Division 5

Councillor Alan Blake

As the representative of one of the most diverse and densely populated divisions and as the Chairman of Council's Finance Committee, Alan Blake is not afraid to take on the big issues. Sometimes this can mean challenging powerful individuals and special interest groups to give voice to the needs of the wider community.

"Being a councillor is not a popularity contest. It's about making decisions that are right for the region, no matter the risk to your short-term popularity. You cannot serve the region if you live in a bubble, focussing on what it will take to get you re-elected rather than what it will take to create a more sustainable future for the region."

But this wider vision seems incongruent with the man who has the reputation for accessibility and independent thinking. He is never afraid to personally answering his phone when residents call and he describes his real office as being on the streets of Cairns.

"Yes, you must be a big picture thinker, but making the right decision is about active listening and taking into account the needs of the individual as well. In the end, it's about balance, and hoping you get it right".

His move from Division 9 has seen Alan make some tough decisions about his own future. He has relocated to the inner city: "If I am to properly represent my division, I need to be part of that community". He recently sold his family business to focus on his council obligations: "With the added responsibility of the amalgamated council, I found I was becoming time-poor so something had to give".

Being a councillor is also about being a real person too and this self-confessed workaholic is constantly mindful of maintaining balance in his personal life as well. "It's too easy to forget the ‘you’ in all of this and you need to leave something for yourself". A firm believer in 'a healthy mind in a healthy body', he is regularly seen around the esplanade at dawn exercising and talking with residents.

With Alan Blake you get what you see and he is nothing if not to the point. "Clarity is fundamentally important in communication and there's no point in dodging the issues. Sure, I'm uneasy when rates are raised or projects need to be delayed due to other, more pressing, needs but progress comes at a financial cost. There's no way of smoothing this over so I'd rather be up front and, in the end, rely on the wisdom of the ratepayers to appreciate straight answers".

Nothing is off limits with this Chairman of Finance and he's a vigorous campaigner for reducing unnecessary spending within the council itself. "After all, how can we justify asking the ratepayer for more money if we are not willing to examine how we spend it?"

Alan has come a long way from his days in Adelaide television. In 25 years, he's been the owner of Barbeques Galore in Cairns; he's been involved in a commercial furniture business with his family; and he serves on numerous community associations including the Board of the Cairns Regional Gallery.

As for his personal aspirations, Alan wants to stay focussed on today's responsibilities and not speculate too far into the future. "After all, if I take care of what I need to do today, without fear or favour, and do what I feel is right; the future will take care of itself".

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Budget 2009/10 Divisional Highlights

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Register of Interests

In accordance with Local Government Act 1993, Division 2, Obligations of Councillors, Section 248 Access to Registers, it is required that Council hold a register of interest for each Councillor.

Members of the public wishing to sight the document can do so by applying in writing in accordance with the requirements of the ‘Act’

Councillor Blake has received:

• gifts valued over $500 ($2000 cheque from R. Payne/M. Huelin on 22/3/07)
• No Sponsored Hospitality Benefits

Memberships of organisations:

• Liberal Party of Australia (Cairns branch)
• Salvation Army (Director Red Shield Appeal)
• Cairns Regional Gallery (Board member)
• FNPH (business membership)
• Friends of Botanic Gardens