Lake Macquarie City mayoral, council candidates for 2021 local government elections
There are four candidates for Lake Macquarie City Council Mayor and 17 primary candidates vying for your vote. We look at the lead candidates, who they are and what they stand for.
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Lake Macquarie residents will be voting for one popularly elected Mayor and 12 councillor positions across three wards, North, East and West, when they take to the polls on December 4.
Incumbent Mayor Kay Fraser is running again for the top job having served as mayor for the past five years and as a councillor for the West Ward for a further 12 years.
Nine incumbent councillors have put their hand up to lead the residents of Lake Macquarie for another term however locals will still have a chance to inject plenty of new blood into the council with some promising independents and re-election never guaranteed.
MAYORAL CANDIDATES
Kay Fraser – Labor
As a resident of Lake Macquarie for more than 40 years and popularly elected as Mayor of Lake Macquarie City at the last election in September 2016, Ms Fraser understands the area offers an incredible lifestyle, with world-class infrastructure, engaged and connected communities, a strong and diversified local economy, and superb natural beauty.
Ms Fraser was on the West Ward of council previously for 12 years and is running again soley for the top job as Mayor.
She said she remains committed to making Lake Macquarie a great place to live, work and visit and she’s delighted to be building on the successes of previous councils.
Ms Fraser is passionate about social justice and ensuring that everybody has access to necessary services, a cause close to her heart that she also pursued throughout her working life, prior to the Mayoral election.
The 68-year-old from Valentine believes that the people of Lake Macquarie City should have a quality of life that meets their needs, increased opportunities for education, employment and a lifestyle that promotes a strong connection to the community and the environment.
Rosmairi Dawson – Independent (West Ward Ungrouped)
As an independent candidate for Mayor and the West Ward, who has never been a member of any political party, Ms Dawson, 57, of Mirrabooka, said she would work with her fellow councillors in conciliation and through discussion to bring forward and deliver vital infrastructure and planning for the city with particular concentration on the south and west of Lake Macquarie.
“If elected as Mayor, I intend to bring an independent and cohesive leading style to Lake Macquarie City Council,” she said.
“I have worked hard and been a community advocate in south and west Lake Macquarie over the last 16 years. I am devoted to delivering much needed infrastructure and projects city wide.
“Each Ward in the city has its own set of infrastructure delivery needs and I will work with council staff, my fellow councillors as well as with State and Federal MP’s and agencies for the best outcomes for the city as a whole. I have extensive experience in council in a previous term 2012 to 2016 as well as working directly with the community.”
Luke Cubis – Lake Macquarie Independents (West Ward)
Luke Cubis is the lead candidate for the Lake Mac Independents in the West Ward.
He is an incumbent councillor and the former Deputy Mayor.
Mr Cubis is currently the CEO of a software company and a former primary school teacher with a Bachelor Teaching/Bachelor Arts double degree and a Master of Education degree.
“The Lake Mac Independents aim to serve you as independents, who represent you, when making decisions for our city,” he said.
“Some of the key areas we are focussing on are affordable rates, safe roads, families and community, more infrastructure and safe suburbs.”
Jason Pauling – Liberal (West Ward)
The 50-year-old from Elermore Vale has been on council for two terms and is throwing his hat in the ring for the Mayoral chains this election.
“I see the role of councillor as being the `humanising’ interface between the community and the `cold bureaucracy’ of council,” he said.
“For anyone who has ever had an issue with council – they already know if you don’t know the `rules’ its gets really hard. I help people understand the rules so that they are at least in the game – even where the odds are stacked against them.”
The Liberal councillor said while he wholeheartedly subscribed to the party’s beliefs he was “freethinking and open-minded about policy because context can change perspective markedly”.
“That said I am a conservative and believe in examining all aspects of an issue rather than blindly apply a fixed position or viewpoint,” he added
“I have always been committed to helping all sides of the debate in progressing their arguments and giving them best opportunity to convince me that their perspective is right.
“I am always open to changing my mind if someone introduces a sufficiently compelling argument.”
He said a lot of people saw him as “hard” but preferred to be considered “firm but fair”.
NORTH WARD
Jane Oakley – The Greens
Jane Oakley has lived with her family in Lake Macquarie since 2008, her three sons have played sports since under 6s.
Ms Oakley has experienced first-hand the necessity for public quality sporting facilities across the city, so that all families can benefit from organised community sport.
Together with her partner, Ms Oakley owns and operates two home-based small businesses, which has given her the flexibility to engage with community activities and school events.
She wants to work towards a fair future where the economy serves people and the planet, so that all can enjoy a good life, a safe climate and a healthy environment.
Jack Antcliff – Liberal
Brian Adamthwaite – Labor
A former Primary School principal, Mr Adamthwaite was first elected to Lake Macquarie Council in 2012.
His aim has been to protect and improve the qualities of the city, in particular the lifestyle and
environment.
He believes council should be responsive to the needs of its community and provide the
services and infrastructure needed to enhance residents’ quality of life.
As a member of the Labor Party for many years he believes in the importance of social justice and equity.
As well as achieving improvements for the growing north west of the city, a recent personal achievement is creating a sustainable home.
Colin Grigg – Lake Macquarie Independents
Mr Grigg has spent most of his working life in the ministry and has served his first term on council.
He hopes to use his professional knowledge to help the Lake Macquarie community become an even greater place to live, work and visit.
He said he was dedicated to helping local people live better lives in a variety of ways.
Mr Grigg aims to encourage positive development and innovation in the areas of the environment, affordable housing, the arts, sports and tourism. By building on the foundations of past elected councils, Mr Grigg’s vision is to see the city move forward and harness its full potential.
Nadrra Sarkis – Shooters, Fishers, Farmers
The 46-year-old said his family moved to Cardiff when he was four and grew up in the area where he still resides.
“I have spent most of my life in this Local Government Area and wish to be part of its progression into the future,” he said.
The road worker and part time camping and 4x4 accessory salesman has been nominated to run by the Shooters Fishers & Farmers, of which he has been a member for more than ten years.
“I joined politics so that I could have input into decisions and allow constituents to have a voice,” he said.
“And if elected I will do my best to employ locals and support local industry first. I will improve council waste services and insure recreational areas are not neglected. I will push for prescribed hazard reduction burns to take place in the off season reducing fuel loads during fire season.
“I will push for more community gardens where locals can plant produce voluntarily for the needy and homeless. I will push for better roads and footpaths. I will push for more parking spaces for the growing population and improve boat ramp safety around the lake. I will hold the major parties to account for all their promises made pre-election.”
Bryce Ham — Independent (Ungrouped)
A lifelong resident of Lake Macquarie Mr Ham is running as an independent with three core priorities being an end to suburban sprawl, activate public transport and a ferry service to connect the community.
Mr Ham said he was opposed to large-scale greenfield developments such as the Link Road Rezoning and the Myall Rd development.
“We must tackle the growing demand for housing with high-proximity development that brings our city to life rather than the current sprawl of single-family homes that isolate our communities and force them to rely on cars for transport,” he said.
“The only way to reduce congestion and traffic on our roads is to provide people with viable alternatives. This means we must prioritise increasing walking, cycling, and public transport options. By getting people out of cars, we will improve our city’s health, connectivity, and economy.
“Our city’s identity is based around our central lake so why is a ferry network that connects our major population centres not a key part of our city’s transport strategy? This would connect our community and economy as people will find it easier to travel and spend money in our city, with communities like Swansea and Toronto becoming a short ferry ride apart rather than a long drive.”
WEST WARD
Jason Pauling — Liberal (see Mayoral candidates above)
Luke Cubis — Lake Mac Independents (see Mayoral candidates above)
Rosmairi Dawson — Independent (see Mayoral candidates above)
David Belcher — Labor
A first-term councillor, Mr Belcher, 38, of Brightwaters, has worked widely in disability support and advocacy and understands the need to build inclusive communities where all members are valued and have an opportunity to contribute.
His passion for disability advocacy and community inclusion stems from his personal experience of living with lumbosacral agenesis and being a wheelchair user. This first-hand knowledge gives Mr Belcher unique insight and skills in identifying the needs of those within our community.
Mr Belcher’s focus is to build universally accessible infrastructure and ensure the City of Lake Macquarie is a friendly, vibrant and disability-confident city.
Ingrid Schraner — The Greens
As an economist Dr Ingrid Schraner worked in economic and community development for the United Nations Development Program and others.
She said she now wants to use her skills and experience to help Lake Macquarie City Council facilitate a just transition for our mining and energy workers into good long-term jobs, a transition that sees communities flourish and the environment recover.
Ms Schraner also wants to work hard for a strong planning framework with a scientific basis, one that considers the needs of the community and the environment, ensures climate resilience and provides certainty for developers about the standards expected in Lake Macquarie.
EAST WARD
Basil Paynter — Independent
The 46-year-old from Gateshead, who lists his qualifications as a teacher and engineer, said he was passionate about social justice, fairness and equality.
“I believe that the strength of the community can and must be harnessed to ensure that living standards are improved, particularly for the socially disadvantaged,” he said.
“Successful engagement with the community includes having a genuine appreciation of their concerns and valuing their input, not just being tokenistic.”
Nick Jones — Liberal
Nick Jones is a lifetime resident of Lake Macquarie and successful local businessman with strong community connections. Prior to his election to Council in 2016, he was involved in a number of community campaigns and consultation, including representations on Council’s policies on sea level rise.
Mr Jones brings to his role a background in small business and extensive experience across government, corporate governance and finance.
Mr Jones is a former member of Lake Macquarie’s Youth Council and is committed to helping shape outcome-focused Council policy.
Katie Warner — Lake Mac Independents
Katie Warner is a long term resident of Lake Macquarie, having grown up in the city, she has also proudly chosen this place to raise her own young family.
The daughter of small business owners and operators in Lake Macquarie and the Hunter Region she understands the challenges faced by small and local businesses.
Ms Warner is a practising Solicitor with 16 years experience working in the public service and graduated at the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Laws/ Arts (Communications) degree.
Ms Warner has served as a volunteer on boards for not for profit organisations and been involved in a number of community events in Lake Macquarie.
Ms Warner said she had experience in leadership and advocacy and loved getting alongside people to see them thrive in their families, careers and community life.
As a professional woman and mother, Ms Warner has a keen interest in ensuring diversity in the decision making at the grassroots of local government matters and was passionate about the opportunity to formally represent the residents and rate payers of Lake Macquarie.
Wylie Campbell — The Greens
Wylie Campbell has lived in Lake Macquarie all his life.
As a keen surfer and body boarder, he feels a deep connection to the area, especially its coastline.
He wants to make sure more of the coast and Lake is accessible for people with mobility restrictions.
Mr Campbell said he was passionate about building an inclusive society, where people of all abilities can participate and their contributions are valued.
Mr Campbell grew up in Belmont and wants to carefully listen to and then act on community concerns and is keen to share his strong sense of belonging and care for the future with other young people.
Adam Schultz — Labor
The 38-year-old from Valentine grew up in Lake Macquarie and attended local schools before completing his tertiary education at the University of Newcastle with degrees in Business and Commerce, a Diploma of Financial Services and a Masters of Public Policy from the University of Sydney.
Mr Shultz has served his first term on Council and wanted to use his experience in small business, financial services, public policy and politics to advocate for improved opportunities for the city.
He believes Lake Macquarie can achieve economic growth and strategic diversification while maintaining the lifestyle and wellbeing of its residents.
He is passionate about facilitating policy settings that will promote economic growth and job opportunities while enhancing the natural environment that residents enjoy.
Meanwhile incumbent deputy Mayor Christine Buckley is running second on Labor’s ticket for the East Ward.
Alan Ellis — Independent (Ungrouped)
As a councillor Mr Ellis wants to provide an independent voice for the people of Lake Macquarie.
“Unfortunately, councillors from the major parties don’t always do the right thing for the area,” he said in his election material.
“They are controlled by their respective head offices in Sydney who don’t always have the wishes and concerns of the people at heart.”
Mr Ellis said he was against high rise development and if elected he would seek investment into Swansea to stop it “being the poor relation of Lake Macquarie”, widen the footpath in Swansea and encourage outdoor dining and identify a site for an outdoor music bowl.
He also wants to complete a walking track from Nord’s Wharf to Swansea an build a jetty at Cams Wharf Rd boat ramp.
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