As we gear up for another trip to the polls, the usual sniping, strategic alliances, and political mudslinging have provided much entertainment.
Yet, amidst this familiar backdrop, I’ve also seen some inspiring and hopeful locals step forward for Council, eager to make a difference and challenge the status quo.
For Hornsby Shire, it’s wonderful to see so many mayoral candidates this time round.
On the back of Mayor Philip Ruddock being ousted, Nathan Tilbury, disappointed with not being preselected as the Liberal candidate, has switched to Independent, most likely in name only.
I see an outstanding mayoral candidate in the well respected and resourceful Janelle McIntosh who also brings a wealth of experience on so many issues. Another solid choice is Greens Councillor, Tania Salitra, who has been quite engaged since becoming a councillor. And then there’s Warren Waddell.
Garnering enough support to boot out fellow Liberal Philip Ruddock and ruffle Nathan Tilbury's feathers, Warren Waddell was preselected over Nathan Tilbury. “Warren who?” many have asked. It's troubling that Waddell, a councillor of seven years, has failed to make a significant impact on the community.
In a media release issued in early August, Mayor Ruddock expressed his concern over property developer interest in Hornsby Shire, sighting this reason as the catalyst for the Liberals preselecting Warren Waddell.
Waddell's father owns rural land in Galston, and Waddell asserts he resides on that property. However, it's widely rumoured within the community that his home is in Curl Curl. Even if Waddell did sell his share of this Northern Beaches property to his partner in 2021, as he told me, what is he doing representing Hornsby? Council is about roads, rates, and rubbish - do we really want a councillor, or worse, a mayor, who isn't dealing with these issues daily like the rest of us?
It's strange to me that the Liberal Party did not see fit to back Sallianne McClelland for Mayoral candidate when she's so well known and respected throughout the community, but then they don't have a track record for promoting women do they?
There is a lot of work to be done across Hornsby with incoming growth in the area. Recently, the state government withdrew significant funding for the redevelopment of the sporting development at Westleigh Park. This was to be the site for significant sporting and multipurpose fields, and with the news, Council is left bitterly disappointed as it would have addressed a critical shortfall in sporting facilities across the North Shore.
The election of the mayor needs to be merit based - it’s not as simple as passing the baton this time round. Votes will likely be taken from the Liberal Waddell with Tilbury standing for mayor as an Independent, and with two strong female councillors contending for the role. I’m hopeful that this will see an end to male-dominated Liberal tag team for Hornsby.
Ku-ring-gai Council is one to watch with former long-standing mayor, Jennifer Anderson, returning to the arena and standing in Gordon Ward. In my opinion, Gordon Ward is in desperate need of two new councillors. Thankfully, there a several new candidates to choose from.
One new candidate for Gordon is Independent Indu Balachandran, who I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with on several occasions. Indu is an articulate, warm and intelligent woman offering a refreshing and professional approach for the community. Her vision for Ku-ring-gai embraces cultural vibrancy, green space and sustainable development.
It’s great to see Jack Abadee, Liberal candidate for Wahroonga. He has an energetic and fresh voice and is hopeful to make his mark focusing on transparency, revitalisation of public spaces, and getting Council back on track including upgrading outdated sporting facilities. These candidates are local and have history in the area.
Ku-ring-gai has many issues requiring resolution for the next term. The Lindfield Village Hub stagnation, the lack of funding and direction for Marian Street Theatre, the continuing saga over the North Turramurra Recreation Area grandstand, and then there’s the state government’s transport-oriented development where Council is taking legal action. These issues call for a cohesive and functional team of councillors who have the best interests of Ku-ring-gai ratepayers at heart.
Most notably for residents of North Sydney is the overdue completion of North Sydney Pool. The budget has now blown out from $85 million to over $100 million with an unspecified delivery date of early 2025 (originally due for completion in 2023) and legal action afoot by Council against the Architects.
Willoughby City Council, one of the more stable councils, has current Mayor Tanya Taylor rerunning. Enjoying her role since the last election, Tanya has been a consistent figure in her efforts serving the Willoughby community. However, there are five independent candidates for mayor including Anna Greco who has also been active in the community.
In the Northern Beaches it’s been dreadful for the Liberal Party. Their unbelievable administrative blunder will cost them dearly into the future. You can read Anthony Caruso’s opinion piece for his views on the Beaches blunder and what this means for political group Your Northern Beaches.
I wish all candidates well in their campaign journey and encourage voters to talk to their candidates should you see them out and about.
