Name: (Michael) Wayne Tighe.

Age: 46.

Status: Married to Andrea. We have one daughter, Elyne.

Current or past employment, retired or otherwise:

TAFE NSW facilities co-ordinator, managing nine campuses in my Region.

How long have you lived in the Moree shire?

I am born and bred in Moree, and grew up on ‘Soapie Rowe’ – Maude Street.

What part of the shire do you live?

We live in the Moree township.

“I’m standing for council to support and help our community thrive, and continue to search for future growth and development opportunities.”

Have you had any previous roles, either as an employee or volunteer in local, state or federal government?

No.

What are the main reasons you are standing for council?  

To support and help our community thrive and continue to search for future growth and development opportunities. Council is responsible for making positive, unbiased and sometimes difficult decisions for all local community clubs, businesses and residents, and these decisions should always be for the betterment of the community.

Is this the first time you have stood for council?

Yes.

Are you standing alone or with a running mate(s)?

I am standing alone.

What do you love most about Moree Plains Shire?

Moree is my home. I love the rivers that run through our town. These rivers were a large part of my childhood, where I grew up playing with family and friends. As an adult I love the sense of community and support that is offered to everyone through good times and bad, and knowing that looking out for your neighbours is still what we do in Moree.

What do you think the main issues are in Moree that need addressing? Crime is a major concern. What are your views on this? 

Youth crime is a serious issue for our community and is on the increase, not only in our community but across our country. I thank Premier Chis Minns for the funding recently provided to support Moree and surrounds with this issue and will support the delivery of the programmes.  This of course will not be an immediate ‘fix’ but is welcome assistance for our community.

I believe this is becoming nationwide problem that needs addressing at a higher level, while we do what is possible in our own communities.

We also need to look into the problem of housing availability, because without this we cannot entice new residents. Other impacts are the availability of daycare facilities to allow our mums and dads return to the work force if they wish to do so.

Do you think the current council is aiming in the right direction on various projects and/or issues?  The current Council has been able to secure funding for one of our key tourist attractions, the rebuild of the Moree Aquatic Centre Olympic pool. I will continue to push for completion of this project as every Moree family should be able to enjoy this great facility.

I also congratulate the Council on making significant headway in paying down our $53 million debt.

How can the current council improve on what it is doing at the moment? Is money being spent on the right projects?

I will address the ‘stop work’ decision that Council has placed on our rural flood damaged road repairs. Our region is gearing up for a record harvest and the condition of our unrepaired rural roads are a very real safety concern for all road users. This should be an immediate consideration of the newly elected Council as we are well into August and will be sitting as a new Council be end of September, meaning barley harvest is just around the corner.

I support recent Council expenditure on the Winter Festival which provided opportunities for local and invited business to participate and bring new experiences, both fun and culinary for us to experience. This was a positive community event that assists our community to come together.

Has the current council disappointed the people of Moree? If so, how? 

No, not all.

What local organisations are you involved with at the moment? 

President of Moree Services Bowls Club, board member for BAMM and Tourism Moree.

What are you pastimes, hobbies or passions?

Lawn bowls, gardening and the arts.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I am passionate about Moree, its people, its workforce and industry and, most importantly, its future. If elected, I will represent the entire shire with respect and admiration. We live in a great part of the world. My role on Council, if elected, will be to ensure it stays that way.

Footnote: Questions to candidates differ slightly, given the mix is made up of current councillors seeking re-election, past councillors seeking re-election and first-timers seeking election.

More on this candidate here: https://moreeonlinenews.com.au/2024/08/23/wayne-tighe-mpsc-candidate