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Councillor Connect - 13 March 2025 - Councillor Peter Haggar

One subject where the Mayor and I furiously agree on is the need for restoring Financial Assistance Grants for regional councils...

Councillor Peter Haggar.

Authorised by Councillor Peter Haggar

13 March 2025

As the new Greens Councillor, I am often asked “So how’s it going on Council?” I always respond that there are nine different elected voices on Council, but despite our different political and life experiences, everyone is shown respect.

One subject where the Mayor and I furiously agree on is the need for restoring Financial Assistance Grants for regional councils. However, I believe we need to go further. I am committed to real action on climate and, in the current geopolitical storm, it is clear to me that no national governments are prepared to take meaningful action.

All of us need to advocate for more of our taxes to benefit local communities. Instead of funding technology for safety (Disaster experts call for more funding for new technologies to fight future fires in Australia - ABC News) or addressing the housing crisis through  social housing initiatives  or technology to help our communities transition, we are sending far too much funding to projects that contribute nothing to our local communities like expensive defence policies which in my opinion are of dubious efficacy. To read more on that topic refer to The United States and Australia’s AUKUS Delusion | Lowy Institute.

An often overlooked aspect of community resilience is the ability to work together, recognising each other’s skills. A major challenge for elected representatives and Council staff in this Council term is to build community strength through communication grounded in listening.

While new technology can amplify voices, ‘the algorithm’ unfortunately runs on conflict rather than resolution. Deploying new technologies to serve our Council and community while ensuring everyone has access and is heard is a great challenge.
 
As your Greens Councillor I am keen to hear whether citizens are keen to be involved in decision making if we can develop ways for community members to be actively involved in the decisions that affect them? Or would you rather leave it to the experts? Would you be interested in new technologies being deployed that foster dialogue rather than division?

If you’d like to provide any feedback, please send me an email to phaggar@begavalley.nsw.gov.au

 

© Bega Valley Shire Council 2025

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