Heading into his second term as Mayor, Mathew Hatcher wants to see Council consolidate first-term successes, avoid extravagant new projects, and focus community attention on much-needed town planning.
"I think masterplanning for Batemans Bay, Moruya and Narooma – with appropriate changes to our development control plans – is one of the biggest things facing us," Mayor Hatcher says.
"I look at Batemans Bay and, apart from a few odds and ends, it looks the same and it lives the same as when I arrived here 22 years ago. It's critical we get masterplanning for the Bay done quickly, then move straight on to Moruya. With the hospital underway we need a town that's adaptable to the changes that will bring. Narooma will follow.
"It's optimistic but I'd like to see masterplanning finished with this term of Council."
The Mayor says all kinds of positive change is possible when community helps drive the process.
"In my first term we trialled different methods of community consultation, different ways to explain what Council is doing. I believe a lot more people are interested, and they're clearer on what Council can and can't do. We have more community buy-in and many more community ambassadors," he says.
"We've worked hard to explain Council's financial situation and the steps we're taking to a firmer financial footing. Rather than fancy new buildings to stick plaques on, I'd like to see this focus on sustainable government continue. Things like our public toilet upgrades and new grant strategy – these are not high profile but they are very valuable."
The Mayor says the Grant Strategy 2024-28 also sends a strong message to state and federal politicians.
"Don't go making election promises for our shire without talking to us first. We won't be taking your money if it doesn't align with the needs of our community and work we've identified and prioritised. If you want to help, give us another $10 million for roads, or money to help run some of the big-ticket projects – like the Bay Pavilions – that you wanted funded and delivered," he says.
"Councillors ten years from now should look back positively on our tenure, not be fixing up legacy issues. For that to happen, we must work as a group even when we don't always agree. The community isn't interested in politics, checks and balances, or elected representatives versus paid expertise; they just want to see things getting done."
Mayor Hatcher says he will also continue working for more appropriate and affordable housing options.
"Any changes around housing – building heights, rental time-frame limits, anything – must be clearly presented to and then supported by the community: everything done up front so people know what they are buying in to.
"Like the last, this term is very much about keeping the community informed and engaged in what we are doing. I really believe that for a population of 40,000 people the facilities and opportunities here are fantastic. We are so lucky to live here and shouldn't lose sight of that."
Mathew Hatcher was elected Mayor with 69.32 percent of the vote. Councillors will vote for their deputy Mayor at the first Council meeting of the new term on Tuesday 29 October.
