CURRENT Moree Plains Shire Council deputy mayor Susannah Pearse hit the ground running when elected nearly three years ago.

She sits on several boards and committees, including Urban Advisory Committee (Chair), Floodplain Risk Management Committee (Chair), Saleyards Working Group (Chair), Road Network Consultative Group, Northern Joint Regional Planning Panel, Small Business Fund Panel, Pallamallawa War Memorial Hall Committee, Arts North West Strategic Advisory Committee and Regional Development Australia Northern Inland board member.

Mrs Pearse didn’t hesitate when the call for nominations were made, and will campaign with fellow councillor Brooke Sauer as the only Group in the 2024 local government elections.

“It’s been an honour to be a councillor and deputy mayor for the past two-and-a-half years – both challenging and rewarding,” Mrs Pearse said.

“Although we’ve had some huge wins, there is more to be done and I’m determined to see things through.”

Mrs Pearse and her husband Oscar, own a farm east of Moree which has been in the family for six generations.

Moree Plains Shire deputy mayor Susannah Pearse says “build on the wins, fix the failures, and finish the tasks at hand” (Image Copyright).

“I chose to make the Moree Plains my home 14 years ago and have chosen to raise my family on its black soil plains.

“I want to see the community, our businesses and our people thrive. The Moree Plains has huge growth potential, but we need strong leadership and a Council organisation that does not hold it back, delivers for the customer and serves with integrity.”

Mrs Pearse has a background in marketing, communications and economic development, and worked for Council at a management level.

She was part of the Integrated Planning and Economic Development teams before being elected to Council in July, 2022.

Mrs Pearse says Council has secured huge sums of money in recent years and projects must be completed.

“There is $20m for Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre; $225m for the Special Activation Precinct, and many millions for cultural and sporting infrastructure, and we must finish these jobs,” Mrs Pearse said.

“We need to keep the pressure on for Inland Rail’s 22km ‘missing link’, and work with the State Government so its $13.4m in targeted crime, youth support and bail have an impact and help create a safe and harmonious community.

“We must build on the wins, fix the failures, and finish the tasks at hand,” she said.

However, Moree Plains Shire Council does not have infinite funds, she said.

“Council must manage its finances responsibly – retire longstanding debt and focus on its core services: roads, planning and building approvals,” Mrs Pearse said.

Mrs Pearse has drawn on four years as a council staff member, a prolonged period in corporate management, and is an adept member on several boards.

She is currently midway through a Master of Business Administration.

“I see the opportunities and have the strategic skill-set required to ensure we put improvements into practice,” Mrs Pearse said.

“I have shown that I am a committed and capable advocate that puts the community first. If elected, I will continue to do my absolute best for the shire.”

Words: Bill Poulos