Residents' association says forum was a 'huge success'
The Peninsula Residents Association has described its Candidates Forum held on Thursday, August 22, as "a huge success".
The residents' association is encouraging Peninsula residents to make an informed choice at the Central Coast Council elections.
It held the forum for Gosford West Ward councillors to describe their policies and to answer questions, according to its moderator, association committee member Mr Peter Gillis.
"The night was a huge success, with 162 residents riveted to their seats for over an hour and a half of talks from the would-be councillors, with questions from the audience after each speech," he said.
He said all six groups of candidates for the ward were represented, but the two ungrouped candidates did not attend.
Mr Gillis said the candidates were asked to include, in their presentation, policies on a range of issues relevant to the local government area, and to the Peninsula in particular.
Among the issues were Council financial management, environment, development, and Council improvement and accountability.
Candidates were also asked to give their views on the referendum to reduce councillor numbers from 15 to nine.
Speakers on the night were Mr Kevin Brooks (Ratepayers' Choice), Mr Daniel Abou-Chedid (Team Central Coast), Mr Trent McWaide (Liberal Party), Ms Belinda Neal and Mr Mark Ellis (Labor Party), Ms Lisa Bellamy, Ms Sarah Blakeway and Ms Tegan Mulqueeny (Coasties Who Care), and Ms Jane Smith (Central Coast New Independents).
Mr Gillis said audience questions included how community consultation could be improved.
Another question raised the issue of the Peninsula having 11.2 per cent of the population, and "we get four per cent back of the capital works budget".
Mr Gillis said questions about trees on the Peninsula and the heat island effect got rousing applause when a resident stated "Everything is cleared here. They leave nothing behind.", referring to site clearing for new developments.
"The evening showed that the Peninsula has a very engaged community, and that the newly-elected councillors will have an uphill battle to address Council issues that have affected our lifestyle, environment, and wellbeing," said Mr Gillis.
The Association encouraged the residents to vote No to the Referendum, he said.
"We need more representation, not less."
Mr Gillis asked residents to assess both the policies of candidates and their capacity to implement changes in Council decision-making.
He asked residents to consider candidates' positions on the following policy issues.
Financial management: Continuation of increased rates, operational expenses, unnecessary projects, public visibility of accounting.
Maintenance and improvements: Community infrastructure, including roads, drainage, and flood works.
Environment: Tree canopy and heat island effects, foreshore erosion and seawalls, flood mitigation and the rare Umina Coastal Sandplain Woodland, and future planning for global environment effects and disasters.
Strategic planning and local development: Planning processes and laws impacting community, increased housing density forced by State bodies, housing affordability, community land retention, and strategic future planning.
Community inclusion: Genuine consultation, Your Voice Our Coast.
Council improvement: Department accountability, financial accountability, strategic planning, departmental autonomy, consultation with councillors, community representation by councillors.
Peninsula representation: How the candidate will work with and take advantage of help offered by the Peninsula Residents' Association and other local community groups.
SOURCE:
Media release, 31 Aug 2024
Peter Gillis, Peninsula Residents' Association