A major issue leading into the Cessnock council election is the planned widening of Wollombi Road.
Cessnock council is progressing plans to overhaul Wollombi Road to install two lanes in each direction between Cox Street, Bellbird Heights and West Avenue and upgrade intersections along the busy road.
Labor mayor Jay Suvaal said the road widening was a requirement for releasing land for housing and the project was funded through a state government grant and development contributions.
The council says the plans were identified as early as 2009 in the Bellbird North Section 94 Contributions Plan and the extra lanes would accommodate the city's growing population and alleviate congestion.
Consultation for a 2018 transport strategy also identified congestion along Wollombi Road, particularly during peak periods as a major issue. But the Cessnock Independents have been vocal against the proposal, arguing it will adversely impact residents and businesses along the stretch.
The Cessnock Independents are made up of councillor Dan Watton, who is running for mayor, councillor Jessica Jurd and former One Nation state candidate Quintin King.
The Facebook group Save Our Wollombi Road has also attracted more than 2000 members.
Another road project that has attracted attention is the proposed 'ring road' to bypass the Cessnock CBD. Critics have questioned when it will be built and how it will be paid for. Cr Suvaal said the council was collecting developer contributions towards a northern bypass, but that the Bellbird housing development would first need to grow and the developer construct the start of the ring road, which could only happen after Wollombi Road was expanded.
The elected council will take on a significant new look after all four sitting Liberals were not nominated after the party's election registration bungle. The Liberals were collegial with Labor, and some Liberal/National party members have even endorsed the Labor party for re-election.
Long-term Cessnock Independents councillor Ian Olsen, as well as Labor councillor Anthony Burke, will not recontest their positions, while councillor Anne Sander will run as Labor's third candidate in ward three, meaning she is unlikely to be re-elected.
Labor and the Cessnock Independents are the only groups running a full team of candidates in each ward, with returning Cr Watton putting his hat in the ring to try and unseat incumbent Labor mayor Jay Suvaal.
The Greens are also fielding a candidate for mayor in Llynda Nairn.
THE MAYORAL CANDIDATES: IN THEIR OWN WORDS
Jay Suvaal, Labor
I have lived in the Cessnock LGA almost my whole life. Born in Cessnock hospital, growing up in Kearsley and now raising my family in Kitchener. As mayor of Cessnock, I've worked hard to deliver for our community.
Listening to the concerns of residents, we have invested in local roads by doubling the roads maintenance budget. And we have tripled the capital works program delivery with over $65m spent last year alone. This has seen council upgrade roads across our community and also complete major upgrades to the Kurri Kurri CBD. We've built new shared pathways and upgraded our local parks, playgrounds and sporting facilities to make our community an even better place to live, work and raise a family.
But there's still more to do. The rapid growth our area is experiencing brings new challenges. We need an experienced and stable council to ensure that growth occurs in a sustainable way and new infrastructure is put in place early to support future developments. To keep delivering for Cessnock I need your support. Let's keep our council delivering for our community.
Daniel Watton, independent
I'm Daniel Watton, your current elected ward C councillor with the Cessnock council. I am proud to announce my candidacy for re-election as ward C councillor, as well as the independent candidate for mayor in the upcoming 2024 local government election. With a deep commitment to advancing Cessnock in the right direction, I am driven by a vision for a thriving community where the interests of our residents take precedence.
As a father of five children, I am personally invested in securing a prosperous future for our area. With established roots as a business owner within the Cessnock LGA and previously rebuilding operations at Kingdom Foodcare in Weston, I bring first-hand experience in fostering local enterprise and community initiatives.
I believe Cessnock holds immense untapped potential that has been overlooked for too long. My leadership is dedicated to harnessing this potential through proactive strategies that prioritise growth, development and sustainability. By leveraging our collective strengths and resources, I am committed to ensuring that Cessnock realises its full promise as a vibrant and prosperous community.
Llynda Nairn, Greens
I am a recently authorized marriage celebrant and JP living in Millfield. I hold a Bachelor of Communication degree.
I bring a lifetime of experience working with people of all backgrounds from my career as a touring performer. My degree has given me the tools and ability to listen and communicate sympathetically with residents about all matters that affect them.
I want to help shape decisions about the future of Cessnock, to make sure that people and our environment are our priorities.
When door knocking, residents told me that they do not feel heard by the council. I responded with the idea of an annual town hall meeting where residents can ask questions of their councillors and the general manager. The Cessnock Advertiser is no longer available in print. Residents relied on it to keep them informed. Many residents do not use digital communication; some rely solely on social media for local news. An annual town hall meeting is more important now than ever.
Residents also shared concerns about the lack of infrastructure in Cessnock.
If elected as mayor, I would lead our council to push developers to contribute with meaningful infrastructure. A token path around the edge of an estate is not enough. However, a shared pathway connecting a new estate to established communities and facilities is a useful asset for everyone.
I would lead council meetings that are respectful and inclusive of all opinions, and encourage residents to participate in developing council's strategic plans.
