2021 Clarence Valley Council election candidates
Find out everything you need to know about the 16 candidates vying for nine spots on Clarence Valley Council in the December elections.
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Nominations have now closed for the 2021 Clarence Valley Council elections with 16 people throwing their hat in the ring to become a councillor.
Take a look at who is hoping to lead our region in local government.
Greg Clancy
Affiliation: The Greens
Occupation: Retired ecologist
Location: Coutts Crossing
Beliefs, policies, experience, ability and aptitude to hold civic office:
“I have planning and environmental experience and qualifications having worked for government departments and as an ecological consultant,” Mr Clancy said.
“I have five years and three months experience on Clarence Valley Council as a councillor.
“I have represented many communities and individuals on local government matters.
“I am chair of the Climate Change Committee, Bushfire Management Committee and Coast and Estuary Committee.
“I am keen to see better protection for local ecosystems and planning that fully considers the impact on the environment and vulnerable communities and residents.
“I communicate regularly with the community via email, phone calls and on Facebook.”
Ian Tiley
Affiliation: Independent
Occupation: Mayor of Armidale
Location: Maclean
Beliefs, policies, experience, ability and aptitude to hold civic office:
“58 years continuous experience in local government – former general manager for 15 years,” he said.
“Lived in Maclean since 1993.
“My mother was born and raised in Maclean.
“My forebears came from Ireland to Illarwill in 1861.
“Elected councillor for 25 years to three general purpose councils and four county councils.
“Former mayor of Maclean Shire, first mayor to Clarence Valley Council and currently mayor of Armidale Regional Council.
“Three degrees from UNE Armidale, including a PHD with thesis topic Australian Local Government Amalgamations – case study Clarence Council.
“Very extensive political and bureaucratic networks. Administrator of Armidale Council 2016-17.
Allison Whaites
Affiliation: Independent
Occupation: Small business owner
Location: South Grafton
Beliefs, policies, experience, ability and aptitude to hold civic office:
“As a small-business owner and working in community support, I bring knowledge, understanding, experience and the ability to lead, listen and guide others around me,” Ms Whaites said.
“As a business owner and working in the real estate industry we must abide by legislation, policies and procedures and all relevant acts which puts me in great steed for working in the government sector.”
Peter Ellem
Affiliation: Independent
Occupation: Electorate officer
Location: Wooloweyah
Beliefs, policies, experience, ability and aptitude to hold civic office:
“A serving Clarence Valley councillor for the past five years with experience on its corporate, governance and works committee (three years), and environment, planning and community committee (two years).
“Chair of the Clarence Regional Library Committee.
“Delegate to the Grafton Regional Art Gallery Advisory Committee.
“Delegate to and former chair of the Lower Clarence Sports Committee.
“Delegate to the General Manager’s Performance Review Committee.
“I have worked as an electorate officer in the Australian and NSW parliaments for eight years, specialising in policy and media.
“Former editor of The Daily Examiner and deputy editor of The Northern Star newspapers during a 30-year career.
“Walkley Award winner.
“Resident of the Clarence Valley for 21 years.”
Steve Pickering
Affiliation: Independent
Occupation: Self employed
Location: Ulmarra
Beliefs, policies, experience, ability and aptitude to hold civic office:
“I run a business in Ulmarra, and I’ve been working hard with the community to breathe life back into the area,” he said.
“I believe I can bring that drive and concern to the whole valley.
“As a business analyst, I look at problems and use creative thinking to implement cost effective, sensible solutions.
“I want a progressive, responsible council.
“Clean water and a balanced, pragmatic approach to the environment.
“An inclusive community where nobody is left behind.
“A council which encourages sustainable industry investment in the valley.
“An open, transparent council focused on sensible, targeted spending.
“A council that buys local. Every dollar spent by council is another dollar to support our community.”
Warren Lang
Affiliation: Unknown
Occupation: Bus driver
Location: Maclean
Beliefs, policies, experience, ability and aptitude to hold civic office:
“My life experience provides me a view of looking from the outside, looking in. I went to school, in Coffs Harbour, completed year 12. Travelled extensively for 40 years, working and living in each state and territory, somewhat evenly spread. I did not complete my degree in civil engineering and have worked on major infrastructure projects as a part of a project management team and worked for several engineering consultancies. These projects had an interaction with both state and local government authorities.
I have always been community minded and I see the opportunity to contribute here, we moved to Maclean a few years ago and have been given some encouragement from locals, as a person to express their views. All I hope to achieve is to have the ability to influence, see the council be more vibrant and be prepared to consult and engage. This is what is needed, happy to discuss further at a time convenient, but this provides my intentions with what is likely to be a close contest.”
Peter Johnstone
Affiliation: Independent
Occupation: Mathematics teacher
Location: South Grafton
Beliefs, policies, experience, ability and aptitude to hold civic office:
“I am standing for councillor because my family have gained so much from living in the valley and I want to give something back,” he said.
“You may know me from my work as a maths teacher at South Grafton High School, or more recently at Maclean High School or St Andrews.
“Perhaps you know me as a firefighter with Grafton City Rural Fire Brigade, as secretary of Grafton Supa Oldie Soccer or perhaps my wife is your doctor.
“If you don’t know me, please ask about me from someone who does, perhaps they are a colleague, former student or family of a student, another firefighter who knows me or someone who plays soccer with me.
“I hope that they will tell you that I am honest and hardworking, pay attention to detail, show empathy, care and understanding to others and am ready to listen without talking.
“That I have good ideas but am also very keen to put those ideas into action, that I am an exceptional leader, but also a key person to have in your team.”
Phil Belletty
Affiliation: Independent
Occupation: Retired
Location: Elland
Beliefs, policies, experience, ability and aptitude to hold civic office:
“Considerable government and private sector experience in infrastructure planning, management, aged care and social housing. Current Board Member, North Coast Community Housing. Past President and Vice President, Grafton Chamber of Commerce; Current Executive member, Grafton Chamber of Commerce,” he said.
“A short list of what I want to achieve: Plan and attract investment and business, cut through red tape to make it easier for new businesses, increase jobs through business investment, improve social housing outcomes, improve amenities for senior citizens and the public, maintain and grow the valley lifestyle we love, revive Grafton’s status as a regional city, preserve our waterways and pristine valley, more highway signs to divert travellers into our villages.”
Debrah Novak
Affiliation: Independent
Occupation: Digital content producer, councillor
Location: Yamba
Beliefs, policies, experience, ability and aptitude to hold civic office:
“I put my hand up for a second term with the view of continue to advocate for the community front and centre,” she said.
“While at the same time I will try and encourage the greater community to participate in local government and the council process.
“What that will do is create a better understanding of how community engagement matters because as an elected councillor, I can’t do it by myself.
“Should I be elected, it’s important for the community to contribute to the conversation and I will assist in this respect.
“This also means the community will learn that there is a good way to complain and understanding that process will help lessen the frustration.
“Knowing how to do these things effectively creates better accountability for staff and councillors so that together we can thrive in a changing economic climate and community.
“It’s now up to the community: they can either lead this change, or become a back seat driver.”
Donald Scott
Affiliation: Unknown
Occupation: Podiatrist
Location: Clarenza
Beliefs, policies, experience, ability and aptitude to hold civic office:
I was asked to run as a councillor by a lady in the community Mrs. Fay Boyd. She said it was about time I did something for the Clarence Valley. I was born in Wollongong and lived there for 57 years. My wife and I have lived in the Clarence Valley for 10 years. I have a podiatry practice in Grafton. I was an avid pistol shooter for 45 year in the Illawarra, but things change when you look after ageing parents. In 2018-19 I was invited to lecture in China on podiatry and diabetes in Beijing. After the conference I was asked to write a textbook on Podiatry. In 2020 Oxford University Press agreed to publish the book.
If I am elected to council I would like to see some changes in how road repairs are managed, the possibility of a walkway along the foreshore from town to Corcoran Park, and in some areas in the valley set aside an enclosed space for dogs “Off Leash”. With the state opening up again and easing of restrictions the Clarence Valley has to reinvigorate itself for the next influx of tourists and new businesses.
Bill Day
Affiliation: Independent
Occupation: Retired
Location: Palmers Channel
Beliefs, policies, experience, ability and aptitude to hold civic office:
“I’ve owned a number of businesses and had many jobs in my working life, including serving more than 20 years as manager of the Clarence River Tourist Association,” he said.
“An important part of my responsibilities was managing our visitor information centres and I played a major role in obtaining the site and funding to build and operate the South Grafton visitor information centre.
“Tragically Clarence Valley Council has closed that visitor information centre and endeavoured to cash in the real estate.
“I also served two terms as a councillor on Maclean Shire Council from 1995 to 2004.
“It became one of the best performing councils in Northern NSW.
“I am running for Clarence Valley Council because I’m dismayed by its performance in recent years.
“Despite the majority of current councillors campaigning against a special rate variation as candidates in 2016, most of them backflipped and voted for this massive increase in rates as soon as they were elected.
“One of the first duties of the next council will be to find a new general manager and to work with that general manager to dramatically improve transparency, accountability, efficiency and overall performance.
“I want to build a council that is trusted and respected within our community.”
Karen Toms
Affiliation: Independent
Occupation: Self employed
Location: Yamba
Beliefs, policies, experience, ability and aptitude to hold civic office:
“I am seeking re-election for a fourth term so I can continue my work of representing and serving my community,” she said.
“I put people first and have a strong sense of social justice.
“I have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and strive to be inclusive.
“I understand what it is like to be a business owner and the sacrifices often required when you are self-employed.
“I am a company director of JKT & Sons Pty Ltd with my husband.
“I have a special interest in advocacy of the most vulnerable in our community whether that be from disability or disadvantage.
“Both areas need a spotlight on them to make the lives of those suffering a better place.
“I expect council to be accountable and transparent to ratepayers and residents.”
Jeffrey Fuller
Affiliation: Independent
Occupation: Support worker
Location: South Grafton
Beliefs, policies, experience, ability and aptitude to hold civic office:
“I have lived in Grafton most of my life; born and bred type of thing, I was born in Runnemeade Hospital which are now flats on the corner of Queen and Fitzroy St. I am a true Graftonian.
I want to do my bit for the community and experience the role of a councillor I have worked in local government for about 11 years. In fact, one of my roles involved paying for the councilors fees for attending meetings. I have a good insight into the workings of a council, the cultures and the politics of a council.
I am generally a bit of a political buff and crime buff - those are two of my big interests.
I think there needs to be a lot more community infrastructure in South Grafton and I will be a big advocate for that.
I used to work in Maclean and have a great knowledge of the Lower Clarence area, issues and the people there as well.
I love playing golf. All my kids are golfers.”
Jeff Smith
Affiliation: Independent
Occupation: Self employed
Location: Grafton
Beliefs, policies, experience, ability and aptitude to hold civic office:
“We all want a Council that is value for our money with a shared vision for the future,” he said.
“Why Vote 1 for Jeff Smith?
“Our Valley is at a historic crossroad. We can choose from one of the following futures:
a) an overdeveloped free for all or
b) a slowly dying backwater or,
c) an imaginative and visionary future for the Valley that serves it‘s residents an enviable quality of life and opportunity.
“I'm up for option C!
“I'm also a realist. Being a small-business owner I understand that expenses must always be less than income.
“Experience: local rate payer for 28 years and small business owner for 12 years. Married in Brushgrove in 1996 to my first and only wife (Robyn). Raised and educated our two children (Kate and Jordan) in the Valley.
“It would be an honour to represent the people of the Clarence Valley as a councillor.”
Ash Gibbins
Affiliation: Independent
Occupation: Business services officer
Location: Grafton
Beliefs, policies, experience, ability and aptitude to hold civic office:
“Born and bred in the Clarence Valley I want to make the Clarence Valley a better place to live, work in and enjoy,” she said.
“The general consensus in the community is they are ready for a change they want someone who is driven to challenge current ways, improve transparency and be more accountable.
“I am young and eager to bring a fresh approach to be a part of a council that is innovative and represents the communities best interests.
“I will bring to the table extensive local government experience as a previous staff member of Clarence Valley Council.
“An experienced communicator with impeccable interpersonal skills, ability to negotiate and problem solve.
“Responsible decision making for future generations is vital for the Clarence Valley community to grow and prosper in a sustainable financial and environmental manner.
“I will work hard for the people of the Clarence Valley always putting first the best option for the community.”
Pete Hanson
Affiliation: Independent
Occupation: Designer
Location: Townsend
Beliefs, policies, experience, ability and aptitude to hold civic office:
“Always outdoor recreation oriented, I went from: fencing, haycarting, to ski-field ‘lifty’ in New Zealand for some years, taking many treks through ours and their forests,” he said.
“I have put in time at a cafe and restaurant. Much time have I spent in and around tourism and allied, and continue to volunteer assistance at any community gathering and festival reachable.
“Currently I fashion idea developments of plywood canoe in model preparatory introducing at full size to community group build schoolings.
“The three-ply is flexibility, allowing much multi-variety in constructing a small footprint lifestyle.
“I design and assemble much of my own clothing, to a greater sense of comfortable fitness throughout active lifestyle.
“I read broadly.
Local council elections offer scope in projecting concern that our Earth is made over in as good or more healthful condition to upcoming generations.
“That our workplaces, and our natural world, our homes and schooling too, are at an healthful and enabling condition, that tertiary education is sensibly an option to furthering wellbeing, that we continue building within our community what we will find beneficial.”
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