Jane Clark is a local business owner working in the IT Industry, has owned local restaurants and a therapeutic health centre in her 27 years in Alice, while also raising a family.
She’s been an Alderman for 4 years and is an Executive member of the Local Government Association of the NT (LGANT). She is currently the chair of the Alice Springs Town Council Corporate and Community Services Committee, Araluen Grants Committee and Community Computers Committee. She was also chair of the Swimming Pool Redevelopment Committee which was chartered to ensure the pool redevelopment complied with Australian safety standards.
She is currently working with LGANT lobbying the federal government for 1% of Commonwealth taxation to be distributed to Local Government. LGANT is also involved with negotiating with the NT Government on issues relating to Local Government Reform.
"Involvement with other Councils
In my role on the Executive of the Local Government Association (LGANT), I have been privileged to have access to leaders across Australia, listening to their views and ideas for their communities. Together with the Mayor, I met with Mal Brough and other federal ministers long before the Federal Intervention. I have also attended meetings with the Mayors of Boulia, Laverton, Port Augusta, Coober Pedy, Tennant Creek, Katherine, Darwin, Palmerston and more, on issues ranging from funding for roads like the Outback Way and Mereenie Loop, dry towns, swimming pools, the intervention, managing aging infrastructure, community gardens, Solar Cities, Cities for Climate protection and more.
I believe I am the only Alderman to have attended Darwin City Council meetings. I make an effort to meet with people on local government bodies wherever I go so that I can learn about ways to deal with our local issues better.
NT Government Intergovernmental Agreement
I have been closely involved in keeping the NT Government to task with regards to the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA). This agreement states that the Territory government must inform other levels of government of any legislation which may have an impact on them.
The Local Government Act
I have also been actively lobbying with regard to changes to the Local Government Act, keeping Alice Springs Council informed, and ensuring that revisions to the Act do not dilute the independence of Local Government.
Funding & Services
The mayor needs to be able to lead, to negotiate and be able to understand issues from all angles. I will be a mayor who lobbies and negotiates with the Australian, Territory and Local Governments to ensure Alice Springs receives optimum funding, support and services.
Working with Community Governments
I am the only Alderman interested enough in these issues to attend all the LGANT General Meetings of Community Government Councils over the past 3 years. Twice a year, over a period of 3 days, I listened to speakers from all across the region and this has given me understanding of the difficulties faced by outlying communities. I also met many inspirational, motivated indigenous leaders and I can see us working together for a better, happier region. I will work together with the new surrounding shires and I will continue to talk with community government councils about the impact their activities have on Alice Springs and vice versa.
Clear Roles for Council
Under my watch, Alice Springs Town Council will be focusing on truly local government issues like sports fields, waste management, recycling, libraries, community arts, parks and gardens, shade, parking and litter. On other issues, relevant levels of government need to be made aware of our concerns and they need to take responsibility for things like Policing, Hospitals and Schools.
Jane Clark
Alderman Alice Springs Town Council"
