General News
27 January, 2024
Born and bred local steps up
BORN and bred Atherton man Douglas Tait will vie for a seat on Tablelands Regional Council at the 16 March local government election.
Mr Tait has announced he will contest Division 1, currently held by Deputy Mayor Cr Kevin Cardew.
According to the candidate, he hopes to be a positive force on the council so everyone can enjoy the “high standard of living and wonderful opportunities” he had growing up in Atherton.
“If I am elected, I will bring to the role a local’s love and long-term knowledge of the region and also a global view of how other societies meet the needs of their citizens,” Mr Tait said.
“My bottom line is the maintenance and improvement of the quality of life for everyone in this region, by making strategic, well informed, decisions that meet the standards of good governance and are in the public interest.”
Mr Tait was born in Atherton and is from a family of six generations who have lived or living in this region.
“My father, Ken Tait, was a lifelong resident and known to many people in this region,” he said.
After graduating from Atherton State High, Mr Tait moved away to further his education but has lived on the Tablelands off and on over the past 40 years and, now, has returned to settle in his hometown for good.
"My career has taken me to many places in Australia and around the world. I have had the privilege of living overseas and also living in and experiencing a diverse range of communities from the metropolis of London to the remote community of Lockhart River,” he said.
“I understand the changing demographic of this region and I believe our local government has to be prepared to make strategic decisions that future-proof our operational services and facilities.
“We also need to capitalise on the abundant natural, social and economic potential of our region to responsibly build a sustainable future for everyone.”
He says he recognises the importance of community consultation, seeking expert input from appropriate sources and working collaboratively to manage budgets to achieve value for money results.
“I have a proven reputation for working with people of all walks of life and bring many transferable skills from my long and varied career as an educator,” Mr Tait said.
