Increasing rates is causing anxiety to those most vulnerable
- Phil Constable
The co-founder of the Narooma Blues Festival has the blues with how the shire is run and hopes to be mayor after September 10.
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Chance for Change candidate Phil Constable is a past president of the Narooma Chamber of Commerce, owns the Mitre 10 store and studied at Narooma High School and the ANU.
He said the council was an “intimidating, unapproachable bureaucracy” and he wanted to “restore faith; providing a council that is approachable, transparent in … and fully focused on its role as service provider”.
He feared the impact of the Special Rate Variation upon vulnerable shire residents.
“The pensioner rebate has not increased for many years; increasing rates is causing anxiety to those most vulnerable,” he said.
Mr Constable opposed “selling-off parks and open space for short-term financial advantage” without solving “core financial woes”. He said youth needed more opportunities, as did residents leaving or travelling long distances for work. He sought an independent review of council spending on tourism promotion, fearing the strategy was “disfunctional” and without adequate return.
Running mate for councillor, Phil Jeffery, is the fourth generation of his family to farm in the Eurobodalla.
“I am concerned at the lack of development in the shire, much to which can be attributed to the overuse of native vegetation regulation and environmental constraints,” he said.
Kristy Beecham is a business owner and operator at Narooma. Wendy Paxton, candidate for councilor, was born in Batemans Bay Hospital and went to the original Batemans Bay Primary School, and is a business owner and operator in Batemans Bay. She wants a vibrant tourism industry to create jobs for all.
Gary Bailey is a business operator in Batehaven and family man.
“We desperately need a number of improved tourist attractions that will cover all seasons which in turn will create jobs and help retain the youth in our shire,” he said.
Trish Hellier wants an independent investigation of council finances, a review of paid parking in Batemans Bay, an independent review of shire tourism, and a flying fox control program.
More election coverage online.