I have been approached by a number of ratepayers who are worried about the large rate rises, and the direction of Council.

They have asked me to run for Mayor.

I offer 21 years on Council, 15 years as Chair of Operations, and 28 years in business.

If I am successful with my bid as Mayor, I will encourage councillors to be proactive, to probe, and to question.

I expect Council to be more transparent.

Under my leadership, Council will impose a moratorium on all new spending until we can look critically at Council expenditure.

We will work with the Chief Executive to take a fresh look at budgets, with efficiencies and cost reduction top of mind.

This will be my No1. priority.

Drivers for cost increases, in part, point to a 40% rise in personnel costs in the last few years alone.

When I stepped down in 2022, the personnel costs were $7.521 million.

In 2026 The Long Term Plan states that personnel costs will be $12.043 million…

This is completely unsustainable.

We as a community, cannot keep having rate rises in the 20’s.

21.4% in 2024.

The rate rise in 2025 was close to 24%. But, Council opted to rate 8.8% and borrow the remaining 15.2%.

Currently Council has more revenue going out, than coming in.

Groceries on the Credit Card.

We deserve better.

I can offer strong governance, financial discipline, critical thinking, 28 years in Business, and 21 years of Council experience.

If you are looking for a better outcome, and a new direction, I simply ask for your vote.

Tick Nicky Davis for Mayor

Authorised by Nicky Davis, [email protected]

CLICK HERE for a full list of candidates in the Gore District Local Body Elections 2025