Will the newly elected or re-elected Mayor and councillors pursue 'more of the same' growth and development, or a progressive alternative that puts the health and character of communities, and of the natural environment, ahead of profit?

The COVID-19 crisis, for all its disruption, has provided an opportunity for us to re-imagine the future. With the priorities and tone set by its leaders, the council diligently implements their vision. For at least 20 years, that has meant facilitating as much new housing and industrial developments as possible. Lip service has been paid to the environment, but the reality is constant pressure - on farmland and floodplains in the rural west, on leafy Medowie, on the precious character of the Tomaree and Tilligerry coastal villages, and on bush and rural land throughout Port Stephens. Everywhere we have seen an assault on the declining stock of street trees, habitat and corridors for native wildlife, including our iconic koalas. Some councillors will continue to believe that a 'growth and development' vision and model is what the community wants. It is certainly what a majority has voted for over the years, apparently satisfied with letting others set the agenda, and settling for a few big community projects.

Port Stephens is no different from a hundred other councils that have historically been firmly committed to the growth and development treadmill. This model promises 'trickle down' benefits in jobs, services and infrastructure which somehow never quite keep up with the demand that the new development creates. With a few exceptions, most communities have never experienced an alternative. But increasingly, people are re-evaluating their priorities. Overlapping crises - of climate change, environmental damage, lack of affordable housing and increasing inequality and injustice - are forcing a re-think. Port Stephens could become a model for a different kind of future, with a more sustainable level of growth, greater social equity and harmony, and more respect for our precious natural environment.

Let's hope that council can be more united and harmonious in this next, short three-year term. And that those who are elected can find common ground that reflects the community's values and priorities, and not just those of vested interests.