Former Young Shire Council Mayor and Young local John Walker has thrown his hat in the ring for the Hilltops Council election to try and bring back the positive potential of council.
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“I plan to be part of the consultative caring and ‘can do’ and encouraging council,” Mr Walker said. “I offer strong experienced advocacy to support and stimulate sustainable development, that is not currently evident.”
The former army engineer vows to protect the social fabric of the Hilltops communities.
“I stand strongly for democracy, respect and integrity, professionalism and mutual trust, that is to say traditional rural Australian values,” he said.
Mr Walker believes part of the role of council is to encourage and enhance any proposed development that could lead to growth and opportunity for future generations.
“Private enterprise in the region needs to be encouraged and stimulated by a helpful, stable and trusted council,” he said.
Private enterprise in the region needs to be encouraged and stimulated by a helpful, stable and trusted council.
- John Walker
Mr Walker said he will push for an open consultative democratic process, sustainable strategic planning and commit to strongly supporting young councillors.
“I will push to give the name Hilltops an identity in state circles,” he said.
“Previous projects identified on the strategic plan like a new police station, the heavy vehicle by-pass route, heavy vehicle parking area, industrial area upgrade, heated indoor swimming pool and town hall performance upgrade all for Young and the sewer and water services for Boorowa and Harden all need identification and classification for lobbying and planning.”
Mr Walker was a field engineer for both the Australian and New Zealand Army and saw active service in South Vietnam. He has worked in engineering in the construction industry in all tiers of government and private business both around Australia and overseas. He served for 17 years on the former Young Shire Council, with five of those years as the mayor, for twelve years as the chairman of the Local Emergency Management committee, 25 years as a member of the Local Land Board, 25 years as a member of the Local Health Board and Advisory Committee and many more school, sporting and agricultural committees.