Wagga Wagga City Councillor Michael Henderson is hoping to trial solutions to the blue-green algae bloom problem at Lake Albert. He hopes the trials will enable the lake to remain open throughout the year. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
We all have opinions on our local council and what they have or haven’t got right, but how well do you know the men and women elected to represent their community in local government? In this series, Region Riverina finds out what makes them tick.
Who is Michael (Mick) Henderson? Mick Henderson is now retired from an engineering business that he has owned and managed for 35 years. I’m a father of four girls and I’m currently heavily involved with the Wagga Wagga Boat Club as commodore and licensee and very involved in trying to get water to the lake. I am a community-minded person, and I try to do what I can for my community. I was elected to Wagga Wagga City Council in September of 2021.
How have the past 12 months been on council? The last 12 months have been a lot of learning curves. It’s a very changed business structure compared to running a small business. I enjoy meeting all the people, making decisions for the community and being involved in day-to-day activities in and around the LGA (local government area).
What’s been your biggest achievement so far? That’s a good question. As a councillor, probably listening to the community and working with the community on what needs to be done around Wagga and the smaller outlying villages and trying to achieve and get results.
What are your priorities for 2023? My priorities for this year are getting the pipeline completed from the river to Lake Albert and solving the (blue-green) algae problem that we currently have had at the lake. And also complete the repair work on all the roads and infrastructure that needs maintenance.
Is there anything different you’d like to see on council? Yes, I’d like to see more community consultation on a lot of the projects – I feel we’re lacking in that department. If possible, shorter DA (development application) development times and an increase in affordable housing in and around Wagga and surrounding areas.
What’s your vision for Wagga? My vision for Wagga is to make it one of the best inland cities in Australia that is a drawcard to tourism, employment and family living.
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