The Port Douglas Chamber of Commerce hosted a lunch at Zinc Restaurant for its members and guests to meet the new Cairns Regional Council CEO, Lynn Russell.

Chamber President, Ken Dobbs introduced proceedings after the welcome drinks and starters and the assembled business owners of the region welcomed their guest speaker.

Lynn Russell proved to be an interesting surprise to most of the gathered audience.  She pulled no punches in stating that she was adamant that it was only the future that mattered to her not the past and she was not interested in wasting time discussing the past because she considered this to be non-productive.

WATCH PART OF LYN'S SPEECH ADJACENT -->

Within her very early management meetings when she first took up her appointment, she identified the areas she wants the Council to include in future plans.   These areas, she believes, will ensure the iconic region of Douglas will get the services and consideration that it so badly lacks at present.

With the help of Mossman based liaison officer, Liz Collyer, she fielded questions from the floor after her main talk.   Most people listened intently understanding they were in the presence of an experienced operator who also had some very good political skills.  The general consensus of opinion, however, from the attendant business audience was one competence and a reassurance that Douglas will have a future voice in matters concerning Douglas.

As a student of amalgamation, she said she understands that amalgamation will not save money which endeared her to the audience as a kindred spirit, the region having experienced just that over the last 2 years.   However she felt it did offer other advantages in the modern world by means of her own micro modern management approach where more efficient use of available budgets can and will be implemented.

She concluded her talk by assuring the business community that she was available for discussion at any time, indeed welcomed the appropriate input to ensure future planning was as accurate as could be achieved.

The meeting was closed with a few words from President, Ken Dobbs after the main course had been served and a general networking atmosphere followed.

Editors Comments: Time will tell whether all Lynn's good intentions can be delivered.  She certainly blew away some of the myths that have been built up post appointment prior to her first public appearance in Port Douglas and that can only be a good thing.  Now she can get on and make things happen. 

What did you think, comments please ?