Mark Buttrose - Division 6 Cairns Regional Council Elections 2008

Candidate for Division 6

Mob: 0417 600 828; 07 4051 2496

mark@cairns1st.org.au

Born in South Australia, Mark moved to Cairns in 1995 with wife, Maryke and two children. He lives in Whitfield and is the Director of an architectural practice with over 30 years experience in the industry.

Since moving to Cairns Mark has been responsible for the design of many landmark buildings in Cairns including the Cairns Centre of Contemporary Arts, St Andrew's Catholic College, Fogarty Park Sound Shell, the sail-like Esplanade Information nodes and currently City Place sound shell.

Experienced in the planning, building and construction industries and tourism and arts sectors, Mark has strong management and team leadership skills, has worked for many community groups and has developed skills in facilitation, consultation and listening.

Mark believes that:

local government can and should play a significant role in Australia's response to climate change
local government must work directly with the community and influence the development and uptake of abatement technologies, especially through community education, transport, planning and development.
if the rising tide of development creeping up the scenic rim and on to the iconic headlands of Cairns continues unchecked, this will destroy the very reason tourists and residents alike are attracted to this beautiful city.

When cities around the world are becoming more and more alike, Cairns must reinforce and celebrate its unique features and multicultural diversity and stand out. Council can show leadership and encourage a strong regional identity and a sense of pride.

The loss of our heritage and character is a problem requiring a solution. Mark advocates the introduction of transferable plot ratios to ensure our cultural heritage is retained but at the same time building owners are not financially disadvantaged. Similar models are working successfully in other cities in Australia.

As councillor for Division 6 Mark will:

stop inappropriate development of our hill slopes and iconic headlands.
make sure a solution is found to the school drop-off traffic chaos in Redlynch Valley
work with the community to ensure the individual character of our community centres is reinforced and enhanced
ensure a network of shady bike and foot paths are constructed away from roadways to encourage community use
closely consult with community groups to further develop outstanding sporting and recreational facilities in the division.

Community Involvement:

2025 FNQ Regional Planning Advisory Committee member
Member Management Committee of Environmental Defenders Office, EDO
President of Save Our Slopes Community Action Group (SOS)
Committee Member of Australian Green Development Forum
Past member of the Board of Just Us Dance Ensemble, JUTE
Parents and friends and facilities committees of a number of schools.