Name: Kelly James.
Age: 46.
Status: Married to Jeremy. We have three kids, Jesse, Jonah and Jayde.
Current or past employment, retired or otherwise:
Official Visitor Moree – Inspector of Custodial Services, Justice Advocate – Justice Advocacy Service.
What part of the shire do you live?
Moree.
How long have you sat as a councillor on MPSC?
One term (nearly three years).
What are the main reasons you are standing for re-election?
I have an ongoing passion for serving and making a positive impact on the lives of Moree residents. I’m committed to being accountable for past decisions and actions and have a willingness to learn from them. I also want to continue to work towards a long-term vision that I have for Moree’s growth, development, and prosperity.
Are you standing alone or with a running mate(s)?
Alone.
What do you love most about Moree Plains Shire?
The generosity of this shire is heartwarming. There is no other place I can think of that gives as much as this community does. At the drop of a hat locals, businesses and organisations rally to support everything possible, from their childhood mate who might be doing it tough to the Westpac Helicopter that supports our community. There is always something or someone that this community is rallying for.
What do you think the main issues are in Moree at the moment that need addressing?
Crime is a major concern. What are you views on this?
During the last election I had a focus on crime and recidivism reduction. I advocated for strategies and plans to encourage this right across the shire. One of my first motions was to initiate service mapping to ensure the services in our towns and villages across the shire were accountable, transparent, and clear about what their deliverables were. This issue needed a multi-level government response, and I advocated for this, for our community. We have been lucky to have had Ministers of Government see the issues here firsthand and commit to investing $13.4 million into a targeted response for Moree.
I initiated a request to have the Parental Responsibility Act enacted in Moree, only to be met with community service backlash and criticism for wanting better accountability and input from parents to assist the situations at hand.
Do you think the current council is aiming in the right direction on various projects and/or issues?
There are some that I do not agree with and have voiced my objection to. There has, however, been significant goals achieved with the BAMM facility refurbishment, the Moree War Memorial refurbishment and RSL museum space opening. The MAAC is gaining momentum and funds to be completed, the Memorial Hall refurbishment is all but finished and a number of projects such as the Mungindi pump track, Jacaranda Park and Pallamallawa pump track and play areas have either been completed or are all but complete. We have a housing strategy in place that will see increased growth and development opportunities and the removal of burnt-out housing is in full swing.
How can the current council improve on what it is doing at the moment? Is money being spent on the right projects and in the right areas?
I asked for accountability and transparency on spend per shire area based on population and rates base for that area and that was not supported. I I think it’s up to councillors to be in this for the whole shire not just for their own niche or to achieve something that benefits them.
The right projects have to be shared equally among all residents. We obtain rates from right across the shire and boosting just one section of the community repeatedly is not bringing equality or diversity. That approach brings division. Community members have to be stern on what they want for their areas but they also need to be realistic and achievable. It’s great that we can find grants for all the wants of the shire but what about the needs? Without suitable sustainable roads, how can we be expected to grow?
How do you think MPSC performed in the last term? What projects have been delivered and is it meeting targets?
Many projects as listed within our Operational Plan have come to fruition, several were shelved due to limited funding, and some have been moved to the following year’s budget. The plan is readily available on Council’s website.
Major projects such as the MAAC redevelopment is underway. It has been plagued with issues due to problems being found and needing to be corrected that hadn’t been foreseen before further works could take place. This has set back the timeline. Councils housing and infrastructure development is underway with plans to provide more housing in the right locations and deliver the required infrastructure to support future growth and development.
What do you think have been MPSC’s biggest achievements in the past five years?
The biggest one for me has to be securing the Special Activation Precinct project, which will see Moree’s population, infrastructure and amenities improve immensely. This injection from the Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation coupled with Moree being an Inland Rail project hub has set Moree up for future growth and prosperity.
Has there been any disappointments?
I’ve encountered opposition to new ideas and initiatives from entrenched interests or community members. I’ve been frustrated with bureaucratic red tape, slow decision-making processes and regulatory hurdles as well as insufficient funding or resources to tackle pressing community issues.
It is difficult to balance competing demands and interests from different community groups. Scrutiny and criticism is another disappointment. It’s OK for armchair critics to sit back and have a say, but they don’t have anything positive to add to the situation. Constantly facing public criticism, media scrutiny, and social media backlash for everything we do is pretty taxing at times, especially when we struggle to meet the communities’ demands. We don’t have magic wands or a never-ending bucket of money.
What will be you main goals and targets if re-elected?
I will focus on my objectives for the next term.
Economic growth and diversification: Support local businesses and initiatives that drive job creation and stimulate economic growth and foster partnerships to attract new industries and investments to the shire.
Infrastructure development: Upgrade and maintain roads, bridges, and community facilities to ensure safety and accessibility and advocate for improved public transportation and connectivity.
Environmental sustainability: Protect and preserve our natural resources, including waterways, parks, and wildlife reserves and promote renewable energy and reduce waste through innovative initiatives.
Community wellbeing: Enhance healthcare services, community programs, and support for vulnerable populations and foster a sense of community through events, cultural activities, and social connections.
Transparency and accountability: Ensure open communication and engagement with residents, businesses, and stakeholders and ensure decisions of Council are transparent.
What local organisations are you involved with at the moment?
Little Athletics Moree, Moree Public School P&C, Moree Secondary College P&C and the Run the Plains Moree community running event.
What are your pastimes, hobbies or passions?
Watching my children and my family and friends’ children do any kind of sport or performance activity, attending as many music concerts and festivals as I possibly can and travelling anywhere and everywhere.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I am committed to working tirelessly in this space to ensure our shire remains a vibrant, sustainable and prosperous place to live, work and raise a family.
Footnote: Questions to candidates differ slightly, given the mix is made up of current councillors seeking re-election, past councillors seeking re-election and first-timers seeking election.
More on this candidate here: https://moreeonlinenews.com.au/2024/08/23/kelly-james-mpsc-candidate
