DOUGLAS DECIDES 24' - David Haratsis Mayoral candidacy statement - UPDATED

It is through the friends we have made up here, the experiences volunteering and attending kids’ events, as well as enjoying and being part of the wonderful community in this area, that we got to know the real Douglas Shire. 

It was through noticing the stark difference in opportunities provided to residents just down the road in Palm Cove, as compared to those in Port Douglas, Mossman and the local area, that I first started a Facebook campaign seeking to provide public transport to the region.

Unfortunately, the local State Member had no interest in that idea, despite the overwhelming evidence I provided of the positive benefits it would bring. But it was this that first made me want to take action and be a part of driving the direction, a new direction, for our local area. Not massive change, just incremental change to make things that little bit better.

From here, I started observing  the constant negativity emanating from Council meetings, and the fact that many Councillors seemed to be ‘cut from the same cloth’ and spouting the same old views influenced me to run for Mayor. 

At the time of nominating, there was only one candidate running (a current councillor), and I did not think it right for the electorate not to have a choice -  not to be able to have someone who might think differently; be co-operative, transparent and interested; and with the energy to see this through in the long term.

I am here before the electorate as someone experienced in the law and in business, offering to provide a new direction.  And the choice at this election could not be more stark, between those offering a different way of doing things, and those continuing for another round of the same. At a time when we are about to enter a State Election, no time could be better to leverage different ideas and put our hand out for change.  

Proposed policies

So, after that brief background, here are the policies I would pursue if elected:

- A 12 month trial of Douglas Shire Council subsidised, regular, affordable public transport between Mossman, Cooya and Port Douglas, with the possibility of expansion if successful. It still staggers me that that such a service doesn't exist - that people need to fork out $50 one way for a shuttle (if they will even take you).

With a housing and staffing crisis, wouldn't it make sense to allow people the opportunity to live in Mossman and surrounds, and commute cheaply to the employment and hospitality options of Port Douglas?

To allow kids to catch up with their mates? To allow the elderly, immobile or those without private transport the ability to traverse the area for medical, social and personal needs?;

- Encouraging sustainable development, not no development - so many accommodation options in Port Douglas are bordering on decrepit, charging high rates for a low rent experience. The town cannot stay stagnant and expect to remain at the top of people's travel lists.

The closure of international borders reintroduced the region to the rest of Australia - it needs to stay 'front of mind'.

On that note, particularly with the Sugar Mill's future unknown, Mossman needs a "plan B" and perhaps more tourism related options/accommodation ought to be explored – we have seen a success story in Silky Oaks – surely there can be others?

- An accord with local business, particularly in Port Douglas, seeking to end the sort of price gouging which deters return visitation, local access and is a pox on the town. We should be promoting affordable family holidays, and naming and shaming those doing the wrong thing.

If one venue rips off a patron, it reflects on the whole town. I appreciate that with freight costs etc, this can be an expensive place to live, but we need to ensure families can travel to the region, enjoy themselves, and receive reasonable value for their money such that not only do they return, but they encourage others to visit too. As anyone in business will attest, it is 90% easier to retain an existing customer than to generate a new one;

- State Government funding for a CT machine at Mossman Hospital. I have seen first hand the wonderful service this facility provides and it would be great if we could incrementally build upon the services it offers local people, rather than being forced to travel long distances for health services many in Australia take for granted are close to them;

- A youth strategy, to ensure there are sufficient activities for local kids and teenagers to actively pursue, encouraging parents and their families to stay in the region.

This would extend to doing what Council can to promote local job opportunities, as well as subsidised public transport from the region to Tafe and University.

With two young kids, I want to ensure there are sufficient activities and opportunities (education and employment-wise) to keep them in the Douglas Shire. The Douglas Shire Council needs to place a greater emphasis on local families - it is the kids of these families that will grow up to become the next restauranteurs, cafe owners, charter operators etc.

If the young leave in their droves due to a lack of opportunities, the region will wither and become a place with a largely transient population: this is not how communities are built;

- A better relationship with State Government - Douglas Shire Council does not seem to have any relationship with Cynthia Lui, and I don't really blame the Council for that.

2024 is also a State election year, and given the LNP believes the seat of Cook is "in play", both parties will be pursuing your vote.

This is the time for Douglas Shire Council to shine - to negotiate hard with both major party candidates and seek the best funding and policy outcomes for the shire.

This requires a Mayor with experience in business and negotiation, who is prepared to knock down doors and speed dial phone lines until the Douglas Shire Council gets a fair hearing on what it needs over the next political term and into the future, with promises of funding from the State whichever party finds itself in power.

- State Government funding to assist the Douglas Shire Council and Mareeba Shire Council to fix the Bushy Creek causeway by elevating it appropriately (having recently driven to Melbourne and back, that was possibly the worst stretch of road of the entire trip and is an embarrassment). We need a viable second entry way into the Shire;

Finally, if I was elected, not only would I give the role 100% of my effort, I would donate 10% of my first year's salary as Mayor to the Mossman Hospital.

Regarding my affiliations, and my being a “Melbourne” candidate (which is off-putting for some) I wish to declare:

•  I am not affiliated with any political party and never have been;
• I am not affiliated with any Douglas Shire Council Councillor;
• I am not affiliated with the DSSG;
• I am totally independent;
• I am from Melbourne but have lived here for 3.5 years and am not leaving any time soon;
• I do not want to bring up my "southern views" and turn the area into another Melbourne;
• I do not need to have lived here all my life to have valid opinions and identify some of the issues that need addressing, just like I don't need to have been to the moon to know its up there;
• The Council needs fresh faces and new ideas. If my fresh face does not get elected, hopefully at the very least some of my policies are adopted by others.

I urge you to think as you enter the polling booth and hopefully vote in a new direction.