Media Release - Cripps Progresses Council Commitments

Hinchinbrook Shire Councillor, Andrew Cripps, says he is pleased with the progress he is making to implement the initiatives he campaigned on during the October 2018 by-election.

Cr Cripps said the recent decision by the Hinchinbrook Shire Council to support investigations into two of the initiatives that he had proposed was very encouraging.

“As previously outlined by the Mayor, Council has resolved to investigate the establishment of an investment vehicle, tentatively known as ‘Hinchinbrook Enterprise’ to potentially support and facilitate new investment in the Hinchinbrook Shire” said Cr Cripps.

“The idea would be big step in a new direction for Council in terms of potentially partnering or join-venturing with investors where the involvement of Hinchinbrook Enterprise could help the investment get over the line, if it faced problems like access or tenure” he said.

“Council has also agreed to investigate broadening the current ‘Ágeing in Place’ Committee with an wider ‘Ageing, Seniors and Retirees Strategy’, which is aimed at turning what is currently perceived as a negative in our community into a positive opportunity”.

“Instead of looking at the growing number of older residents as a problem, let’s look at them as an asset, acknowledge that they are great contributors to our local community and that supporting them goods and services involves a range of skilled jobs and careers”.

Cr Cripps said it was important to recognise that the Council had only agreed to investigate his proposals, but he was grateful to his fellow Councillors for giving him a fair hearing.

“I know these proposals are a bit out of the box, but one of the reasons I put my hand up for Council at the by-election was that I could see the current Councillors were trying hard to get things going and I was keen to support them and put up some new ideas”.

“I have submitted further proposals which also cover topics that I proposed during the by-election in October last year and I expect that they will come to a Council meeting in due course for the consideration of all Councillors” said Cr Cripps.     

“After a period of time settling in to the new role on Council and learning about its processes and procedures, I am following through in good faith on the issues that I raised during the by-election, as people in the Hinchinbrook Shire would expect”.

Cr Cripps thanked Mayor Ramon Jayo and his fellow Councillors, as well as Chief Executive Officer Alan Rayment and all Council employees for welcoming him into the Council team.