Out with the old, in with the older - An interview with Barcaldine Regions new Mayor
Barcaldine Regional Council has embraced a fresh start with the re-election of Rob Chandler as its new mayor. After a four-year hiatus from local government, Chandler, a former shearer who transitioned into a successful business owner, returns to leadership with a wealth of experience. His previous roles include serving as a Councillor from 2000 to 2004 and mayor until 2020. Chandler's comeback marks his leadership over his fifth council, signifying a new chapter for Barcaldine and its surrounding communities.
During the election, the community voiced its desire for change, replacing the majority of the previous council. Mayor Chandler acknowledges the significant shift, emphasizing the need to assess the implications of this new council makeup. "The community made a large statement by removing all the previous Council," he noted, highlighting the electorate's call for new direction and leadership.
Chandler's vision for Barcaldine is ambitious, with a strong focus on renewable energy and technological advancement. He has stepped down from his role at the Barcaldine Renewable Energy Zone to avoid any conflict of interest, fully dedicating himself to his mayoral duties. One of his top priorities is the Copper String Project, a groundbreaking initiative aiming to expand electricity distribution nationwide. This project provides Barcaldine, positioned at the crossroads of new energy lines to provide the nation with renewable energy initiatives and battery storage possibilities.
Communication emerges as a central theme in Chandler's agenda. Through the election, community feedback highlighted a lack of effective dialogue under the previous council. To bridge this gap, Chandler proposes taking council meetings back to regional towns. This approach not only fosters community engagement but also allows council members to gain firsthand insight into local projects and concerns. Additionally, integrating modern meeting methods and video conferencing aims to optimize staff time and enhance accessibility for remote community members.
Facing a tight budget cycle with less than 12 weeks to prepare and adopt a new budget, Chandler acknowledges the challenges ahead, especially for newly elected councillors. Rob committed to guiding them through the steep learning curve, ensuring they are well-prepared to manage local government responsibilities effectively.
Beyond the council chambers, Chandler is passionate about fostering community engagement and development from the ground up. He emphasizes the importance of staff retention and inspiring local youth to consider the council as a viable and attractive career option. Through these efforts, Chandler aims to build a strong, sustainable foundation for Barcaldine, balancing the community's needs with its aspirations.
Chandlers focus is clear: setting up the council for success, ensuring financial stability, and strategically addressing the community's "wants" list. The new Mayor acknowledged that he is only one of seven votes and as the figurehead for the Council, it is his duty to acknowledge and communicate decisions made by the Council body. Under Chandler's leadership, the council is set to navigate the complexities of governance and community expectations, balancing the individual's role with the collective decision-making process essential for regional development.
