Ballina Shire Council candidates vying for your vote at September 14 NSW Local Government elections
With the NSW Local Government elections just days away, we’ve reached out to Ballina Shire candidates to see what they’re all about. Check out who’s who in the zoo before you vote.
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This year’s NSW Local Government elections are just around the corner and we’ve reached out to candidates vying for your vote in the Ballina Shire.
Those in the running have shared a variety of issues they deem most important ahead of the September 14 vote, ranging from housing affordability to flood mitigation and improving footpaths.
The following council candidates are also running for mayor:
– Sharon Cadwallader (Independent)
– Phillip Meehan (Independent)
– Kevin Loughrey (Independent)
– Kiri Dicker (the Greens)
– Andrew Broadley (Labor)
Below, we’ve profiled the lead councillor candidates in each group in order of their appearance on the ballot.
WARD A – Independent: Phillip Meehan, Kay Oxley, Mark Paterson, Kevin Loughrey, Damian Loon and Stephen McCarthy. Labor: Maria Marshall. The Greens: Erin Karsten.
Kevin Loughrey (Independent)
Kevin Loughrey, 72, of Keith Hall, was born in Brisbane and joined the Army when he was 17, graduating from the Royal Military College, Duntroon with an honours degree in mechanical engineering.
Mr Loughrey served 32 years in the Army and rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel. He also worked in senior management positions in mining, civil aviation and technology development
Mr Loughrey formed his own companies involved in commercialising inventions and software development. Throughout his career he was awarded patents internationally and achieved world-firsts in chemistry, physics, engineering and computer science.
Now, the dad-of-three lives in Ballina with his wife Janice and has five grandchildren.
What have you identified as a major issue in your area, and how would you address it if elected?
The immediate one is to rescind a motion recently passed by the council to achieve Net Zero by 2030.
It is imperative that all residents of the Shire be educated regarding the facts concerning anthropogenic global warming; also referred to as “climate change”.
Not only is there no climate crisis, pursuing this nonsense will cost the ratepayers dearly when there are far better things their money could be expended upon. For example, the construction of bicycle paths throughout the Shire – both for reasons of safety and for public health.
Next comes the matter of flood mitigation, solving this would also provide Ballina Shire with drinking water security.
There are quite a number of other equally pressing matters that are very important to the residents of the Shire, such as the unaffordable cost of housing and rentals. I have ideas as to how these issues may, over time, be remedied.
Why should locals vote for you?
With my background, particularly in engineering and maintenance management plus my track-record in successful innovation, I can make a significant contribution to the Shire.
As a mayor I have the authority to act as a chairman of a board of directors, composed of the other councillors who represent the aspirations and concerns of the “shareholders” – the residents of the Shire.
My extensive military training and my experience in civilian enterprise equip me well to carry out this role.
Erin Karsten (the Greens)
Erin Karsten, of Ballina, joined the Greens after the 2022 floods because she felt it was the “only party taking climate impacts seriously”.
Ms Karsten hopes to leverage her 25-year professional and corporate career in sustainable building, design and construction to help Ballina plan for affordable and sustainable housing and infrastructure.
She believes housing solutions that put people before profit and attracting and retaining small businesses and their staff will create vibrant communities.
Ms Karsten said she was fighting for a future built on intelligent environmental decisions.
She has spoken against developing and wants more investment in community infrastructure.
What have you identified as a major issue in your area, and how would you address it if elected?
The impact housing affordability has had on our local small businesses has been a huge issue.
The next term of council can address this, if we get enough progressive voices on council who are willing to listen to what our business community is saying.
The Ballina Greens have a great plan to use the residential land that council already owns and has agreed to build homes on. The difference between our plan and the rest of the “independent councillors” is that we think people should come before profit.
We think we can create an affordable rental structure instead of letting them out at market rate which means most of our apprentices, hospitality staff, graduate nurses or teachers and aged care workers – to name a few key roles, simply can’t afford market-rate rents, without being put under significant housing stress.
Why should locals vote for you?
Everything about my professional career lends itself perfectly to contributing to council.
From my early days in law to working in sustainable building design and construction around the world, including having expertise in assessing renewable energy solutions and driving energy efficiency projects for some of the world’s biggest corporations including Google, Intel and Pfizer.
In addition, I’ve held senior director level roles responsible for multimillion-dollar operating budgets and delivered strategic planning, risk management and change management plans for these corporations.
If I can help save these organisations millions of dollars each year – I can certainly help councils find cost-effective ways to deliver key projects and find innovative solutions to problems.
Ward B: Independent: Sharon Cadwallader, Thomas Berry, Michelle Bailey and Eva Ramsey. Labor: Andrew Broadley. The Greens: Kiri Dicker and Alexander Sharkey.
Sharon Cadwallader (Independent)
East Ballina’s Sharon Cadwallader said she’s “proud” to have served the people of Ballina Shire for the past two decades as a councillor and for the past three years as “the first woman popularly elected as mayor”.
The current mayor has also acted as chair of the Northern Region Joint Organisation of Councils and a member of the NSW Reconstruction Authority.
She said she was proud of the way the community clawed back after the 2022 floods and pointed out a record $78 million council works program to fix roads, bridges and drains.
Ms Cadwallader raised achievements including Pop Denison Park, the District Park at Wollongbar and the big facelifts at Lennox and Wardell.
She said Ballina has the lowest rates of any North Coast council and she hoped the community would back her and her team of “true independents”.
What have you identified as a major issue in your area, and how would you address it if elected?
Ballina is now the fourth biggest regional community in NSW (excluding Wollongong, the Hunter and the Tweed/Albury border communities), so our major issue has and will continue to be providing our fast-growing regional centre with the services it needs.
We need to do so in a way that is environmentally sustainable and keeps rate rises down, to avoid adding more pressure on households at a time when they’re doing it tough.
We also need to find more space for housing and for business and industry. Our council needs to push back against extreme Greens Party thought bubbles, like banning Australia Day and taking on costs that are the responsibility of the NSW Government, like setting up an unaffordable council public housing department.
Why should locals vote for you?
I have the experience and proven track record for careful and considered management.
I work extremely hard for all the community regardless of politics and I’m supported by a great team of true independents who will put our community first and do what’s right for Ballina Shire, not what’s dictated by some political party boss faraway in Sydney or Canberra.
Andrew Broadley (Labor)
Andrew Broadley, of East Ballina, said it has been a “privilege” to work and raise his children in the district. He said he wants to become mayor to give back, rather than for career ambitions.
Mr Broadley said the council has been hampered by division and self interest and he stands for transparency and integrity.
“I am here to re-empower the community and restore confidence in the processes of local government,” he said.
“My successful advocacy has delivered results for public sector workers and local primary industries.”
Mr Broadley is president of a local teachers association, said he has a working relationship with the state government and a direct connection with the youth of our community.
What have you identified as a major issue in your area, and how would you address it if elected?
The cost of living is the major issue in our area. This is clearly experienced through the scarcity of affordable housing and energy prices.
As mayor I will work tirelessly to manage the costs of delivering council services so there is no additional burden placed on families in these difficult times.
I will use my vote on council to ensure that resources are managed prudently to provide continuity of service to the community.
Why should locals vote for you?
I have experienced life as a member of a working family, balancing the cost of providing for a family while encouraging my children and partner to excel at their chosen activities.
I have the shared experience of many, which is commuting to work on the Bruxner Highway, involvement in local sporting clubs along with volunteering in cultural and community activities.
I am here to listen and serve the people of our community, remember, vote for Andrew Broadley.
Kiri Dicker (the Greens)
Lennox Head’s Kiri Dicker described herself as a second-generation local, a working mother and said she has spent most of her life living and working in the Ballina Shire.
She has worked in frontline case management roles in child protection, housing, women’s health and disability services, but said she grew frustrated and turned her mind to policy change.
Ms Dicker spent time working for the federal government in various policy roles and worked in the Indo-Pacific region where she advised UN agencies, governments and not-for-profit organisations.
She stood for election to see the council take urgent and ambitious action to stem biodiversity loss, reverse climate change and build community resilience.
The Greens candidate said she wanted to fight development in flood-prone areas, or projects that would have a detrimental impact on habitat for wildlife.
What have you identified as a major issue in your area, and how would you address it if elected?
The housing crisis is forcing locals out of their community and making it hard for small businesses to find staff, putting a huge handbrake on our local economy.
I have a plan to build genuinely affordable housing for local workers on council-owned residential land that is out of the flood plain and close to services.
This housing will be available to rent by people who are not eligible for social housing and do not already own property.
It will benefit essential workers like nurses, carers and hospitality staff.
The rent will be fixed at a percentage of household income, ensuring that the homes are affordable and by providing competition with the private rental market, pushing down rents for everyone.
We’ll also establish a scheme to make big developers pay their fair share by contributing to the project.
Why should locals vote for you?
People should vote for me if they want someone who is going to put the community and environment before profits.
I have the energy and enthusiasm to lead our community with compassion and intelligence.
Alexander Sharkey (the Greens)
Alexander Sharkey, of Cumbalum, owns media production company Value Imagery and has lived in Ballina Shire for nearly a decade.
He said he was drawn by the area’s strong sense of community – from friendly conversations in the surf to vibrant markets.
Mr Sharkey described himself as a small-business owner, a former renter of nine years and now a first-time homebuyer, who understood the diverse experiences of our residents.
He said he excelled in filmmaking qualities like communication and problem-solving and enjoys listening to others, learning from them and finding creative and innovative ways to help.
Mr Sharkey said he cares deeply about our shared future and believe in the power of open and constructive dialogue to drive meaningful change.
What have you identified as a major issue in your area, and how would you address it if elected?
The most pressing issue in Ballina Shire is the local housing crisis, particularly the lack of affordable rental housing for our workforce.
If elected, I would advocate for increasing the availability of affordable rental housing by supporting innovative solutions like Kiri Dicker’s Housing Manifesto to create workforce housing on council-owned land.
Additionally, I believe council should encourage energy-efficient measures and solutions in rental properties, such as installing solar panels, which can reduce costs for residents and business owners alike.
This dual approach addresses both housing availability and the cost of living, ensuring that our community remains accessible and vibrant for all who live and work here.
I’m committed to working with all stakeholders to find sustainable solutions that benefit the entire community.
Why should locals vote for you?
Our stunning coastline and hinterland are treasures that need to be protected, ensuring they remain accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
I know we all want our local businesses to succeed and it’s vital that we work together to provide ample housing and rental opportunities so our local businesses thrive and our community members can live and work here comfortably.
I feel that lately in politics, both here and around the world, there’s too much finger-pointing, blaming and talking at each other. I believe what we really need is to start talking with each other.
We live in a democratic society and we shouldn’t expect to agree on everything, but simple conversations can go a long way.
I won’t pretend to have all the answers, but if elected, I promise to engage in the necessary conversations to find solutions.
I’ll listen to our community and let our shared values guide us toward a brighter, more sustainable future for Ballina Shire.
Ward C: Independent: Therese Crollick, Lois Cook, Shona Barrett and Simon Kinny. The Greens: Simon Chate.
Therese Crollick (Independent)
Therese Crollick, of Alstonville, is an active member of Alstonville Rotary club, LinC and St Vincent de Paul, Ballina Surf Lifesaving Club and Ballina Concert Band.
I will work to get a better deal for the Plateau and Wardell on footpaths, carparking and access at our sporting facilities, street lighting, police presence and
community facilities.
For some of these issues, including footpaths, are in future planning but they are much too far into the future resulting in residents safety and access being at stake. It needs to be addressed urgently.
I know the number one issue the community wants addressed is the lack of footpaths.
Another major issue I would address is having 24/7 police presence on the Plateau.
I would hope to improve these issues by getting more money allocated to infrastructure works on the Plateau and Wardell and moving these works forward by several years in the existing plan.
Footpaths on our major streets and roads needed to be at least started in the next 12 – 18 months.
I bring a lot of life experience to the role of councillor, I am and have been involved in many community organisations both on the Plateau and in Ballina.
In Lismore I was previously involved with service clubs, sports and music groups and being a community representative on council committees and I was recently on the Ballina Hospital Advisory and Quality committee.
Simon Chate (the Greens)
Simon Chate, of Alstonville, is a musician and music teacher (choir director) at Alstonville High School and has run choirs in the Ballina Shire since 1999, including Alstonville’s current community choir ‘Awesome Voices’.
Mr Chate also helps run the Rous Unplugged monthly community performance nights at Rous Mill Hall, which has raised more than $40,000 for local charities and causes.
Mr Chat is an active member of the Alstonville High School P & C committee and has been active within the community as a sitting Ward C councillor since 2021.
He described himself as progressive in his political views and passionate about social justice, equity and inclusion. Mr Chat said he loves a strong sense of community and connection.
He said he was passionate about protecting our environment, which he considered beautiful and fragile, but a finite resource.
What have you identified as a major issue in your area, and how would you address it if elected?
The Ballina Greens have a great idea to bring affordable rental housing to Ballina Shire through the development of purpose-built housing stock on council owned land.
This would be funded through various state and federal grants and then rented out to local key workers at a specified, affordable rate.
Ballina Shire has recently passed its new Biodiversity Strategy, an excellent vision document but lacking in “teeth” due to lack of funds.
I am keen to explore options, seek grants and more to find ways to strengthen our strategy through sourcing additional funding.
Through my monthly Listening Posts, I have provided regular community consultation, offering the community opportunities to bring their council-related issues/concerns to me so that I can work towards finding some sort of resolution for them at a senior executive level.
I have had some terrific “wins” in this area, and if re-elected, I intend to commit to these monthly Listening Post sessions.
Why should locals vote for you?
I have two and a half year’s experience in council under my belt now. I am the only incumbent running in C Ward, I understand the processes in place and due to this prior knowledge, I am ready to hit the ground running.
I love being a councillor. I love being able to help people and I work hard at this job. I am always available and make every effort to respond to all constituent emails, calls and more.
I will do everything I can to find resolution for community issues and I have a solid track record in this area.
My voting record shows my clear support of the business sector.
I’m keen to protect the Alstonville Wollongbar buffer zone from future development … and I’m always asking for more footpaths on the Plateau.
I ask for your vote on September 14.
Editor’s note: All candidates mentioned in this article have been contacted for comment. Some did not respond before deadline.
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