More about Cheryl Arnol

 I have lived and worked in Glamorgan Spring Bay municipal area for the best part of 50 years. Between 1997 and 2004, I served one term as Deputy Mayor and three terms as Mayor (in those days a mayoral term was 2 years).  I returned to Council in 2007, sitting as Deputy Mayor at the 2014 election, 2018 election as a Councillor and the 2022 election becoming Mayor for the past 4 years.

I have a long history of governance roles in a regulatory environment including as director of government authorities.  I understand the complex legislative environment that is local government and have the experience and knowledge to separate the role of Mayor from the operational arm of Council.  Councillors, including the Mayor cannot interfere with the role of CEO, nor direct staff.  Councillors can only advocate for residents.  I may not have always been ‘out and about’ but it doesn’t mean that I haven’t performed the role of Mayor.   

I make no secret of the fact that during my time on Council I have made some decisions that have not always been popular with the community, particularly planning matters but they have been made in an unbiased and informed manner.

The issues of most importance for me are

• ·       Upgraded infrastructure throughout the municipal area
• ·       Strategic and sustainable development across all areas
• ·       Transparency, honesty and integrity in all council business
• ·       Continuing the community engagement and consultation with the pop-up sessions across the municipal area.

The various communities believe that as a councillor or Mayor or whatever, elected members do not always consider just how much is done in their particular area.  More importantly, communities do not always recognise that their wish list is not always achievable simply because the main requirement in any municipal area is keeping rates at a manageable amount. You can’t have it both ways.  I am particularly proud of the fact that this current group of elected members have turned the finances around and is now funding 100% of asset renewals.  It is an achievement that is unheard of in most Tasmanian councils.

There seems to be a school of thought that changing a number of councillors, Mayor and/or Deputy Mayor will achieve miracles, but no it won’t.  Those who come into council in whatever role will face the same challenges as the 2022 elected members have over the past 4 years.  We have weathered some storms and come out the other side with a renewed focus on stability in the council chamber. 

I will undertake the role of Councillor and Mayor with honesty, integrity and transparency.  I seek your support to be re-elected by voting 1 for Councillor and 1 for Mayor