CR Denzil Sturgiss is a truly rural councillor.
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By that, he means he is the only candidate to make a living off the land.
“I have the farm near Tarago and the cattle, sheep, horses and truffles. I don’t live on a farm and work in town,” Cr Sturgiss said.
“As such, I think I should still be in there to give everyone a voice, especially the rural people.”
He has been a councillor for the past 17 years, starting with Mulwaree Shire Council in 1999 and then moving onto Goulburn Muwlaree Council when the two merged in 2004.
He considers his landmark achievement as being part of the team that delivered the Highland Source Pipeline that has given Goulburn a guaranteed water supply.
“This is contributing to the growth of businesses relocating to the area as well as helping to attract new residents looking for a better lifestyle,” Cr Sturgiss said.
A no-nonsense councillor, he is devoted to basics such as roads, rates, rubbish and recreation.
“This growing population needs the core council services of good roads, affordable rates, well-managed waste solutions and access to a choice of recreation facilities,” he said.
He said there needs to be a continuing focus on raising the standard and safety of roads and footpaths, especially roads in rural areas.
“In 2015/2016, the budget allocation for rural roads was increased by 300 per cent and a further $1 million was added to this for 16/17,” he said.
“There also has to be rural bridge replacements and upgrades. The next project is Komungla Bridge.”
He said the council needed to work within the allowed rate pegging levels and avoid rate hikes applied by neighbouring councils.
On rubbish, Cr Sturgiss said a major challenge was the remaining life span of the Goulburn landfill.
“An option to be further pursued for this is access to the Veolia Woodlawn Waste Management Facility,” he said.
He said our recreational facilities attracted people to the area.
“We have well-maintained sporting facilities including the Veolia Arena and the Wollondilly Walking Track.
“There needs a strong commitment to upgrade the Aquatic Centre and develop the Performing Arts Centre (PAC).
“I am on the PAC Working Party to make sure the arts community has a home. They have been shoved from pillar to post.
“I want to continue to work for the best outcomes for everyone and improve access to council services, ensuring it is easy to do business with by reducing red tape and working to improve the development application turnarounds.”