Ballina News

Ballina mayoral candidates

Published

2 weeks ago

4 September 2024

Liam

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Ballina mayoral candidates

By Tim Howard

The Northern Rivers Times asked candidates for Mayor in the September 14 Local Government elections in Ballina to explain why they’re running and what they thought of holding a popular vote for the office.

By deadline this week, two had taken up the offer and it remains open for the other three, Sharon Cadwallader, Kevin Loughrey and Kiri Dicker.

Andrew Broadley

I have genuine gratitude for my life here. I wish to return it with service to the community.

I have experienced life as a member of a working family, balancing the cost of providing for a family while encouraging my children and partner to excel at their chosen activities.

I have the shared experience of many, which is commuting to work on the Bruxner Highway, involvement in local sporting clubs, volunteering in cultural and community activities.

I am here to listen and serve the people of our community. I hope to continue advocating for the needs of our community through a more official pathway.

Challenges

The cost of living is the major issue in our area.

This is clearly experienced through the scarcity of affordable housing and energy prices.

As Mayor I will work tirelessly to manage the costs of delivering Council services so that there is no additional burden placed on families in these difficult times.

I will use my vote on council to ensure that council resources are managed prudently to provide continuity of service to the community.

It is critical that the decisions of Ballina Council do not undermine the measures that our Federal Government has put in place, such as income tax cuts and cheaper medicines.

All levels of government must address the cost of living in a substantial way.

The health of the Richmond River has been neglected for too long. Multiple reports have been tabled, the recommendations ignored. Ballina Council must commission regular water quality testing and publish the results.

In 2019 a report to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment recommended the establishment of a Richmond River Coordinator.

An employee who would work with all stakeholders to coordinate on ground works, arrange funding for repairs and plan for the restoration of the river.

It is imperative that this happens quickly.

Popular vote for Mayor?

The outcome of popular votes tends to favour the incumbent candidate.

As a challenger, it is logical for me to confirm that I would prefer a different way of choosing the Mayor.

Phil Meehan

It’s time for change. Simple as that. This is why I am running for Mayor in Ballina Shire.

One of my key principles in local government is ‘social justice’. It is my belief that during this last term of Council, this principle has on too many occasions gone missing. We have had a small group of residents being able to ‘choose their own land zone’. A right not given to all. We have had another group of residents not being allowed to apply to manage a community facility. We have had councillors denigrating others because of political affiliations. We simply need a change, and I believe I have the integrity, experience, and social conscience to provide the positive leadership required.
The major challenge In Ballina Shire, like all others, is to maintain a sustainable financial position while not putting pressure on residents through extra rate or charge rises. I have a strong view that Council should examine its own structures and operations to identify where savings can be made while maintaining service levels.
The election of Mayor by popular vote has a strength in that the people have the say, they elect the Mayor. Election of mayor by councillors inherently involves factionalism and political deals being done. The downside of the popular election is that the voters do not necessarily know the real capacities of the candidates.

For more local elections news, click here.

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Ballina News

Man dies in two-vehicle crash – Ballina

Published

6 hours ago

19 September 2024

JeffG

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Man dies in two-vehicle crash – Ballina

A man has died in a two-vehicle crash in the state’s north.

About 5.45pm yesterday (Wednesday 18 September 2024) emergency services were called to Tamarind Drive, Ballina, following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Richmond Police District attended the scene and found two vehicles – a silver Honda Accord sedan and a white Hyundai i30 – had collided.

Police removed the 62-year-old driver of the Hyundai from the vehicle before he was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics; but he was unable to be revived.

The 18-year-old driver of the Honda was also treated at the scene before being transported to Lismore Base Hospital for treatment.

Police established a crime scene and Crash Investigation Unit officers commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

As inquiries are ongoing, anyone with dashcam vision or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

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Ballina News

Free Bike Safety and Maintenance Workshops This October

Published

1 day ago

18 September 2024

Liam

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Free Bike Safety and Maintenance Workshops This October

Jeff Gibbs

Ballina Shire Council is offering two free bike safety workshops during the upcoming school holidays on Wednesday, October 2, and Wednesday, October 9, 2024.

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just getting started, these workshops provide the perfect opportunity to have your bike inspected by professionals, receive valuable safety tips, and get answers to any questions you may have about bike maintenance and road safety.

The workshops will cover:

Comprehensive bike safety checks (please note that no repairs will be conducted onsite, and no parts will be supplied)
Basic bike maintenance tips and advice
Proper helmet fitting techniques
Guidelines for riding on roads, shared paths, and rail trails
E-bike regulations
Safety tips for cycling with children

Photo credit Copyright State of New South Wales (Transport for NSW)

Workshop Details:

Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Location: Lennox Head Cultural Centre, Meeting Rooms 1, 2 & 3
Time: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Address: 1 Mackney Lane, Lennox Head
Registration: Click here.
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Location: Richmond Room, Ballina
Time: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Address: 5 Regatta Avenue, Ballina
Registration: Click here.

Each workshop is limited to 30 participants and will run for approximately two hours. Don’t forget to bring your own bike and any safety-related questions you might have!

For more information on the free Bike Safety Workshops, please contact Helen Carpenter, Road Safety Officer, at 1300 864 444 or email council@ballina.nsw.gov.au.

For more local Ballina news, click here.

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Ballina News

Northern Rivers Election results to date

Published

1 day ago

18 September 2024

Liam

Northern Rivers Election results to date

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Northern Rivers Election results to date

By Samantha Elley

NSW voted for their council representatives over the weekend and while results aren’t finalised, we have compiled the results so far at time of printing (Monday 16th of September).

Ballina

Residents of the coastal local government area showed they have been happy with the work Sharon Cadwallader has been doing as mayor. She is currently sitting at 45.08% of the vote with her nearest rival, the Greens Kiri Dicker. a long way back at 25.79%

A ward favourites include the Greens Erin Karsten on 20.73%, Independent Damian Loone following closely at 17.35% and ALP’s Maria Marshall on 14.07%, although Independent’s Kevin Loughrey is close on her heels at 13.52%.

B ward has larger margins with Sharon Cadwallader taking 36.12% of the vote then Kiri Dicker, much closer than in the mayoral race at 31.34%. After that the closest candidate is ALP’s Andrew Broadley on 11.65%.

C ward has the Greens Simon Chate leading the chase on 36.21%, followed by Independent Simon Kinny on 28.47% and another Independent These Crollick on 15.12%

Byron

Current mayor Michael Lyon’s recent public issues are reflected in the sad results of his race to get back in the top job, with his mayoral vote hitting a paltry 17.29% compared to Sarah Ndiaye of the Greens who is sitting on 34.71%. However, there is a chance ALP’s Asren Pugh is not discounted yet with 30.37% of the vote.

The Greens also have a chance of strong representation on council as Group D holds 40.22% of votes for their council candidates, followed by the ALP at 27.95%.

Kyogle

While it has been tradition that elected councillors in Kyogle voted for the mayor, residents of this inland local government area had the extra task of deciding in a referendum question, whether or not they wanted a popularly elected mayor and a reduction in the ward numbers or the status quo. Results at time of printing were not available.

A ward’s most popular candidate thus far is Brett McNamara with 31.15% of the vote, followed by Kieran Somerville with 26.67% and long-standing councillor Janet Wilson at 18.40%.

B ward’s winning candidate is currently Olivia Taylor with 34.03%, then current councillor John Burley 25% and Robert Cullen on 19.29%.

In C ward popular councillor and previous mayor Danielle Mulholland holds 40.88% of the vote with Tom Cooper on 21.06% coming second and Robin Harley on 13.63% holding the bronze.

Lismore

There is no doubting the popularity of current mayor Steve Krieg who looks like holding his seat with 48.38% of the vote, trailed by the Greens Vanessa Grindon-Ekins on 21.13%.

The Independent Group A look like, not only getting their mayor back in but will fill a few seats around the council table with 42.39% of votes.

They are followed by the Greens Group D with 26.77% and ALP’s Group B holding 18.77%.

Richmond Valley

It looks like business as usual for the Richmond Valley with mayor Robert Mustow holding a comfortable lead to retain his role on 38.93%. He was given a run for his money by newcomer Lyndall Murray in the early part of counting before she settled around 27.17%.

There should be a mixture of new and old faces on council with Group D, led by the current mayor, Robert Mustow receiving 41.42% of the vote and newcomers, with Lyndall Murray, Group C, second with 25.69%. Group A led by previous Richmond Valley general manager, John Walker obtained a healthy 20.51%.

Tweed

A large number of parties were vying for all council positions with the current group with most votes being the Liberals with 28.74%. ALP are a comfortable second on 14.96% and Independent Group A, led by current mayor, Chris Cherry in third with 13.42%.

To keep up to date with the Northern Rivers Elections Results, click here.

For more local elections news, click here.

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