Division 2 Candidates – Where Do They Sit On Local Issues?

Monday night’s Candidate meet and greet session saw each of the four individuals running for the Division 2 Councillor seat in the spotlight, answering questions about topical subjects that directly affect the residents of Cannonvale and Woodwark.

Each candidate was given up to a minute to respond to each question, followed by a quick fire round where they were asked to say a short sentence in response.

Here is a brief summary of the best bits.

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Does the new fire station belong in the residentially zoned area in Cannonvale?

Clay Bauman: We’ve got a growth corridor out this way – I think a fire station should be put further out where it will be of service for a much longer period. A new Ambulance Station could be sited with it.

Andy Camm: The State government seems to overrule everything in this area from what I’ve seen – I don’t understand why we would have a fire station right there when it’s residential.

Dan Popovich: It seems highly inappropriate to put something light industrial into a residential area but the safety factor that needs to be added into this to make an informed decision.

Chris Harvey: Coming from an emergency services background this will directly affect me. I think it’s perfect location, it is right in the centre, it covers all the population easier – with the distance travelled, time frames and future planning it makes sense.
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Would you like to see traffic lights or roundabouts along Shute Harbour Road:

Clay Bauman: When they wanted to put traffic lights at Shingley Beach intersection, I overlayed an image of roundabout – it fit. I then posted it on Facebook and in 24 hours had 2,500 engagement, only five per cent of respondents were in favour. I agree.

Andy Camm: Traffic lights are cheaper than roundabouts, but I don’t want traffic lights.

Dan Popovich: Roundabouts are 20 per cent more efficient in terms of traffic through put, fuel waste and are much safer. There are also long-term savings. A daisy chain of traffic lights along this road will be catastrophic.

Chris Harvey: I am not for traffic lights the whole way but I feel we need at least one more set as there is nowhere safe between Centro and Banjos to cross the road.

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What do you think about having high-rises in Airlie Beach?

Clay Bauman: I have been against it for six years but it is site specific – I’ve got no problem with Hermitage drive – but I have a real problem with one on the Foreshore.

Andy Camm: I don’t want to see a high-rise in Airlie Beach

Dan Popovich: I think this should be considered on a case-by-case basis, development shouldn’t be open slather.

Chris Harvey: I’m not for or against until I’ve seen the finer details.

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