Glen Hartwig grilled on green waste, why ‘he hates’ the Rattler, and dog registration

It’s the first of the Mayor’s new 90 second blitzes where he answers as many questions from ratepayers as he can and as fast as he can - and he’s a bit of a natural.

Green waste, his legacy, and why he hates the Rattler were among the curve ball questions put to Gympie Mayor Glen Hartwig as part of his first 90-second question and answer segment online.

In the new Ask the Mayor session, Mr Hartwig fielded eight questions from the public on a range of subjects.

The questions were laid out face down on his desk and drawn randomly.

In response to why he “hates the Rattler so much” Mr Hartwig denied having animosity towards the train.

“My responsibility as the Mayor is to make sure we spend our money wisely and the Rattler is a financial concern for the ratepayer,” he said.

Glen Hartwig denied he hated the Rattler, saying the train was a question of financials.

He disagreed with another question inquiring why there had been “no results” a year on from hiring new CEO Shane Gray.

Mr Hartwig said in that time the council’s financial position had improved greatly, along with grading, slashing, resealing programs.

“This last 12 months has been massive - it’s just we’re not out there telling everyone about the things they’re not that interested in,” Mr Hartwig said.

Ask the Mayor is expected to happen every month.

Residents are urged to submit their questions in person at the Town hall, or at the council’s website in the coming weeks.

Originally published as Glen Hartwig grilled on green waste, why ‘he hates’ the Rattler, and dog registration