AN already-packed Bathurst Regional Council ballot paper has grown by five after businesswoman Marg Hogan announced her plans to contest the election.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Ongoing COVID-19 concerns have seen the elections postponed for a second time but that hasn't deterred Ms Hogan from coming forward this week to introduce her five-member team.
Supporting her bid for council will be Gerarda Mader, Ashley Bland, Kalmadyne Goombrydge (Jim Beale) and Dave Rankine.
"This is a great team," Ms Hogan said. "It's diverse and so are the issues we need to address."
ALSO MAKING NEWS:
Ms Hogan's announcement means there will be at least a dozen five-member tickets on the ballot paper, along with a handful of solo candidates.
She said there was a need for some fresh faces on council.
"We want the silent majority in Bathurst to be heard," she said.
"We want to address the issues that are meaningful in the community. We don't want Bathurst to become a far, far western suburb of Sydney, we want it to become the envy of regional NSW.
"This beautiful city of ours is crying out for some vision. It deserves great ideas and people who are dedicated and committed to delivering them."
Ms Hogan said her team wanted to make Bathurst the most liveable city in NSW by "providing services for families and youth, improving prospects for local business and making developments more appropriate for families".
"I have decided to run because I don't believe the community is being heard by council," Ms Hogan said.
"There is a large segment of the community who want more from our representatives, but who are committed to working, educating kids, paying mortgages and putting food on the table.
"I believe I can be a voice for them. I want them to be heard. I want council to commit to projects that have long-term benefits for the entire community, not just minor segments of it.
"I want to be the first choice for your voice."
MORE COUNCIL ELECTION NEWS:
- John Fry to replace Cathie Hale as lead candidate on Bathurst council election ticket
- Bathurst's Stuart Driver to stand alone in his bid for council
- Ben Fry unveils youth-orientated ticket for a Balanced Bathurst
- Lifelong resident Nick Packham to contest Bathurst council election
- Stuart Pearson names five-person ticket for council election
- Robert "Stumpy" Taylor to lead five-member ticket at Bathurst council election
Ms Hogan said their priorities included improving communication between council and the community; building tourism with the help of "strong, local, brand ambassadors"; working to secure the region's water supply and water quality; and working to resolve the city's parking issues.
They also want to explore "limited" higher density housing at the Dairy Farmers site at the corner of Bentinck and Howick streets.
"We don't have all the answers, but we are committed to trying to find the best ones to give our kids a bright, secure and hopeful future," Ms Hogan said.
Council elections across the state will now be on Saturday, December 4.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.westernadvocate.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News
What do you think?
- Why not write us a letter to the editor ...