Pressure to build more sustainable housing, upgrading an ailing road network and protecting the environment - these are all important issues that will influence the makeup of the next Port Stephens council.
But there is one that looms larger than others this time around - offshore wind.
Whatever their position on other issues, candidate know their position on this contentious clean energy project is critical to their chances of success.
The fact that a federal energy transition issue is taking up so much bandwidth in the local government election campaign has not been lost on some voters and candidates.
But, equally, it is an issue that will potentially impact on many aspects of life throughout the shire for years to come.
Despite the government's assurance there is nothing to worry about, tourism operators have launched a fierce campaign that highlights their concerns about how the turbines will affect their multi-million dollar industry.
Equally, environmentalists have raised alarm about the threat that offshore wind poses to the famous blue water wonderland.
The Coalition has invested plenty of time in Port Stephens ever since the government announced its Offshore Wind plan in mid-2023.
Both Labor and the Coalition know voters' response on the subject offshore in the local government elections will have major implications for the seat of Paterson in the next federal election.
While offshore wind might be the big issue of the moment, there are several other issues with more direct implications on voters' lives.
Like other parts of the Hunter, Port Stephens is under significant pressure to build more housing, in particular affordable housing.
Yet few other local governments have to balance the push to open up more land for development with concerns about the impact this will have on the natural environment.
Port Stephens Council has identified six sites in the local government area that could potentially host another 20,000 residents in the next two decades as part of its local housing strategy.
But this is easier said than done. For instance, one of the sites at Fullerton Cove is contaminated with PFAS.
Elsewhere concerns about koala habitat or noise from the RAAF base loom large.
In another balancing act, councillors were advised last year that nominating the Mambo Wetlands for protection under the international RAMSAR treaty would result in additional approvals and increased costs for future adjoining housing projects.
As always, the local government's road network has come to the fore in recent weeks.
The council rightly acknowledges that it requires government support to maintain its vast road network.
No doubt the question of what the priorities are will be determined by who you ask. In east and central wards it's Nelson Bay Road and the roads that run off it.
But in west ward, ask anyone who lives near Italia Road and they will talk about the need to mitigate the impact of quarry trucks on the road network.
It will be interesting to see how long the pledge to keep party politics out of local government lasts once the makeup of the new council is known.
The candidates in their own words:
Leah Anderson - Labor
My family moved to Port Stephens 20 years ago, and I have raised my 2 children here. It is a beautiful part of the world, and I love our community which is why I want to be the next Mayor of Port Stephens.
I have 35 years' experience in finance, including as a small business owner. I have volunteered for decades, including as President of Business Port Stephens. My work and volunteering background makes me uniquely placed to respond to the challenges faced by locals.
I have spent my first term on Council learning as much as I can and being the Councillor you deserve. I have attended 100% of Council meetings and briefings, which I believe is important from your elected representatives. I also regularly attend community meetings and host mobile offices - not just at election time. This will all continue.
I have proven that I take the role of being an elected representative very seriously. I have no hidden interests and no hidden agendas. I won't juggle being Mayor with another day job. I will be your full-time Mayor.
I will take action as your Mayor to improve our local roads, pathways, and infrastructure, keep rates low, improve on our rubbish services, build houses all across Port Stephens, support more events, protect our environment, and more.
I listen, I care, and I act. I am confident that if I am your new Mayor, you will not be disappointed.
You can read more policies here: https://sites.google.com/view/leahanderson2024
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeahAndersonPSC
Mark Watson - Independent
I am a father, husband and a family man, with a young daughter I want to see this area at its best as she grows older. This really is paradise and such a wonderful area to raise a family. However, we have a lot of work to do when it comes to maintaining and improving our area. This is why I am standing for the position of Mayor and East Ward Councillor.
There is a large level of under representation and it is very obvious that council needs a shake up with an introduction of fresh faces that are willing to engage with the wider community and make sensible well-rounded decision.
I firmly oppose the Hunter Offshore Wind Farm and believe council holds a responsibility to represent its community, it should be a voice of strong opposition. This project if it goes ahead has the potential to permanently change the fabric of the community and have an impact on tourism and small businesses.
Council needs to focus on the basics, such as Rates, Roads and Rubbish, ensuring ratepayers money is spent responsibly and in line with community expectations. We also need to be providing sufficient sporting facilities for our youth, empowering our volunteers and ensuring we have sufficient community consultation.
I won't be afraid to ask the hard questions and will be focused on getting the job done for our community, I believe there should NOT be any party politics within council, it should be free from party influence and be truly Independent for the people by the people.
Paul Le Mottee - Independent
I'm a former Deputy Mayor and now a candidate for Mayor in the Council election for Port Stephens. To find out more, please search for Paul Le Mottee - Port Stephens Mayoral Candidate on socials, or google Paul Le Mottee and give me a call.
- My team and I are determined to make Council part of the solution to the housing crisis rather than being part of the problem. (Details on Facebook)
- We are just as determined to redirect Council spending to roads and facilities and away from bureaucracy. (Details on Facebook)
- My team are utterly opposed to party politics in Councils, and we ask your support in keeping Port Stephens a Council of the people, and not of Sydney or Canberra.
- We are just as opposed to the ridiculous idea of a wind farm off our coastline and we would use all our influence to tell the Federal Government to rethink the idea, including the result of this election. (Details on Facebook)
I know we can deliver this owing to my experience as President of the Housing Industry Australia (HIA), a Director of the Association of Australian Certifiers, my membership of several other professional organisations, and my nine years on Council and my time as Deputy Mayor. Combine this with my experience as President of Williams River Community Preschool Association, Seaham P & C , Maitland and District Cricket Association and Port Stephens Cricket Club, and you have someone well known for getting the job done rather than talking about it.
