2MG Radio Interview with Peter Shelley.

Interviewed by Craig Bassett "Basso"

Q1.  What motivates you to want to serve on Council?

That’s an easy one, I’m part of the community and I love the region. I believe our elected Councillors should put the community first. Their own interests and that of their mates should not  come into the decision making process at all because they work for the community as whole and are not there to line their own pockets . I want equal representation for the whole region and not for vested interests. I want a region that is left in better shape for my kids, employment that doesn’t solely rely on the resource boom. Eventually it will be gone and I want the towns and villages to survive after the mines and quarries have gone. Council has a integral part to play in this environment and redevelopment of our towns and region.

Q2.  What skills and abilities would you bring to Council if elected?

Honestly, commonsense, the ability to empathise. A strong sense of principles and the strength to stick to them and to back them up. I have life experience, I have worked as a Fruit picker, baker, dairy farmer, Soldier, Senior Correctional Officer, Project Manager and small business owner. I also have tertiary qualifications in Project Management, Marketing and Business Administration. I practise what I preach and don’t say one thing and do another.

Q3.  In your opinion, what are some of the priorities for the next Council?

More support for the Health services is vital. We have to encourage more health professionals into our region; the way to do this is work with the community and supply incentives to make it worth their while.

We need to stream line Council Management. Council is still top heavy and we need more workers on the ground and less People sitting at desks telling them what to do.

We need faster response time to enquires and more focus on responding to the community’s concerns.

We need to become a Community based Council that puts the Community first and not a Developer based Council that puts Councillors and their developer mates first.

For too long the Mid-Western Regional Council and the previous Mudgee Shire has been plagued by a couple of people who have lined their back pockets and put their own egos before the community. This needs to stop.

We need economical sustainable development in the region not development that destroys small business that has supported our towns for decades. Large developments are needed but that have to complement our towns not destroy them.

Q4.  Finally, sum up for us why you believe people should vote for you?

I am an experienced Councillor that has the ability to distinguish between right and wrong and not use the position for personal gain. The only self interest I have is for the community I live in. I believe that Bylong is as important as Mudgee, Kandos is an important as Rylstone, Ilford is as important as Gulgong. No matter where you live in our Shire you are as important as the next person and it does not matter what you have or how much you have of it.

I have a proven record in making decisions on behalf of the community that required empathy and fairness. I have a proven record in putting the community first and will never be intimidated by self interest groups or Councillors that put their own interests before that of the community.

I have been active In putting and passing motions through Council that benefit the community and our families and I will continue to fight for the community and for their right to have a Council that works for them.