Last year saw two new Councillors elected mid Council term due to resignations. Cr Amy Robertson joined in February and Cr Lukas Mrosek in August. Launched straight into the action, they have shared with us their experiences of becoming a Councillor and their goals for the next two years ahead.
Cr Amy Robertson
I have completed my first year in this role as Councillor and with learning and successes, I’m optimistic about continuing my input on behalf of our community.
I’ve had some challenges, including making focussed time to review the large volume of meeting and workshop papers.
Some health challenges have also seen me gain firsthand experience of Council’s wonderful nurse practitioner service, and the motivation to persist at some awesome local fitness activities like Geeveston Parkrun and the Dover Fun Run.
I’m proud of my success in amending motions to improve accountability and practical outcomes, such as a new Operational Plan target to reduce the backlog of Development Applications (DAs) and more review and consultation on Difficult Customer and Nature Strip policies.
The positive relationships and mutual respect I have developed with Council’s Executive Team have led to deeper, more thoughtful discussions, strengthening the foundations for strategy and decision-making.
Looking ahead, I’d like to see Council’s approach to Natural Resource Management (NRM) be more strategic and purposeful to achieve more and justify greater resourcing.
I also want to strengthen the connection between Council, community, and place. I’d like to see Council meetings better connected to local communities where relevant decisions are made. Streamlined governance structures can help subcommittees focus on clear responsibilities. And Council could facilitate networking so we learn better from each other.
One idea is to invite community leaders, like Progress Association Chairs, to address Council meetings in person or via video link. For example, an agenda item deciding the Cygnet Township Plan could livestream to Cygnet Town Hall and hear direct questions from our public and presentations from specific representatives.
I think the more we work on transparent communication, the better our decision making will be. I’m interested in the development of a Huonville Chamber of Commerce to gain a better understanding of economic development needs and how we integrate these with infrastructure and liveability goals.
Cr Lukas Mrosek
As a Councillor, I see myself as a bridge between the community and the Council. My goal is to bring the community’s needs and aspirations into the Council’s strategic and financial planning, while also communicating the challenges Council can face in meeting them.
In my first few months, I have already witnessed the challenges and achievements of Council’s operational and strategic restructure. I look forward to contributing to this ongoing process by continuing to act as that bridge.
Being appointed to Council after a recount was quite unexpected but also energising and exciting! I quickly caught up with my fellow Councillors and settled into my new role.
The support of the Executive Leadership Team and Executive Assistants has been amazing, helping me better understand Council’s operations and just how much work goes on ‘behind the scenes.’
In the next two years, I plan to focus on strengthening the connection between the community and Council. These connections are essential to informing policies and strategies that benefit residents, and support local businesses, and service providers to deliver employment opportunities and vital services.
I also want to explore how current challenges can be turned into opportunities, helping the Council become more proactive and future-focused, particularly in economic, financial, and environmental matters.
Huon Valley is fortunate to have such a diverse community with so much passion for our region. The current Councillors are a testament to this, and I am proud to be part of such a collaborative and engaged Council.