The event, hosted and moderated by the Hastings Residents Association (HRA), offered the community a chance to engage directly with those vying for seats on Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.

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HRA representative Greg Franks emphasised the significance of such gatherings.

“I think it’s really important that all candidates attend these meetings so the public know what they will do if they’re elected.”

According to the HRA, Team Roberts was invited to the event but did not respond.

When contacted for comment, lead Team Roberts candidate and mayoral candidate Adam Roberts confirmed to News Of The Area that an apology was emailed to the HRA ahead of the meeting.

He also reiterated the team’s preferred position to host their own candidate information sessions with community stakeholders, citing they believe it provides electors a better opportunity to meet candidates and discuss policies and positions in a relaxed and informal setting.

The meeting was well-attended by candidates from the other groups seeking election, including the Greens, Team Lipovac, Team Sheppard, the Libertarians (formerly Liberal Democrats), and Labor.

Ungrouped candidate Donald (DJ) Apanui also attended.

Throughout the evening, a variety of questions were posed by audience members, covering topics such as climate resilience, water security, the referendum on councillor numbers, the structure of electoral districts, the proposed Port Macquarie tidal pool, and the controversial issue of smart cities and population surveillance.

Other noteworthy questions included concerns over water security and supply in light of population growth, and whether current staffing levels are necessary to run council operations.

Other questions probed candidates’ views on active transport benefits, the rate freeze, and the contentious use of the mayor’s casting vote over the past twelve months.

In some instances, lead candidates delegated specific topics to other candidates on their tickets, highlighting their expertise in those areas.

The theme of diversity in representation was also a focus of the night, with many candidates expressing their commitment to ensuring a broad spectrum of voices within council.

As the session drew to a close, each candidate was given two minutes to summarise their positions and make final appeals to the electorate.

The HRA have confirmed they plan on hosting more Meet the Candidates sessions across the region, including events in Wauchope, Lake Cathie and Laurieton.

Some of these details are still to be confirmed.

By Luke HADFIELD