Let’s Change Burnie 2026 is a Facebook page dedicated to Council election candidates running for the first time. It’s a great way to interact with the community and get yourself out there.
The page has the follow standard questions, and included are my responses
Q1-Who are you?
Tell us a little bit about you, where you grew up, your family, work background, and interests.
I was born in Launceston. My family lived on the mainland for a few years but mostly raised on the West Tamar. I now call Burnie home, and it’s where my wife and I have started our family. We’ve talked about moving closer to relatives and friends in Launceston, however we love how close we are to the beaches, bush, parks, and waterfalls.
Work wise: 20 years in technology, with the last 6 in cyber security. Didn’t attend Uni, instead took the trainee and experience path (with some TAFE diplomas as I went). I have had jobs and contracts in state government, local government, aviation, and mining. And it was mining that brought me to Burnie, where I bought and built, and plan to stay.
Q2-What do you stand for?
What are you top three priorities for Burnie?
How could you as a councillor address these (each) issues?
These are basic, but highly important:
1) Local First. I strongly believe Council should buy from businesses within its electorate first. Even if this means we pay a little extra or it takes a little longer. And where someone local can’t fulfil a need, then Tasmanian first. Further, the Council should be advocating for the use of local businesses when the big projects come through (like Marinus, AI Data Centres, and the new Woollies building).
2) Professional Councillors. Councillors should be working together to represent the people while working constructively with each other and the Council CEO to prioritise plans and execute. This is important to think about when voting because in fighting (mostly amongst 3 people) has cost Burnie City Council $62,000 over the last 4 years. This in fighting is not professional, not helpful, and we could have put that money to good use.
3) (Super Boring) Digital Governance. I want to help guide technology and cyber security decisions, directions, and governance. The Council has started their Digital Transformation Strategy that will span multiple years and cost millions of dollars. While the Council has policies and plans for these, I want to make sure the policies are followed, and the plans are grounded in what is suitable for Burnie, and not what’s sparkly and cool.
Q3-Communication?
How will you communicate with residents?
How could council communicate better with residents?
Social Media due to the ease of reach, though I am aware from reading some of previous council meeting minutes that this is a point of frustration amongst the community.
How would I make this better:
For me personally, I have my website, https://alexday.com.au, which has a contact form, fill it out and I’ll get back to you. Further, I’m more than willing to help people get items on the agenda for discussion.
As for the Council. Why not a monthly gazebo on the foreshore or open day at the council building? Walk up, have a chat, actually meet Councillors and key Council personnel. If the Burnie market or other community event starts up, hire a booth. We’re one Council and one community.
Q4-Finance
What is your experience with budgets?
Like everyone else, I’m paying more for groceries and seeing less in the boot of my car. Career wise, I’ve managed budgets that range from $100K - $1.8M in projects (Capex) and up to $1.25M annual budgets (Opex).
This has only been possible because I have listened to advice from older colleagues (your first big budget is scary), learn to plan expenses 12 months in advance, and most importantly – prioritise work and setting reasonable goals.
Q5-Conflict
How will you handle conflict on council and headed issues in the community?
Professionally and with a common goal in mind. Afterall we’re one council and one community.
This comes up very regularly in technology: I want the latest and greatest cyber security setting to keep everyone safe; you want to keep using your old software because it works and the upgrade’s it too expensive or hard.
Both are right.
So we talk. Openly, honestly, factually, and in turns. And find middle ground that makes both of us happy. No shouting, no personal attacks, no divisive social media posts.
Q6-Political associations
Are you a member or associated with a registered political party?
If so, then which party?
No. Fully independent. I feel this is how it should be, with local people on local council, and party members or affiliates only for the state and federal levels.