Polly Venning, Managing Director at CEO Tasmania, says she intends to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming Huon Valley Council election.
Mrs Venning is a board member for a number of Tasmanian organisations, including the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and she hopes to bring this broad range of knowledge and skillsets to the Huon Valley Council.
“While I’ve been happy with the work that the Huon Valley Council has done in the past, I think I can bring a fresh outlook to the work that they are doing.”
Mrs Venning intends to find innovative solutions to the problems faced in the Huon Valley, while still respecting the history of the Huon Valley region, which she has embodied in her slogan: Respect the Past, Focussed on the Future.
“The Huon has an incredibly vast, rich history, and I want to respect the lessons we’ve learned, and the memory of people who sweat and bled to make the Huon what it is today. But I think we need to focus on the future rather than the past, and focus on what we can achieve, rather than what we haven’t been able to achieve. ”
Mrs Venning intends to look at how other regions are addressing problems similar to those in the Huon Valley, both nationally and internationally.
“I would like to identify those problems, work out what other people are doing to achieve positive results, and try to replicate some of those solutions in our own backyard.”
Mrs Venning would also like to get the community involved in this decision making process, as well as work with existing community groups and businesses.
“My job as a councillor is to listen to people that have proposals and ensure that they are relevant, practical and achievable. If they meet those three criteria, then I will do everything I can to get them across the line.”
Mrs Venning is focussing on three key portfolios: increasing tourism, developing businesses and improving education.
“I think the biggest challenges we face are the education of our young people, creating meaningful jobs for the community, and preparing the community for future growth.”
In particular, Mrs Venning wants to focus on making the Huon Valley’s industries and businesses more competitive, especially given the recent pressures placed on Tasmania’s industries by the international market.
“There are some amazing small businesses in the Huon, with reach far greater than people realise, and I would like to support those businesses and help them become internationally competitive.”
Authorised by MLC Robert Armstrong, 7 Solly Crt, Cygnet.
Polly Venning Managing Director CEO Tasmania & Executive Connect, provides Safe, Inspirational & Highly Confidential Forums for Peer Mentoring.
