PETER Besseling, when he was first elected as mayor, wanted a council which worked well together.

He said that worked with the portfolio structure.

The portfolio structure aims to create a hands-on approach for the councillors to build relationships and expertise on specific issues. 

The portfolios range from major projects to roads and infrastructure, and economic development, events and tourism.

It assists the advancement of council priorities.

Cr Besseling said the portfolio structure had been one of the highlights.

“That has allowed us to unlock a lot of infrastructure projects that had been stagnant for years, and in some cases, decades,” the mayoral and councillor candidate said.

The Stingray Creek Bridge replacement, Hastings River Drive work and Houston Mitchell Drive upgrade are among those projects.

“We have looked to try to deliver the projects in the most efficient and effective manner we could,” he said.

Cr Besseling’s jobs over the years have included professional rugby player, wholesale palm business owner, political adviser and Port Macquarie MP.

Cr Besseling, in the mayoral role, said he had tried to provide leadership and direction for both the community and the council body.

“I appreciate that not everyone is going to always agree with the decisions we make but so long as we can make them in a consultative collaborative manner that provides the community with the confidence that council and the mayor are listening,” he said.

The group of nine elected representatives started from scratch after administration.

Cr Besseling said it had been a great term of council, from his perspective, in that the council had moved out of administration with a locally elected council body.

“I think that works as much for staff in terms of providing a clear direction as it does for the community,” he said.

Cr Besseling said he was seeking another term because there was more work to be done.

“I enjoy the challenge and working at the grassroots level,” he said.

The mayor’s initial aim was to foster a culture of delivery and focus on the basics of local government, while providing opportunities for the community to enjoy living and working here.

“That was always going to take a couple of terms,” he said.

“There is more to be done.

“I don’t believe that four years alone will do it, particularly if we want to carry on what I think has been great work over the past term of council.”

Cr Besseling’s entire group secured positions at the 2012 election.

An unchanged Cr Besseling-led team featuring Rob Turner, Justin Levido and Geoff Hawkins is contesting the September 10 poll.

He said they had a good range of skills and diverse points of view.