Simon Chate – Ballina Shire meet your candidates

By Tim Howard

The Northern Rivers Times has asked all of the candidates for the September 14 local government elections to introduce themselves to voters identify the issues they want to address and policies they would pursue if elected.

Simon Chate (C Ward)

Simon Chate

My name is Simon Chate and I am running for Ward C.

I am a musician and music teacher at Alstonville High School, choir director and Ballina Shire Ward C councillor since 2021.

I have lived with my family in Alstonville and Wollongbar (Ward C) since 2001.

I have run choirs in the Ballina Shire since 1999, including Voices in the Roar (1999 – 2004) and Alstonville’s current community choir, Awesome Voices (2011 – present).

Along with one other person, I have run the Rous Unplugged monthly community performance nights in Rous Mill Hall since May 2012.

During this time, we have provided a friendly performance venue for hundreds of local performance of all types and have raised more than $40,000 for local charities and causes.

I am an active member of the Alstonville High School P & C committee.

During my time on council, I have offered monthly Listening Posts in Alstonville Plaza and have worked tirelessly to provide resolution for residents with council related issues.

I originally decided to run for council to take a seat at the council table on behalf of the environment.

I am a member of the NSW Greens party and locally, of Ballina Greens and have chosen to run my candidacy as a member of the Greens party.

The Ballina Greens have a limited campaign budget, supplemented through a number of local community fundraising activities such as trivia nights, movie nights and unplugged performance events. 

I see three main issues within Ballina Shire as affordable housing, protecting our environment and community consultation.

The Greens have an idea to bring affordable rental housing to Ballina Shire through the development of purpose-built housing stock on council owned land in Lennox Head and then rented out to local key workers at a specified, affordable rate.

Ballina Shire has recently passed its new Biodiversity Strategy.

An excellent vision document but lacking in “teeth” due to lack of funds.

I am keen to explore options, seek grants etc. to find ways to strengthen our strategy through sourcing additional funding.

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