The fastest runner in our Spark Mayoralympics race, so far, is Kaye Gartner. Today she has the chance to address reader questions and project her vision for Shoalhaven. Tomorrow, as candidates for Shoalhaven Council's toughest top job, both Kaye Gartner and Jemma Tribe will answer a pointed and important grand final question, from outgoing Mayor Amanda Findley.
- Public transport in Shoalhaven is vastly under-utilised. What can Council do to make public transport more accessible and appealing to people, especially young people?
This is an issue dear to my heart. I actually use and enjoy the Bay and Basin buses, but I am one of the few. Many people prefer to take the train to Wollongong or Sydney rather than drive, but the train service is average at best. Access to public transport in our smaller villages is almost non-existent. In the 21st century, we can be more effective and offer more opportunities, surely.
When on Council 2016-2021, I led investigation into Council facilitated ride sharing services that could still be an option. Community flexi-buses like the scheme in Merimbula could be investigated. A shuttle bus between Stewart Place and Bomaderry stations and South Nowra that visited the hospital as well is also worth investigating again.
Shoalhaven Council needs to get its revenue streams sorted so that our community benefits from footpaths, shared user pathways and cycleways. I also hear the call for imaginative and flexible solutions for community based public transport.
- One of the biggest Shoalhaven employers is human services - from aged care to early childhood, teachers, health, community services, police. How will the new mayor ensure open communication to this sector? Will the mayor support council having a voice for and listening to community services?
Another good question. The Health Care & Social Assistance industry sector is the region’s largest employer with 7,287 jobs representing 17.53% of total employment. (Shoalhaven REMPLAN economic profile). Council itself employs children’s services workers and community workers.
As Mayor, I will be communicating with this sector on the childcare needs and the housing needs of the people – mostly women – who work in this sector. My leadership will prioritise investments that support working parents and young people to build their stake in the Shoalhaven. An Affordable home and good quality childcare mean that young people can pursue their careers here in the Shoalhaven and build a good life for themselves and their children.
As a candidate, I have been meeting with not-for profit community services and will continue those relationships as Mayor. Listening to the sectors accommodation and funding needs will always be important, as will advocating to other levels of government. I believe a good relationship with TAFE will be important and I will certainly be keen to hear from industry representatives on Council issues that affect Health Care & Social Assistance industry workers.
- You have talked a lot about charging visitors for parking, but it sounds like a big idea that won't happen. How’s it going to hurt tourism businesses? Everyone hates paying for parking.
Thank you for this question! Visitor paid parking is a big idea for bringing big revenue into Shoalhaven City Council and it is doing that for many similar councils right now. Big ideas can and do happen.
If Blue Mountains City Council can roll out visitor paid parking, have 98% of residents exempt and pay for the rollout in less than 12 months, why not the Shoalhaven City Council?
I understand that an investment of about $1 Million is used to rollout the number plate identification technology that is used. That investment will return around $5 million per year for many, many years into the future. It’s a very good return on investment, for sure, and tourism businesses continue to flourish.
The reason we need Visitor Paid Parking is to help pay for the amenities that draw tourists here – the beach parking and accessways, the parks, BBQs and picnic areas, the boardwalks and seapools and aquatic centres. Where paid parking has been introduced, it hasn’t had any significant effect on visitor numbers. However, it has allowed those Councils to repair and maintain the many attractive facilities that tourists use and enjoy.
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