INCUMBENT councillor Frank Morello has labelled “unfinished business” as the key motivator behind his decision to nominate for a second term on Mount Gambier City Council.
Chair of council’s strategic standing committee, Cr Morello said the next four years had the potential to further transform Mount Gambier into a vibrant and progressive destination city.
Highlighting the environment, youth, arts and culture, tourism and the economy as his flagship priorities, he vowed to be a strong advocate for improved social equity, school retention rates and local health services.
He said he was “immensely proud” of council’s achievements, including the activation of the Railway Lands, the city’s popular dog park, the successful Fringe Festival and the recreational rail trail.
Cr Morello referred to the city’s first youth and digital strategies, the cultural and heritage plan, signage strategy and the city growth paper, as key blueprints that would lead to tangible outcomes.
“I’m now keen to implement the recommendations to advance the social, economic and cultural capital of Mount Gambier,” he said.
Describing himself as a “political neutral”, Cr Morello said he had no political affiliations and would not be influenced by the policies of major or minor parties.
“I’m an independent thinker and make decisions based on what I believe to be in the best interest of our community,” he said.
Cr Morello identified tourism as a tremendous opportunity to stimulate investment and showcase the city to a larger audience.
“We need to unearth those distinctive stories that make this city extraordinary and creatively share them with the rest of the world,” he said.
The Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre manager and former journalist also referenced Mount Gambier’s rich indigenous history, natural landscape and signature events as major drawcards.
“Investing in cultural tourism will help shape the city’s reputation as a compelling destination, while creating a distinct identity that can be leveraged for social and economic benefit,” Cr Morello said.
He added the recently adopted youth strategy signalled council’s commitment to young people.
“As a council we need to empower young people to engage in civic discussion and ensure they have opportunities to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives in Mount Gambier,” he said.
“If re-elected, I plan to work with my colleagues to develop a more formal mechanism for young people to regularly engage with council.”
Cr Morello also flagged waste management as a crucial issue in the wake of China banning plastic imports.
“While the ban will have a significant cost impact, the spotlight on recycling is forcing councils to think creatively about their waste strategies,” he said.
“A significant challenge will be to raise awareness of the significant amount of organics entering Mount Gambier’s waste stream and the harmful impact this has on the environment.”
