Local Government Elections

Voting is compulsory in the Local Government elections, with polling day on Saturday 14th September.

For those unable to vote on the day, Pre-Polling opens for the Local Government elections this Saturday (7th September) while applications close for postal voting on Monday (9th September).

As there are multiple candidates standing in surrounding council areas the Hills to Hawkesbury Community News coverage will focus on the main council areas we are distributed in: Hawkesbury City Council and The Hills Shire Council areas.

To find out what electorate you live in visit the NSW Electoral Commission website at elections.nsw.gov.au where you can search for the details of which council you are in and where to vote by filling in your address.

VOTING FOR A NEW MAYOR
The Mayor at Hawkesbury City Council is elected by councillors rather than residents and will be elected at a special council meeting in late September or October.

Hills residents will have the opportunity to vote for a new Mayor at the Hills Shire Council Elections on Saturday, September 14th with three candidates nominating for the top spot.

Current Greens Councillor and local vet Dr Mila Kasby has gained the number 1 position on the ticket. Second spot in the draw was won by former Mayor Liberal Dr Michelle Byrne. Third spot on the Mayoral ticket is Labor’s Immanuel Selvaraj.

Current Hills Mayor Dr Peter Gangemi will stay on as Hills Shire Mayor until after the election result is ratified by council which could be at the end of September or early in October.

We asked the three Mayoral candidates in the Hills to send us details on why they are standing. We have printed what they sent in the order their names will appear on the ballot sheet. This is what they said.

DR MILA KASBY:
“We should all have a say in shaping where we live and it’s been a privilege to stand for this as a councillor for the last 3 years. I’m a veterinarian, volunteer bushfire fighter, Mum and lifelong resident.

Council exists to serve our community, and as Mayor I’ll value resident’s input and improve this relationship. I’d like to see decision making with a social conscience, especially for those dealing with family violence and cost of living pressures.

Our council has no climate plan – we are way behind many other councils. We need to better prepare for heatwaves, bushfires and floods, to keep our community safe.

We must stand up against poor planning decisions and prioritise building more sustainable, affordable, energy efficient homes, supported by the necessary infrastructure without sacrificing what makes our community a great place to live and work.

This includes valuing our green spaces, reducing waterway pollution and protecting what we love, including critically endangered forest at Fred Caterson Reserve.

I’ve stood for integrity, transparency and proven I’m on our community’s side – this is what you’ll get from me if I’m elected as Mayor.

DR MICHELLE BYRNE:
“I have been fortunate enough to have lived in the Hills for almost my entire life, have previously served as Mayor and am involved in numerous community groups. I am passionate about serving our community, getting good outcomes, and ensuring the Hills remains the best place on earth to live, work and play. Not just for current residents but future residents as well.

The Hills, however, is facing its greatest challenge, complete over development without the necessary supporting infrastructure.

If elected I will be taking the fight up to the State Government, pushing back on the 20,000+ dwellings planned for the TOD Precinct between Bella Vista and Kellyville Metro Stations. As well as lobbying State and Federal Funding to provide the necessary infrastructure to support our community including schools, open space, sporting fields, community amenities and jobs.

“In addition to the above, improving our road networks, increasing community engagement as well as ensuring Council keeps its rates and charges as low as possible would also be key focuses.

“I currently live in Baulkham Hills with my husband Matt and our 3 daughters.“

IMMANUEL SELVARAJ:
“I am a long term Hills resident and live with my wife and daughter in Baulkham Hills. I have worked in corporate executive roles for over 25 years and I am a small business owner. I am President of the Greater Cumberland Chamber of Commerce and the Hills District Toastmasters.

I am also keen to preserve our green spaces while ensuring that development progresses only around the traffic corridors.

It is important that small businesses get more support and I am also determined to: reintroduce shuttle services to bring people from newer suburbs to Metro stations, increase the number of cycleways, build bus shelters and footpaths, especially in newer suburbs, and provide more exercise areas for adults.

I am also determined to stop fines for late returns of books in Hills libraries. Most Sundays I can be found teaching Sunday school at Reach church in Parramatta.”

I am passionate about ensuring Council advocates for infrastructure such as the widening of roads, more parking, sporting fields, parks and buses to keep up with development.