Who’s who: Clarence Valley Council candidates spill on hot topics ahead of 2024 NSW Local Government elections

The NSW Local Government elections are just days away, so we’ve approached Clarence Valley Council candidates ahead of Saturday’s vote to see what they’re all about.

The Clarence River.

The 2024 NSW Local Government elections are just days away, so we’ve approached Clarence Valley Council candidates ahead of Saturday’s vote to see what they’re all about.

It’s hoped the insight into the candidates vying for your approval will help you make a better informed decision at the polling booth on September 14.

Voters in the local government area which includes the towns of Tyringham, Yamba, Grafton, Brooms Head and Ulmarra lodge a councillor vote only.

The mayor of the Clarence is elected by councillors and not by the public, however, current Mayor Peter Johnstone is throwing his hat in the ring again as a councillor candidate.

Here’s the candidates in order of their appearance on the ballot:

Cristie Yager – Independent

Editor’s note: Ms Yager was approached for comment, but did not respond by deadline.

Cristie Yager.

Peter Johnstone – Independent

What have you identified as a major issue in your area, and how would you address it if elected?

I consider Yamba to be one of our biggest issues. Houses are increasingly being bought by rich people from Sydney and Brisbane because locals cannot afford houses in Yamba.

Between 2011 and 2021 the median age of Yamba residents has increased from 53 to 57.

Figures suggest a falling enrolment in Yamba primary schools.

“It is becoming increasingly difficult to recruit key workers such as FRNSW firefighters and shop workers.

“I have been involved in the consultations with the Reconstruction Authority (RA) about the Disaster Adaptation Plan for the Northern Rivers Joint Organisation.”

According to RA figures, the Clarence Valley is potentially one of the most affected regions in NSW for natural disasters and we will be working with RA and other agencies to prepare and harden the Clarence Valley for future floods, bushfires and coastal erosion.

Cr Peter Johnstone.

Why should locals vote for you?

In council I bring my mathematical and engineering skills to ensure I make sensible decisions based on facts.

I was trained as an engineer and have extensive experience as a high school maths teacher.

I champion the work of schools, TAFE, I provide free annual tutoring sessions prior to the HSC exams for students at the Clarence University Centre.

I am a keen member of the Rural Fire Service and have been involved in fighting fires in almost every corner of the Clarence Valley.

What’s your thoughts on addressing housing affordability? How would you help address this issue if elected?

I have personally lobbied federal politicians from both major parties to introduce here the highly successful UK “Rent a room allowance” which would allow people to rent out an empty room in their house tax free.

At the moment developers tend to build three to four bedroom houses when what the market desperately needs is cheaper one to two bed houses.

I have personally lobbied federal politicians from both major parties to introduce here the highly successful “Rent a room allowance” from the United Kingdom, which would allow people to rent out an empty room in their house tax free.

The Clarence Valley Council housing strategy, presently out for consultation has further ideas, such as expanding shop top living which will give a more diverse housing choice in towns like Grafton.

Greg Clancy – Greens

What have you identified as a major issue in your area, and how would you address it if elected?

Development on the flood plain is probably the biggest issue at present although there are many others including the continued loss of natural vegetation due to legal and illegal clearing.

Flood plains are just that plains that flood and to put hundreds, if not thousands, of residents in houses on the flood plain is not good planning.

I have voted against all development applications in West Yamba as it is not an appropriate place for housing.

It is really up to the state government to step in and declare development of housing on the flood plain as illegal.

Cr Greg Clancy.

Why should locals vote for you?

I have proven that I am an effective councillor having served two terms on Clarence Valley Council.

My passion is the natural world which I have dedicated my life to since I was a teenager.

I stood for council to try and make a difference in protecting the natural attributes of the Clarence Valley and I believe that I have made a small, but worthwhile, contribution to that end.

In protecting the environment I have learned that to protect it we also need to consider the social issues surrounding the inequity of wealth and resources.

What’s your thoughts on addressing housing affordability? How would you help address this issue if elected?

I am open to hearing if there are practical ways that as a councillor I could assist but at the present time I am not aware of any.

I did attend a meeting in the Grafton Council Chambers recently with government and non-government organisations and council staff and councillors to discuss the homeless issue.

Council is supporting these groups where possible.

James Allan - Independent

What have you identified as a major issue in your area, and how would you address it if elected?

Strategic planning.

There have been a number of projects and developments that have been very poorly planned in terms of funds needed, feasibility, need and desire in community as well as a lack of consideration of infrastructure.

For example, Yambas roads and health infrastructure are barely adequate at the moment, let alone with hundreds and hundreds of new residences being built.

Housing development and infrastructure upgrades must be planned in concert.

James Allan.

Why should locals vote for you?

Where I stand out is I can genuinely empathise with anyone.

I have always been interested in people and I believe you can learn a lot by chatting to a person who is somewhat different from yourself.

I truly believe the Clarence Valley is the greatest region in the world, I love the people, the business scene and the natural wonders that surround and link us all.

What’s your thoughts on addressing housing affordability? How would you help address this issue if elected?

Housing affordability is a tough one, essentially we need to work with the state and federal government in order to come up with a solution.

We need more housing but it has to be the right stuff, ruining the aesthetic of the region with dense and high housing will not necessarily work.

Any new developments must be carefully planned and with a consideration of the environment, current residents and infrastructure capabilities in the future.

Allison Whaites – Independent

Editor’s note: Ms Whaites was approached for comment, but did not respond by deadline.

Allison Whaites.

Justin James – Independent

What have you identified as a major issue in your area, and how would you address it if elected?

As a small-business owner I have noticed a downward trend to business as a whole across most of the valley.

As a former president of the Grafton Chamber of Commerce and a current member of the Valley Business group, I have a deep-rooted belief in the critical importance of small and medium-sized businesses and their contribution to the survival and prosperity of the Clarence Valley community.

In council, I will seek ways to promote new business ventures, simplify business operations for those already established here and highlight our under-utilised exceptional attributes.

Justin James.

Why should locals vote for you?

If elected my main focal points will be transparency, small business and the economy, as well as affordable housing.

I will prioritise transparency in all my actions and decisions.

I will ensure that my decisions and the reasoning behind my votes are communicated to any who wish to seek them out.

This includes providing detailed explanations for my positions on various issues, sharing information that influenced my decisions, and addressing any questions or concerns from constituents.

What’s your thoughts on addressing housing affordability? How would you help address this issue if elected?

As a councillor, my aim is to advocate for the development of affordable housing.

This means supporting initiatives that encourage the construction of new, affordable residential units and ensuring that existing housing plans continue to move forward. This could include exploring options such as mixed-income housing developments, incentivising developers through zoning changes, and leveraging state and federal funding for affordable housing projects.

Raymond Smith – Independent

What have you identified as a major issue in your area, and how would you address it if elected?

There are many issues facing the Clarence Valley at present including the housing crisis, the homelessness situation, natural disaster mitigation and development on the flood plain just to name a few.

In order to address these issues in a meaningful way, I will need to listen to the community, learn what the real concerns are and then, as a member of a cohesive council team, identify possible solutions and then implement strategies that will address these concerns.

Ray Smith.

Why should locals vote for you?

I have over 50 years’ experience in local government, the last 30 of which I was the General Manager of three diverse councils including Grafton City Council from 1993 to 2004.

I have a sound knowledge of local government legislation and all of the relevant regulations and procedures.

I have developed excellent communication skills; I am articulate and I have a strong work ethic.

I have also been a Rotarian for the past 30 years serving the community and volunteering in a range of capacities.

What’s your thoughts on addressing housing affordability? How would you help address this issue if elected?

I believe that the effective implementation of council’s current Draft Housing Strategy is one way that council can contribute to alleviating the regional housing crisis.

This strategy addresses strategic planning issues relating to the future housing needs within the Clarence Valley.

Council could also provide incentives, both financial and logistic, when it comes to the development of affordable housing.

Andrew Baker – Independent

What have you identified as a major issue in your area, and how would you address it if elected?

If elected to council (after not seeking re-election in 2021), I will resume highlighting the contradictions and hypocrisy thrown at council and councillors in the assessment and decision-making process.

Andrew Baker.

Why should locals vote for you?

My main focus in participation as a councillor is to strive for integrity in the council governance and governing body decision making processes.

I have no personal projects or pet agenda.

If elected I can focus on council business without reference to political ambition, political party directions or local deals with other councillors – although I have no issues with those that do have political ambition.

What’s your thoughts on addressing housing affordability? How would you help address this issue if elected?

Any chance of delivery of affordable housing when dealing with council seems like a foreign concept to me.

I recognise affordable housing sounds wonderful as a headline – and is always an easy if hollow insert in political ramblings attempting to sound warm and cuddly.

But when the realities of the words are subject to any sort of open-minded scrutiny, such a concept is really just a way of disguising that council and the state government are the cause of non-affordability.

Council and the state government can make new housing more affordable for all by the elimination of some of the ridiculous requirements and unjustified delays imposed at every step of the housing process right from initial zoning investigations through to occupation of the finished product.

Phillip Provest – Independent

Editor’s note: Mr Provest was approached for comment, but did not respond by deadline.

Lynnette Cairns – Independent

What have you identified as a major issue in your area, and how would you address it if elected?

Inappropriate development on the Clarence flood plain, along with filling flood plains and increasing density, which isolates people in times of flood and often leads to the need to evacuate people to safe areas.

Clarence Valley has areas isolated by stormwater as well as river flooding and there is often no ability to evacuate to a safe area.

This type of development should be prohibited.

Water supply and sewerage resources are being overwhelmed by growth and so I would support applications for assistance from the state government.

Lynette Cairns.

Why should locals vote for you?

Having lived in Grafton for over 20 years and in Yamba for nearly 12 years I have a broad understanding of issues across our council area.

I am passionate about representing my community in all matters that affect them.

I have also recently been involved in campaigning against Council’s Draft Local Housing Strategy for 6-storey buildings in the Yamba central business district and 4-storey buildings up on Yamba Hill from Yamba Street.

Council has now removed the proposal to increase the height of buildings in these areas.

What’s your thoughts on addressing housing affordability? How would you help address this issue if elected?

The provision of affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges facing many local areas in Australia.

At the local level, awareness of the housing needs of local households and of prevailing trends in local and regional housing markets are particularly important in making plans for new residential areas and the redevelopment of existing areas.

To be most effective, contributions at the local level also need to be linked up to policies and strategies being pursued by other levels and agencies of government, by the housing industry, and by not-for-profit housing providers.

It is essential that more affordable housing is located in appropriate areas, off flood plains.

Karen Toms – Independent

Editor’s note: Ms Toms was approached for comment, but did not respond by deadline.

Karen Toms.

Melissa Hellwig – Independent

What have you identified as a major issue in your area, and how would you address it if elected?

I’m hearing from constituents that they feel shut-out from local democratic processes.

Even if it’s not true, it’s perceived – and I think Clarence Valley Council has an obligation to reverse that.

We have to bring more agility to our communication.

Given there are staff shortages – we have to also allow community groups to do some of this work in collaboration, to co-host, have volunteers support staff, heavens maybe we could even advertise in papers again?

Melissa Hellwig.

Why should locals vote for you?

My family roots go all the way back to 1856 at Strontian Park near Grafton.

I have spent 20 years here, and I have been a ratepayer for another 20 on top of that.

And I know what it’s like to be deeply connected to land.

We all need to do more of that. I can speak for the traditional voices of this place.

What’s your thoughts on addressing housing affordability? How would you help address this issue if elected?

There has to be more innovation in the housing sector. It’s something I’m very interested in trying to solve.

We don’t have a housing problem, we have a distribution problem.

There are over 3000 empty houses in the Clarence Valley which is crazy.

So I’d like to relax rates or rules for those who subdivide large town blocks and build granny flats, studios or tiny homes.

Stephen Pickering – Independent

What have you identified as a major issue in your area, and how would you address it if elected?

Our water supply has been a focus for me during my current term on council.

I was the chair of the Water Efficiency Working Group and a member of the Regional Water Supply Working Group, which aims to renew and modernise our Regional Water Supply Agreement between Coffs Harbour and Clarence.

The council is currently working through an environmental-impact statement for a water filtration plant to be built at Rushforth Rd, South Grafton, which, once constructed, will help secure our drinking water supply into the future.

Cr Stephen Pickering.

Why should locals vote for you?

I am dedicated to service, and our community’s well being, and I will always work to make a positive impact.

As a small-business owner and an active and engaged community member, I am also president of Ulmarra Village, a local progress association and a member of the local Rural Fire Brigade.

I have worked with our community on various local initiatives and projects, including fighting to retain the Ulmarra to Southgate Ferry, the Ulmarra Lantern Festival, and many community-led events.

What’s your thoughts on addressing housing affordability? How would you help address this issue if elected?

The state government has directed local governments to approve more housing developments, and they are also encouraging developers to build smaller homes on smaller blocks of land, their plan being that smaller homes cost less, ultimately making homes more affordable.

Approving more developments doesn’t necessarily mean more homes; it just means the land will be worth more as it has an approved development.

Affordable housing is a very complex issue, but a solution can be found if government and private industries communicate and work together.

Shane Causley

Editor’s note: Mr Causley was approached for comment, but did not respond by deadline.

Desmond Schroder – Independent

Editor’s note: Mr Schroder was approached for comment, but did not respond by deadline.

Debrah Novak – Independent

What have you identified as a major issue in your area, and how would you address it if elected? 

We need communities and businesses being 100% prepared to respond to natural disasters.

I would establish an emergency management centre at the Grafton Regional Airport, and develop a training centre for first responders.

Debrah Novak.

Why should locals vote for you?

I put my hand up to serve my community for all the right reasons.

That is to amplify their voice on matters important to them.

What makes me unique are the deep and trusted relationships I have with my community across all of the region.

What’s your thoughts on addressing housing affordability?

Clarence Valley has a housing usage problem with over 3400 empty homes across the valley.

I would address this issue by providing accurate information.

Clarence Valley Council has a Draft Housing Strategy on public exhibition at the moment.

Amanda Brien – Independent

What have you identified as a major issue in your area, and how would you address it if elected?

Key topics are usually rates, roads, housing, development and the pool.

How would I be useful?

By promoting education and transparency and by being clear about the reasons behind council decisions, how proposed changes might affect participation and by facilitating ways to share information our community asks for.

Amanda Brien.

Why should locals vote for you?

I would use my experience working in state government to make balanced decisions that guide council on how our local services are provided, funded and prioritised – now and into the future.

I represent that authentic difference our community says they need.

I would bring my core values of connecting, supporting and protecting our community, to council decisions.

I believe that approaching decisions from a values-base would bring positive long-term outcomes for our community – creating that balanced vision that is needed.

What’s your thoughts on addressing housing affordability? How would you help address this issue if elected?

How I’d address this if elected is by encouraging council to work with developers, builders and planners to explore non-traditional building methods with the aim of getting houses built quicker.

And by encouraging council to explore different uses for existing buildings with long-term vacancy rates.

I’d also support building design that are ‘future-proofed’ – that could be modified at low cost in 50 years’ time to address the housing needs then.

There’s also the opportunity to work with neighbouring councils to explore shared projects on council boundaries.

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Originally published as Who’s who: Clarence Valley Council candidates spill on hot topics ahead of 2024 NSW Local Government elections