Six candidates have raised their hands to lead Port Stephens Council through the next three-year term. The Examiner asked these would-be-mayors what they would bring to council if elected. In order of how they appear on the ballot, here are their responses, to help inform your vote before election day on September 9.
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A new fresh council that I lead would be focused on the future. Port Stephens has a real opportunity to invest in the growth of our area. We have the opportunity to revitalise our town centres for our locals and visitors alike. Employment opportunities for our youth will come through strong economic growth in our business community. Improved connections between town centres, schools and homes are a priority. I will ensure that we look after the most vulnerable in our community through investment into our community programs. I will bring a strong fresh ethical future to Port Stephens.
- Ryan Palmer, Independent
It is my vision to bring back to our council a sense of inclusion, one where everyone no matter what your background, age, race, religion how rich you are or not, who you know or are friends with or any other defining factor for that matter can come in and have the comfort in knowing that their concerns are real and that they matter. It is about the entire community having the same set of rules to work from so that everyone can plan their future without fear of the 'grey area' being used to get a neighbours development approved over and above what they can. In short I will endeavour to bring the identity of Port Stephens Council back to being a council for the community.
- Des Maslen, Country Labor
As an experienced councillor and proven independent candidate, I'm seeking the role of mayor to lead a reinvigorated council that can claim transparency in dealing with the community, actively support public consultation and create a council that is accountable for its decisions. I enthusiastically support responsible and sustainable development and growth. I'm a passionate volunteer in this community and promise to make the community a focus of this term of council. I pledge to support communications workshops across the electorate and I will listen to the concerns and needs of the community. I have been a community volunteer my entire adult life, through scouting, Tidy Towns groups, the Medowie Community Centre and council committees. If elected mayor I will; treat the councilors and community with respect; support responsible and sustainable development; protect our precious environment; work to restore our community infrastructure; and consult and engage with our community.
- Geoff Dingle, Independent
I am running as an Independent and am not a member of any political party. I was first elected as a Central Ward councillor in 2004, again in 2008 and 2012. I am 63 years old and recently retired. I have a Bachelor of Metallurgy Degree (with honours) and a Master’s Degree in Engineering. I have set very ambitious goals for the next council, such as getting rail to the airport approved and funded, and starting construction of the Fingal Bay link road. Ambitious but achievable goals given my experience and the depth of experience of my team. My previous election commitments as a ward councillor have been achieved, and then some. This has only been possible because I am a team player and work constructively with my fellow councillors. I ask voters to judge candidates on their record. What are their past achievements and exactly what will they deliver if elected?
- Steve Tucker, Independent
My Goals as mayor will be to; continue to build council’s financial sustainability after turning around a daunting $13 million deficit in 2009 to a healthy $1.5 million surplus in 2017; continue to co-ordinate the planning and funding of the Fingal Bay Link Road; build a stronger, more cohesive council that will serve our community; roll out Port Stephens Council approved pathway plan; and continue to enhance strong partnerships with our amazing community groups. Our past achievements include; new Fingal Bay, Birubi and One Mile Surf Clubs; Safer traffic flow, especially during peak holiday season with traffic lights at Shoal Bay and Salamander Bay shops; new Community centres at Raymond Terrace, Fern Bay and Medowie; New Mens sheds at Salamander Bay Karuah and Raymond Terrace. My future projects include the establishment of the Koala hospital at Treescape Park and the extension of Yacaaba Street.
- Sally Dover, Independent
