Division 7

Councillor Diane Forsyth

Diane Forsyth was Director of a drug and alcohol rehabilitation service for 12 years before being elected in 2008 as Councillor for Division 7, which covers Edge Hill, Manunda and North Cairns. Diane arrived in Cairns from Melbourne 19 years ago and never went back. She has two adult daughters and is a registered Psychotherapist.

Diane is passionate about the Cairns region with its tropical beauty and uniqueness and works tirelessly to maintain that uniqueness whilst planning for sustainable growth. Maintaining our treasured buildings and tropical lifestyle is very important to Diane.

Diane is committed to the principles of sustainable environments and appropriate tropical development with a vibrant and creative arts and cultural heart.

With her people skills and wealth of experience in management, decision making and planning, Diane listens to the issues of Division 7 residents and others.

She works to find solutions whether they are the upgrading of essential services, safety on our roads, paving footpaths, kerbing and channelling or the enhancement of parks and recreational areas for all people.

As a full-time councillor Diane has visited many residents to assist with their issues including: flooding and drainage problems; traffic calming; development approvals; road works; footpaths and many more. On a broader regional level, Diane has been involved in community engagement activities; Cairns Bicycle Users Group; developing a cultural plan for the region; Port Douglas waterfront planning and the Daintree summit.

Division 7 has many sporting venues and Diane is proud to support the new Tennis Facility for the region based at North Cairns Sporting Precint. Diane has also been involved with the new master plan of Endeavour Park (Manunda Sporting Precinct).

Diane chairs the Council's Community Safety Committee and is a member of the Sister Cities Committee; Cairns Art Gallery Board Member; Cairns Festivals Committee and the Local Disaster Management Group.

Diane is on several community committees as a Council representative: Friends of Cominos House; Cairns Cultural Co-ordinating Association; Edge Hill Traders Association; Australia/Japan Society; and Standby Committee.

Diane is a member of the Australian Labor Party, Cairns Branch; Australian Services Union; Qld Council of Unions Cairns Branch; Council member of the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs (APSAD); Committee Member of the Association of Solution Oriented Councillors and Hypnotherapists of Australia (ASOCHA); and Lyons House Management Committee.

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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 Register, it is required that Council hold a register 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 Forsyth has received:

• No gifts valued over $500.
• No Sponsored Hospitality Benefits

Memberships of organisations:

• Australian Labor Party