TCA boss Danial Rochford to contest Alice Springs Town Council elections
New hat in ring as prominent tourism figure nominates for council. Read who it is.
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A high-profile candidate has thrown his hat into the ring to contest next month’s Alice Springs Town Council elections.
Tourism Central Australia chief executive Danial Rochford on Monday announced he will run in the August 23 poll, pledging to advocate for Alice Springs from council’s benches and to “lift” the town.
“For the past five years, I have had the absolute privilege of fighting for Alice Springs and the wider region through my role as chief executive of Tourism Central Australia,” Mr Rochford said.
“During this time I have proudly worn my heart on my sleeve in advocating for Alice Springs through a lot of challenges and a lot of issues that we have all faced together.
“But there is so much more to be done, which is why I’m running at this upcoming election to become a councillor on the Alice Springs Town Council.
“I pledge that I will do all I can around the council table to lift up our town. Through investing in our parks and infrastructure, nurturing our environment, energising new and existing events and a focus on our economy through injecting life back into our CBD and to grow opportunities that will lead to real jobs and help our local small business owners.”
Mr Rochford arrived in Alice Springs in May 2020 as Covid-19 shredded global tourism markets, but then oversaw the remarkable 2022 tourism year as southern Australians headed north.
He campaigned for the Territory Government to do more when crime surged in the Northern Territory later that year and highlighted reduced Qantas services into the town when Alan Joyce, the national carrier’s then chief executive, said central tourism authorities should do more to promote the town after they had campaigned for increased Government resources to fight rising crime.
Mr Rochford said he would work to secure additional government involvement in the town.
“We need to collectively continue to support the work that has already been started by the Territory and federal governments and anyone who wants to back us to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour,” he said.
“Together, let’s see a positive future for our amazing town we call home, where we come together to grow, prosper and work towards the goal of making the Alice The most liveable town in Australia.
“As I always say, our best days lie ahead and with the town’s support I will be a positive and passionate voice for the residents of Alice Springs in Council.”
If elected to council, Mr Rochford said he would retain his role with Tourism Central Australia
Mr Rochford has held roles on the Alice Springs Social Order Response Committee, Central Australian Economic Growth Committee and Activate Alice Springs boards and had previously been with Central Australian Economic Recovery Committee and NT Chamber of Commerce Central Australian committee.
Before Central Australia, he had worked in the Tasmanian and Queensland tourism and regional development sectors including with the Tourism Industry Council Tasmania, Destination Southern Tasmania and the Tasmanian Visitor Information Network and CEO of Whitsundays Tourism and Development.
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