Who’s who: Tweed Shire Council election candidates profiled
Housing, housing, housing. It’s one of the key priorities in the Tweed for many of the council candidates running in the 2024 Local Government elections. Here’s their campaign pitches.
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An affordable and diverse housing mix has been identified as the overwhelming key priority for many of the Tweed Shire Council candidates running in this year’s NSW Local Government elections.
Outlined in the current council’s strategic future growth plan under Mayor Chris Cherry, a lack of housing availability in the rapidly growing region is public enemy number one.
However, the powers that be do not necessarily wish to see a continuation of the Gold Coast – the flourishing, high-rise dominated metropolis just over the Queensland-NSW border.
But it is impossible to deny that the Tweed, long known for its laid-back lifestyle where the mountains meet the sea, is experiencing change at an alarming rate.
The new $723 million Tweed Valley Hospital at Cuden opened its doors in May – a huge boon for the state’s regional health sector.
Billionaire developer Bob Ell will put the first lots of his decades-in-the-making border mini-city on the market in a move he has pitched as helping solve the region’s housing crisis.
The first 150 lots of the Kings Forest estate at Casuarina will go up for sale in early 2024, more than 20 years after they were first proposed.
Tourism is on the uptick in the Tweed, with the popular Rail Trail opening and seeing increased visitation numbers.
For many of the candidates in this year’s election, they are striving for balance. They want to see young families be able to find a home and afford to move to the region – but do not want to see the Tweed’s unique character disappear.
Like many electorates in NSW, the mayoral vote is decided by council rather than by a popularly elected vote from the general public.
There are 45 council candidates in total running in this year’s election. The profiles below are based off the ballot draw, in which each voting group is represented.
Here’s what your council candidates have to say:
Chris Cherry, Mayor (Independent)
About Chris: Ms Cherry is the current mayor of the Tweed Shire and served as deputy mayor from 2016-2018 and 2019-2020.
Ms Cherry states she has a firm understanding of the changing face of the shire, having grown up as a third-generation Tweed resident and being actively involved in the community when she managed a holiday park in the area for a decade.
Ms Cherry is a trained biophysicist, earning her degrees at both the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and Sydney University.
She describes herself as vocal and actively involved with the community and passionate about community-led decision making.
What do you view as the key issues impacting the Tweed?
“Affordable housing is the number one issue. There’s a need for our kids and future generations to be able to afford to stay here (in the Tweed),” Ms Cherry said.
“Businesses are struggling for staff because they can’t afford to live here.
“We need to call on the state government to address land-banking issues and stop them in order for us to improve housing supply.
Ms Cherry said the state government needed to look at “better community housing models in the Tweed”.
“We also need to change out housing planning controls to allow a greater mix of housing, paving the way for more low-rise, gentle density projects,” she said.
Why should people vote for you?
“The next four years are really an important time for the Tweed. It’s a pivotal time where we need to closely scrutinise growth management, housing and an overall future-proof strategy,” Ms Cherry said.
“We also need to make sure the community is heard. The Tweed has been through a lot with the floods and Covid-19 border closures. The Tweed really needs stability.
“It’s a big time of change for the shire and I would like to be at the forefront to ensure the community is taken care of.
When asked about recontesting her mayoral seat, Ms Cherry said she would have to “wait and see what happens”.
“It’s important the mayor has the support of the majority of council, with their hearts and their heads,” she said.
“All I can say is I have loved being mayor and it’s an amazing job.”
Brady Turner (Independent)
Fresh-faced Brady Turner is the youngest candidate in this year’s election at just 19. But he believes he is in a unique position with younger voters, having seen first-hand their issues while living in the shire.
Mr Turner was born and raised in Murwillumbah and said his catalyst for running for the council came after being personally impacted by the 2022 floods.
What do you view as the key issues impacting the Tweed?
“There is a bit of a stigma with younger people in the shire. The older generation have the retiree lifestyle but the truth is a lot of younger people just want to get out,” Mr Turner said.
“It upsets me when people refer to Murwillumbah as ‘mur-hole’ or the Tweed as the ‘the Gold Coast’s dirty second cousin’. I really want to change that perception.
“The Tweed really needs a new set of eyes to prosper. We face a serious issue with diversity in jobs. The shire typically offers a lot of lower income jobs, so projects like the new hospital have been helpful in changing that.”
Why should people vote for you?
“I haven’t been around long enough to develop any bias so any decision I make would be approached with an open mind and a fresh set of eyes,” he said.
“I would take in what people are saying and make decisions without prejudice.
“I’m also in touch with the younger population, and have personally witnessed my older siblings move away for greener pastures. I’m keen to change that view.
“We need voices in the room that are in touch with all demographics. And for a better future, council would benefit from a bit of modernising.”
Reece Byrnes (Labor)
About Reece:
Mr Byrnes is a born and bred Tweed man and currently a sitting councillor. He has previously served as deputy mayor. Mr Byrnes describes himself as a long-time and vocal opponent of rates increases for Tweed Shire residents. In recent campaigning activity, he has been outspoken against proposals to demolish the carpark at Norries Headland.
Mr Byrnes did not respond to questions by deadline.
Ned Wales (Independent)
About Ned:
Mr Wales, a long-term assistant professor in sustainable development at Bond University on the Gold Coast, is running for council for the first time.
He grew up in the Tweed and attended high school in the region before living and studying abroad for a number of years. He has degrees in urban development, architecture and public administration.
Mr Wales worked for Gold Coast City Council (now City of Gold Coast) for several years.
What do you view as the key issues impacting the Tweed?
“The implications of climate change and the financial viability of local government to rebuild and respond to major disasters,” Mr Wales said.
“The need for affordable, social and inclusionary housing is obviously a major concern.
“Also the promotion and prosperity of small and local businesses. There are a number of obstacles including affordable rates and the costs involved with getting a business up and running.”
Why should people vote for you?
“I have a long history in the Tweed Valley, have a clear understanding of population growth coupled with a professional background in managing both the built environment and natural environment,” he said.
“This is a period in history where we need to take some sort of action in a short time frame to avoid negative implications for the next generation.
“I’m also a grassroots candidate with no funding.”
Kimberly Hone (Independent)
About Kimberly:
This is Ms Hone’s first time running for council. Along with her family she runs a small business and describes herself as passionate about supporting other small businesses in the Tweed Shire.
She is a qualified wildlife ranger and states that she understands the environment and the need for balance across the region.
She said she values people’s livelihoods and ability to afford a safe and secure home and “people will only look after the environment if they can look after themselves first”.
Ms Hone has been a vocal advocate of reopening Wollumbin/Mount Warning to the public.
What do you view as the key issues impacting the Tweed?
“The shire has become stagnant and stale and we need to keep moving forward on the projects that create infrastructure to help the elderly and younger families flourish in one of the most best regions in the entire state,” Ms Hone said.
“There’s no reason we can’t have the lifestyle to match everything else we need in life.
Ms Hone said housing was a major issue in the shire, saying the key to affordable housing was a “diverse housing mix”.
“There are many families now who don’t need the four-bedroom home. We need to look at affordable options like duplexes, townhomes and units. But rather than just talk about it, we actually need to take action,” she said.
“It seems like anyone in council who comes up with an idea immediately sees them squashed. We need to get away from the mentality and harness a vision for the future.”
Why should people vote for you?
“I have my ear to the ground on the issues that really matter to locals. I will actively listen to my community,” she said.
“I think I have demonstrated that with my campaigning. I have long been involved in community contributions and social volunteer work.
“I already have a rapport with locals and that enables them to trust me and I will be their voice.
“I’m a bold and brave candidate who is willing to cast a new future vision for the Tweed.”
Pryce Allsop (Independent)
About Pryce: Mr Allsop is a former Tweed councillor who describes himself as woven into the fabric of the Tweed. He was a local tradesman in the area for decades before opening his own business 26 years ago. He has been involved with council for more than five years and had one term as councillor until 2021.
What do you view as the key issues impacting the Tweed?
“Ultimately the same issues that are affecting every shire at the moment, affordable housing, homelessness and economic stimuli as well,” Mr Allsop said.
“What we need – not just in the Tweed – is see a reform on housing development. Councils need to attack federal and state government. And while housing is not strictly a council prerogative, as councillors, we need to fight to enable the ingredients for diverse housing.
“The problem is, we are really seeing the same issues which have been prevalent in the last six election cycles. Every election we keep talking about the same issues and a result is never achieved.”
Mr Allsop said rather than talk about “how we wish to achieve it, we need to talk about how we will actually achieve it”.
“There needs to be some actual strategy on the table,” he said.
“I’d also like to see tourism bolstered in the Tweed and see small businesses flourish rather than the big corporates.
“There’s more to the Tweed than just the coast, we have some magic farmland and would be great to see some of that utilised for onsite camping and motorhome stays. Let’s spread the love.”
Why should people vote for you?
“I have so much experience in real life. I’ve been in business in the area for over two decades. I’m a father of four and a grandfather of eight,” he said.
“My business has boomed and has long successfully survived.”
Mr Allsop said he fills gas bottles for the local community and “that small three minute window I get to chat with people is invaluable”.
“We have conversations, and their concerns matter. I get to hear about the issues that are important to locals from all walks of life,” he said.
“I respect people, am honest with them and will give them the time of day.
“I’m passionate about running for council and hope to enjoy the mission if I’m elected.”
James Owen (Liberal)
About James:
Mr Owen is a candidate from Casuarina who has served on the Tweed Shire Council for eight years. Mr Owen, who is active in engaging with the local community and a tireless campaigner, is heading up Group G in this year’s election and is running alongside Liberal Party council candidates Rhiannon Brinsmead, Thomas O’Connor and Freda Wilding.
What do you view as the key issues impacting the Tweed?
“I would like to see a change in leadership, which has a direct impact on some of the current issues,” Mr Owen said.
“Our customer service and engagement with the community hands down needs to see a significant improvement. Every day I’m hearing or receive complaints that council is not getting things done.
“The other thing is genuine community consultation, not just when it suits a narrative.
“I want to look at things like secondary dwellings on rural properties and the usual stuff as well like better roads and improved infrastructure.
“The key issue for me is we need leadership with charisma that can motivate and galvanise people and that can get people excited about the shire and we just don’t have that at the moment.
“We need people with vision for the future. We’re very stagnant with ideas and we need some fresh ones.”
Why should people vote for you?
“I always put the community first and fight for better outcomes for the community,” Mr Owen said.
“Not only that – I have delivered these better outcomes since starting in council.”
Mr Owen said one of his strengths was his active presence in the community.
“I’ll get out there among the general public. Over the last few weeks, I have done a huge tour of businesses in the Tweed, talking to business owners to understand what their key issues are,” he said.
“I’ve been from sporting clubs and surf clubs to having lunch with the local Hare Krisnas and Sikh community.
“The key to delivering for the community is to truly understand what matters to them. Go out about and connect with them. Be authentic and be real with them.”
Colin Usher (Independent)
About Colin:
This is Mr Usher’s first time running for council. He has a long-term background in non-for-profit leadership roles. He currently leads a non-for-profit early childhood intervention program for 450 children with disabilities and mental impairments.
Mr Usher has lived in the Tweed Shire at Banora Point for 12 years.
What do you view as the key issues impacting the Tweed?
“The housing crisis and homelessness are two of the big issues,” Mr Usher said.
“Also the development application (DA) process for residential and commercial projects. There are continued delays on DAs and in the Tweed, they are three times slower at 115 days than the state average.”
Why should people vote for you?
“I have a passion for the Tweed and will have a new set of eyes on issues that matter to locals,” he said.
“We need to see a full financial review of council budgets and look at our fiscal responsibilities.
“Progress is coming to the Tweed but we do not want to see a continuation of the Gold Coast, however, housing infrastructure in the region is eight to 10 years behind where it should be.
“Council’s current incumbents have had six to eight years to resolve some of these major issues. There needs to be some new blood to allow room for improvement.
“At the moment council seems to be fractured whether it’s personality disputes or something else. Either way, it’s not a great sign.”
Meredith Dennis (Independent)
About Meredith:
In 2023, Ms Dennis was reappointed with unanimous support from her fellow councillors as deputy mayor of Tweed Shire Council.
Under a 2016 Tweed Shire Council resolution, the position of deputy mayor is appointed for a term of 12 months, while the mayoral position is appointed for two years.
Ms Dennis worked hard during the Tweed flood recovery efforts and describes herself as passionate about better outcomes for the community and improved solutions for the homeless.
What do you view as the key issues impacting the Tweed?
“It’s no secret that affordable housing is a huge issue for this area,” Ms Dennis said.
“While it is important to maintain our beautiful environment – the reason everyone wants to move here – it’s important we have somewhat of a balancing act.
“We need to look at increasing density where it’s appropriately zoned. We don’t want high-rises like the Gold Coast, but we do need more housing options.
“Homelessness, unfortunately, goes hand-in-hand with the affordable housing crisis. As a councillor, we can’t build houses, but we can support things.”
Why should people vote for you?
“I have no party affiliations, I’m wholly and solely here for the community,” she said.
“I have lived here for 27 years, all that time nursing and devoting my time to supporting the community. I have a keen interest in the community and want to see their best interests put forward.”
Nola Firth (Greens)
About Nola: Ms Firth is a sitting councillor and was first elected in 2021.
She is the council’s delegate on the Aboriginal Advisory Committee and the Tweed Coast and Waterways Committee. She is council’s alternate representative on the Tweed Coast Koala Management Committee, the Tweed Regional Gallery Advisory Committee and the Richmond-Tweed Regional Library Committee.
Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts, Diploma of Education, and Graduate Diploma of Special Education, Masters of Education and a PhD in Philosophy.
What do you view as the key issues impacting the Tweed?
“We urgently need to address the challenges of climate change and of housing affordability
and homelessness and do it in a way that protects our World Heritage environment. This is possible to do,” Ms Firth said.
“The growth management and housing strategy can do this if the careful planning already done in consultation with the community over many years is respected – we already have land allocated for 30,000 people e.g. in Kings Forest and Cobaki.
“A climate-ready approach is about further initiatives such as Cool Towns (a strategy I am proud to have achieved), avoiding flood plain developments and protection of our state significant Farmland for food security and economic well being.”
Why should people vote for you?
“My first term in council gave me important skills and experience. I feel I am just getting
started,” Ms Firth said.
“I am proud of the many initiatives I have achieved through my own Notices of Motion.
“Some of these include a new roadside weed team, textile recycling (about to begin), an anti-ageist campaign, and advocacy for koala protection over the whole of the shire (not just the coast).
“If you vote for me I will to continue to work hard on such initiatives, act on our huge responsibility to protect our environment, listen to and stand up for community needs over developer interests and work tirelessly to keep the Tweed green.”
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