Meet the Candidate - Bern Young

As a journalist and award-winning radio presenter, I’m dedicated to thoroughly investigating the details, listening, really listening to people and understanding complex issues.

I will be consistent yet agile. From footpaths to major infrastructure projects I will ensure I have all the facts, including community points of view, I will weigh up all competing pressures, I will make careful and considered decisions and I will explain those decisions.

I'm an expert communicator who will promote a better culture of communication to and from our Council. I will be transparent and accountable.

I’m a person of action. I’m not waiting until March 28th to make a difference, I’ve already orchestrated a public submission to the City Plan for three measures which would improve the character and limit the height and bulk of new buildings in Palm Beach and Burleigh Heads.

In addition, I’m calling for a Palm Beach Precinct, supported by both State and Local planning legislation to create a world-leading example of increased density without resorting to a concrete canyon of high rise. The entire suburb, creek to creek, motorway to beach needs a holistic and multidisciplinary approach which can become a model of population growth and people movement that’s livable and lovable. Experts in architecture and design tell me it can be done but we need vision and leadership to make it happen.

In Burleigh Heads we must always prioritise the village. I’ve previously advocated for a 12-metre (3 storey) height limit in the James Street precinct. That village feel is not just something locals want, it’s something to be celebrated as a unique offering to tourists, a slice of the “old Gold Coast” within a thriving and vibrant destination where development is managed in accordance with my City Plan submission.

With the Light Rail coming to Burleigh Heads by 2023, I will ensure local businesses are galvanized, unified and most importantly, informed. I will lead a community-driven campaign to “Buy in Burleigh” during the build. Our local people are one of the best parts of where we live, together we can support our local traders.

Stage 3B from Burleigh Heads to the airport has finally been announced by the State Government. The time is now to let the State Government know that we support Light Rail done well, not done at any cost to the community and our lifestyle. I’m championing one track only across Tallebudgera Creek, thereby requiring a much narrower bridge. What we have is unique, we have the only beachside National Park on our coastline and it deserves unique solutions.

As Your Voice on Council, I must be an effective voice. I will work collaboratively but be assured, I will debate and argue convincingly and effectively, based on reliable information.

I will listen, I will question, I will communicate and I will facilitate the best outcomes so we can all be proud to call the Gold Coast home, now and into the future.