BILL Doran has decided to run for Central Ward once again in the upcoming Port Stephens Council elections.

“My main objective for the term is to rebuild community trust and confidence in Council through open two way communication and common sense decision making, for the benefit of all,” Mr Doran told News Of The Area.

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Mr Doran said he has plans that focus on community engagement designed to tackle issues that will support community growth, our environment and set an example for other Local Government Areas in the state.

He believes that this will include pushing back against State Government policy and from time to time the State Government themselves.

Bill wants to see Port Stephens build more income streams through ideas such as; challenging the state government rules which dictate the Council can only spend the profits generated by the Holiday Parks we manage on behalf of the government on those parks and not on the greater community; creating an ‘airport transit fee’ of $2.00 for every individual who transits through the airport; and reclassifying Sand Quarries to mines so the council can charge rates appropriate to the activity and the environmental and social impacts caused by them.

Mr Doran said he would even consider selling our share in the airport and reinvesting that money into something that would benefit the entire LGA such as a local Asphalt plant.

Mr Doran said he wants Port Stephens roads to be better for all motorists and as such he wants to instigate a third party investigation into why we can’t build roads that last.

He also wants to see a review of the structure and services offered by council to eliminate duplication and potential waste, and potentially leaving the Hunter Joint Organisation.

Mr Doran has some new ideas when it comes to the environment, including that “the people of Port Stephens identify the koala as an endangered species” and put the policies and structures in place needed to protect them.

He would also like to see cats banned from free roaming, similar to the rules used in the ACT and would also like to see jetski use on the port better managed.

Mr Doran is advocating for “more autonomy for land owners”, and for Council to “lead by example and ensure public facilities comply with all regulations, laws and Australian Standards”.

By Marian SAMPSON