COVID-19 has meant decisions have had to be made with incomplete information and uncertainty about the future. Perth is managing COVID-19 well, today. In my conversations with all business owners and residents, everyone is wanting to keep it that way.
I have been asked a number of questions about the nativity event and the commissioners’ decisions to not hold it this year because of COVID-19 concerns.
I am supportive of all faiths and religions and their celebrations and ceremonies. If we can accommodate 30,000 people at the stadium then I believe 10,000 people at a Nativity event with appropriate social distancing is manageable. If more space is required then Langley Park could be an option and there will need to be alternative planning should there be any change in the health situation.
The decision to hold five events would help with reducing the health risk. Additionally, spreading the events over multiple evenings will directly benefit restaurant and retail business ratepayers due to the vibrancy events like this bring to the city streets.
If elected in October, I will look closely at the budgets and impact of all proposed spending. The council has a responsibility to ratepayers to ensure that we get the maximum social, economic and environmental impact from all investment as we recover from COVID-19.
The new Lord Mayor will need to be able to navigate complexity and work with the council, CEO and community to make the best decisions as we navigate COVID-19 and the uncertainty that brings.
My experience growing a business through a 6-year downturn and leading a team and community through times of great change provides me with the experience required to make the decisions and the tough decisions to come through COVID-19 Recovery.
(Image Credit – City of Perth Christmas Nativity Concert in Forrest Place in 2009. Credit: Michael Wilson/WA News)
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