Warren Polley is looking to stay in his seat for Division 7 in the upcoming local government election.
Mr Polley is a born and raised Gympie man, owner of Polleys Coaches and has been the Division 7 councillor for the past term.
When it comes to council, Mr Polley said that he knows what his strengths are, what his weaknesses are and knows how to handle criticism.
“Others might be told that they are not very good at something and think it is a personal attack, but it is not,” he said.
“You have just have to lean into your strengths. I think that is important.”
Mr Polley claimed connectedness and harmony as his strengths and wants to see progress.
“There is more to be achieved through harmony and getting on rather than being divisive,” he said.
“People often ask me what I think of the environment. My answer is that I like to see progress without harming the environment but I won’t hinder progress for environment.
“If we had to tick every single box nothing would ever get done.
“The trick is to find balance.”
Mr Polley said his approach consists of three A’s – Assess, Analyse, Action.
“Southside residents are fantastic. If people have a concern, it is a real concern and I will fix it,” he said.
Livability and lifestyle was also mentioned and he said he wants to employ what he calls a walk and cycle strategy.
“I would like to see more connectedness for footpaths around Southside,” he said.
“The state government has all but committed to a $90 million walking path at Normanby Bridge and I would really like to see that come to be.
“I have done about 60 per cent of the research towards this project.
“People go down the River to Rail Trail and when they get to the end they have to turn around.
“But with that walkway, it would turn into a loop with Power Road and be more enjoyable for everyone.
“Division 7 has so many facilities and I would like to see more, such as those footpaths.”
As a councillor, Mr Polley believes that he can bring balance and fairness to council.
He also describes himself as entrepreneurial and does not mind stepping out of his comfort zone.
“I like to think I bring balance to council and there will be a lot of fairness with me,” he said.
“I will be pushing for progress.
“I think we should have our eyes for 2032. We really need to get on board.
“With the Olympic Games coming, there is a lot of money to be had.
“Gympie is on the crest of the wave. We need to be doing everything we can to stay in front of it.”
