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NSW election 2023: Voters share biggest issues in seat of Clarence

From youth crime to affordable housing, health services, fracking and schooling – Grafton community members have revealed their biggest issues this election.

An aerial shot of Grafton.
An aerial shot of Grafton.

Youth crime, rental prices, health services and education are just some of the burning issues for voters in the seat of Clarence as the state election nears.

Concern about juvenile crime appears to be a trend across all age groups in the community of Grafton and surrounds.

Kiara Mia said she increasingly “felt anything but safe” after moving to Grafton four years ago.

Ms Mia said her car and home were broken into by youths.

Kiara Mia, 23, raised concerns about youth crime.
Kiara Mia, 23, raised concerns about youth crime.

Ms Mia was also worried about a lack of bulk billing doctors, particularly when coupled with the rising cost of living.

“There are no free clinics anymore,” she said.

Ms Mia moved from the Gold Coast four years ago and said rent was unaffordable in Grafton.

“Rentals used to be an average of $250-300 – now that’s unheard of,” she said.

Ms Mia was concerned high rental costs were leading to homelessness and people sleeping rough.

“We’re not in the bloody Gold Coast – it’s Grafton,” she said.

“There’s no beach for miles and nothing much going on here compared to places that cost that much for rent.”

A number of residents took issue with policing in the area and hoped the state election would ultimately result in a larger presence.

Tamara Gardiner raised health services and housing affordability as key concerns.

The Clarence voter aged in her 40s said she feared future fracking and mining developments would harm the environment.

Tamara Gardiner expressed concerns about fracking and mining developments
Tamara Gardiner expressed concerns about fracking and mining developments

Meanwhile, Cathy Anne Boyd said Grafton Base Hospital needed a dedicated geriatrics team.

“The closest gerontologist is located in Coffs Harbour, which is not even in our local area health district,” she said.

“Then there’s the issue of transporting elderly, frail or dementia patients, let alone the wait time.”.

Ms Boyd said she believed the elderly were not properly cared for in the community.

“The hospital is clogged with old people looking for assistance and everyone in the Clarence knows once you turn 65 in this town no one wants to know you,” she said.

As one of the LGAs with the most elderly populations in NSW, Ms Boyd said Grafton needed to “stand up” and advocate for aged care services.

Cathy Anne Boyd.
Cathy Anne Boyd.

Jo Kaulfers, 33, said she would like to see better funding for mental health services.

“I’d love to see more community minded social projects that are aimed at establishing connections between people in need and existing and new services,” she said.

“There are people more than happy to help create a positive vibe focusing on community connections that residents can feel comfortable in attending,” she said.

Suicide rates in Grafton have historically been higher than comparable towns.

Jo Kaulfers.
Jo Kaulfers.

Glenys Forrester, 64, who has lived in the Clarence for three decades, said she worried about her grandchildren’s future due to the skyrocketing cost of living and environmental damage.

“There is a lot of homelessness due to a lack of affordable rent,” she said.

Ms Forrester said underage crime was rampant and she believed penalties were not tough enough.

“(Court) sentences are no deterrent,” she said.

Ms Forrester also said more teachers were needed due to an ongoing regional shortage.

Having spent time in Grafton Base Hospital recently, Ms Forrester said it seemed quite understaffed.

“Hospital staff are really over worked,” she said.

Glenys Forrester.
Glenys Forrester.

Grant Roder, an ex-service member said wellbeing hubs were needed for veterans.

A 59-year-old disability pensioner, Karen, who declined to provide her full name, said she would like to see better rent assistance for those in need to combat the affordable housing crisis.

“There is so much homelessness in our streets,” she said.

“I can’t get rent assistance anymore.”

Karen said she struggled to pay for basic needs such as food and medication.

Grant Roder wants to see an ex-services club established in the region.
Grant Roder wants to see an ex-services club established in the region.

Kez Bowers-Thomson said: “Grafton is being forgotten”.

“Where is a pool that can be used for the family and kiddies on a hot day?” she said.

Clarence Valley Council recently ticked off on a major pool redevelopment.

Mary Randall said the indigenous community was poorly treated by authorities.

She, like many who spoke out, said youth crime was a major concern.

Lawrence Fauntleroy also said youth crime was a growing issue.

He was also concerned by “alcohol abuse” in the community and a lack of political will to address it.

Rita Bullen said there was “no punishment” for young people committing crimes.

Clarence will vote for a new MP on Saturday – and perhaps come a step closer to having their concerns addressed – as sitting MP Chris Gulaptis steps down after nine years.

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/grafton/community/nsw-election-2023-voters-share-biggest-issues-in-seat-of-clarence/news-story/1d2b70590a29cdc7054f8bff61a95162