Roads will be a key priority for Moreton Bay Region mayoral independent candidate Chris Thompson if elected at the Local Government elections on March 28.
Mr Thompson has pledged to work with all levels of government to find solutions to the region’s traffic gridlock.
Another priority will be abolishing the canal levy which Mr Thompson says is simply “unfair”.
“If people want to buy a house on a canal why should they be hit with an additional cost. It does not make sense.”
Mr Thompson is also campaigning to “clean up the council” to ensure a more cohesive and transparent council.
He is referring to findings identified in The Grassroots Connection Report, an internal organisational review that was released in September last year.
The report identified that Moreton Bay Regional was under resourced, contributing to organisational instability. It also identified concerning issues in aspects of working relationships, governance, organisational structures and leadership practices.
Mr Thompson said if elected as mayor a major priority would be to support the new CEO Greg Chemello in instigating organisational change to create stronger leadership, and improved staffing levels and divisional engagement.
“Moreton Bay Region is the largest council administrated region in Australia with 12 divisions. I want to bring the region together,” he said.
“People are saying all they want is for elected representatives to get on with the job of simply listening to them, then working hard to get community outcomes required by the people who elected them.
“Should I be elected, my role as mayor is to ensure improved council accountability and transparency by engaging with the community and attending events to keep the community informed.”
A former electrician, Mr Thompson, went on to university to gain first-class honours in construction, management and economics, an achievement that would ultimately change the course of his life.
“My professional life has been one of growth and transition from project controls engineering, to project manager and project director,” he said.
“I was made redundant 10 years ago and that forced me to re-evaluate my life direction.
“Thankfully I had the resilience to cope. Since then I have been self-employed.”
Both Mr Thompson and his wife Karin have been active community volunteers since relocating to Warner 27 years ago.
“We have worked for our local state school, raising money for building facilities and for various sporting clubs in Brendale.
“I am ready, willing and able in a proud tradesman like manner to advocate for and lead the energetic, hard working people of the Moreton Bay Region.
“I will work hard for locals and their families wanting to lead healthy, safe lives while striving to prosper in the stunning natural local environment,” Mr Thompson said.