THE countdown to the NSW local government elections on Saturday, September 14, 2024 has officially begun, with the nomination period for candidates closing last Wednesday.

The Port Macquarie-Hastings Council (PMHC) is composed of nine councillors, including a popularly elected mayor, and this year’s election looks to bring significant changes to the local government landscape.

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A total of 28 candidates are vying for nine councillor positions, while four candidates are in the race to become the new mayor, following current Mayor Peta Pinson’s decision not to recontest.

A ballot draw, which took place last Thursday under the supervision of the returning officer in Port Macquarie, has determined the order in which candidates will appear on ballot papers.

The four mayoral candidates, listed in ballot paper order, are:
● Lauren Edwards (Greens).
● Adam Roberts (Independent).
● Nik Lipovac (Independent).
● Mark Hornshaw (Libertarian Party, formerly Liberal Democrats).

Three of these candidates – Councillors Edwards, Roberts, and Lipovac – are currently serving councillors, adding a layer of familiarity to the mayoral race.

The councillor candidates, grouped as they will appear on the ballot, are:
● Group A (Greens): Lauren Edwards, Stuart Watson, Jane McIntyre, Leslie Mitchell.
● Group B (Independent): Rachel Sheppard, Lisa Intemann, Kingsley Searle, Linda Elbourne.
● Group C (Independent): Adam Roberts, Danielle Maltman, Chris Kirkman, Evan O’Brien, Kylie Van Der Ley, Josh Slade.
● Group D (Independent): Nik Lipovac, Jon Bailey, Ellen Crepaz, Luke Garel.
● Group E (Labor): Hamish Tubman, Lorna Neal, Reginald Millar, Susan Baker.
● Group F (Libertarians): Mark Hornshaw, Breelin Coetzer, Duane Stace, Deborah Cooper, David Bird.
● Ungrouped: Donald Apanui (DJ) (Independent).

In addition to electing a new council and mayor, residents will also participate in a referendum to decide whether the number of councillors should be reduced from nine to seven.

By Luke HADFIELD