I am the Mayor of the best region in the nation, without a doubt. And I love it!  We've got two World Heritage areas - the reef and the rainforest - and in our backyard are mountains, rivers, lakes and beaches; places to cycle and walk and camp in. As well as the natural environment, we can eat in different restaurants, sample exotic tropical fruits (mangosteens, sapote, sapodillas), go to the theatre, listen to live music, indulge in all sorts of sporting activities.  The best bits for me are the morning walks at Machans, breakfast on the balcony in a sarong, and drinks with friends at sunset.  I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. (well, except when it gets humid in the wet!)   

Val Schier, Mayor, Cairns Regional Council