Since being elected in September, I have had the privilege of attending two council meetings, and I can honestly say they have been two very busy and insightful sessions.

Each meeting has involved reviewing over 1200 pages of documents, and it's clear that every decision we make has a significant impact on our community. Back in September, the public put their faith in me, and I want to reassure everyone that I will do my best not to let you down.

Looking ahead, the upcoming meeting on Wednesday, 11 December, will be the first discussion on the update of the Development Control Plan (DCP).

As someone with experience in the building industry, I am hopeful that I can bring a fresh perspective to the table and help streamline the Development Application (DA) process, ultimately making it quicker and more efficient for those wanting to invest in our area.

In the previous meeting, the council voted to examine what we are truly receiving for the money we spend.

This is part of our strategy to boost revenue without raising rates or cutting services.

It's essential that we ensure every dollar spent delivers value to the community, and I’m committed to working on this.

I truly believe this council has the potential to achieve great things.

We are all aligned on the key issues facing our community, and I feel optimistic about the direction we are heading.

As the youngest councillor in Hilltops' history, I know I have much to learn and prove, but I am fortunate to be surrounded by some incredible people who are willing to guide me along the way.

Having grown up in the Hilltops area, I am deeply passionate about seeing our community grow — not just in size, but in infrastructure, job opportunities, and the ability to support families.

I look forward to the work ahead and am excited for the future of Hilltops.

Councillor Jake Davis