New Mayor Wishlist

By Samantha Elley

The new term for the recently elected mayors is about to begin and each has their own hopes and aspirations for their communities. The Northern Rivers Times was able to ask each of them how they felt about the team of councillors they would be working with, what they felt was a priority for their community and what they hoped they would achieve over the next four years.

Ballina

With six women now sitting on Ballina Council, Mayor Sharon Cadwallader believes there is a good cross reference of representatives for the community.

Mayor Sarah Ndiaye, Mayor Sharon Cadwallader, Mayor Robert Mustow, Mayor Steve Krieg

“We have quite an eclectic mix that gives a good representation,” she said.

“That’s the highest number of women we’ve ever had on council in Ballina.”

As far as priorities go, Cr Cadwallader has a long list she would like to see being achieved at least over the next 12 months.

“Obviously, housing is a priority,” she said.

“I’ve been in a meeting with Housing NSW and we have two exciting projects happening in Alstonville which will see 32 new homes for social housing.

“With 2.9% of the population in the council area needing social housing, we know homelessness is a problem.”

The 32 new homes are a mixture of 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units in Alstonville with 16 more units being developed in Wardell and more Aboriginal housing in Ballina.

“With our population at 47,500 across the shire, every day we have new businesses shifting to Ballina,” said Cr Cadwallader.

“We need more industrial land released and infrastructure needs to keep up with the population growth.”

Cr Cadwallader said there are plans for plenty of roadwork, the two bridges at Fishery Creek and Canal Road and park upgrades and renewals, followed by drainage work and upgrades.

“There is even a new pump track going into Kingsford Smith Park for the young ones to ride their bikes,” she said.

“With a works budget of $78 million it is the biggest we’ve ever had.”

There will also be plenty of applications for funding through the Growing Regions program to upgrade necessary areas of the airport at Ballina and a new community centre at Alstonville.

“They are big projects and we have to find 50% of the grant money,” Cr Cadwallader said.

“I am also advocating with the SES Deputy Commissioner, to get a new command centre at Ballina.

“Where they are operating now is inadequate which was shown through the floods.

“We need to be building for the future.”

Byron

Taking over the role of mayor at Byron for the first time, Sarah Ndiaye says she is filled with gratitude and excitement.

“Working alongside our new councillors has revealed a dedicated and caring group of individuals committed to representing our vibrant community,” said Cr Ndiaye.

“I want to thank everyone who participated in the election process.”

Cr Ndiaye said she had a number of priorities she wants to work on first.

“First and foremost, we need amenities that are fit for purpose,” she said.

“It is essential these facilities are accessible to all and that community members have a meaningful voice in their development.

“Upgrading our roads and infrastructure, particularly drainage systems, is also a crucial focus.

“Environmental stewardship is another top priority.

“I will advocate for the appointment of a senior ecologist within our planning department to ensure we don’t overlook vital ecological considerations.

“Additionally, incorporating First Nations perspectives into our planning and land management strategies offers an exciting opportunity for collaboration.”

Cr Ndiaye also wants to see a development of the thriving creative arts scene, as well as addressing the urgent housing crisis.

“I am committed to examining current initiatives, such as regulating short-term rentals and developing the old Mullumbimby hospital site,” she said.

“(I will) work with all levels of government to establish safe refuges for women and children facing domestic violence, along with additional public housing options.”

Within her term Cr Ndiaye would also like to see the security of a diverse and sustainable water supply and the development of a circular economy to help revitalise Byron’s towns and villages.

“I recognise the significant challenges we face, especially as we recover from recent floods,” she said.

“It is crucial to set realistic expectations as we move forward.”

Lismore

Steve Krieg is happy with the democratic process in relation to his new team of councillors.

“Democracy is what it is, and I’m thrilled with everyone that got elected,” he said.

“I am sure the people who have been re-elected are going to do an outstanding job for their community, but I’d also like to recognise the people that didn’t necessarily make it on to council this time but congratulate them for their efforts.”

Cr Krieg said there were many priorities to start with in the LGA.

“One of the reasons I wanted to run again is a lot of the work that we’ve started in the last couple of years is a continuum, so I want to be able to follow that through and see some of those major projects come to fruition,” he said.

“I do want to see the road network repaired.

“Only a few months ago we got the biggest disaster funding grant, so I want to see those sorts of things (with) all the physical work going to be starting in the next six months.”

Cr Krieg said he also wanted to see the continued work of financial control within council.

“We’ve made real inroads in the first couple of years in spite of the floods; we’ve been able to pay down a significant amount of council debt,” he said.

“From years of running at $25 million operating deficit we are looking at around $5 million.”

The waste strategy is also on Cr Krieg’s agenda to be dealt with in this term.

“It’s on the right course, we aren’t saying it doesn’t need tweaking,” he said.

“A facility that was costing our ratepayers $5-6 million a year, after making those changes, we’re looking at at least a break even and possibly a small surplus within nine months.”

Cr Krieg’s legacy after the term is to see council as a strong organisation, without the revolving door of general managers and senior staff.

“I want to look back in four years and say the place is much better than what we found it,” he said.

“I want people to be proud of the city and the LGA they live in, to restore the civic pride, the roads are not only better but they are well maintained so you are proud of what you drive into.

“Our cityscape is beautiful and appealing, and we’ve got an active retail sector and a vibrant night life and our industrial estate is booming.

“I want to be able to look back at it and say we had a small part to play in making Lismore a really good regional centre.”

Cr Krieg said Lismore should become an option for young families to come and relocate and raise their kids.

“I want to see the best health network in regional Australia, all those things that make a strong regional centre.”

Richmond Valley Council

Robert Mustow is looking forward to another four years working for the Richmond Valley Community

“I think (the new council) is a good make up,” he said.

“The people have had their say and regardless of what I think, it should be good outcomes for the community.

“We aimed for our whole team to get back in and the community have endorsed what we’ve done.”

As a priority, Cr Mustow has highlighted the upgrade of the sewerage system in the residential areas, especially stage two for Evans Head, Woodburn and Broadwater.

“Casino’s sewerage system is 70-80 years old, so it needs a major upgrade as well,” he said.

“If we want growth in our region, in the residential and industrial areas, then we need those services.

“Rappville will be sewered for the first time as well.”

With a new strategic plan coming up, Cr Mustow said it will be interesting to see what the community has to say in regards to needs and wants.

“Whatever comes out of the strategic plan, council will work it to the budget that we have,” he said.

Looking towards the next four years Cr Mustow has hopes that the new council will work together, as well as he felt the last one did.

“We have had a cooperative council that all worked together,” he said.

“We’ve never had a code of conduct complaint and that’s what we need, a cooperative council.”

Cr Mustow said there have been many requests for bike tracks on the lower river, especially between Woodburn, Evans Head and Broadwater and in the Casino area, more residential blocks are opening up to create more housing.

“We’ve tried to have developments in the lower river but have been opposed by the community,” he said.

Cr Mustow also wanted to send thanks to former councillors Patrick Deegan and Debra McGillan for the work they had done in the previous term.