We're going into our election period. Most of us are used to the election build-up, but this time the level and variety of uncertainties to negotiate are truly unprecedented – certainly during my career.

As we prepare, it's natural to take stock of what's been achieved and still to be done. Preparing our strategic business plan for the next decade is difficult at the best of times. Trying to plan during a period of uncertainty like this is truly testing. Ironically, the more uncertain the situation facing local government, the more important it is to have clear direction and purpose.