Mr Judge, who ran as a Labor candidate in the 2023 State Election, told News Of The Area he wishes to lead a council which is “more open, transparent and accountable”.

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“A Council that listens, explains and responds to community concerns,” Mr Judge said.

Mr Judge, a local mental health ambassador, will lead the ticket for the ‘Your Community Voice’ team.

In a media statement released on Monday, Mr Judge highlighted the importance of “putting people before politics”, referencing a recent disagreement with his own party about the future of the Jetty Foreshores.

“I ran as a Labor candidate in two state elections and have Labor endorsement for the local government campaign. “However, I have taken a stand in the community’s interest by vigorously and publicly opposing the NSW Labor Government plans to privatise public land for development at the Jetty Foreshores.”

Joining Mr Judge on the ‘Your Community Voice’ team is intensive care nurse and business owner Htun Htun Oo, graphic designer and artist Lealah Durrow, disability support worker Danny Wilson, and women’s group pioneer Glenis Hunter.

Mr Judge said getting the basics like road and public space maintenance right was “non-negotiable”, while acknowledging other big issues facing the Coffs Coast.

“The housing crisis affects every aspect of our lives, and we need to find solutions,” he said.

“Waste management has been an issue for over a decade, and we need a long-term plan.

“We need to balance development with the need to protect the environment we love.”

One priority for Mr Judge is for Council to work more closely with other councils and levels of government.

“We need to solve the problems, but we don’t need to do it alone,” he said.

“The only way we will keep up the services we need with the budget we have is to work smarter.”

Acknowledging the role of mayor as being “complex and demanding”, Mr Judge believes serving a term as a councillor is “essential” to be effective in the top job.

“You need to set a vision, keep Council on track and shape the future.

“However, in the end you are just one vote in nine.

“The Mayor’s role is to bring the Councillor group together, find an effective way to reconcile different opinions and get the outcomes the community needs.

“The processes and relationships take time to understand.”

Mr Judge and the Your Community Voice team invite the community to get in touch to share their vision for the Coffs Coast and for council.