Name: Stephen John Ritchie.
Age: 73.
Status: I have three children, Joshua, Jeremy and Amy.
Current or past employment, retired or otherwise:
Retired builder.
What part of the shire do you live?
Moree.
How long did you sit as a councillor on MPSC?
I was a sitting councillor for five years and three months, including two years as deputy mayor.
What are the main reasons you are standing for re-election?
There are a lot of projects that need completion across the shire. Moree needs more retail in the CBD and council needs to look at that. I can offer plenty of local knowledge, am very approachable and will listen and talk to shire residents.
Are you standing alone or with a running mate(s)?
I am running alone.
What do you love most about Moree Plains Shire?
I have lived and worked in Moree all my life. I’ve never left this great town – this is where it is for me.
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?
Crime, especially youth crime, is a big problem in Moree, as it is in many other towns. Council is limited to what it can do to address these problems but needs to continue working with the Premier’s Department and relevant organisations in Moree to bring it under control. There are some good initiatives being rolled out at the moment, but everyone needs to be on the same page.
There are also a number of unfinished projects across the shire, and they need to be completed.
Do you think the current council is aiming in the right direction on various projects and/or issues?
No, not at all. Aiming in the right direction? Sometimes, I think it’s lost its way.
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?
Money needs to be spent finishing projects like MAAC and the memorial hall. There are too many unfinished projects across the shire.
I feel the council needs to be more open about things, and to get more information out to the ratepayers and shire residents.
How do you think MPSC performed in the last term? What projects have been delivered and is it meeting targets?
I think council’s performance has been pretty average, with targets not being met at all. The ongoing sagas at MAAC over the last couple of years have been an embarrassment.
What do you think have been MPSC’s biggest achievements in the past five years?
Our previous general manager, Lester Rogers, as well as some council staff and councillors, initiated the Special Activation Precinct. This was a huge achievement and will bring renewed economic wealth to the region.
Has there been any disappointments?
The last two years have been one big disappointment, I feel.
What will be you main goals and targets if re-elected?
To finish projects and clean up burnt-out houses. The rural road network needs a lot more attention as well. We move cotton, wheat, cattle and sheep, as well as general freight, around the shire on a daily basis. The roads around Moree and shire villages need all the attention they can get. And we must not neglect our villages, especially Mungindi.
What local organisations are you involved with at the moment?
I recently stood down after 30 years with Moree and District Historical Society. I was society president for 25 of years.
What are your pastimes, hobbies or passions?
I’m an avid collector, especially antiquities, memorabilia and furniture, that sort of thing.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I feel I have good, local knowledge of the shire as well as experience as a former councillor. I’ve lived in Moree all my life and worked here for 50 years. I’m very approachable. Some say, I’m a cranky old buggar, but I will always talk and listen to anyone and everyone. To me, that’s what being a councillor is all about. We’re there for the ratepayers and residents.
I feel we need the council to be more open about things, and to get more information out to the ratepayers and shire residents.
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/stephen-ritchie-mpsc-candidate
