Former Councillor confirms tilt in the 2020 elections
COUNCIL ELECTION
In announcing his decision today to run for one of the four Councillor spots in the 28 March 2020 local elections, former Douglas Shire councillor and business identity, Bruce Clarke, said today he felt he owed it to the people of the shire to regain his place on Council.
“I served in the first Council following de-amalgamation – 2014-2015 and part of 2016 – and I feel it was not enough time to give something back to the shire,” he said.
Mr Clarke’s decision follows that of Mayor Julia Leu, Cr Roy Zammataro and Tin Shed General Manager Kym Rowley, who have already confirmed they will be running in next year’s election.
Mr Clarke's connection to the region stretches back to the 1870s, with his great grandfather the town's first harbour master.
Mr Clarke and his father were born in Cairns, and his grandfather was born in Port Douglas in 1887.
Moving to Port Douglas as a building designer in 1980, Mr Clarke operated a business in Cooya Beach for more than 12 years.
He supervised the design and construction of the Mossman Bowls Club's extensions and Bowling Green roof.
He served as president of Ellis Beach and Port Douglas surf lifesaving clubs, collectively for eight years.
In identifying some of the elements of his platform, Mr Clarke said he wants to see moderate development in the shire, but to not go overboard.
“We need to take a serious look at infrastructure; and our water treatment and sewerage plants immediately come to mind.
“If we see an increase in our growth rate, the aforementioned will not cope and we need to obtain the finances – through funding grants – to increase the plants to ensure we have enough water. If we cannot keep up, we’ll be on water restrictions for 12 months of the year,” said Mr Clarke.
Still active in the business community, Mr Clarke said the marina re-development must go ahead.
“In terms of major projects, the marina upgrade is a must, especially when you consider the last significant project was in 1987 when Christopher Skase unveiled the Sheraton Mirage (now the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas).
“Coupled to this, I strongly believe when need to get an over-65 Retirement Village back on the table. It was knocked back, which was the wrong decision, and I am going to fight for this to be re-visited,” he said.
At the 2016 elections, Mr Clarke along with Terry Melchert, lost their Councillor positions and were replaced by Michael Kerr and Roy Zammataro.
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