PETER Walker isn’t just looking for something to do in retirement.
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The former Goulburn Workers Club CEO says he has his eyes wide open when it comes to standing for Council.
“It isn’t just a two-night a month job. It’s much more than that,” he told the Post.
“In the past few months I’ve put myself out there with (Council’s) sports stadium working party and the Victoria Park precinct working party and they’re starting to gather momentum.
“I’d certainly like to follow those through.”
Mr Walker came to Goulburn 14 years ago. He managed Taralga’s Bank of NSW for a time but also has 22 years’ experience in club administration, eight of those at The Workers.
In addition, managed Goulburn Sand and Soil for three years before retiring two years ago.
He said his time at The Workers whet his appetite for civic duty.
“It fired my belly and once I decided to retire I felt I could put something back into the community,” he said.
Mr Walker is also Goulburn Challenge Foundation president and sits on the Endeavour Industries and Trinity Catholic College boards.
“I can see Goulburn Mulwaree prospering and I have a genuine interest in continuing what’s on the table (projects),” he said.
“We also need to push Goulburn as a self-reliant city, concentrating on our big employers but also protecting them.”
While the Yass saleyard construction would affect Goulburn, he backed efforts to lure Yennora wool sales back here.
Sufficient car parking, infrastructure to support housing development, CBD improvements, greater recycling, recycled effluent for sporting fields, pursuing more tourism opportunities and making the most out of our strategic location are also high on Mr Walker’s agenda.
“(But) I’m also mindful of what we can invest in to return a dollar for Goulburn,” he said.
“We need to be very protective of our reserves and not over extend expenditure. I think it’s essential that we prioritise.”
He’s a big believer in groups like U3A and the Day Out Society, and providing for older citizens generally.
Likewise, the young need incentive and opportunity to stay in Goulburn.
Mr Walker also brings experience to the table in overseeing performance space construction.
“We also have to remember we’re surrounded by very good towns and villages,” he said.
“They need to be viewed as part of the make-up and we should be talking to people there.
“...I have an open door policy. I’m a pretty easy bloke to talk to.”