Doug Chipman ready for future challenges after winning tough race for Clarence Mayor

LONG-STANDING Clarence mayor Doug Chipman has survived a rough race for mayor, now he is looking ahead to preserve the municipality’s lifestyle.

Clarence Mayor Doug Chipman. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

WITH a hard-fought election campaign over, Clarence’s re-elected mayor Doug Chipman wants to look to the future.

The long-standing mayor says the challenges of population growth and climate change are key priorities on his agenda.

“It’s important we manage our growth in a sustainable way,” he said.

Ald Chipman has been voted back in with 56.05 per cent of votes after the distribution of preferences.

The tussle for mayor was a six-horse race, with former MLC Tony Mulder finishing second.

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Ald Chipman, who has served as mayor for seven years, said the campaign had been tough.

“It has been a difficult campaign, but I’m really deeply honoured to serve for another four years,” he said.

“It’s been a tough campaign with quality opponents.”

His personal vote took a hit – 7265 first preferences in this election compared to 9272 in the 2014 election.

“My personal vote is maybe down slightly but, nevertheless, with 56 per cent after preferences I’m very grateful to the citizens of Clarence for having confidence in me for another four years.”

Looking ahead, he said population growth was a challenge.

“From a strategic point of view, Clarence is facing significant and sustained population growth and we have to ensure that’s done in a sustainable way,” he said.

“We have to ensure that community amenity and infrastructure keeps up with the population growth. We have to ensure quality of life doesn’t go backwards in the face of population growth.”

Ald Chipman said planning for climate change was also a priority for many communities, particularly those in Roches Beach, Seven Mile Beach and Cremorne.

“We need to talk with our community about how best to manage our community in the face of climate change,” he said.

Ald Chipman said the campaign has been made more difficult because of community backlash over major developments proposed for the area, notably a proposed hotel at Rosny Hill and a hotel and hospitality training school at Kangaroo Bay.

Counting is continuing for Clarence aldermen, with several fresh faces expected to be elected.