Port Stephens council election: Meet your new east ward councillor Matt Bailey

"For sure I'll be asking for advice [from Ms Abbott] on certain matters ... her knowledge and experience from years working in the community and with the Liberal Party would come in handy," said Mr Bailey, a Liberal Party member for six years who has been actively involved in politics for 15 years.

As for juggling work, council duties and parenthood - the Corlette couple have two children aged under four - Mr Bailey says it all comes down to planning.

"I am a financial planner by profession, so planning is a big part of how I function," he said.

"I think my [financial background] could also benefit the council and I will be looking to participate in some of those specialist committees."

Mr Bailey said he had decided to run for council because he believed that everyone deserved a fair go and "I am intent on listening to what people want and acting on that".

"I nominated fairly late and I don't do much via social media, but I spent many 12-hour days campaigning in the lead-up to the election, meeting people and listening to the issues. The Tomaree peninsula has strong Liberal Party support and I think that reflected in the polls," he said.

The 43-year-old father of two said that he was passionate about the environment and looking after the Port's pristine waterways and bushland in a sustainable way.

"Even the little things are important to get right, such as maintaining our public parks and open spaces," he said.

"I want to go into battle for our small business, particularly those that have been impacted by COVID. I think it's important that the council gets behind the 'buy and support local businesses' message. This in turn creates more jobs and a healthier economy."

Mr Bailey said that mental health issues, particularly among the youth of Port Stephens, would also be on his radar while on council.

"I see it as a growing problem and I would like to ensure funding for organisations such as COPSY continue to grow."

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Asked about being the lone Liberal Party member on the new-look 10-person council, Mr Bailey was not fazed.

"I will be voting with my conscience and treat every issue on its merit. There will be times I will vote with the Labor Party and times I will vote with the Independents," he said.

He expressed disappointment in the fact that the council had reduced its number of female representation from two at the last council to just one this time.

"This is upsetting because I believe we should have as diverse a representation as possible."

Mr Bailey is one of five new faces on the recently elected council joining Labor's Leah Anderson in east ward, Labor's Peter Francis in west ward, Labor's Jason Wells in central ward and Independent Peter Kafer in west ward.

They join returning mayor Ryan Palmer, Giacomo Arnott in west ward, Steve Tucker and Chris Doohan in central ward and Glen Dunkley in east ward.

The new councillors will be sworn in at the first meeting of council on Tuesday, January 11.

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