Brighton set to grow in prosperity
Brighton Mayor Tony Foster retires next year after 27 years in the top job and 35 years on council. Here he reflect son his achievements
BRIGHTON today is vastly different to that of the 1980s, both in terms of its population, economic development, community facilities and services, and the pride of the people who live in one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic parts of Tasmania.
State Treasury forecasts point to Brighton being the state’s fastest-growing municipality over the next two decades, with population set to rise as high as 24,000. It is vital services and facilities are provided to cater for the population growth, and this is what has motivated me in my time on council.
For 27 years I have been mayor over seeing many significant initiatives, from the construction of the Brighton Bypass, the establishment of the Transport Hub, improved sporting and community facilities, and enhanced medical, dental and allied health facilities, to improved street scapes, parks and playground sand our fair rating system that has provided our residents with the lowest rates in Tasmania.
Two achievements that stand out are the improvements in education facilities, some in place and others to be delivered in coming years, and Brighton’ s hosting of refugees from Kosovo who, for a time, called Brighton Army Camp home.
The federal government’ s announcement in 1999, that it would receive 500 refugees from Kosovo and house them at the former army camp, established an exciting chapter in our history. At first hesitant, the community welcomed these displaced people, and strong bonds were developed.
It was a unique experience for our community, with many probably never before engaged with people who had escaped from dire circumstances and spoke little English. It provided an introduction to a gentle Islamic people who showed that personal dignity and a sense of family and community could survive the ravages of war.
I have long believed that improving education plays a big role in enhancing social and community outcomes.
That is why I was closely involved in the development of the Jordan River Learning Federation and have lobbied for the construction of a high school at Brighton and the upgrade of the School Farm.
The announcements in the state budget of funding for a new high school, rebuild of the School Farm, and replacement of the Bridge water Bridge mean I will have over seen the commencement of the major initiatives for which I pushed.
I am content to hand over there ins, knowing the projects are being delivered. I will retire satisfied with what the council has achieved and confident I will leave a sound financial base, effective management team and clear strategies to take the municipality forward.
I can not leave without making comment about local government in Tasmania.
While I strenuously defended the need for Bright onto remain separate to foster our region’ s growth, unhindered by the high costs and in efficiencies of other municipalities, I believe there is a need for rationalisation.
Tasmania, having 29 local councils serving a population of 500,000 is extravagant. Yes, it is important ratepayers have access to local councillor sand to ensure small rural areas are not swallowed and neglected by big metropolitan areas. But perhaps a reduction to 10 or 12 councils could ensure this.
It maybe necessary to throw away the municipal boundaries, start with a clean sheet and draw up new council areas based on population density, growth factors and regional strengths, rather than historic lines established 200 years ago. This should be a joint priority of state and local government.