Incumbent Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll has announced his candidacy for a second term at the upcoming local government elections.
Mayor Noll was elected in 2018 after retiring from a long career as a police officer.
He has adopted the slogan “Growing Our Communities Together” for his campaign.
“Upon nearing the completion of my first term as Mayor and with the blessing and support of Shari and the family I will be again nominating for the Wattle Range Mayoral position for the next term,” Mayor Noll said.
“The role as Mayor is to empower and work for all residents of our 13 communities, bringing a strong dedication and energy to the position for the continued ‘Growing Our Communities Together’.
“During the current elected member term as Mayor, I have been very focused on having a community minded approach, continually traveling extensively across the council area,” the council leader said.
“Building relationships with business owners, residents, sporting groups, volunteer emergency service groups, schools, community organisations, church organisations, welfare service providers, all within our communities.
“There is a necessity to listen to ideas and assist with developing solutions to benefit all residents.
“My strength within the role as Mayor has always been about community and its diversity of our people and recognising the needs for all people within the Wattle Range Council area – from the smallest of communities, through to the largest community.”
Mayor Noll said his continuous networking and advocating with other Limestone Coast councils through the Limestone Coast Local Government Association as a board member had allowed him to gain strong support for local road maintenance, the regional economic growth strategy along with building a strong network with Federal and State Government members of parliament.
“My position on the proposed Council Service Centre in Millicent is well documented in the media,” he said.
“Currently the old schoolhouse being used as an administration office is unfit and unsafe for purpose.
“As ratepayers, we all have a responsibility to ensure that we provide a safe and professional work environment,” Mayor Noll said.
“All council employees from the grader driver to the chief executive officer deserve this.
“I continue to hold the position to retain the Millicent saleyards open for business.
“It will be the responsibility of the stakeholders to ensure the saleyards are financially viable and sustainable for the long term.”
Mayor Noll said, while reflecting on achievements during his current term, it was “pleasing to expand the Millicent Domain Playground space, with the addition of the nature playground”.
“Also developing a plan for the Lions Park Playground in Holzgrefe Street, Millicent and renewing the Susan Wilson Memorial Playground at Beachport,” he said.
“Rebuilding the Southend Caravan Park has been an important achievement for tourism and the Southend community, along with the completion of the Rivoli Bay (Southend and Beachport) Coastal Protection Report.
“Completion of the Penola bypass, significant drainage work within the Penola CBD and the construction of the Coonawarra Railway Trail have benefited the Penola and Coonawarra communities and enhanced the strong tourism sector.
“Another achievement demonstrating inclusiveness for all in our community has been the flying of the Aboriginal flag alongside the Australian flag daily – outside the civic offices in Millicent, rather than only during NAIDOC and Reconciliation Week.
“As the Mayor, I will continue to speak out on community issues that are important to residents and support those who are not able to do so.
“Most of all, ensuring that as a community we do not leave anybody behind.”
