Meet the Candidates session held in Bonny Hills Camden Haven Camden Haven News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - September 6, 2024 Candidates shared their platforms and ideas with residents. THE Hastings Residents Association (HRA) hosted a Meet the Candidates session on Tuesday, 3 September at the Bonny Hills Community Hall, providing locals with a valuable opportunity to engage directly with those seeking to represent them in the upcoming NSW local government election on 14 September. This event was the third such gathering organised by the HRA across the Port Macquarie-Hastings local government area (LGA). Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au Representatives from four of the six groups standing for election attended, alongside sole ungrouped candidate DJ Apanui. Absent were Group C (Team Roberts), led by Adam Roberts, and Group E (Labor), led by Hamish Tubman, who both sent apologies. Despite these absences, more than 50 local residents attended, eager to hear the vision and plans of those vying for a seat on Council. After brief introductions, each group was given three minutes to present their opening remarks. Key themes emerged from the presentations. Team Sheppard’s group emphasised “accountability, teamwork, and being future-ready”, while the Libertarians touted a bold platform, warning that it was “not for everybody” and reiterated their six-point manifesto. DJ Apanui advocated for diversity on the council and encouraged voters to “take time and vote below the line” to ensure inclusive leadership. The Greens pushed for a “well-balanced council that represents all of the community”, and Team Lipovac highlighted the need to address local issues like sustainable housing development and catching up on infrastructure projects. The Q&A session that followed allowed residents to probe deeper into the candidates’ positions. Questions covered candidates’ plans for community consultation, handling of spending and council funds, and specific focuses such as climate change, infrastructure and development policies. Residents also raised concerns about the council’s role in climate initiatives, “Smart Cities”, and long-standing local issues like traffic congestion on Wrights Road/Lake Road. In attendance was Bonny Hills local Paul, who said events such as this had a “big role” to play in local democracy. “It’s important to not only hear what the candidates have to say, but how they conduct themselves when being questioned,” he said. By Luke HADFIELD
