Yesterday Magnetic Times published a series of five Magnetic Island related questions we had put to the mayoral candidates for tomorrow's election. We had sought the responses in time to post them yesterday but had only two, Les Tyrell and Jenny Stirling, had replied. Late yesterday we received a response from Magnetic Island's present Councillor and Deputy Mayor, Jenny Hill. Although not a mayoral candidate we have decided to publish her responses so as to reflect the views of the Labor team. Readers may also find it noteworthy that this is the first time, since taking up her position as Magnetic Island's representative, that Jenny Hill has responded to questions emailed to her from Magnetic Times.

Q1.Magnetic Islanders have, for years, sought the completion of the Nelly to Arcadia walkway to end the dangerous use of the road route by pedestrians. What priority would you give to the completion of this project?

(A) We support the project to complete the walkway between Nelly Bay and Arcadia. We realise the walking trail is not suitable for everyone, particularly cyclists. We have a concept design and costings for the project of $2.4m and we will seek support from state and federal agencies to complete this project as a matter of priority.

Q2.With the liklihood of increased cyclones of greater intensity predicted for the future, Magnetic Island has been assessed for structures which might be suitable for a public cyclone shelter and government inspectors found that there were none suitable. Given that thousands of people could be stranded (over Christmas for instance) on Magnetic Island in the face of a major cyclone, would you support the construction of a multi-purpose building which could be used to temporarily shelter the public through the storm's duration?

(A) With improved cyclone tracking technology the Disaster Management Plan calls for the evacuation of the Island in times of serious threat. However there would still be a need for a suitable shelter for those remaining on the Island. We would support any attempt by the state government to establish a multi-purpose building that could be used by residents as a temporary shelter when required.

Q3.Magnetic Island is part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and also a suburb of Townsville. What value do you give to the Wolrd Heritage status and in what ways do you think Magnetic's status can be enhanced as a World Heritage destination?

(A) We highly value the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage area and in fact the Council has been recognised by GBRMPA as a Reef Guardian Council because of our investment in wastewater treatment and stormwater management on both the Island and the mainland. We also support Reef Check and Creek to Coral. To further enhance Magnetic Island's status we are developing a Local Area Code to provide more detailed and sensitive built form provision for the suburb. A number of specific provisions and codes apply to development on the Island already as part of City Plan. Council is also working with Ergon on the Solar City project to enhance the Island's World Heritage status.

Q4.Magnetic Island is a fairly small and close-knit community. In what ways would you like to see the values and qualities of this small community enhanced by a future council?

(A) I would like to see the Council continue the work around the Horseshoe Bay to provide quality sporting facilities. We would like to continue to support events like Carols by Candlelight and the Magnetic Island Jazz Festival as well as provide funding support for junior sports and other community groups that are part of the social fabric of the Island.

5.What do you see as the most effective initiatives you could introduce to benefit Island businesses.

(A) Support the businesses associated with growing number of weddings on the Island by working with local representatives to find areas suitable for ceremonies, receptions etc. As a major sponsor of Townsville Enterprise, continue to lobby the north's peak promotion body to ensure they actively promote the Island as part of their tourism and convention area. Extend the existing pensioner fare subsidies to Seniors Card holders allowing them to travel to the island at a reduced rate.