified and diligent group of people attempting to deliver the best outcomes they can, often with little help from the elected Councillors.”
Previous experience on Council and the desire to provide a Council that listens to community input and acts upon it, without fear or particular favour is what motivates Mark to stand for election on September 13th.
Mark’s wish, in standing for Council with the support of the Shoalhaven Action Campaign, is to achieve a working environment where capable staff can deliver a Council of Excellence, particularly in the planning departments where enormous pressure and conflicting goals can create real problems.
He adds, “If we can give the community confidence in planning issues and consistency in adherence to policy then most good things will follow.
We need to build an atmosphere of excellence that will encourage small to medium industries of all forms, from tourism through to aged care, and promote the training of local youth, in particular, to service these industries as part of the development process.
The people I’m involved with in Shoalhaven Action Campaign are all of enormously high principles and similarly wish to offer community a Council of integrity and diligence. I’m confident we can achieve this end.”
Tracy Lumb
Prior to coming to the Shoalhaven (Sanctuary Point) twenty-one years ago Tracy Lumb worked in retail management before undertaking the important role of full-time mum.
She returned to work as a section Manager and merchandiser at Freedom Furniture and Oz Design before retraining in aged care services and then going on to employment as a Community Development Worker.
Tracy served on the P & C at Sanctuary Point Public School for five years with two years as Vice President and two as President. Within this role she worked hard to establish the Behaviour Unit at Sanctuary Point Public School.
Tracy currently serves on the committees of:
- Shoalhaven Suicide Prevention and Awareness Network
- Blueprint Shoalhaven – Wellness Committee
- Blueprint Shoalhaven – Tourist Trail
She utilises contact with the three levels of government to assist with the development of new services by and for these organisations.
Tracy says, “My reasons for standing as a candidate at the upcoming local government elections are simple. I love where I live and I want the area to reach its full potential, offering residents a diverse, engaging and sustainable community whilst retaining our individual and environmental identity.
I want to see our community develop. I want to see appropriate industry providing full-time employment opportunities. I see small to medium business in our towns and villages providing fair and viable opportunities, especially for the young. Most importantly we need to ensure sustainable development and continued growth within local infrastructure. We need to provide services, as well as education and training for the existing community as well as catering for the future growth of our region.
I am acutely aware of the challenges ahead, but I believe that I already have strong, existing networks within the community, and will work towards strengthening these important links.”
Monica Taylor
Monica Taylor has lived in the Shoalhaven area for five years and, with her husband, has a passion for the preservation and restoration of old houses and the history of the region.
Monica has worked in health care, both clinically and in senior management roles, in the public and private sectors. She has managed large capital projects as well as large groups of staff. She believes strongly in working with people to ensure that everyone has the opportunity for input and the chance to hear a broad range of ideas. Monica has been a Board member for a Nursing Home Group and has had extensive experience in Aged Care.
Monica says,” I have attended Council functions as well as Council meetings. I have had the opportunity to see Council processes at close hand. I have decided to stand for council to ensure our rights are protected and our amenities are maintained. I feel it is important to step forward and offer an alternative to the current Council
Monica Taylor identifies her major concerns as being transparent and fair process for everyone coupled with pro-active community consultation.