Controversial United States Republican candidate Donald Trump has based his presidential campaign on “Make America Great Again”. It’s a theme that has resonated across the country and provided a clear message to voters.

On a local level, Douglas Shire mayoral candidate Roy Weavers is following a similar path – without the provocative and nasty rhetoric – by campaigning for a “Fresh Approach”. And this proposition is predicated on introducing a Business Model to manage the Douglas Shire with community input and buy-in.

By advocating “business is not the enemy” and there is “no such thing as a bad idea”, Weavers is campaigning for a progressive council which endorses open-mindedness, forward thinking and prepared to think outside the square.

“An ideal and workable council requires forward-thinking people who are open to fresh ideas, progressive in their thinking, accepting of business and do not view them as the enemy, and accessible communicators,” says Weavers who ran for Council in the 2013 de-amalgamation election.

His business model follows the guidelines of a solid and dynamic business plan. Formulate your strategies, objectives and action plan using the best brains available, present it to the electorate for buy-in and implement the plan. Business plans, by nature, are dynamic documents in that they can change based on environmental, economic, political and other factors.

“I cannot stress enough that we must work with business. We must listen to their ideas and criticisms.

“We need to engage with those who travel inter-state or abroad and encourage them to present any ideas they might have on their return. We need to look at every avenue from which to learn. Let me reiterate, there is no such thing as a bad idea,” he said.

In his quest to involve business, Weavers will immediately establish a Business Advisory Board which will meet monthly. The objective is to gauge the pulse of the shire and what business is thinking, encourage recommendations and brainstorm ideas.

Weavers’ campaign clearly points to lively debate and enthusiastic communication along with encouraging the community to voice their concerns. It’s one key element of his election platform:

• Fighting higher rates through responsible budgeting
• An accessible council (via communication)
• Supporting small business
• Reinforcing environmental values
• Reviving community spirit.

Riding high is the now favoured topic of rate increases. It has encouraged debate from all sides.

“I firmly believe you cannot prepare a responsible budget without alternative revenue sources. We need to be looking at areas where we can generate revenue to offset rate rises, or keep them in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI),” said Weavers.

Weavers is cognisant of those who prefer the status quo and are uneasy there will be change in the Shire.

“I’m not advocating for massive high rises or major development. This is not what I am about. I am looking at building on what we’ve got, enhancing it and encouraging new business development.

“What I don’t want is to see people leaving the Shire because they cannot find a job. Our business plan will address these short and long-term issues. By talking and listening to the business community we’ll open up opportunities,” he said.

Weavers said an excellent example could involve a discussion with Mackay Sugar regarding the installation of a paper mill.

“Bagasse, which is a by-product of sugar cane, produces some of the best paper, and if we can turn this into a new industry, it will open many doors for a lot of people. And to gauge its viability, I will instigate a feasibility study,” he said.

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The first forum is at Cow Bay Hotel tomorrow (9:00am – 11:30am); followed by Port Douglas Community Centre on March 10 and Mossman Shire Hall on March 15 (both from 5:30pm – 7:00pm).