Candidate for Division 8 Ph:  0412 872 574     Fax: 40542561   Email: paul@cairns1st.org.au Paul grew up in Tasmania, attended secondary school and University in Brisbane, which culminated, in 1977, with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science in a field that he has always loved. He worked around Australia and overseas, before settling in Cairns in private practice in 1987 with his then, partner, Kay and rearing two wonderful kids, Marnie who is completing a Degree in Graphic Design at Griffith University on the Gold Coast and Sam who is working his way up “the ladder of opportunity” in the hospitality industry. He has two dogs Layla and Koda and an assortment of animal refugees at his Balaclava Veterinary Surgery on Mulgrave Rd. He recently went into partnership , in opening the Redlynch Valley Vets at the old Redlynch shopping village. Paul was a candidate for Division 9 in the 2004 local elections, running with Val Schier’s Team 4 Cairns, receiving 44% of the vote.

Reasons for nominating for Cairns Regional Council: This is an exciting and challenging time for our area, with the amalgamation of the former Douglas Shire and Cairns City Council. The current administrations are  tired and divided. A fresh, yet experienced, truly representative voice of local residents, ready to listen  and stand up for their concerns is the strength that Paul brings with the Cairns 1st Alliance to the people of the region.    The old Division 9 is where Paul lives(5 years in Brinsmead and the last 15 years in Freshwater).He loves the hills and valleys that frame our unique environment and enrich us spiritually. He has witnessed the changing face of Cairns, both good and ill advised over the last 20 years. He has been involved in establishment of a Character Precinct in Freshwater to emphasise the long history of settlement and to preserve some of the older buildings in the area; he is currently working on a Self Guided Heritage Trail for Freshwater and Stratford, with the ultimate goal of putting together a history of the area. Paul has been involved in campaigns to control inappropriate unit development in Freshwater. Cairns is a great regional city, and with controlled development and good urban design, its prosperity should bring benefits to the whole community and not just a select few : Paul, as part of Val Schier’s Cairns 1st Alliance, will ensure Coordination of a local response to the very real threat of Climate Change by providing leadership in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions Cairns remains a Nuclear Free Zone Small and large business opportunities are better promoted, locally, nationally and internationally, taking advantage of our strategic position on the Pacific Rim The Cairns Plan is to supported and strengthened, with much of  positive aspects of the Douglas Shire Plan incorporated in it Open Spaces are better utilised and enhanced Walkways, footpaths, bikeways and dog exercise areas are better maintained and creatively enhanced Dog and cat management is prioritised with emphasis on humane outcomes. Paul has the skills, experience and vision to guide the new Cairns Regional Council towards better informed and transparent decisions with good outcomes for all. Community Involvement:        Current President of Stratford and Freshwater Community Association, which is a conduit for residents to access their State and local government representatives, is actively involved in monitoring developments, management of open spaces and maintenance of public facilities within the area. Immediate past President of Animal Welfare Cairns Inc, a wholly volunteer run organisation, that has been actively advocating for more than 20 years, responsible pet ownership through subsidised desexing programme for pets which then reduces the financial and emotional costs to the community of the stray dog and cat problem. Paul is passionate about enlightened urban animal management A founding member of Pet Pep, (Pets Educating People), a school based curriculum that teaches kids to be more responsible, than many of their parents, towards the health and wellbeing of their pets Responsible for the introduction of a Delta Dog Trainer to Cairns to provide the public with the best reward based training that is available in Australia. This includes the Canine Good Citizen programme which encourages people to explore the great benefits that dogs can bring to the community. Member of Friends of The Gallery, a group of community minded art lovers who promote the Regional Art Gallery. Paul is a strong patron of local artists. Member of Kick Arts Member of  End Credits Film Club