Candidate’s supplied statement.
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Former Director of the Heart Foundation’s multi-million dollar Pick the Tick Program, past dietitian to Mal Meninga and fellow at the Australian Institute of Sport, Mareeta Grundy (Group B) knows all about working in a space with powerful stakeholders, precious resources and competing agendas. She says the key is to “Consider the big picture without losing sight of the people in it.”
A Dietitian and Bywong resident for over 20 years, Mareeta also has strong ties to the Queanbeyan community being part of the Reid- Frawley clan who have operated small businesses in the city for over 70 years. She believes that past service on Council is all very well, but we now enter a bright new era of governance. She is running for council with Group B Independents because she believes that this is not a time for fringe ideologies, egos, personal ambitions or political power playing.
“This council needs to be fully functional with a clear focus on the needs of the region. I can bring that focus without fear or favour. Our region will face some serious challenges with the growth and development of merged regional and city populations. This election gives us all the opportunity to elect a brave new calibre of Councillor.”
Mareeta wants to “future proof” our city and regional communities to ensure no one is overburdened or neglected. “This will require a “can do” council that is willing to embrace opportunity and deliver for all its people. At this critical time we cannot afford a council full of factions or self-interest blocks preoccupied with squabbling and point scoring.”
Mareeta says we have enormous potential to carry the challenges of the future confidently on our shoulders but that this will rely on prudent fiscal management, an emphasis on intelligent planning and development, and Council support of small local business. We need to send the message loud and clear that our region is open for business and we are serious about local jobs and supporting new enterprise.
“It’s important to me that our small local businesses, who keep the life flowing through our communities, are well supported by Council. Electing responsible and competent members to Council will ensure rates are fair and affordable, our heritage and uniqueness is protected, and we have the facilities we need to prosper now and into the future.”
“I want to concentrate on delivering the things that will make a difference to people’s lives. I will not be distracted by irrelevant political debates. Council has a job to do. It should get on and do it.