Who’s who in the zoo: Nambucca Valley Council candidates profiled
With the NSW Local Government elections just days away, we’ve profiled the Nambucca council candidates putting their hands up for your vote. Here’s what they’re all about.
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With the September 14 NSW Local Government elections just days away, we have profiled the candidates putting their hats in the ring for your vote.
Nambucca Valley Council voters, including residents from the towns of Nambucca Head, Taylors Arm, Congarinni, Hyland Park, Scotts Head and Valla and elsewhere, will be voting for both councillors and a mayor.
Popularly-elected mayor, Rhonda Hoban will not be recontesting.
Here’s the councillor candidates in order of their appearance on the ballot.
The following candidates are also running for mayor:
– Susan Jenvey (Labor)
– Ljubov Simson (Independent)
– David Jones (Greens)
– Gary Lee (Independent)
James Angel (Independent)
What have you identified as a major issue in your area and how would you address it if elected?
I recognise that community unity, support for local business, and housing affordability are major issues in our area.
If I am re-elected, I am committed to addressing these issues by bringing the community together to foster understanding and collaboration, supporting local businesses through sponsorships and growth initiatives, strong advocacy and push through with state and Federal options put on the table from our current governments, as well as advocating for affordable housing solutions continually until we have solutions.
Why should locals vote for you?
Locals should consider voting for me due to my deep personal connection to the Nambucca Valley, exemplified by raising my five children here and actively participating in community events, sports, and charity initiatives.
My genuine love for the Nambucca Valley and my dedication to supporting local businesses set me apart as a candidate who truly understands the needs and aspirations of our community.
My unique perspective as a parent, small business owner, and community advocate equips me with the skills to drive positive change and champion the interests of residents.
What’s your thoughts on housing affordability? How would you help address this issue if elected?
I will work towards developing sustainable solutions to the cost-of-living crisis in the valley, collaborating with stakeholders to create opportunities for affordable housing, and engaging with the community to ensure their voices are heard in the decision-making process.
Dr Ljubov Simson (Independent)
What have you identified as a major issue in your area and how would you address it if elected?
A major issue currently facing the Nambucca Valley has been the unmitigated expansion of intensive horticulture in the absence of appropriate development application protocols.
If elected I will support the adoption of the development application process for intensive horticultural developments with a focus on prioritising sustainable farming practices and promoting the stewardship of all resources of the Nambucca Valley.
The updated Local Environment Plan is currently up for public review, and I will work in partnership with the Council team and crucial stakeholders in minimising land-use conflict associated with the transition to a stewardship approach to intensive horticulture, respect for neighbouring rural enterprises and residential zones.
Why should locals vote for you?
As a mother, caretaker, farmer, businesswoman and educator I am committed to supporting sustainability and stewardship of all the resources within the Nambucca Valley – the health and wellbeing of the community, the land and its people.
With over 30 years of lived experience in education and public service leadership and management, community strategic planning, social engagement and partnerships I have a proven track record in making big things happen.
What’s your thoughts on housing affordability? How would you help address this issue if elected?
There is an immediate need for the Nambucca Valley Council to develop a plan to identify affordable housing options in the valley, and for the inclusion of these recommendations into the Community Strategic Plan.
In the creation of the housing affordability plan it will be imperative to leverage the expertise of many in our community in the development of a fit-for-purpose plan.
There are state and Federal government initiatives which are designed to address housing affordability and security for low-income private tenants and it will be imperative to take every opportunity to apply for these funding opportunities when they arise.
Tamara Castle (Independent)
What have you identified as a major issue in your area and how would you address it if elected?
The major areas I feel need addressing in the Nambucca Valley are the cost of living, infrastructure, the environment, culture and the arts and crime.
If elected I would address these issues by being the ear for the community and listen to their wants and needs.
I feel communication is the key to a connected community and I am excited at the prospect of being that link of communication between the people and council.
I would obtain all facts surrounding the issues and make a fair and informed decision based on the needs of the broader community.
Why should locals vote for you?
I feel I have some great innovative ideas and with my business and not-for-profit experience, I am aware of the issues that affect the community.
I have the knowledge and expertise to put forth community needs to council and fight for what is right for the broader community.
Communication is the key to a connected community and I am excited at the prospect of being that link of communication between the people and council.
What’s your thoughts on housing affordability? How would you help address this issue if elected?
At the moment high density housing isn’t something we are facing a demand for in the Nambucca Valley though housing affordability is an issue.
I feel there isn’t a variety of ‘scaled’ housing in our community such as small flats and apartments and townhouses that could be used as stepping stones for people wanting to purchase a house to take advantage of.
This would mean young couples or elderly people would have the advantage of purchasing a smaller house on a small lot of land.
If elected I would look at all avenues to help make housing affordable for all demographics of our community.
David Jones (Greens)
What have you identified as a major issue in your area and how would you address it if elected?
The local environment is a major issue here in Nambucca Valley.
The factory-style farming of blueberries is affecting our waterways, there is no control over chemical run-off and it affects the rivers right down to the ocean.
This in turn threatens fishing.
We need to have a say, measure the pollution and work with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Primary Industries to ensure clean water and healthy land.
Why should locals vote for you?
I believe in putting community before development and people before profits.
I have over 12 years of experience in local government including two terms as a mayor in Victoria.
I support establishing town or village committees as a place for residents to meet, discuss local issues and provide feedback to the Council with Councillors and Council staff attending regularly.
Our residents are experts in their own area.
What’s your thoughts on housing affordability? How would you help address this issue if elected?
Housing affordability is a political decision, and I believe that having a roof over your head is a human right and shouldn’t be treated as a wealth creation process.
Of course the reins of housing affordability are firmly in the hands of the Federal government and the NSW government.
However I believe that local government does have a part to play in social and affordable housing.
Our community does need more quality homes, but local councils have local expertise and knowledge and should retain control over what housing looks like locally and where it goes.
We need to select and work with developers whose values align with our vision for the valley and will provide affordable housing instead of only luxury sea-change-style living.
Susan Jenvy (Labor)
What have you identified as a major issue in your area and how would you address it if elected?
Our government area would benefit from having a stronger community plan.
Council should be the maypole that unites our service providers and looks to connect gaps in service delivery for the elderly, and better strategies for youth engagement.
A stronger community plan can lead to better mental health, affordable housing outcomes, community batteries, sustainability, disability access, town beautification, and more tourist visitation.
Why should locals vote for you?
Locals should vote for me because I care, I have experience in local government, and I am inclusive.
I understand this community and know that we want to maintain our services to a high standard, that we want opportunities for housing that does not stress the financial capacity of families, and that we want a healthy environment to meet the challenges of climate change.
What we all want is a safe, friendly community that cares about each other.
What’s your thoughts on housing affordability? How would you help address this issue if elected?
I support high density housing.
Living in units can be a fantastic option for older people, young people, and single people.
15 minute walkable cities or towns with green open spaces, which connect to local services, transport options and amenities makes for good communities.
I do not support overdevelopment, and rude developments that destroy previous quality investments in housing in the area.
Jane Smith (Independent)
What have you identified as a major issue in your area and how would you address it if elected?
I want to take a fresh look what we already have, at our signs, bathrooms, community halls, parks, and the main streets of our towns to make sure they’re inviting, practical and enjoyable.
I will support efforts to reduce pollution and manage sewage in our waterways and focus on activating the river through improving access and tourism experiences, major events, and supporting the Nambucca oyster industry.
Why should locals vote for you?
Diversity is important on council and I am running to represent my demographic, and the generations younger than me.
I will advocate for council-managed spaces and land to serve all community members, including young adults, dog owners, the Aboriginal community, Gumbaynggirr people, youth, LGBT+ individuals, and young families.
I have 15 years in hospitality and major events on public sites, having been the events and venue manager of Cockatoo Island, putting on major events including the Biennale of Sydney.
What’s your thoughts on housing affordability? How would you help address this issue if elected?
As a millennial I am directly impacted by housing affordability and support creative planning changes to assist in the development of additional houses, ensuring the fabric of our towns aren’t impacted.
The development of the Valla Urban Growth area (located behind the BP service centre) is a key project, that will also have a positive impact for small businesses.
I support high density housing and multi dwelling sites in key areas within our townships to be identified.
Troy Vance (Independent)
What have you identified as a major issue in your area and how would you address it if elected?
If elected again, I will continue to champion the rights of our local farmers, support local businesses to help them prosper and tourism to thrive, promote sustainable development, and work towards reducing the cost of living for our residents.
Why should locals vote for you?
Locals should vote for me as I am an independent voice in council, prioritising accountability and transparency while standing up for what matters.
My passion for supporting local businesses, tourism, and sporting clubs, coupled with my dedication to sustainable sensible development, sets me apart as a candidate who understands the unique needs of our community.
What’s your thoughts on housing affordability? How would you help address this issue if elected?
If elected, I will address housing affordability by advocating for sustainable housing solutions, engaging with stakeholders to create opportunities for affordable housing, and working to reduce the cost of living for Nambucca Valley residents.
Marc Percival (Independent)
What have you identified as a major issue in your area and how would you address it if elected?
Degradation of water quality bought about by an influx of high intensity horticulture has become a major land use conflict causing concerns among a large number of residents.
Council needs to assist the efforts of the New South Wales Environmental Protection Authority to mandate compliance with the Pesticides Act, and the Protection of the Environment Operations Act to restrict unauthorised overspray and run-off, nutrient effluent mixed with pesticides, fungicides, herbicides and plant growth regulators to the location they have been deployed by insisting on-farm treatment methods to be adopted by all intensive horticulture farms.
Testing has confirmed significant pollutants in the Nambucca River affecting the oyster industry and the prawn industry and may have a detrimental effect on the tourism industry as well as beef and dairy farms.
Why should locals vote for you?
My aim is to enable a more consultative and engaged local council and enable a sustainable and cohesive community.
I am an experienced qualified horticulturalist and educator having worked in the industry for 44 years.
I’ve also worked as a research assistant on fisheries research vessel Kapala and worked extensively in sales and marketing as well as being Parks technical officer at North Sydney Council.
What’s your thoughts on housing affordability? How would you help address this issue if elected?
The housing affordability crisis, though not as severe in regional New South Wales as it is in cities and large regional centres, and the issues of employment and housing supply are impacting the mid-north coast of New South Wales.
Should I be elected to council I will be keen to engage in a close examination of councils position on housing supply and contribute to the conversation earnestly once I have more data on the subject.
Gary Lee
What have you identified as a major issue in your area and how would you address it if elected?
Several major issues that demand urgent attention include the pressing issue of housing affordability.
If elected, I am committed to addressing this challenge by implementing policies that promote affordable housing options, such as engaging with developers to include more affordable aspects in their projects and collaborating with community organisations to create affordable housing initiatives.
Why should locals vote for you?
Locals should vote for me because as a local farmer, I am passionate about responsible agriculture focus on community issues and improving law and order, reducing the cost of living, and ensuring a sustainable budget.
These are areas where my unique dedication and expertise set me apart from others.
My skills in financial management make me well-equipped to tackle these challenges effectively and bring about positive change.
What’s your thoughts on housing affordability? How would you help address this issue if elected?
Regarding housing affordability, it is essential to take decisive action to address this critical issue.
I would work towards implementing measures that support affordable housing initiatives.
Editor’s note: Councillor candidate Martin Ballangarry was contacted for comment, but did not respond by deadline.
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