With its sprawling network of country roads and bridges, it's little surprise that improved infrastructure has dominated the Dungog Shire council election campaign.
All candidates largely agree that more needs to be done, but how should it be funded?
With limited rates revenue, increased government funding seems to be the only sustainable option.
But change is also on the horizon - the shire's population is expected to increase significantly in coming decades as more seachangers seek out the region, which is located between the Lower Hunter and Mid North Coast.
Yes, it will bring increased rates and development income, but it will also put more demand on local government services.
This is likely to be a major forward-looking area that the incoming council must apply itself to.
Four of Dungog's community members have put their hand up to take on the job of mayor, Digby Rayward, Michael Dowling, Karen Drinan and the incumbent mayor John Connors. All of the mayoral candidates are running as independents.
All of the current council members are running again at this election.
The only candidate who has registered any party affiliation with the NSW electoral commission is Alexandria Carruthers who is affiliated with the Labor Party.
The candidates in their own words:
Digby Rayward
I am standing for Mayor of Dungog because I believe we need a change in the current style of leadership.
I have been on Dungog Council for two terms and, if elected as Mayor, this will be my third term.
I am a collaborative leader, a leadership style developed over many years especially on the sporting fields.
A collaborative leader recognises the effectiveness of the team - the team being the Community, the Councillors and the General Manager of the Council.
The team needs to put together policies that reflect the aspirations of the Community, these are presented to the General Manager for implementation. This higher level of policy development at the community level has been missing.
When the vision for the future of the Dungog Community is established, Council then takes the role as the ENABLER.
Councillors need to ensure that the delivery of services at the Council is effective and efficient.
The culture of the Council is vitally important - Dungog needs to be known as a CAN DO Council.
If the culture is right, we are more likely to attract investment into the Shire.
The development application process is frequently raised as an issue. Councillors need to work through these issues to identify areas for improvement.
Community members are a great source of knowledge, and I will encourage and work to created community stakeholder reference groups.- these will provide advice and opinions to assist Councilors in their decision making.
I urge electors to consider positive, go forward candidates and vote wisely.
Michael Dowling
My current term on council has been thoroughly rewarding, representing my community. It's the outcome for the community which is the driver behind what I do.
When it comes to this term, I have found it to be a continuous learning process that has truly been very enriching.
My objectives for the next term are: . to continue to be an active representative for our local Dungog community, one that is often overlooked by our State and Federal Governments. . to keep our community updated via social media about what is happening across the shire, and inform the community regarding situations that may affect them.
I will also continue to advocate for increased road funding, improved services for our community, and seek government and private investment to create economic growth and development across our region. I will continue to advocate for the establishment and expansion of industries to help create jobs within our shire.
I will endeavour to improve the range of housing opportunities across the shire, and create an environment where people can call Dungog Shire home.
Ultimately, I seek to enhance our Local Government Area and make sure all villages and rural areas are fairly represented.
I look forward to continuing the work the current council has started. I am always available to listen to your ideas and your input, and for now I seek your vote that will return me to Dungog Shire Council as Mayor. "Let's Make a Change" Vote 1 Michael Dowling.
Karen Drinan
My name is Karen Drinan. I've lived in Clarence Town for 5 years. I grew up in the Hunter, before serving with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for 13 years in both sworn and unsworn roles. I also deployed to Timor Leste as a UN Peacekeeper in 2000/01.
I then worked for the NSW Government before starting my own childcare company with the aim of assisting shift working parents, operating that company for 11 years so far, employing over 35 people.
I have also held various temporary roles with NSWEC and the AEC including as Returning Officer where I was responsible for recruiting, training and supervising up to 500 people; managing resources and budgets; and ensuring the elections ran smoothly and legally.
I'm a member of Clarence Town Rural Fire Service and I have also recently joined Disaster Relief Australia.
Some may question why they should vote for me as Mayor when I've never served on council? My response is that a Mayor needs to be personable, presentable and professional. They need to be able to lead a team from the front; leading decision making with an open mind based on common sense; legislative and budget restraints; and community need and input. They need to be able to take on feedback, be open to new ideas and act ethically at all times. They should have experience in business, understanding legislation, and dealing with various stakeholders.
I believe I have these skills and the experience which I have developed through my public service, personal life, business experience and community volunteering roles and are these are all easily transferrable to the role of Mayor, or Councillor.
If we don't make changes, change will not happen. Fresh faces, fresh ideas and diversity can re-invigorate our Council and hopefully our community as a whole.
John Connors
Together with my wife, Lisa, I have lived on 200 acres at Sugarloaf, out of Dungog, since 2007. I am a retired Barrister who practised extensively, as a solicitor and as a barrister, in the fields of Local Government and Planning for over 30 years.
In 2017 I became a councillor on Dungog Shire Council and in March 2020 became Mayor, upon the resignation of the then Mayor.
I have presided over the most significant capital works programme in the history of Dungog Shire with well over $100m in grant funds being obtained during this term of council.
I have represented the Shire on the Hunter Joint Organisation of Councils, NSW Country Mayors Association, Local Government NSW, Australian Local Government Association and the Hunter Water Community Consultative Committee.
Dungog Shire being very dependant on Government assistance needs someone who is well able to advocate with governments of all persuasions to get the assistance that we need. I have proven over the past 4 years that I am such a person.
The anticipated population growth will require appropriate development and not a repeat of the Lower Hunter intense housing developments - the rural nature of the shire must be retained.
The future of the Dungog Shire, as we know and like it, needs experience and proven ability over the next term of council and that it what I offer. I am independent and if re-elected will be obligated only to the ratepayers of the shire.
