Local government elections will be held this Saturday, 14 September. Photo: Eurobodalla Shire Council.
With people heading to the polls on Saturday, seven of Eurobodalla’s eight mayoral candidates have put what voters can expect from them on the record. Here are their pitches, shown in the order listed on the ballot paper.
Phil Constable said he combined more than 30 years of business leadership at Mitre 10 Narooma with experience as a former councillor and president of the Narooma Chamber of Commerce. “My background in forestry and commitment to sustainable growth, cost-of-living relief and reducing rate increases make me well suited to lead. Having lived in the shire for more than 60 years, my deep community ties and dedication to infrastructure improvements position me to guide the shire towards a prosperous future.”
Claire McAsh said people should vote for her because she brought decades of engineering and environmental design experience, deep local knowledge and a genuine passion for the community. “As mayor, you can expect practical solutions to real problems, a focus on sustainable development, and a commitment to fostering economic growth without sacrificing our environment. My leadership will prioritise transparency, inclusivity, and a strong voice for all residents. Together, we can build a thriving, vibrant future for everyone.”
Anthony Mayne said he had been championing engagement and transparency in council for eight years as a councillor and during his two terms as deputy mayor. “I bring 25 years of corporate experience, in addition to my community engagement through roles in a variety of organisations including the RSL, RFS, theatre and local not-for-profit boards. I will continue to advocate for the community to be at the forefront when engaging with our housing strategy and master plans for the shire, to keep downward pressure on the cost of living through our rates and to ensure we protect our environment – the bedrock for our regional tourism economy and jobs. I will ensure our evacuation centres are fit for purpose as we move into a changing climate.”
Rob Pollock said over the past council term, people had been misled with outlandish promises that were never fulfilled and alarmist, unsubstantiated claims about its financial situation. “If elected as mayor, I will bring a much-needed focus on efficiency and accountability. My team represents a broad cross-section of the community, able to provide a fresh outlook tempered by experience and a solid understanding of the governance issues that councils must abide by. My commitment is to lead a council that prioritises the essential services that matter most – maintaining our roads, water and sewer systems – delivering what is truly needed and what is within our power to achieve.”
Labor candidate Sharon Winslade said that voting for her is a vote for change and putting the community front and centre. “It is a vote for securing our share of government funding, for a professional who has the background and expertise to deal with complex issues and large budgets, to fix the Pavilions mess, adopt an affordable housing strategy, and prepare our region to to respond to the effects of climate change. It is a vote for town master plans that meet the needs of our community, not just business and developers.”
Green candidate Colleen Turner said people should vote for her because she brings a long history of working across three levels of government and implementing large, innovative community projects. “I am skilled in developing and sustaining partnerships. I will manage group dynamics within council to build a culture of consensus that is inclusive of all our community. Councillors, staff and community can expect to be treated with respect and have their diverse voices heard when working together to ensure our residents are healthy, happy and housed.
Incumbent mayor Mathew Hatcher said he has a proven track record of being open, honest and available for the community. “I have shown how council can live within its means financially, prioritise the services that the community expects and bring the community together. I have delivered on every promise I made before I was elected and will continue to lead by example. I have a door-always-open policy and we will continue working closely with the community to deliver on the outcomes you expect.”
The remaining candidate, Mick Johnson, did not provide a response.
For more information on the candidates, check out their details on the NSW Electoral Commission’s website by clicking here.
Pre-polling runs from 7-13 September in Batemans Bay, Moruya and Narooma. For details on where you can pre-poll, click here..
On election day, polling venues include: Durras Progress Hall, Nelligen Mechanics Institute Hall, Batemans Bay Community Centre, Batemans Bay Surf Lifesaving Club, Batemans Bay High School, Long Beach Fire Brigade Station, Sunshine Bay Public School, Tomakin Community Centre, Mogo’s Boomerang Centre, Broulee Public School, Moruya Public School, Kyla Park Hall, Bodalla Public School, Dalmeny Community Hall (Fire Shed), Narooma Sport and Leisure Centre, Central Tilba Hall and Wallaga Lake Koori Village Community Hall.
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