The other big question facing Hilltops voters as they head to local government polls

When Hilltops residents turn out to vote for their local government representatives on Saturday (14 September), they are also being asked to consider the number of councillors they want on the council.

A constitutional referendum run in tandem with the local government elections is posing the following question to voters: “Do you favour a reduction in the number of Hilltops councillors from eleven to nine?”

According to Hilltops Council, considerations in response to the referendum question might be

For / Yes:

• Reducing the number of councillors might make decision-making faster and easier.
• Reducing the number of councillors will provide an ongoing cost saving for council.

Against / No:

• Having fewer councillors might make electors feel underrepresented.
• Having fewer councillors might result in less diversity and fewer viewpoints on the council.

The outcome of the September referendum will be applicable from the start of the new electoral term in September 2028.

Established as a result of state government forced amalgamation in May 2016, the Hilltops local government area (LGA) includes the former council areas of Boorowa, Harden and Young.

The predominantly rural region covers an area of 7140 sqkm and takes in the larger townships of Young, Harden-Murrumburrah and Boorowa and villages of Bendick Murrell, Bribbaree, Frogmore, Galong, Jugiong, Koorawatha, Monteagle, Murringo, Reids Flat, Rugby, Rye Park and Wombat.

As any motions of a demerger have been quickly quashed within the confines of the Hilltops chambers what simmers beneath this transactional marriage of the three former shires, word has it, are wide concerns around the community cost burden of diminishing council services amid continued financial fragility.

Also being cited is lack of transparency, sincere community consultation and shortsighted bureaucratic attitudes to driving development and economic growth across the LGA.

Sixteen people have proffered themselves for the 11 positions, among them seven incumbent councillors in Matt Stadtmiller (Cunningar), Mary Dodd (Young), Patrick Fitzgerald (Young), Joanne Mackay (Boorowa), Tony Flanery (Barwang), Brian Ingram (Young) and Alison Foreman (Burrangong).

Other local candidates include James Blackwell (Boorowa), Michael Skillen (Young), Jennifer Smith (Harden), Abdullah Sultan (Young), Neil Langford (Young), Fiona Douglas (Young), Brandon Douglas (Young), Michelle Gallo (Kingsvale) and Jake Davis (Young).

About Regional asked each contactable candidate their top priorities if elected; they are listed below in ballot paper order.

Local publisher Matt Stadtmiller served as a councillor at Harden Shire from 2012 to 2016 before being elected to Hilltops Council and, this year, is throwing his hat into the ring in two local government areas – Hilltops and Yass.

He has stated, for Hilltops at least, he will continue to fight for the best outcomes for the community and help find a path out of debt without a special rate variation or more costs to residents or job losses to the local community.

Among the priorities of teacher Mary Dodd, who is seeking a second term in Hilltops, is continuing the progress being made on financial sustainability, improving communication between council and the community, and seeing to it waste services are effectively managed while improving recycling practices and achieving economic benefits from material recovery.

Academic James Blackwell says he is running to give the community a voice while strengthening its relationship with council and to ensure the council is future focused.

Michael Skillen is hoping to represent a more communicative, consultative and cohesive council focused on attracting investment and growth to the region.

Teacher Patrick Fitzgerald is also looking to be returned as a councillor and says he is committed to ensuring Hilltops Council’s financial sustainability while ensuring efficiencies of essential services including waste and local roads.

Also seeking a second term in council, Joanne Mackay says she seeks simply to be the voice in council that reflects the diversity of the LGA, with her decision-making fact based, and a determination to improve communications between the council and the community.

Local farmer Tony Flanery served on the former Harden Shire Council for seven years and then Hilltops Council for eight years and says his priorities are financial accountability, improved reporting and service delivery as well as growing the region as a business and tourist destination along with the services required.

Shearing contractor Brian Ingram has served as a councillor since 2012, firstly on Young Shire and then the merged Hilltops Council where he was, for a time, mayor. He is campaigning on his commitment to giving people a voice, transparency and putting the community first.

Jennifer Smith has vowed to be the voice for Harden and surrounding communities, investigating the best options for the LGA’s future while advocating for stronger community consultation, better council management and financial stability.

Electrician Abdullah Sultan is seeking to introduce programs and initiatives to enhance opportunities for local youth and will strive for fair, just and objective development application approval processes and a more positive, inclusive and transparent council.

Former radio broadcaster Neil Langford says he believes, with federal and state elections looming, this next term of local government will be one of the most important this decade. He believes the question of demerging Hilltops should also be decided once and for all by the community not the council.

Local business owner and incumbent deputy mayor Alison Foreman said she was committed to further developing the Hilltops region into a thriving, leading regional centre, understanding the changing landscape of regional CBDs. Additionally, she said she had a strong passion for supporting the tourism industry and promoting women’s health initiatives.

Company director Fiona Douglas says by actively listening she aims to ensure the community voice is heard in local governance of the Hilltops community.

Harden post office manager Michelle Gallo, a former Camden Council ranger, is running on a platform of responsible pet ownership by reducing the impact and cost on local pounds through free microchipping and affordable desexing of cats and dogs in the region and addressing the larger challenges of roads, town parking, rates, finance, waste and a demerger.

No specific information on the priorities of the remaining two candidates – Brandon Douglas and Jake Davis – could be found at the time of publishing.

Some of the candidates provide information about their credentials to run as councillors and what their priorities will be on the NSW Electoral Commission website.