Local election: Northern Beaches Council candidates

Not sure where to start?

The seven pre-poll locations across the northern beaches have been busy ahead of the election and they are open from 9am to 5pm each day.

The northern beaches is divided into five wards (areas) - Curl Curl, Frenchs Forest, Manly, Narrabeen and Pittwater. Check which ward you're in here and then scroll down to see the lead candidates in your ward.

Group A - NSW Labor

Led by Brandt Clifford. Running mates: Abby Harris and Brandon Perrett-Hale

Name: Brandt Clifford

What I stand for:

I am committed to improving livability through stopping overdevelopment, enhancing urban amenity and increasing usable green spaces.

Sound planning priorities must match community expectations, ensuring locals have a voice in the planning process. I have a passion for creating healthy and accessible spaces, for physical and mental wellbeing, and for environmental health.

The incumbent councillors have forgotten about the Curl Curl ward. They have created a situation where Curl Curl is the worst on the northern beaches for tree canopy coverage.

Our beaches must be accessible for everyone to enjoy. We need improved footpaths and car parks, fully accessible change rooms and toilets and access to the sand and water without barriers.

My say:

I am an active surf life saver and a local small business owner. I feel a strong connection to the community, and feel this, along with my experience in design, healthcare, governance and leadership will allow me to be a fair dinkum voice of our community on council.

GROUP B - Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Led by councillor Sue Heins. Running mates: Louise Hislop and Ben Grozier

Name: Sue Heins

What I stand for:

Curl Curl ward is unique in having two lagoons - Dee Why and Curl Curl. Both of which have immense pressures from the built environment around them. More work needs to be done to protect and keep these waterways clean and healthy.

The business community will need ongoing support. Council has started to work closely with chambers of commerce and business owners, but more can be done to encourage businesses to collaborate to bring a vibrancy to our local area.

The face of Brookvale is changing and the industrial estate is now a hub of new creatives leading the way in art, music and hand crafted beers and non-alcoholic spirits. The opportunity is there for council to support this business community, by opening them up on weekends for festivals and events.

My say:

I want to see more events that celebrate the cultures in our area. As a councillor of eight years, I bring experience in solving issues on behalf of residents, and have a strong belief in good governance within council and to ensure safe and connected communities where we live.

GROUP C - The Greens

Led by Kristyn Glanville. Running mates: Jane Easton and Judy Lambert

Name: Kristyn Glanville

What I stand for:

I am passionate about creating town centres and neighbourhoods that are thriving, sustainable, and resilient to a changing climate and community needs.

A new Local Environmental Plan is being prepared and my background as an environment and planning lawyer makes me perfectly suited to being involved. Our bushland, lagoons and beaches require ongoing management and resources to tackle issues such as pollution, litter, invasive species, and other threats. I will work to ensure that council implements management plans for our precious places.

I am keen to promote grassroots democracy in how council functions. I don't see myself as an expert on every issue in our area. I see my role as facilitating the community and council working together to find solutions.

My say:

When elected as councillor, I would be proud to work with the local community to develop a shared vision for a liveable, sustainable and thriving local area. With your support and collaboration, and importantly, your ideas, we can make that shared vision a reality.

GROUP D - Liberal Party of NSW

Led by councillor David Walton. Running mates: Lee Furlong and Vicky McGahey

Name: David Walton

What I stand for:

Stop the annual rate hikes above inflation, leaving more money for your family. Improve the delivery of more footpaths, parks and sports fields.

Cut bureaucracy and red tape on local businesses and jobs. End wasteful expenditure.

What could have been achieved by now in the fifth year of the council amalgamation has not been fully achieved due to a lack of total focus on the community and residents by some councillors. My plan will achieve efficiencies and economies of scale through the use of: technology improvements; reductions in consultants, contractors and bureaucracy; and improved accountability systems on expenditure.

I will ensure council's core services of roads, rates and rubbish are prioritised before spending money on individual councillors' extravagances and non-strategic ideas that have no business case. I embrace advances in technology that allow us to reduce emissions and adapt to a changing climate.

My say:

As a former police commander on the northern beaches, I have always had a focus on serving our community and keeping them safe.

GROUP A - Liberal Party of NSW

Led by councillor Stuart Sprott. Running mates: David Lovell and Marcus Middleton

Name: Stuart Sprott

What I stand for:

The town centre being built at the Forest High School site will result in a large amount of new dwellings being built and we need to make sure that this is done in a sustainable way, with net zero buildings and the correct infrastructure in place to service long-term community needs.

I will protect our fragile environment and tree canopy from over development. One of my first successful motions through council was the Urban Tree Plan to plant 5000 new trees every year for the next 20 years.

My say:

My appreciation and understanding of our community and local area comes from spending my entire life in Frenchs Forest. I want to protect our home and provide services and infrastructure that only enhances what we are already have.

Making sure that your rates are spent in a sustainable and productive way on things that benefit and serve the community, and not in a wasteful way like on new smaller garbage bins or a COVID memorial.

GROUP B - Independent

Led by Chris Sharpe. Running mates: Monica Clonda and Tricia Sharpe

Name: Chris Sharpe

What I stand for:

Representing residents on the upcoming Frenchs Forest development and the Allambie Heights relocation of Forest High, both of which will have a huge impact on traffic, residents and businesses in the area.

Pushing for the commencement and completion of flood-proofing of the Wakehurst Parkway and using the allocated $17 million in funding to make sure the adjoining environment is not adversely affected.

Working with local groups, including bush fire brigades and Landcare, to develop strategies and mitigate the effects that climate change has on all our infrastructure, parks, reserves and native bushland.

My say:

Being community minded and loving the work I do with Manly Meals on Wheels and Forestville Computer Pals, makes me want to achieve more for my local area. This, coupled with the huge impending developments nearby has driven my desire to become a councillor

Group C - Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Led by mayor Michael Regan. Running mates: Jose Menano-Pires, Sarah Baker and councillor Roslyn Harrison.

Name: Michael Regan

What I stand for:

Keeping the council independent and free of major party influence. To achieve the maximum results for our locals, we must always at the local level work with whoever is in government (particularly state but also at federal).

Over the past decade we have seen the benefits of working with state and federal governments of different colours to deliver big projects such as Narrabeen Lagoon trail and the PCYC.

If we are to continue to enhance our quality of life, then our community must always drive our decisions and plans for the future.

My say:

I bring a track record of working alongside our community, staff and fellow councillors to deliver a high-performing, progressive and fiscally responsible council. One that has a compassionate and innovative leading staff that we saw first hand, during the pandemic. Unique services like Library 2U don't just happen.

The partnerships I have built at all levels of government across all parties has seen this council have significant influence on major projects

GROUP D - The Greens

Led by Christopher Burns. Running mates: Susan Denham and Felicity Davis

Name: Chris Burns

What I stand for:

While there is a need for more housing in the area the community must resist overdevelopment. My promise is to be a voice for community focused development and not developer driven planning. I will ensure the council addresses climate change. I'll propose that we introduce a full garden organics/food organics waste service as early as possible and not wait for the State Government's mandated 2030 date.

Housing density is increasing in Frenchs Forest without effective public transport links or active transport corridors to other parts of the northern beaches. This has led to vastly increased amounts of traffic which many local roads are struggling to handle.

My say:

I love the area for its trees, its bushland and closeness to Middle Harbour. My career as a librarian has taught me the value of co-operative problem solving and listening. I think they're good skills for a councillor to have.

GROUP A - Liberal Party of NSW

Led by Georgia Ryburn. Running mates: Bill Calcraft and Isabella Anderson

Name: Georgia Ryburn

What I stand for:

Lower rates - I want to stop the annual rate hikes above inflation for our residents and businesses.

Better services - I want to support businesses and communities as they bounce back from the impacts of COVID. In particular, I want to revitalise Manly and turbocharge The Corso into a thriving, modern retail and hospitality CBD.

Stopping the waste - I want to ensure ratepayers get value for their money from council.

My say:

I want to run for council to have a strong, new voice in Manly and ensure we get the best support for businesses, our communities, families and our precious environment.

GROUP B - Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Led by councillor Sarah Grattan. Running mates: Chris Jackson and Piper Harrison

Name: Sarah Grattan

What I stand for:

Northern Beaches Council is a $5 billion organisation with revenues of around $400 million a year. I'll provide appropriate governance, ensure the numbers add up and community assets are protected. I have extensive experience in finance, risk management, strategy and governance.

I'll protect our harbour, coastal and bush environment from inappropriate development via a new LEP. I have a track record as a strong advocate for the local community - be it buses, the tunnel, local infrastructure or youth issues.

Implement a thriving civic precinct for central Manly, providing a community hub centred on an expanded, modern library together with the town hall for creative and performing arts.

My say:

The values that drive me are purpose driven results. It is so important to listen to the voices of our community including our young people, especially when there are big decisions that affect their lives.

GROUP C - Good for Manly

Led by deputy mayor Candy Bingham. Running mates: Scott Porter and Sonia Walsh

Name: Candy Bingham

What I stand for:

Transform Manly Town Hall into a performing arts centre with multi-use spaces for theatre, concerts, exhibitions, comedy as well as a cinema.

The protection of Cabbage Tree Bay. Banning boats anchoring in the area will protect the seagrasses and the thousands of people who swim from Manly to Shelly each day.

Maintaining a high level of services including sporting and playground infrastructure, upgrades to our playgrounds, cycleways and parks, and more footpaths.

My say:

I'm passionate about our wonderful area and the importance of council working towards Net Zero by 2030. I've served on council for eight years, three as deputy mayor, and work on a large number of council and community committees including chairing the Save The Manly Ferries Alliance.

GROUP D - Independent

Led by John Kelly. Running mates: James Brodie and Maryann Novakovic

Name: John Kelly

What I stand for:

Improved sporting facilities. Slashing outdoor seating costs for businesses, cutting red tape and providing transparency to the Manly Special Levy with a review and monthly reporting.

Reducing our carbon footprint by introducing a scheme where council pays the upfront cost of solar on buildings and the homeowner repays it interest free over 10 years through their rates.

Giving youth a greater voice in matters impacting on them. Increased parking access for Manly ward residents, and the relocation of ranger services to Manly to improve safety.

My say:

I have volunteered for many years as a junior and senior rugby coach, I am a surf lifesaver and nippers' manager.

GROUP E - NSW Labor

Led by Sam Pigram. Running mates: Carolyn Howells and Michael Bochner

Name: Sam Pigram

What I stand for:

Labor wants to put community, environment and affordability at the heart of council. I will oppose the Beaches Link tunnel and advocate for better integrated public transport including saving the Hop, Skip & Jump bus service.

We will protect and improve our natural environment, including the Manly Dam catchment, by taking strong actions on climate change by improving our urban tree canopy, and assisting residents and businesses to transition from fossil fuels.

Labor will advocate for reduced living costs, more affordable and social housing, and more childcare services. To aid businesses, we will support a temporary removal of the rate increase imposed on them during COVID.

My say:

As a chemical engineer, my problem-solving skills and diversity of working environments put me in good stead to assist our community

GROUP F - The Greens

Led by Pamela Dawes. Running mates: Cathy Griffin and Terrance Le Roux

Name: Pamela Dawes

What I stand for:

To protect the northern beaches environment and biodiversity from destruction and overdevelopment. Increased protection and management of threatened species. Increase planting of endemic trees and plants in urban areas and reduce the use of exotic species.

Reduce plastic and chemical pollution.

My say:

What is important to me, as a long term resident of the northern beaches, is the preservation of bush reserves and harbour ecosystems. I want to work to protect our wonderful environment.

GROUP A - Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Led by Ruth Robins. Running mates: Matt Adderton and Sean Moran

Name: Ruth Robins

What I stand for:

I will consult with my community to ensure any development is appropriate and sympathetic to the environment, and to the limited infrastructure of the local area. Engage the community in understanding and protecting the important aspects of our environment such as the Narrabeen Lagoon and its catchment, and Warriewood Wetlands.

Ensure residents of the Narrabeen ward have a voice in decisions that affect their future.

My say:

I have extensive experience in local government in a range of areas from community service delivery, governance and community consultation. I have an understanding of how to meet the challenges of working with council staff and the community to achieve the best outcomes.

GROUP B - The Greens

Led by Ethan Hrnjak. Running mates: Joanna Burnett and Amanda Mooy

Name: Ethan Hrnjak

What I stand for:

A voice for all. A young voice brings fresh ideas and solutions to the issues we face. I will be a voice who recognises and reflects the inherent values of our whole community, not just the few.

A council for all. One that listens to the whole community and acts in a way that reflects all of our interests, and a council that looks to the next decade, rather than to the next election.

A future for all. By focusing on the preservation of our bushland and beaches and by managing the issues facing us head-on, rather than continuing to jump from one crisis to another.

My say:

Young people are one of the most underrepresented group in politics, with less than four per cent of councillors in NSW under the age of 30. I've watched on as our council makes decisions that will impact us today and well into the future, and yet we aren't having our voices heard.

GROUP C - NSW Labor

Led by Paula Goodman. Running mates: Jared Turkington and Galileo West

Name: Paula Goodman

What I stand for:

The environment is an important issue with the loss of habitat and native wildlife of much concern for residents and our wildlife corridors are very much threatened.

I hope to represent Labor in a concerted effort to come to an agreeable compromise with property investors and big business.

My say:

I can represent the community of Narrabeen ward just by being true to my own set of values, and my compassion and care for others. If elected I am fully committed to representing the people of my community by serving to the absolute best of my ability.

GROUP D - Liberal Party of NSW

Led by Bianca Crvelin. Running mates: Jonathon Flegg and Sarah Halnan

Name: Bianca Crvelin

What I stand for:

The biggest issues facing our electorate is how businesses will recover post COVID-19. Council needs to support businesses through this recovery. Many people have incurred great losses during this time and it has tested us all.

We need to remedy the Wakehurst Parkway flood management, and the entrance of Narrabeen Lagoon. I believe it is council's responsibility to work with the community to understand their pain points and work cohesively as a group to address them.

My say:

I bring years of corporate experience, my family orientation and love of our community. This gives me a great tool kit to use in helping council deliver in key projects all the while ensuring that community consultation takes place.

GROUP E - Independent

Led by councillor Vincent De Luca. Running mates: Robert Giltinan and Tammy Cook

Name: Vincent De Luca

What I stand for:

Protecting the environment and stopping over-development. I voted against the recent Housing Strategy, as it forces overdevelopment and threatens our environment.

I will work to cut the huge bureaucracy and exorbitant salaries. I have campaigned for reform of the excessive salaries, with some bureaucrats paid more than state premiers.

Increased policing and stopping sale of Mona Vale Police Station - our community has experienced gang attacks and violence. I have been the only strong voice on council against any possible closure of Mona Vale Police Station and the need for greater police presence.

My say:

I bring more than 20 years of experience as a public official, proven integrity and commitment to putting the community first. I have a track record of holding council accountable so that ratepayers' funds are spent in the community's interests instead of self-interest.

GROUP A - The Greens

Led by Miranda Korzy. Running mates: India Turner and Pru Wawn

Name: Miranda Korzy

What I stand for:

I passionately believe in the importance of a strong community and that we must protect our precious environment for future generations. I particularly want to see a transparent, accountable and responsive council.

My top three issues are: protect our trees and ocean; preserve Pittwater's low-rise villages; and fix uneven footpaths and potholes in our roads.

My say:

I'm standing because I care deeply about our community and remarkable environment. I'd like to help create a sustainable future for the area, at a time when our beaches and trees are under threat from climate change as well as inappropriate development.

I love Pittwater for its beautiful bushland, beaches and close community - as well as its friendly villages with their shops, cafes, libraries and cinemas.

As a regular attendee at council meetings, I bring experience as a journalist and from campaigning on a wide range of issues - including Save Mona Vale Hospital, Protect Pittwater and Canopy Keepers

GROUP B - Your Northern Beaches Independent Team

Led by Michael Gencher. Running mates: Sarah Turnbull and councillor Ian White

Name: Michael Gencher

What I stand for:

Protect Pittwater from inappropriate overdevelopment through tighter planning controls, intense scrutiny and community consultation with the development of the forthcoming Local Environmental Plan and Development Control Plan.

Greater community safety and wellbeing, and issues including traffic and pedestrian danger spots; access to services; community cohesion; promoting mental health awareness; identifying and helping 'at risk' members of our community; and youth issues.

I will advocate for business, families and community groups by continuing to support and find new initiatives to assist them.

My say:

I'm running as an advocate for families and businesses. I am passionate about continuing to build a more liveable, vibrant, environmentally sustainable, and supportive community, while striving to provide the best possible service and amenities, and to make sure the needs of the entire community are met.

GROUP C - Liberal Party of NSW

Led by councillor Rory Amon. Running mates: Karina Page and Philip Longley

Name: Rory Amon

What I stand for:

Born and raised on the northern beaches, home for 30 years, I've served as a northern beaches councillor since 2017.

I'm a family lawyer by trade, an active rugby union referee, honorary legal counsel of the NSW Rugby Referees Association, a Pittwater Business Limited director and a proud volunteer firefighter.

I'm passionate about council accountability, transparency, lower rates, cutting council waste, and delivering better services. Locally, I will fight to upgrade our local infrastructure - surf clubs, sports fields, and footpaths, stop council waste to reduce rates, stand against overdevelopment and encroachments on public land, and support fair access to open space for families with dogs.

My say:

Northern Beaches Council has not realised the full potential of amalgamation. Over the past four years, rates have increased by $30 million, at double the rate of inflation.

GROUP D - Independent

Led by councillor Alex McTaggart. Running mates: Colleen Uren and Robert Hopton

Name: Alex McTaggart

What I stand for:

Protect and enhance the natural environment and our village lifestyle. I will work to ensure our resident groups and community members are involved in the decision making process.

The government's Greater Sydney Commission driving a 20-year population increase, has mandated Mona Vale as a town centre growth area as well as progressing the Ingleside land release.

I will work to ensure the existing low-rise heights and density are maintained and the necessary infrastructure provided, and that the built form will not dominate our environment as a result of these policies.

My say:

I was a former a Pittwater councillor and mayor, state member for Pittwater, and president of SHOROC, the regional group of four councils. I have the expertise to represent your interests in the fourth largest council in the Sydney metropolitan area. Northern Beaches Council with a half a billion dollar turnover has 57 different service functions and I will work to ensure they all deliver for our environment and your lifestyle.

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