We’re in this together

My motivation for running for City of Gold Coast, Division 7 is clear. As a resident of Division 7 for the past three decades, I am not just any blow in candidate; I am your neighbour, colleague, and friend. Your priorities are my priorities. I am committed to improving our community and leading Division 7 with integrity, honesty, and compassion.

I have been the General Manager for Gold Coast Basketball for nine years. I work with families, schools, community groups and the Council every day. I have been committed to assisting athletes of all ages and abilities to accessing the things they need to reach their potential.

I know how Council works. I listened to local issues when I worked for the City of Gold Coast in the rates and water department. As the head of the area that dealt with complaints I am well aware of community concerns about the way council operates.

As the Programs Officer at Griffith University I worked with international students and cultural clubs and truly understand the benefits and value diverse thinking brings. As the Administrator of a not for profit association with around 6000 members I know how to make the most with little and prioritise the outcomes that will make a difference.

WHY AM I RUNNING?

Since moving to the Gold Coast, when I was 10 years old, I have lived predominantly in Division 7, in Southport, Labrador and Arundel. I have a great love and passion for the area.

I believe that the council has a responsibility to the long-term sustainability of the area – be it economic, environmental, or the welfare of its people. This can be done by improving the delivery of council services and infrastructure, protecting green spaces and the environment, the Broadwater, Loders Creek, and upgrading recreational spaces, whilst ensuring transparency and integrity.

I’m not endorsed by any political party. My views, policies, and positions are entirely my own, independent from party thinking, informed by you. I am, in all senses, my own person. My focus will be on delivering for the residents who live in Division 7 and contributing to the progress of the broader Gold Coast community.

Delivering for Division 7.

MY PRIORITIES

A Safe and Healthy Community

Raising awareness to increase tangible support for our vulnerable neighbours when and where it they need it to increase safety and the opportunity for a healthy, engaged community.

A Connected Community

Enhancing and improving opportunities for Division 7 residents and business owners to engage with Council about planning and service delivery decisions now, and into the future.

A Blue and Green Community

Protecting and maintaining all current parks and waterways with a particular focus on increasing green and blue spaces for future generations.

MY INITIATIVES

A Safe and Healthy Community

· Increase ease of access to a directory of services for the community

· Increase street lighting for night workers’ safety

· Increase lighting parks for safety, investigate renewable options

· Increase cameras in at risk locations to increase safety.

· Fund an outreach position in council to be assist in the connection to support services

· Deliver more active community events in the local parks across the Surrounds, Arundel/Parkwood Molendinar, not just the Broadwater.

· Increased funding to build more shower and toilet blocks.

· Increase active spaces to encourage community-based sport activities


A Connected Community

· Prioritise Division 7 within the Council maintenance budget decreasing the time to repair local footpaths.

· Deliver public charging stations for bikes, scooters and cars to facilitate greener transport.

· Advocate for a free annual visitor parking permit for each dwelling in the Parkwood traffic – Value $200

· Advocate to extend the parking area so more residents are prioritised for street parking.

· Develop a process to connect not for profit support services with grants and funding.

· Extend times of buses, particularly through Molendinar, to increase safety and decrease cost for residents who work in businesses that operate outside standard business hours.

· Undertake a study to demonstrate the need to Increase bus route variety, particularly through Arundel, to decrease costs.

· Source funding for a grants’ advisory position within council to assist residents to access available funds.


A Blue and Green Community

· Source funding to increase possum pathways to decrease road incidents

· Increase funding for the maintenance of nature trails · Increase frequency of NaturallyGC programs - including wetlands bird photography, wildlife watch and creatures of the dark · Deliver signage at boat ramps to direct boaties to the closest public pump out facilities – Southport yacht and mariners cove

· Increased monitoring and collection of waste in parklands

· Increased council supported events to replant dunes along the Broadwater

· Deliver roofs and shade for the new picnic tables near the lagoon on the Broadwater

  • Connect

    with the local community, embracing diverse walks of life, abilities, nationalities, ages, and backgrounds.

  • Communicate

    by listening attentively, comprehending the wants and needs of the community, and offering clear ideas, thoughts, suggestions, and plans to the Division.

  • Collaborate

    with stakeholders, government entities, and the community to deliver effective outcomes.

  • Contribute

    toward a resilient future for Division 7, encompassing economic and environmental strength.

Join Team McInnes

Let us know what you think and how we can make a difference in our Division 7.