Name:  Chris Whiting - current Division 2 councillor

Political party: -

Age: 45

Suburb of residence: Burpengary

Year elected: 2000

Website: http://chriswhiting.com.au/

Bio: I've been a councillor for 12 years, elected with 73% of the distributed vote in 2008 to Moreton Bay Regional Council, worked as journalist and speechwriter, employment officer and shoe salesman, was born in Mackay and raised with two sisters by a single parent mother, earned a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree and a Master of Journalism from the University of Queensland, and live in Burpengary with wife Sian and one-year-old son Guy.

What do you think are the most important issues for Moreton Bay? 

Local residents tell me they want high-quality grass roots council services again, they want to have more say in setting council's priorities, and they want an open and transparent council.  Importantly, they want council to help reduce cost-of-living pressures by keeping down council rates and water charges.

If elected, how will you improve cost of living conditions and lifestyle for residents in the Moreton Bay region?

As Mayor, my aim will be to keep rates rises at CPI levels. That is a commitment. We did it at Caboolture Shire Council and we have done it at Moreton Bay Regional Council.  I have a range of plans to improve our local lifestyle, including reintroduction of free biennial kerbside collection of large household rubbish items, and allowing residents to have a say in setting development standards in their community. I aim to give more support to our local grass roots junior sports organisations, as well as support our local performing and creative arts organisations.

Why do you think you have been a good representative for the people of the Moreton Bay region?

I've proven I will speak out on behalf of residents.  During this term I have spoken out on the income we get from from UnityWater, problems in disaster management by Council during January 2011 floods, and need to look after the grass roots local sports clubs.  I have the experience from 12 years as a councillor to step into the role of Mayor, but I will also provide the bold vision and leadership needed to make the changes that residents want in council.

What can you offer the people of Moreton Bay region that other candidates can't?

What makes me different is that I am the candidate who has a plan and vision.  I have released 17 plans that set out how I will deliver better council services, more say in your council and an open and honest council.  Behind these plans is my vision for our region.  We are a region of distinct communities and villages, each with different characteristics and different needs.  Council needs to provide a high level of council services that build up and support our local communities.