Three local women passionate about the Central Coast and ensuring transparency in local government have declared their candidacy for the September Council election under the banner Coasties Who Care.
Lisa Bellamy, Sarah Blakeway and Tegan Mulqueeney will run as Independents, aiming to promote a thriving and sustainable local economy by putting locals first.
Bellamy is a long-time resident of the Central Coast who raised three children, all of whom attended Kariong Public School.
She is an accountant and worked as a finance manager for the University of Newcastle.
In March, 2023, she ran for the seat of Gosford in the NSW state election, achieving impressive results for a newcomer.
“While we care deeply about our amazing natural environment, we are certainly not anti-development,” she said.
“We are realistic about the need for development and adequate infrastructure but believe our planning policies should balance economic growth with protecting the very reason most Coasties choose to live here; our incredible and diverse natural environment.
“Due to questionable state government targets, the Central Coast population is set to soar in the next few years, and if we don’t want the Coast to become an overdeveloped and overpopulated urban wasteland, something needs to be done now.
“If we get the balance right, the Central Coast could lead the country in showcasing what is possible in thoughtful, creative and world-class development that allows sustainable growth and more local employment.”
As the President of the Kariong Progress Association and a WIRES wildlife rescuer, Bellamy is a passionate advocate for the local community and bushland.
Blakeway is a graphic designer and preschool teacher from Phegans Bay.
“The decisions Council makes today will affect the future lifestyle of young Coasties,” she said.
“Growing up on the Central Coast, she believes a lack of transparency and collaboration in previous Council decisions have been “detrimental to local community and environment”.
“We want our local council to be representative of all Coasties,” Blakeway said.
“We believe there needs to be more diversity on Council to gain a broader understanding of the needs of our younger locals, our elders, and those who are new to our area.
“We are asking people to consider voting away from the major parties and to support locals who are already involved in fighting for a fair go for our community.”
Blakeway holds a Bachelor of Visual Communications from the University of Newcastle.
With a background in media and PR, she intends to use her strong community connections to advocate for future generations.
“We plan on ensuring that the community has a clear understanding of the potential impacts the 2036 Regional Plan will have on the Central Coast, and what action they can take to ensure they are involved in the process,” she said.
Mulqueeney grew up and attended school on the Central Coast.
She lives at Umina and works at a plant nursey at Peats Ridge.
“While ensuring that we cover Council’s main functions such as looking after our roads, reserves and other community assets, we will also be asking some of the hard questions and doing absolutely everything in our power to create positive change,” she said.
“Questions such as Why is the Central Coast the family violence capital of the state?
“What is being done in real terms to address mental health issues?
“What can the Council do to support well established frontline services to address family violence, mental health, and lack of affordable accommodation?”
The women will stand in the Gosford West Ward and will advocate for a “no” vote in the referendum to be conducted alongside the election.
Voters will be asked if they are in favour of reducing councillor numbers from 15 to nine.
They believe that reducing the number of councillors would reduce democracy, with more councillors able to offer broader and deeper views.
“We are advocating to retain the current number of councillors to ensure all our voices are properly represented,” they said.
They said they would shun party politics.
“There is a lot of trust-building needed in this community,” Mulqueeney said.
“We are running for Council for the right reasons.
“We intend to do as much as we can for our community.
“If we aren’t successful (in being elected), we will continue to do what we are already doing.
“We are all community-minded and volunteer and support Central Coast community organisations, and whether we are on Council or not, that won’t change.”
Yes we want independent locals on Council not wannabe politicians pushing party lines.
Most residents want basic council services fulfilled at a reasonable cost – the South has already had 50%+ increases in rates and water charges in 4 years.
Independents need to understand what constitutes core council services and family violence and mental health are best left to State and Federal responsibility.
How about concentrating on limiting rate increases, roads, core service provision etc – things that are Council responsibility
At the last event I attended that was put on by one of the groups with which “Coasties who Care” is associated. That group, “Coast4One Community”, advertised their event in this newspaper. I was blocked from entering without any reason given, other than “Geoffrey you are not welcome here”, which isn’t a meaningful reason.
I am a critic, accept it, treat your critics with respect, it’s part of the democratic ideals that I adhere to.
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The previous council were incompetent in reading and understanding financial reports. So much so the CCC created a debt of enormous proportions. What I want is representatives who understand how to read financial reports and make decisions based on sound money management.
If our councillors can achieve financial literacy then the Central Coast will thrive.