Kelvin Appleton
Locals first, second and third. every time.
Local Election 2024 Questions for Candidates
OUR SHIRE’S FUTURE
What is your vision for our Shire? Where do you see Livingstone in 20 years?
KA: Under the right council, in 20 years I see Livingstone Shire with a population of 60-70,000 people and one of Queensland’s most loved destinations – known for its unique tourist experiences and a region of choice for those living and working in and around Central Queensland.
What infrastructure will be required to complete that vision?
KA: More and better managed tourism attractions and developments, affordable retirement housing, encourage industry development on industry land.
PROGRESSIVE DEVELOPMENT
What does development of our Shire look like under your leadership?
KA: Smart regional development, I don’t agree that we should be rushing into developments with out the proper planning, however I do believe if it is approved, it should go ahead. I would encourage industry development opportunities across the region and ensure our strategies for future development align with planning our growth as our region becomes the region of choice for many.
GREENER SPACES POLICY
Given the “100,000 tree planted” commitment never happened, what are your thoughts on an urban tree movement and working towards treeing the Shire? Especially given the cost benefit to councils.
KA: Under our rural subdivision planning and responsible use of water at a regional price, the people coming to our area will plant the trees without even trying. People don’t want have to maintain trees when the cost of water is astronomical.
WATER PRICE INCREASES
As Council is required to take the Full Cost Recovery approach, after reading the 2017 Public Benefit Assessment and the AEC modelling report, what is your suggestion for reaching a pricing structure that is amicable between council and residents?
KA: We need to sit down and look at where our usage is the greatest. I would like to investigate a tiered cost approach based on demand where prices are shared throughout our shire.
BEACH ACCESS
Farnborough Beach – Considering Iwasaki land is not an option presently and creating another access on their land will cost $4M, do you think closing or reducing access to Farnborough Beach should continue?
KA: No. Definitely Not. This is one of the reasons people move to our region – to enjoy the unique experience of driving on the beach. The beach access currently in place has been working perfectly in the past with minimum upgrade. The secret to maintaining this is education and not denying access.
Southern Beaches
Would you advocate at the council table to amend the local laws allowing some of the southern beaches being opened back to the 4WDing public?
KA: Yes – this will be one of my major concerns and will come into an overall review of the Livingstone Tourism.
TOURISM
What tourism opportunities would you like to see developed in the Shire?
KA: More water parks outside the Yeppoon main beach. I would like to see Surf Lakes up and running. Encourage a Speed Way Park development in region. Provide more RV facilities for caravans and camping across the region. Make access to the back road tourist routes through our region include destinations such as Lake Mary, The Caves, Keppel Sands, Stanage.
TRANSPARENCY, EDUCATION & COMMUNITY COMMUNICATION
What will you do to help promote transparency between council and the public?
KA: I think the forums that were just hosted worked very well with engaging the public, I think any major decisions that are going to be made by the council should use forums as a way to discuss these issues and seek public feedback.
What processes, avenues, opportunities for communication to the public do you believe are viable options for the public to learn and understand council table decisions and operational processes?
KA: The decisions will be based on the majority and not the minority – I think we use the council tools and networks to share our upcoming and completed decisions – surveys, forums, social media, customer service lines etc.
NORTHERN SUBURBS
What does your future Shire’s vision offer the Northern Suburbs?
KA: The approval of industrial land development, approval of housing development. Increased maintenance and infrastructure of roads. Encourage growth and development in that region to make it more attractive for people coming into the Livingstone Shire to move into these areas.
EDUCATION
Given the speed of development and growth, will you be supporting a high school in Emu Park?
KA: The decision would be based on the need and on the regions demand. If this is a more feasible option to ensure our youth have access to valuable education, then I would be supportive of this if that is supported by the majority.
YOUTH SUPPORT
Will you be stepping up for our Shires youth? Not the under 12s having a movie night at the beach. The 12-25 year olds that need support, mentorship, referrals, education, entertainment, access to health information, advocacy, legal support, or just a safe place to be.
How will you be stepping up? What does that look like when implemented the community?
KA: Yes – I would encourage programs for youth development, hobbies, extra curricula activities – not just those small niche programs but encourage our industry and our council to offer youth programs, work experience, traineeships etc. I think the council is a big employer who could provide valuable experience for youth – whether it be in customer service, land management and rangers etc – any of the roles we have within council.