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EXCLUSIVE

Central Coast Council 2024: Meet the candidates running in this year’s election

After three years, 10 months and two weeks without elected representatives on council, the Central Coast will finally head to the polls. Here’s who you will be voting for.

Meet the Central Coast candidates in the 2024 Local Government elections. Picture: supplied
Meet the Central Coast candidates in the 2024 Local Government elections. Picture: supplied

After leading the Central Coast off a fiscal cliff that saw the council suspended nearly four years ago, the region’s ratepayers finally get another chance to install elected leaders.

The previous council was such a basket case it spawned countless memes and led to the overwhelming conclusion that a group of fifth graders could have done better.

Some of those at the helm when the previous council hit the proverbial iceberg have come back for another tilt, which begs the question: are ratepayers doomed to repeat past mistakes?

Or will the five Wards usher in an entirely fresh set of faces to lead the region into a new era of prosperity and inclusion?

Central Coast ratepayers go to the polls on September 14. Will history repeat or will new faces be elected? Picture: Getty Images
Central Coast ratepayers go to the polls on September 14. Will history repeat or will new faces be elected? Picture: Getty Images

We contacted every candidate via the email they included in their enrolment with the NSW Electoral Commission and asked them three simple questions:

■ What is your main platform/issue you want to highlight?

■ What do you think you can bring to council if elected?

■ And do you support high density housing in your Ward?

Incredibly — but perhaps unsurprisingly — some failed at the very first lesson in “public relations 101” and didn’t even bother including contact details.

Here’s who responded and what they said.

BUDGEWOI

The northern most Ward, Budgewoi has five “groups” of candidates representing The Green, Labor and Central Coast Heart, two groups of independents and two ungrouped candidates who are also independent.

EDNA WACHER — Central Coast Heart

Born in the Philippines, Ms Wacher migrated to Australia in 1988 and spent three decades working in various levels of government in immigration, multicultural affairs and health. She was named 2014 Wyong Shire Citizen of the Year for her work in community services

Edna Wacher is running for the Budgewoi Ward in the 2024 Local Government Elections on the Central Coast. (Picture: supplied)
Edna Wacher is running for the Budgewoi Ward in the 2024 Local Government Elections on the Central Coast. (Picture: supplied)

What is your main platform/issue you want to highlight?

There are four main platform issues that I want to highlight: As a settled migrant who has raised a family of four children on the Central Coast, I understand the importance of efficient rubbish collection, road and parkland maintenance and aged care support. I will use my business skills to help ensure that our reinstated council does these core duties efficiently, with financial prudence and a focus on keeping rates as low as possible.

During my 20 years employment with Department of Home Affairs and Central Coast

Local Health District, I have helped a lot of people from culturally and linguistically

diverse (CALD) groups become settled migrants. I will use this experience to help

promote multicultural harmony and inclusivity in our community.

Councils in Greater Sydney, Illawarra-Shoalhaven, Central Coast, Lower Hunter and

Greater Newcastle have committed to building 377,000 new homes across NSW in

the next five years, to align with the National Housing Accord. Raising four children on

the Coast has taught me the importance of suitable housing. I will work

constructively with my fellow councillors to ensure that these houses are built in

areas with existing infrastructure capacity — such as transport, schools, hospitals and

community facilities.

In anticipation of high population growth over the coming decade, I will work constructively with my fellow councillors to ensure that the Central Coast remains a great place to live, despite what will be a major population influx. Key issues will be to protect our beautiful lakes, beaches and open spaces, as well as prioritising the creation of local area jobs.

What do you think you can bring to council if elected?

I am a psychology graduate with strong interpersonal and communication skills that have

helped me become a vigorous team leader.

Twenty years of federal and state government employment have given me an in depth

insight into multicultural health and community development issues.

Experience gained as director of a very successful migration company has helped me

develop strong organisational and business administration skills.

Do you support high density housing in your Ward?

The Transport Oriented Development (TOD) plan has already been implemented in Gosford and is under review for areas adjacent to Tuggerah and Wyong railway stations. I believe that there are some issues that make the TOD program less suitable in these two areas. I favour

continued review before a binding decision is made. There are no railway stations or major road transport hubs in Budgewoi Ward.

SANDRA HARRIS — Independent

Local mum Ms Harris has lived on the coast 45 years. With a background in horticulture, Ms Harris has run her own garden business for the past 14 years.

Sandra Harris is running for the Budgewoi Ward in the 2024 Local Government Elections on the Central Coast. (Picture: supplied)
Sandra Harris is running for the Budgewoi Ward in the 2024 Local Government Elections on the Central Coast. (Picture: supplied)

What is your main platform/issue you want to highlight?

The main issue I’d like to highlight is the over development of our area.

What do you think you can bring to council if elected?

I’m hoping to influence transparency, honesty and integrity to build strong community relationships.

Do you support high density housing in your Ward?

No absolutely not. Just like a boat it’s only made to take a certain number of passengers, if too many are put on it will sink. A community’s land is only big enough to take a certain number of people. You can’t keep piling people on top of people and not expect issues to arise. Just one of the contributing factors to our regions high levels of family/domestic violence/abuse and youth crime.

KENNETH KOZAK — Independent

Born and raised in a small town in north west British Columbia, Canada, Mr Kozak went on to represent Australia in the World Ice Hockey Championships in 1987. He has a background in business and moved to the coast 25 years ago to raise his two children.

Kenneth Kozak is running for the Budgewoi Ward in the 2024 Local Government Elections on the Central Coast. (Picture: supplied)
Kenneth Kozak is running for the Budgewoi Ward in the 2024 Local Government Elections on the Central Coast. (Picture: supplied)

What is your main platform/issue you want to highlight?

I have been an advocate for addressing climate change long before it became a global priority. Our world is dynamic, with the environment constantly evolving. We only have one planet, and it’s crucial that we protect it by staying in harmony with nature. At the same time, I understand the importance of development and the need for affordable housing. I worry about the future, including whether our children and the next generations will be able to afford a place to call home. That’s why I support sustainable and affordable housing that aligns with our environmental goals.

What do you think you can bring to council if elected?

With over 40 years of business experience spanning Australia, New Zealand, and Asia Pacific, and supported by four diplomas in financial planning, business administration, management, and electronics, I bring extensive knowledge and expertise. Throughout my career, I have successfully started and grown several businesses while also managing the operations of multiple large companies. This comprehensive experience equips me with a deep understanding of financial and operational dynamics, ensuring I am well-prepared to address complex challenges and contribute effectively to the council’s development and success.

Do you support high density housing in your Ward?

While I appreciate the need to provide affordable housing, I believe that high density housing, as it stands, is not suitable for the Budgewoi Ward. It does not align with my vision for sustainable development.

OTHERS

Other candidates in this Ward who didn’t respond include former suspended Wyong councillors Sue Wynn (Greens) and Doug Eaton.

Mr Eaton nominated for the Liberals but was not endorsed by the party so is running as an independent.

Labor’s Helen Crowley and independent John Mouland are also leading groups

GOSFORD EAST

Just three candidates are leading groups in former Gosford mayor and Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna (independent), Labor’s Sharon Walsh and Liberal’s Jared Wright.

The other four candidates are independents.

JARED WRIGHT — Liberal

Financial services consultant at Australian based firm Honner, Mr Wright is an Avoca Beach local who typically works with corporate clients including asset managers, banks, financial planners, hedge funds and government bodies.

Jared Wright is running for the Gosford East Ward in the 2024 Local Government Elections on the Central Coast. (Picture: supplied)
Jared Wright is running for the Gosford East Ward in the 2024 Local Government Elections on the Central Coast. (Picture: supplied)

What is your main platform/issue you want to highlight?

Our Liberal team is focused on getting back to basics. This includes focusing on repairing the debt to fund the infrastructure and services we need, including fixing potholes and improving our recreational precincts.

What do you think you can bring to council if elected?

I have a background in both finance and politics. I want to use the skills I have learnt to improve our financial position so that we can get our region back on track as we leave administration behind. I believe my experience in grant funding and my understanding of how all levels of government operate and work together will be important in achieving this vision. More broadly, our Liberal team has a diverse range of skills that would be invaluable in the council chamber and that comes from years working in small business, global companies and the law.

Do you support high density housing in your Ward?

The NSW Government has set a housing target for the Central Coast of building 9400 new homes by 2029. As both a candidate and a young person here on the Central Coast, I believe it is fundamental that we increase supply and seek to make housing more affordable.

DAVID KINGS — Independent

Bakery chain owner of Kings Baked, Mr Kings has two teenage children and has lived at Bensville since 2004. He enjoys riding motorbikes, fishing and saltwater aquariums.

David kings is running for the Gosford East Ward in the 2024 Local Government Elections on the Central Coast. (Picture: supplied)
David kings is running for the Gosford East Ward in the 2024 Local Government Elections on the Central Coast. (Picture: supplied)

What is your main platform/issue you want to highlight?

Enhance our sporting facilities to promote health, build community spirit, and facilitate social interaction and events.

What do you think you can bring to council if elected?

Support small businesses to drive economic growth, create jobs, and ensure vibrant, diverse local economies. Ensure an effective, unbiased local government for fair decision-making and equitable resource distribution, fostering a strong, united community.

Do you support high density housing in your Ward?

In Gosford East Ward there is only a few locations which this would suit. The attraction to the Central Coast is its beautiful scenery, wide open areas, beachfront and waterfront property. I would hate to see this destroy and change our way of living. There is no doubt we must continue to build housing for people to live but it must be done in the correct way.

OTHERS

Other candidates include independents Sharon Andrews, Clive Lawton and Rosemart De Lambert.

GOSFORD WEST

The most contested on the Central Coast, this Ward has six candidates leading groups including Liberals, Labor, Coasties Who Care, Ratepayer’s Choice and Central Coast New Independents along with another independent group and two ungrouped independent candidates.

KEVIN BROOKS — Ratepayer’s Choice

A retiree having worked in public and private sectors, including banks such as NatWest and Royal Bank of Scotland, Mr Brooks has had previous experience as a councillor in the UK with Harlow Council.

Kevin Brooks is running for the Gosford West Ward in the 2024 Local Government Elections on the Central Coast. (Picture: supplied)
Kevin Brooks is running for the Gosford West Ward in the 2024 Local Government Elections on the Central Coast. (Picture: supplied)

What is your main platform/issue you want to highlight?

We believe the community is paying too much in rates for too little in services.

We want better value for money for ratepayers.

In just four years, Council has increased its annual rates revenue by $131m, or 39 per cent.

Despite all this extra revenue, services continue to deteriorate in priority areas such as roads, determination times for development applications, water and sewer unplanned interruptions and mains breaks, and customer service.

We disagree with CEO David Farmer that the temporary rate increase should be made permanent.

It was approved for short term emergency purposes, principally repayment of emergency loans.

There is no justification for extending it once the loans have been repaid and council no longer has to spend $11-13m per year servicing that debt.

Instead of slugging ratepayers, we support reforms to improve performance, efficiency and culture.

We want greater accountability through smarter targets that better reflect community priorities — including targets to improve in efficiency and productivity.

We also want a change program to improve organisational culture — especially performance culture and customer culture.

And we want to see ratepayers’ money better aligned with the community’s service priorities as determined by consultation.

What do you think you can bring to council if elected?

I am an experienced and successful former Council Leader from the UK.

I have worked in large corporate head offices, and my finance and banking experience will be useful in a council that has had financial difficulties.

I have a good understanding of the issues on the Central Coast, having attended council meetings, read council reports, and delivered a number of speeches in the council public forum.

Do you support high density housing in your Ward?

We need to increase housing supply to bring down house prices and rents, and provide relief for a generation of young people priced out of housing.

We also need, however, to protect the Central Coast environment. People enjoy living here because of the beaches, bushland, and surrounding green ridges. This is also why almost 10 per cent of NSW tourism expenditure occurs on the Central Coast.

So, we need to get the balance right between more housing and protecting the environment. This is why I believe higher density housing in urban town centre areas is preferable to ripping up green spaces.

LISA BELLAMY — Coasties Who Care

Mother-of-three Ms Bellamy is an accountant who worked as a finance manager for Newcastle University and is also a WIRE wildlife rescuer and president of the Kariong Progress Association.

Lisa Bellamy (middle) is running for the Gosford West Ward in the 2024 Local Government Elections on the Central Coast along with Tegan Mulqueeney (left) and Sarah Blakeway. (Picture: supplied)
Lisa Bellamy (middle) is running for the Gosford West Ward in the 2024 Local Government Elections on the Central Coast along with Tegan Mulqueeney (left) and Sarah Blakeway. (Picture: supplied)

What is your main platform/issue you want to highlight?

Our main concern is protecting our natural environment and ensuring locals have a say in their local area. We also know it is vital to bring back trust in local government, which can be achieved by actually being trustworthy councillors, being an organisation that follows its own rules and being transparent, not spinning so much PR rubbish.

If we don’t take care of our green spaces, tree cover, wildlife corridors, pocket parks and forests, bushland and native habitat, there will be nothing left to care about at all.

If we get the balance right, the Central Coast could lead the country in showcasing what is possible in thoughtful, creative and world-class development that allows sustainable growth and more local employment.

What do you think you can bring to council if elected?

We all grew up on the Central Coast. We are not politicians, we are regular Coasties who care very deeply about our home and will represent our community, not politicise. We are running for council for the right reasons; to make a change and do as much as we can for our community. If we succeed and get onto council, great, but if not, we will continue to do what we are already doing. All our group are community-minded and already volunteer and support Central Coast community organisations, and whether we are on council or not, that won’t change.

As Independents we won’t be playing party politics or tit for tat antics on council. We are straight talking individuals and intend to call out any BS. We want to shine a light on what actually goes on in council and make sure Central Coast residents get a good deal for their rates and fees.

It takes a diversity of skills to run a successful council. We bring strength of character, youth, strong community connections, proven financial expertise, and we are great communicators with huge hearts.

Do you support high density housing in your Ward?

Due to questionable State Government targets, the Central Coast population is set to soar in the next few years, and we don’t want the coast to become an overdeveloped and overpopulated urban wasteland.

We do believe, however, in building ‘up not out’, but not at the expense of our wellbeing and quality of life. Pocket forests, community agriculture plots and gardens should be the infrastructure accompanying high rise. Height restrictions in many of our beach side suburbs should remain low, however. We don’t want to see the Central Coast as another Gold Coast.

We believe we should protect the bushland on the Coast by building on land that is already cleared. One of our slogans is ‘Fix our slums, Save our gums’. Look at all the derelict buildings in Gosford and Wyong for example. This is where good, affordable housing could be established, but we need our guidelines to be governed by locals, not the State Government who’s track record show they have no concern for either the natural environment or wellbeing of locals.

Ten per cent of housing on the Central Coast sits empty. Council is the largest land and property owner on the Central Coast. Both these facts need to be looked at for housing solutions before we bulldoze more bushland.

We believe it is vital that we have suburbs and town centres with heaps of tree cover and pocket forests, not cut and fill developments that ensure every dollar possible is squeezed out of a location for the short-term benefit of a developer at the expense of our children’s futures and our mental health.

BELINDA NEAL — LABOR

A Former Federal Labor Robertson MP who’s political career in Canberra ran aground after a notorious incident at the old Iguana’s waterfront restaurant, Ms Neal served as a councillor for Gosford City between 1991-95.

Belinda Neal is running for the Gosford West Ward in the 2024 Local Government Elections on the Central Coast. (Picture: supplied)
Belinda Neal is running for the Gosford West Ward in the 2024 Local Government Elections on the Central Coast. (Picture: supplied)

What is your main platform/issue you want to highlight?

We will help you with the cost of living by keeping council service fees down and removing the special additional levy on our council rates as soon as the council balances its books. The council should be accountable to Central Coast residents.

What do you think you can bring to council if elected?

We will protect our unique environment by preserving and extending our Coastal Open Space System. We will encourage the protection of the green spaces around communities and on the surrounding ridgeways and the planting of more trees.

We will deliver a core services guarantee securing quality roads, drainage, sporting fields and childcare. Council must deliver its core services efficiently.

Do you support high density housing in your Ward?

We believe infrastructure should keep up with development. Denser housing can provide more affordable housing for young people and others but developers should pay their fair share of the cost of infrastructure so that ratepayers are not left paying the bill.

JANE SMITH — CC New Independents

The first ever mayor of the amalgamated Central Coast Council, Ms Smith was elected in 2017 after living in the region at the time for 28 years and is a past CEO of the Community Environment Network.

Jane Smith is running for the Gosford West Ward in the 2024 Local Government Elections on the Central Coast. (Picture: supplied)
Jane Smith is running for the Gosford West Ward in the 2024 Local Government Elections on the Central Coast. (Picture: supplied)

What is your main platform/issue you want to highlight?

Importance of local government to the daily lives of our local communities — not just roads, rates and rubbish, but also parks, playground, facilities, sporting fields and libraries — and bigger issues such as planning and environmental protection.

We want to see communities have more of a say about their local areas — particularly in terms of planning and priorities for council services and works (roads, footpaths). We would look at how we can engage more through Ward forums and community associations.

What do you think you can bring to council if elected?

I have been involved with local communities in my ward for over 20 years — so have a good knowledge of local issues. I have also previously been a council watcher and then a councillor, so know the important role that council has and the processes within council that can deliver for communities.

Do you support high density housing in your Ward?

My feeling is that local communities within Gosford West ward do not want to see over development and high density housing — particularly without the infrastructure to service and support increase in population.

JULIAN RICHARDS — Independent

Mr Richards has 22 years of experience in the private and public sectors as a qualified risk management professional

Julian Richards is running for the Gosford West Ward in the 2024 Local Government Elections on the Central Coast. (Picture: supplied)
Julian Richards is running for the Gosford West Ward in the 2024 Local Government Elections on the Central Coast. (Picture: supplied)

What is your main platform/issue you want to highlight?

Sound financial management of council. Improving routine maintenance of roads, footpaths, park land and sporting facilities. Restricting high density developments, where possible. Protecting environmentally sensitive land.

Minimising privatisation of public assets. Reviewing the costs and benefits of council de-amalgamation.

What do you think you can bring to council if elected?

I have their interests at heart, I live in their ward and care about their area! I am an independent candidate and beholden to no group or political party.

I am prepared to listen to their needs and aspirations on an ongoing basis, and not ignore them, once elected.

Do you support high density housing in your Ward?

I do not have grand plans to turn the Central Coast into another over populated suburb of Sydney.

OTHERS

Other candidates running include Liberal’s Trent McWaide and independents Andrew Baker, and Daniel Abou-Chedid.

THE ENTRANCE

This will be another hotly contested Ward with five candidates leading groups including Labor, Liberal, Animal Justice Party and two independent groups along with one ungrouped independent candidate.

CORINNE LAMONT – Independent

Former banker, Ms Lamont owns an education technology export business with her husband and is perhaps best known in the community as a no-seawall campaigner for Save Our Sand at Wamberal.

Corrine Lamont is running for The Entrance Ward in the 2024 Local Government Elections on the Central Coast. (Picture: supplied)
Corrine Lamont is running for The Entrance Ward in the 2024 Local Government Elections on the Central Coast. (Picture: supplied)

What is your main platform/issue you want to highlight?

Once elected, I will work with councillors and council senior management to address council’s disconnect with the Central Coast community. Residents at the south end of The Entrance Ward tell me they do not want council spending ratepayer funds on a massive seawall at Wamberal Beach. At the central and north end of the Ward, residents want action to reduce Tuggerah Lake flooding. Council already has expert reports that recommend channel dredging to reduce lake flooding, they just need to act. I am also running to support councillors and the CEO to secure state and federal grants to solve Wyong traffic bottlenecks; to improve beach amenity and look for ways to improve council services, for example, reviving The Entrance town centre and backing youth services. The Entrance has been neglected by council, its potential has been overlooked and I will work to fix that.

With population increases projected, I will challenge council colleagues to develop plans to attract small business investment in the region, for example, Gosford innovation hub employment opportunities in the education, health and professional services sectors. This will spark retail growth and urban renewal across the coast.

What do you think you can bring to council if elected?

I am not running to be council CEO. Some candidates talk as if they are, but the councillor role is different. There are two sides to it and I tick the boxes on both sides. First, there’s the community engagement piece, as in listening to all locals and being available, being transparent and managing expectations. I do that every day as a community volunteer with Wamberal Beach SOS and for the Tuggerah Lakes Care group that is dedicated to reducing costly flooding around the Ward and beyond. Then there’s the governance and strategy side of the councillor role, working across the spectrum to get agreement on important council decisions, and as importantly, motivating, challenging and holding council’s CEO and directors accountable. I have met David Farmer, the CEO. He knows I will challenge him on the seawall and perhaps the lake flooding issue, but at the same time, he knows I back his vision to revive Gosford as an innovation hub. I am not riding a high horse. Good councils come down to hard work, picking up the phone, communicating and doing a ton of research. It takes grit and that’s how I operate.

On top of all this, I come with experience lobbying state and federal government for funding on coast initiatives. I speak with MPs and chiefs of staff every other week on issues important to the Coast. Finally, I come without baggage, no ties to real estate, developers or political parties. I’m a ‘clean skin’, never had a speeding ticket. I am fresh and have the time and energy now that my kids have left home. I’m not in it for the money and have no political aspirations. I just want to serve the Coast with integrity and transparency and I want to challenge others on council to do so.

Finally, as a former Martin Place bank manager, I come pre-loaded with strong financial strategy and management skills. I analyse financial reports and micro and macro economic indicators daily at the tech export company my husband and I own. In my banking and finance career, I oversaw daily transactions well beyond the size of council’s.

Do you support high density housing in your Ward?

The Entrance Ward generally does not lend itself to high density housing development due to the combination of flood risks and the absence of adequate transport infrastructure, for example, rail, across most of the Ward. From my discussions with residents and business owners, the bigger need across the Ward is urban renewal. We need to bring life and prosperity back to town centres like The Entrance, Long Jetty and we need to energise roadside retail and services around the smaller centres. I want to hear more from the community about that. I am all for progress, but not the sort of progress that destroys the soul of our local communities. Development has to be done right, no cutting corners. No special deals for mates or special lobbies.

SARAH RYAN — Animal Justice Party

Moving to the Central Coast seven years ago as a paramedic, Ms Ryan quickly fell in love with the area and is now also a registered nurse. She is running for council because her dedication to preserving the natural beauty of the region.

Sarah Ryan is running for The Entrance Ward in the 2024 Local Government Elections on the Central Coast. (Picture: supplied)
Sarah Ryan is running for The Entrance Ward in the 2024 Local Government Elections on the Central Coast. (Picture: supplied)

What is your main platform/issue you want to highlight?

I do not have one main issue that I want to highlight, instead I want to focus on creating a sustainable and compassionate future for our community. I’m dedicated to making the Central Coast shark net-free to protect marine life and for the introduction of more drones that can actually keep swimmers safe. I want to enhance cycling and pedestrian infrastructure to foster healthier lifestyles, reduce traffic congestion and help us work towards a net zero emission target. I advocate for preserving native bushland and its wildlife by safeguarding their habitats from mass development. Improved waste management, and recycling services and addressing illegal dumping are crucial for reducing our environmental impact and something that needs attention. I will ensure animal welfare is kept a priority with any council decision that will directly affect them.

What do you think you can bring to council if elected?

If elected, I will bring a deep understanding of our community’s challenges and needs, informed by years of hands-on experience in various roles. My longstanding commitment to animal welfare and environmental conservation ensures a compassionate and holistic approach to local governance, always considering the wellbeing of both residents and our natural surroundings. With a unique focus on both human and animal welfare, coupled with a proven track record of community advocacy, I will be a strong voice for protecting our native wildlife, pets, and the environment, ensuring these issues remain central to our council’s priorities.

Do you support high density housing in your Ward?

I recognise the urgent need for more affordable housing options, including smaller homes and units, to accommodate our growing population. However, when considering high-density housing in The Entrance Ward, we must also address the current lack of public transport, health services, and employment opportunities. These are critical factors that must be improved to support higher density living. Additionally, we need to carefully evaluate the environmental impact of such developments, ensuring that our natural spaces are preserved and that sustainable practices are prioritised in any future projects. Responsible planning is essential for the long-term wellbeing of our community.

OTHERS

Other candidates include ungrouped independent Rebecca Smiley, Liberal’s Rachel Stanton, Labor’s Margot Castles and independent Sharryn Brownlee.

WYONG

The Ward with the least candidates sees three grouped tickets led by former councillors Kyle MacGregor (Labor) and John McNamara (Liberal) as well as cupcake queen Kyla Daniels (independent).

These are followed by three independent ungrouped candidates including Michael Whittington and Daniel Craig.

JARA MILLWARD – Independent

As a small-business owner and long term resident of the Central Coast, Mr Millward said he understands the challenges faced by local families and businesses. He is focused on improving road infrastructure, enhancing community facilities, and driving economic growth to create more jobs.

Jara Millward is running for Wyong Ward in the 2024 Local Government Elections on the Central Coast. (Picture: supplied)
Jara Millward is running for Wyong Ward in the 2024 Local Government Elections on the Central Coast. (Picture: supplied)

What is your main platform/issue you want to highlight?

My primary platform is improving road infrastructure across the Central Coast. Safe, well-maintained roads are essential for our community’s connectivity, economy, and quality of life. I am committed to ensuring that the roadways are not only repaired and upgraded but also designed with future growth in mind. This focus will also extend to improving community facilities, which are vital spaces for social interaction and local activities.

What do you think you can bring to council if elected?

If elected, I will bring a hands-on approach grounded in my extensive experience in Community Services and small business management. My background equips me with the skills to understand and address the unique challenges facing our community. As an independent, I am not tied to any political party, allowing me to advocate solely for the interests of Central Coast residents. My focus will be on driving efficient, cost-effective solutions that deliver real results for our community.

Do you support high density housing in your Ward?

While I understand the need for housing to accommodate our growing population, I believe that any high-density developments on the Central Coast must be approached with caution. It is crucial that such projects are accompanied by adequate infrastructure, green spaces, and community services to support the increased population. My priority is to ensure that any new developments contribute positively to our community’s character and quality of life, rather than overwhelming existing resources.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/central-coast/central-coast-council-2024-meet-the-candidates-running-in-this-years-election/news-story/7766b5f4f298250431480bb1e0775df9