Shire of Broome election: Desiree Male

Written on the 18 October 2017

Broome Chamber of Commerce & Industry
2017 Shire Election Candidate Questionnaire
Name: Desiree Male

Q. Describe in your own words the core function of the Shire of Broome?
On one level the core function of the Shire of Broome is to deliver services to its residents. These services include waste management and removal, maintaining infrastructure such as roads and footpaths, maintaining of community parks & gardens, running of community venues such as the BRAC and Broome Library and to deliver on projects as set out in their corporate and strategic plans as well as making local laws and ensuring adequate funding for its activities. On another level it is a fundamental function of the Shire to create an administrative environment that supports and facilitates the economic development of the shire in line with the community's aspirations.

Q. Describe in your own words the core function of a Shire Councillor?
The function of a shire councillor is to ensure good governance and performance in relation to the shires delivery of its services on behalf of its residents and ratepayers. Councillors can set and change local government policies and are responsible for sensible financial management and resource control. Councillors are responsible for setting the strategic direction of the shire. Councillors are elected to represent their constituents in all matters at a local government level. Councillors also have a role in ensuring the local government is carrying out its functions efficiently and effectively.

Q. In the Chamber's recent business survey, 53% of respondents said they do not believe that the Shire is small business friendly. What do you think the Shire of Broome can do to improve conditions and support for local businesses?
This is very concerning and has the potential stifle new and expanding businesses. While activities need some regulation, we must always strive to minimise not maximise local government regulation. Application processes need to be simplified and expedited and applicants should be enthusiastically assisted and supported through the processes. Simple applications should take days not weeks and more complex ones should take weeks not months because time is money and we don't have so many businesses lining up to come to Broome that we can afford for them to lose their motivation to invest in Broome. Policies are not written in stone and should be critically reviewed if necessary to help support significant applications provided there is an overall benefit to the community. Our team has the goal to develop a reputation for Broome as one of the best Shire's in the country for supporting and facilitating new and expanding businesses and believe we should be working closely with the Chamber to help achieve this goal.

Q. It is expected that capital works on the Chinatown Revitalisation will be happening for a large part of 2018, what would you do to ensure that the local retailers are not adversely affected by the disruption in the peak trading periods?
Consult,, consult, consult! Make sure all potentially effected local retailers are fully aware of the program and look at ways to minimise disruption which will stop people coming to Chinatown and spending money during works. I am concerned that if works are carried out during the high season, Chinatown businesses will be badly affected as this is the time most businesses make most of their money.

Q. What's your thoughts on the sealing of Cape Leveque Rd, and do you believe this will change the dynamics of business in Broome and the Dampier Peninsula?
Yes, I believe this will create huge opportunities for Broome based and Peninsular based tour and accommodation operators. But, the opening up of the peninsular to more traffic and tourists must be managed well.

Q. With regard to Cape Leveque Road, what efforts would you like to see in working with Traditional Owners and alleviating red tape - having foresight to put measures in place to help fast track approvals when needed and creating more self-sustainable communities?
We need to work closely with these communities to understand their concerns and management of increased traffic to the region. We need to streamline the processes and governance that is required with such approvals and assist and support them to become self sustainable by increasing their revenue income earning capabilities.

Q. Where do you sit in regard to mining and tourism - How do you perceive the balance of these two industries; 50/50, 70/30, 80/20 etc?.
I do not understand the premise of the question in relation to balance. These are just two of the various industry sectors among many in the region. Mining and Tourism can coexist but the question implies setting predetermined limits on their growth which is impractical.
I believe there needs to be a range of diverse sectors across multiple industries, not just relying on tourism, mining and government. Broome needs a 12 month a year economy and that comes with diversity and decreases the risks related to reliance on any one industry. The potential for beef, agriculture and education in our region is huge but these industries do not grow by accident. Our role is to make their growth and development as trouble free as possible.

Q. What's your opinion on economic growth and development of the future of Broome and the Kimberley?
Economic growth for the sake of growth is not necessarily beneficial to the community. However, growth that provides more and better jobs, infrastructure and real opportunities for the community should be supported. Unfortunately, small regional towns like Broome currently rely very heavily on the government sector and government supported "not for profits" to generate economic activity. Until we can establish a growing and vibrant private industry base as well, sustainable growth will be difficult to achieve while maintaining a good standard of living. I believe council must continue to focus on creating the right environment to encourage private sector growth to expand opportunities particularly for the youth of Broome. We need to make Broome the capital regional centre of the North!

Q. Do you have a plan (or ideas) for lobbying more support from state and federal government?
Over the last couple of years, we have managed to regain the confidence of both State and Federal governments and demonstrate that the community is broadly united in its approach to development and far more welcoming to new industry investment. Strong leadership and strong relationships are required to maintain this confidence without which, government support and investment will evaporate very quickly. Our aim is to develop a reputation second to none as a welcoming supportive Shire facilitating new investment and opportunities for the community. We need to be constantly engaged with state and federal government leaders and convince them the return on investment is here in Broome.

Q. On a personal level, why do you live in Broome and what do you love about the Kimberley lifestyle.
I was born here. I feel very fortunate to have grown up in such a diverse vibrant community and wouldn't have it any other way. It's a unique place with a unique lifestyle. It's the lifestyle that so many others dream about.

Q. What celebrity do you most identify with, and why?
Sally Pearson; our amazing gold medallist for the women's hurdles is my choice. I met Sally at one of my financial planning conferences in Sydney. What an inspiration for this country not to mention the willpower and courage to come back after constant injuries just shows it is mind over matter and as a strong woman, you can achieve your dreams.