MidCoast Mayor Claire Pontin seeks re-election Myall Coast Myall Coast - popup ad Myall Coast News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - September 4, 2024 Labor candidate and incumbent Mayor, Claire Pontin. INCUMBENT mayor Claire Pontin will look to secure re-election to MidCoast council later this month, leading a team of six into the 14 September election. Elected to council in 2017, Ms Pontin served as deputy mayor from 2019-21 before taking the top job in 2022. 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 With 25 years of experience in government, Ms Pontin has tertiary qualifications in science, economics and financial analysis and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. The Labor-backed Pontin is joined on her Group D ticket by Digby Wilson, Nicole Green, Phillip Costa, Michael Burgess and Mark Vanstone. In a media statement to NOTA, Ms Pontin highlighted some of the achievements of council under her leadership. “To improve accountability, I drove improvements to council’s customer service system, consultations and engagement. “I initiated sensible climate actions, including greater use of renewable energy, which also saves money. “I consistently work to improve financial management and planning. “As Mayor, I called for a detailed report on the status and funding of our local roads to assist in future planning. “I have successfully kept up the pressure for reduced DA processing times and better economic development outcomes. “I met with and lobbied State/Federal Ministers and Members for improved hospital funding, housing support, more road funding, new cycle and pathways and a better funding deal for regional councils.” A representative of the Labor party in the election, Ms Pontin said party politics “have no place in local government”. “I do not bring political issues to Council,” she said. “I honour my oath to achieve the best outcomes for the MidCoast and will continue to work hard and make decisions for the community.” Based in Red Head, Ms Pontin said she takes “every opportunity” possible to meet with and listen to the people of Tea Gardens, Hawks Nest, Bulahdelah and surrounds. “I take my responsibility to work for the needs of everyone in MidCoast very seriously. “Councillors do not make day-to-day decisions on operational spending; rather, we set strategic directions and high-level budgets. “I always work to make sure our regional areas are not neglected.”
