This year, 26 candidates are running for Bega Valley Shire Council in the local government election. They were all asked to respond to two questions in about 150 words: Why are they standing this local government election; and what are the main issues they will work towards in the Bega Valley. The majority had responded by the time of publishing – and their responses listed below in alphabetical order – but also standing this election is Anne Greenaway of Barragga Bay.
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On August 31, the Bega District News, Merimbula News Weekly and Eden Magnet are jointly hosting a candidates forum at Club Sapphire. Head along at 6pm for a 6.30pm start. For those unable to attend, the forum will also be streamed live to the three newspapers’ Facebook pages.
The local government election will be on Saturday, September 10.
Tony Allen, Cobargo
This shire deserves a proactive and visionary council. A return to responsible pre-2012 financial management is urgently needed. The council’s core responsibilities are roads, bridges, toilets, sporting fields and other community assets which should be paramount have suffered under the last council term. Repaying this council’s massive $22million debt reduces the capacity to maintain and improve these assets.
Swimming pools should not be closed, roads maintenance and upgrading should not be reduced. The change in direction that I strongly oppose began at the very first meeting of the council in 2012 when the runway extension at the Merimbula airport was stopped by the new councillors.
The unprecedented “spend-a-thon” on real estate has accumulated a $22million debt against the general fund repayable by the ratepayers over the next 10 years. This extravagance must stop. Council needs to be sent in a new direction and I believe with my 14 years on council, seven years as mayor, I have the experience and proven track record to be part of the team to lead that change.
Bob Arthur, Merimbula
I am standing this local government election because I would like to contribute in a positive way to the future and protect our valuable tourist asset, the natural environment.
I will work towards improving ratepayer satisfaction with council workings, develop relations with council staff to maximise our responsibilities and work towards giving tourists an “I want to return experience”.
Robyn Bain, Broadwater
This council election is an important turning point for residents in the Bega Valley Shire. We can either choose to fix the problems or go ahead blowing our ratepayers’ dollars on purchasing buildings that we don’t need and closing important infrastructure such as public toilets and pools.
Local government should be about rates, roads and rubbish, instead the council have been spending money on purchasing real estate, then closing pools, public toilets, running down roads, wasting money on projects that were clearly not thought through and expecting us ratepayers to fork out more money.
Two years ago I attempted to get the support of council to request money from the state government to build an equestrian centre for all of the shire’s horse activity – all pony clubs, jump club and equestrian. After five attempts they voted against supporting the project and Moruya got the state government support.
The council have been stunningly lacklustre in its support of the marina at Snug Cove, a project that will clearly create permanent jobs and visitors to the area. Eden needs and deserves to have both projects built in Snug Cove.
Mike Britten, Merimbula
My reasons for standing are twofold: to provide continuity in leadership and experience in achieving results based upon experience and ability, and to continue to assist others to grow as councillors and lead in the future. Today a councillor needs the ability to grow and adapt to meet the future
The main issues include recognising council is a $100m business and the second highest employer in the shire. Across its many facets, it has limited funding from rates to achieve results and is reliant on state and federal grants. Council needs to complete the commitment to grow the port of Eden, Merimbula airport and its regional significance to Canberra and international tourism which grows our economy. In addition capitalise on the regional hospital and government services and create a regional education hub to retain our youth and grow our community .
My commitment is to grow the shire in population and employment and ensure each area grows with the services and facilities it needs. This includes sports, arts and making this shire is a great place to live .
Fraser Buchanan, Merimbula
My purpose in standing for election as a councillor is to genuinely serve the interests of the entire community by working to maximise and improve the provision of all basic council services.
I will be working to direct council’s priorities to concentrate on a “back to basics” approach to its activities for the benefit of the entire community by improving the quality and delivery of basic services and infrastructure, such as the shire’s roads and public facilities including toilets, carparking and footpaths; supporting planned development with a real and practical commitment to environmental, economic and social sustainability; developing a culture of genuine community engagement and consultation; and encouraging a real commitment to due process, openness, transparency and genuine accountability
Carol Carmody, Bermagui
I realised having built and operated a successful motel business in Bermagui for just over 20 years and recently sold it, I needed a new challenge. Throughout my prior working career I have held accounting and investigative auditing positions, which were the foundation of my business ethics. I have always taken an interest in shire-wide decisions, sat on committees such as Sapphire Coast Tourism, Bermagui Chamber, Bermagui Seaside Fair and Bega Valley Business Forum and as a JP served many years for the community.
Improving the living quality throughout the shire is important to everyone who lives here. That is why I am standing for council. The main issues I will work towards are rationalising current shire spending, encouraging new business investment throughout the shire, improving shire-wide employment opportunities for our youth, improving the quality of our shire roads and ensuring community assets are maintained.
Daryl Dobson, Merimbula
I have lived in this area for 34 years, purchasing a coffee shop in Merimbula and within six months was the secretary of the Merimbula area promotions, a position I held for two years. I then went on to serve on the Merimbula Chamber of Commerce. After selling the shop I returned to my old trade of engineering, owning and running Merimbula Engineering for 26 years until my retirement three years ago. Over the years I have been heavily involved with many voluntary groups in our area for the benefit of our community. I will oppose any move to close swimming pools and I will support all voluntary groups who over the years have saved the council and rate payers hundreds of thousands of dollars to improve our community assets.
I am of the belief the council has stifled many community groups who are fully insured and have the expertise to perform many projects which enhance our shire for the benefit of both locals and tourists alike. I also support and encourage new business growth in our area.
Jo Dodds, Tarraganda
It’s time we had greater diversity of voices in council. I’ll push for a council that welcomes all people into the conversation about how we develop as a great place to live, work and play.
We must improve consultation practices so the community is included in decisions about our public spaces and assets. Grouch Nights in every region will be my first priority so you can tell me face-to-face what sort of Bega Valley Shire you want.
We need these voices and ideas as we face the challenges of increasing our production of renewable energy, reducing and re-utilising our “waste” resources and working to mitigate the effects of climate change.
By harnessing the energy and creative and intellectual talent of Valley residents we will become an outstanding tourism destination, boosting revenues and business prosperity. Our young people need more employment and training options to make a future in the Valley more appealing.
Development must be sensitive and sustainable. This includes valuing and preserving our heritage assets.
Brenda Edbrooke, Merimbula
My husband and I moved to Merimbula from Melbourne in 1980 and we have been associated in varied small hospitality businesses, including motels, restaurants and entertainment venues. Since living in Merimbula I’ve been involved in community and charity groups, Merimbula Beautification, Merimbula Area Committee, Merimbula 2000, and the Special Events Committees.
I’m passionate, enthusiastic and most importantly I love this beautiful area, I feel that I could make a substantial contribution as a councillor to the Bega Valley Shire. I’m extremely excited at the prospect and feel I can make a real difference.
I do have a significant disability, I was diagnosed with MS 15 years ago. This hopefully will help me with recognising issues pertaining to difficulties for people with physical restraints.
My prime concerns are accessing government funding opportunities, safe disabled paths and access to venues, shops etc, improving parking and the quality of our roads and maintenance, prioritising shire spending and encouraging youth and employment opportunities.
Russell Fitzpatrick, Greigs Flat
I was lucky enough to be born in Pambula and have always called Pambula home. My passion for the community comes from the long involvement of my parents and grandparents who lived this wonderful community. I believe it is my duty to serve. I have been fortunate to work in the corporate banking industry for 25 years and also have ran my own hotel business for 10 years giving me the necessary skills for council’s fiscal responsibility.
The budget is the priority. This drives road improvements and maintenance, community facilities and the level of service council provides on all assets. Most government grants are now dollar for dollar and we must have our own funds to access these. We are trustees of the community’s monies and assets, and should always be responsible with spending.
I am a director of the Pambula and District Community Bank (Bendigo Bank), Board Member of Southern NSW Health Board, Board Member Regional Development Aust Far South Coast, Chairman Pambula Show Society and a life member of Group 16 Rugby League.
Tas Fitzer, Tathra
Country Labor
I believe that I can provide a new and unique perspective to all issues brought to council. One of the biggest reasons I decided to run is because I strongly believe we must do more in the way of youth services and opportunities. As a former youth councillor, I was very disappointed that this body was abolished.
Another reason I decided to stand in this year's election is because I want to see stronger engagement with the community. Again, I belong to a demographic largely disengaged with any level of government and there are many other people beyond the youth who feel the same. I want to be a listening ear and a strong voice for these people.
My major goal, if elected, would be to start the process towards operating a youth centre, such as those that operate in other areas, providing a safe, fun place for young people to hang out, while also offering important services in an environment they feel comfortable with, such as Youth Beyond Blue, Headspace, and local physical health services, to name a few. Helping tackle homelessness, particularly the causes of homelessness, is another major issue that I would like to work towards.
Judy Geary, Bega
I am standing at this local government election for a number of reasons, the main one being the encouragement that I have received from across the shire to do so. Listening to people's concerns about the safety and management of our roads, and the future of our swimming pools, recreation grounds, town halls and other community assets I understand people want better basic services and responsible community asset management.
The main issues I will focus on if elected will be the ones I have already mentioned as well as future concerns raised by the community throughout the four-year local government term. I am committed to being available on a regular basis across the shire by visiting our towns at a regular time and place. By improving access to the decision making process (transparency), ensuring the community's involvement in decision making (due process) and monitoring the quality of advice provided by staff and consultants (accountability) the community's needs have a better chance of being met.
Balancing community needs and expectations with the “wants” of development and growth is essential right now. A "back to basics" focus that also looks to the future in a socially, environmentally and economically sustainable way will be my focus if elected to serve the people of the Bega Valley Shire.
Cathy Griff, Tanja
The Greens
Bega Valley Greens endorsed me as candidate, following Keith Hughes’ retirement from council. I’m keen to build on the benefits in council of a Greens’ perspective on vital community issues. A Greens councillor is informed by transparent, established policies and shared experience, applied in a local context. I can offer skills in research, policy and community consultation - helpful to a councillor’s performance.
I would aim primarily to promote and protect our precious, vulnerable environment. Council’s Climate Change Strategy expires in 2017 and needs updating. My agenda also embraces social and economic justice, non-violence and grassroots democracy.
I picture an invigorated council committed to robust renewable energy goals, carbon neutrality, reducing rubbish by co-collecting garden and organic waste (so organic matter doesn’t fill tips), energy efficient buildings, ecotourism, buying local, recreational fishing, public access to the coast via path and cycle-ways, protecting native forests and funding services for youth and the elderly, from surf life saving clubs to regional arts.
Graham Lewis, Tura Beach
It is time for a fresh change and a brighter future and I promise to do my best for the Bega Valley Shire.
Many will know me as DJGrey and as your friendly local limousine service. During the past 19 years under the auspice of Bega council, I was a support worker for youth and families, anti-violence and crime prevention officer. I consulted throughout the whole Bega shire to create our first Community Safety Plan, proving I listen to the community and act on their views and concerns.
If elected I will work towards improving value for our rate-paying dollar, including tip charges and managing road works more efficiently the first time. I want our community facilities maintained and available for public use. As a life saver I do not want to see any local swimming pools closed. I want to see spending to support what people need.
Wayne Marmont, Verona
I have nominated for council because I was asked to consider it as I was of a similar mind as to the waste of ratepayers’ money by council.
What I hope to to do in council is to help bring Bega shire back to a good financial base with finances managed to provide a secure future for ratepayers and their children.
Nathan Marshall, Kameruka
My campaign message is simple; speak with truth and integrity. I want the Bega Valley to be the best place to live that we can possibly make it. If you ask what my policies are, I will ask you “what’s important to you?”. I represent the people who live here because I am one of you; I have a family, school-age child, a small business, ageing parents, dodge pot holes, squeeze into car parks and swim at the pools. I want to live, feel safe and prosper here well in to the future. Oh and I don’t want to see our kids leave the region due to boredom or lack of opportunities.
I’m not only educated for this role (Bachelor Degree of Community, Culture and Environment), I also have years of experience working in Community Services with BVSC, putting my voice in the chambers at a great advantage to confidently integrate what the community wants, with how to achieve it.
Kristy McBain, Tura Beach
I am standing for re-election as I believe that council continues to need a strong voice for our younger generations. I have four years of experience on a progressive council and with that experience I hope to be able to take on a leadership position to ensure our young voices are heard; and heard loud and clear.
I will continue to pursue economic development and economic diversity in the shire. We need to be able to stimulate growth by continuing to leverage state and Commonwealth investments, to grow our education sectors, to encourage business to see that the Bega Valley is not only a great place to live and visit but a great place to invest.
If elected I would request a “Red Carpet, not Red Tape” initiative to assist small businesses with their council inquiries, similar to an approach as set up at Lismore City Council. As a council we also need to make sure we have a vibrant community, to achieve this we need to implement the masterplans for Bega and Pambula Sporting Complexes, work with community groups to achieve an upgrade to Merimbula skate park and make sure our cultural assets are celebrated.
Mitchell Nadin, Merimbula
As a small business owner in our area, I am constantly told by locals they want change at this election. We're not being listened to, big decisions are being made without our knowledge and the current council is bereft of ideas or vision, they say. Young people in particular are disillusioned because there is no-one representing them.
If I am elected I will work hard to listen and consult with voters on issues that affect them; build a plan to rejuvenate our CBDs; focus on attracting tourists to the area to increase our economic growth; and avoid wasting money on pet projects that have no benefit for the entire community.
I grew up in this region and have always had an involvement in community service. I genuinely want to see our district prosper. Since leaving high school I completed a degree in architecture, studied journalism while working for a national newspaper and have now returned to the area to open a small business. Make no mistake, this is a pivotal time for the Bega Valley Shire and I humbly ask that people vote 1 for me on September 10.
David Porter, Tathra
I will return the council to financial stability and good governance. Council needs a to be guided back to the responsible fiscal position it was in a few years ago. Cut unnecessary spending, trim fat and focus on delivering the services that community is now demanding like better roads, sports facilities, parking and public toilets.
I want to negotiate a positive outcome with transparency. No issue in council should result in a winner and a loser, councillors need to be accessible and respect the needs of all stakeholders to start producing win-win results and then work with the community to make sure the solution fits the problem.
I want to boost the income of all businesses across the the entire Sapphire Coast through growth in tourism and new industries, to do this we need great facilities that are well marketed. With around 10 years international tourism marketing experience I am qualified to guide council on this journey.
John Richardson, Wallagoot
My purpose in standing for election as a councillor is to serve the interests of the entire community by working to extend and improve the provision of basic council services.
Together with Fraser Buchanan and Judy Geary, I will be working to re-order council’s priorities to focus on a “back to basics” approach to its activities for the benefit of the entire community, in particular to extend and improve the quality of service delivery and basic infrastructure including roads, footpaths and public toilets; pursuing a practical commitment to environmental, economic and social sustainability; fostering genuine community engagement and consultation; encouraging a real commitment to due process, openness, transparency and accountability; and promoting individual and collective accountability for performance.
Liz Seckold, Tathra
It is a privilege and a huge responsibility to advocate for this community. I am asking you for a third term in local government. I have unfinished business to progress especially in the areas of youth, the arts, Indigenous issues, environment, suicide prevention, cultural diversity, homelessness, employment, social justice and general well-being.
The Bega Valley has exciting times ahead with the progression of Merimbula Airport and the Eden wharf extension. I have taken the local councillor and deputy mayor roles very seriously, devoting many hours to listening to and talking with the community as well as researching and analysing background issues.
I am a member of nine committees across the shire (including Chair of Bega Valley SPAN). This is quite deliberate so that I am across all shire issues. I stand on the platform of a Sustainable Future for the Whole Shire. Sustainability is defined as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future.
Elected councillors must work as a team. A sense of humour helps.
Joshua Shoobridge, Kalaru
As a member of the community I am standing for council to be a representative of the Bega Valley. It is clear that the council needs a change and I want to be a part of that change. I see being a councillor as an opportunity to serve the residents and business owners in a way the benefits everyone, promotes growth and progress. To achieve this my areas of focus are support for community recreational facilities and programs; work with our youth to build better futures; and supporting our local businesses to create a better relationship with council.
As a member of council, my first and foremost duty will be to be a representative of the community. As a father, small business owner, community leader and role model, I know that I need to be voice of the people. I will be approachable, honest, proactive, hardworking and transparent.
Sharon Tapscott, Merimbula
I am putting my hand up again, because I think there are a number of issues that are only partly resolved and I would like to see projects that have been initiated in the last four years completed. I also believe that the local community has made an investment in me that I need to return by continuing to represent their concerns and make decisions with their best outcomes in mind.
The main issue for me has and always will be the health and well-being of our community. The Pambula District Hospital still remains a priority and focus for me, even though its role has changed with the opening of the SERH. It has not been sold off, as was first proposed and the opportunity still remains to upgrade the precinct to a multi-purpose service with an ER capability. I will continue to lobby both state and federal members for this outcome.
I am very enthusiastic and supportive of both our airport and Eden Wharf developments which feed into a robust and progressive tourism strategy, without compromising our natural asset, our environment. This also advances partnerships with other regions for bigger benefits.
Bill Taylor, Buckajo
The council I have served on over the past four years (two as mayor) has been productive and progressive. We have consolidated the financial position, developed good strategic and asset management plans, taken advantage of unanticipated and beneficial opportunities as they arose, while maintaining or improving basic community services.
I would like to continue my contribution to these successes by being re-elected for another term. The main issues are keeping a sharp eye on the budget in harder financial times; balancing the provision of basic local government services while continuing to enhance other services which add to a civil society; continuing to sharpen up on asset and facility management and rationalising assets where appropriate; making progress on improving town and village centres; maintaining focus on good land planning and development principles to enhance our natural and built environment; and increasing council’s advocacy role in health, education, housing, employment and social issues.
Peter Whiter, Eden
I’m a builder and carpenter in my family’s business. I design and make furniture. I’m a trained commercial pilot and have a deep love of photography - capturing our marine life and our rural and coastal beauty.
I want to be a councillor because I know I can make a difference to the lives of the folk of this shire. I will listen so that people feel heard. I will be the voice of the ratepayers for their issues and concerns.
Some of my passions are bringing university campuses to our shire, to further educate our young adults (wrongly called kids), increasing the likelihood they’ll remain in the shire to carve out their careers; encouraging new development while never endangering our heritage buildings (e.g. the Bega clock and Eden’s Australasia building); the Eden wharf project; the Merimbula airport extension; a rail link between Queanbeyan and Bombala; Pambula Hospital; and road construction and repairs where and when they’re needed.