Janine Aitken - Div 9

Candidate for Division 9

Mob: 0414 934 000

Background

Janine moved to Cairns from the Gold Coast in 2003 after receiving a place at James Cook University in Cairns and is now in the final stage of her law degree. She immediately fell in love with Cairns and the lifestyle in the tropics and quickly became aware that this was where she would spend the rest of her life because to her there is no better place.

Janine initially trained in office administration before taking up a position in real estate. She was involved in property management and later held a position in management and marketing of shopping centres. She also studied part time and obtained a Diploma in International Business from the University of New England.

Janine became very committed to university life and has just completed her third term as President of the Student's Association at James Cook Cairns campus.

Vision for Cairns

Janine passionately believes that the expansion and development of Cairns, and more particularly what is to become the Cairns Regional Council area, must be managed with balance so as to protect the natural environment and at the same time allow development that will enhance the area while and improve our region for all citizens to enjoy.

We must all be conscious of our duty to treat our environment with great care and be aware of the consequences of climate change upon the environment and its effect upon the citizens with the need to make well-informed decisions because we do not get a second chance.

Janine also wishes to see the people's facilities such as parks used more often with regular organised "picnics in the park", local artist displays, promotion of the city's heritage also "fitness in the park" with regular sessions to encourage locals to get fit and meet others with "fitness in the park".

Janine would also encourage a better relationship with the ratepayers and for Council front office services to be open one evening a month until 8 pm and one Saturday morning per month until 12 noon to allow easier access to all rate payers.

Public transport, car pooling and CBD parking are all issues that must be addressed as the city continues to grow. We must have long-term plans. We must also look at fast ferry services to service the beach suburbs.

Reasons for Nominating for Cairns Regional Council

Over the last few years Janine has been able to travel and enjoy areas throughout tropical North Queensland and more particularly Cairns and Port Douglas for which she has become a passionate advocate.

Division 9 is the area that Janine moved to when taking up her studies at James Cook University and the University is in that Division. Janine feels strongly that the University is an integral component of the area having the largest assembly of citizens on a daily basis.

As President of the Students' Association Janine has been a passionate advocate for the students. Her responsibilities have included counselling and supporting the students in addition to managing the Association's retail services. During this time Janine has worked to make the Students' Association more relevant to the local community and would now like to take this another step by being elected to the new Cairns Regional Council.

Relevant Experience

Thirteen years experience in property management both commercial and residential
Five years experience in management and marketing of large shopping centres
Five years involvement in family property development and property management
Three years as President of the Students Union/Association which was hands on managing retail services, student services, liaising with the university highlighting the Student's Association outside the campus.
Managing the students' union change from compulsory student unionism to an association seeking funding from the university etc
Seventeen years as a volunteer at the Gold Coast Indy car festival rising to a position of supervisor
Involvement and participation in various sports: surf life saving, dance and drama schools
A wide understanding of climate change and its effects upon the community
Two years involvement with the Cairns Women's Network.

Why Would Janine be a Good Advocate for Division 9?

will be available to citizens of Division 9 at the local libraries on a regular basis
will be a passionate advocate for Cairns Regional Council and use her proven track record of "getting things done" for the community
has an excellent rapport with State Government Ministers and members and an association with the combined trade unions in Cairns
will work towards the implementing youth programs for Division 9 bringing together the various groups and involve the youth in operating such initiatives