Councillor Q&A - Clarence Valley

had inherited from the previous eight years of a council that simply spent more than its income.

Importantly, a No SRV guarantee would exclude me from any SRV consideration – I would have demonstrated ‘no open mind’ on the matter. I simply don’t know what challenges council will face in the next four years.

Answer 2: Many options. Again, recent history says ‘everything should be considered’. Such as: liquidate unused or excess assets (there’s more yet), reduce non-core services, reduce non-core employment, keep out of social warrior ‘glory’ projects and cease new borrowings.

My frst year on council saw me enthusiastically join in with enough other councillors to immediately cease all new borrowings.

That policy held good right through my nineplus years to 2021. I’m more than happy to do it all again if necessary.

Answer 3: Firstly, ratepayers can and should help themselves by electing candidates that have demonstrated (at council or elsewhere) a willingness to strongly participate in fnancial governance opportunities available to a governing body.

Then, council can and should help ratepayers by making the necessary, even if unpopular to some, fnancial, structural and controlling decisions necessary to ‘keep it tight fnancially’.

All of this says my view is; the governing body and each councillor member of that governing body must be right before good fnancial conditions can follow.

If you’re dissatisfed, look to your governing body frst.

Peter Johnstone

Answer 1: No, it would be grossly irresponsible for any candidate to make such a promise.

We don’t know what the future holds or what our community may need even a few months ahead.

Many councils that go into administration do so because their councillors lack fnancial wisdom and lose control of council fnances.

Often, one of the frst actions administrators take upon appointment is to apply for a Special Rate Variation (SRV). Candidates who guarantee they will not support an SRV likely do not understand the complexities involved.

The annual IPART rate peg is designed to result in a below-infation rise in rates during a normal year. Sooner or later, every council will require an SRV to catch up.

Answer 2: Through careful and wise decision-making, we can limit unnecessary spending, ensure all revenue streams are fully utilised, collect overdue rates and payments for services, seek and apply for grants diligently, and achieve productivity gains through the use of appropriate laboursaving technology and more effcient working methods.

My tagline is, “I am tight with my own money, and I will be even tighter with yours.”

Answer 3: Unfortunately, most of the reasons behind the cost of living increases are beyond the control of councils.

In June 2024, the ABS reported that the annual Living Cost Index for employees rose by 6.2% and for Age Pensioners by 3.7%, while in the Clarence Valley, council rates increased on average by about 3%.

The ABS identifed the biggest cost of living increases to be in clothing, fnancial services/insurance, and health.

Councils can help by being as effcient and effective as possible, advocating to state and federal governments on behalf of those who are struggling, and continuing to provide services such as libraries, parks, playing felds, and footpaths that are freely available to all.

Justin James

Answer 1: Transparency is at the heart of my campaign, and I believe it’s important to be honest about what I can and cannot promise.

While I can’t guarantee specifc outcomes, I can commit to representing our community’s best interests.

I would strongly oppose any Special Rate Variations (SRVs).

Given the current fnancial climate, I don’t believe our local government area (LGA) can bear the burden of additional fnancial pressure.

Our community is already facing unprecedented challenges, including a rate of homelessness that I have not witnessed in over a decade of living here.

Before even considering raising rates, I will explore every alternative option.

People are already struggling to make ends meet, and increasing rates at this time would only exacerbate the diffculties many are facing.

My priority is to protect our residents from further fnancial strain and work towards solutions that support, rather than hinder, their well-being.

Answer 2: If council can’t increase income via a rate rise, what can it do to balance its books?

Clarity with our community is crucial.

The reality is that funding for essential services has to come from somewhere. If we’re not raising rates, then we must fnd savings by cutting costs elsewhere.

This is a point of contention, as some in the community believe the council should be doing more while also asking for lower costs.

However, as a business owner, I know that this expectation is simply not sustainable.

The real challenge lies in identifying where we can make cuts without compromising the services our community

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relies on.

It’s a delicate balance, and the hardest part is that not everyone will agree on where these cuts should occur.

Some may prioritise infrastructure, while others might focus on social services, but ultimately, tough decisions will need to be made.

My commitment is to approach these decisions with transparency and integrity.

I will engage with the community to ensure that everyone understands the trade-offs involved and that we’re making these choices together, guided by the needs and priorities of the people who live here.

Answer 3: I don’t believe the council can directly alleviate the cost of living pressures, nor is it something that can be addressed overnight. However, the council can play a signifcant role in not exacerbating these challenges.

Through careful planning and strategic decisions, such as promoting affordable housing initiatives and maintaining steady council rates, we can help ease the burden on our residents by not adding to their fnancial stress.

Additionally, supporting local businesses is another crucial way the Council can indirectly impact the cost of living. By helping our local businesses save money and increase their proftability, we create a positive ripple effect throughout the entire valley.

Strong, thriving businesses contribute to a healthier local economy, which can lead to job creation, better services, continued next page and ultimately, a more affordable cost of living for everyone.

Debrah Novak

Answer 1: Hand on heart

I can guarantee I won’t be supporting any SRV.

Answer 2: Council’s fnancial books are already balanced as per the June meeting where council adopted a comprehensive suite of documents including a $97 million capital works program under its Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework (IP&R) for 2024/2025.

A Ernst & Young report also gave council the thumbs up for its sound fnancial position.

Answer 3: Clarence Valley Council does the following to support our community experiencing hardship:

• rebate of up to $250 on rates. May also be eligible to receive up to $87.50 on annual water charges and up to $87.50 off annual sewerage charges.

• Provides grants for community events

• Provides funds for sports and cultural travel

• Invests in projects that create jobs within the community

• Provides grants for NFP to cover rates • Provides fee waivers for the hire of Council venues

• Upgrades public amenities such as parks, libraries, and recreational facilities, to enhance community well-being.

Des Schroder

Answer 1: Firstly let me say I’m acutely aware of the cost of living pressures now on our community from the joint effect of high interest rates and high infation. This is exacerbated by massive increases in house build costs, affuent sea changers from cities still forcing up house prices and rising rents. These latter are exacerbated by short term holiday rentals in our coastal towns (this is an area for more attention by council to help the cost of living). In some ways it’s a perfect storm. In this environment it would be a brave councillor to suggest a special rate variation. It is clearly beyond our community at the moment to stand such an increase.

As not being a present councillor it’s hard to get an accurate understanding of the fnancial situation of council, although the accounts do show a recurrent operating surplus last fnancial year — still to be audited.

Answer 2: Given a SRV is all but excluded and if there’s a budget defcit the other options are in general are not very palatable.

You can raise fees and charges — targeting as a priority the ones that may not affect local residents. An example here is commercial garbage trucks from other councils using our landfll.

Council can make effciency savings and these are the frst go to, but you would hope these are few, as council should be running effciently anyway.

At the extreme you reduce or cut services.

I was involved personally in this as a director while on council: reducing non-core services, handing over buildings to other service providers, cutting staff and managers — it’s horrendous and in a small community involves huge community angst by the groups affected and huge political kick back.

The other impact of these cuts in council expenditure as one of the biggest businesses with 85% of its staff living in the valley, is that any cuts affects the viability of our small businesses also, a Catch 22.

Councils also needs to maximise grants from State and Federal government.

Lobby hard to handover expensive regional roads like Armidale Rd for the State Government to fund as they should. This was promised, but reneged on, by NSW governments of both persuasions. And also call out state government cost shifting.

The other long term option is to grow our population especially around Grafton where we have existing infrastructure to provide a greater rating base.

My aim ideally will be to see an effective effcient council that doesn’t need to have a special rate variation or massively increased its fees.

Answer 3: Obviously council can help ratepayers by running effciently and keeping rates and fees as low as possible.

Rates are not just the land rates above but also the provision of garbage services, water and sewerage. There are hundreds of fee paying services.

The other huge impact is to reduce red tape on small businesses, developers, mum and dad investors and act quickly to give approvals. Delayed approvals or even refusals cost money.

The third aspect is to promote economic development, festivals and tourism to maximise the cash fows of small business and maximise employment.

The fourth is to be a lobbyist as the closest level of government to the people to alert state and federal governments to provide assistance and keep their services effcient and effective.

Lynne Cairns

Answer 1: Ratepayers have been assured that council is travelling satisfactorily fnancially. If this is the case there should be no reason for an SRV and I would not support it.

Future rate rises would depend on the government’s allowable rate rise covering council’s rising costs.

If councillors have been misled and this is not the case some probing questions need to be asked and answered and appropriate action taken.

Answer 2: Council must adjust their expenses to ft their budget.

Extraneous, grandiose infrastructures need to be curtailed, attracting unnecessary debt, and focus shifted to essential maintenance of existing assets and provision of essential services. Government cost shifting must be resisted to the best of councils’ ability.

Answer 3: Council has a limited budget and cannot currently carry out all projects and services. Affordable housing developments off the food plain, developed by charities and appropriate developers is a possibility, however any subsidies from development costs for infrastructure could lead to extra payments from existing ratepayers.

This is largely a State and Federal issue

Phil Provest

Answer 1: Without knowing the current situation of council fnances, stating outright I will not support an SRV, beyond rate pegging could be dangerous. It would need to be a near catastrophic business case before I show support to any increase over the pegged level.

Answer 2: If council cannot raise income via a rate increase.

Better management practices, remembering councils are a service provider to the local community, not the local hire car network, curtail the production of glossy magazines, make more productive use of the web sites.

Basically, trim the fat where possible, without reducing the real purpose of council.

Answer 3: I feel councils, with limited funding, are at odds when the question of assistance rises.

Social housing, would require fnancial support from state and federal government. Discounting rates reduces income, therefore impacting on other services. Reducing costs to businesses.

James Allan Answer 1: I am hesitant to make guarantees ahead of being presented with detailed information about council fnances, capabilities and future projections.

That being said a special rate variation should not be needed, I believe there are ineffciencies in council that can be tightened up in order to free up funds.

Answer 2: I am interested in exploring the option of Air B&B properties paying business rates or possibly a higher special rate as opposed to residential rates.

This would be fair because people make a lot of money off Air B&B, often live outside the valley and also contribute to the shortage of long term rentals available for residents.

Answer 3: This is such a huge problem with many potential remedies, councils need to work with the state and federal government to achieve these goals.

Steve Pickering

Answer 1: As a councillor, I cannot guarantee that I will ever vote in a particular way.

The number one rule when a councillor enters a council meeting is to always enter the meeting with an open mind. Some issues may appear cut and dry on the surface, but when you look deeper, there may be many other considerations.

Clarence Valley Council is currently operating with a surplus, and the council has made responsible fnancial decisions.

No-one knows what the future holds, and it would be irresponsible and reckless to guarantee any potential outcome for the next council term.

Answer 2: Clarence

Valley Council is currently operating a balanced budget, with a surplus currently sitting at $106,000.

Council currently has $213,952,868.00 held in short, and medium-term investments, which receive an average of 4.45% interest.

In the interests of full transparency, the books are published quarterly within the monthly council meeting business paper, and some other fnancial reports, such as investments, are reported monthly.

The rate rises over the last couple of years have both been below CPI; even so, the council have operated with a balanced budget.

Answer 3: Australia is currently in a cost-ofliving crisis; mortgages, rent, groceries, electricity, and most items have increased in cost substantially over the last few years.

Many people are struggling to pay bills. If a ratepayer is having fnancial diffculties paying council bills, they need to contact the council straight away and start the conversation.

Council has a hardship policy and there are ways council can work with people who need assistance.

If you are fnding it diffcult to pay your council bills, please don’t wait, contact council immediately.

The sooner the conversation starts, the sooner a resolution can be put in place.

Greg Clancy

Answer 1: Making promises during an election campaign is fraught with danger.

As a councillor I have to assess all issues on their merit.

I recently voted against the rate increase as the community is doing it hard with the cost of living increases and with council borrowing $27 million dollars for infrastructure development. What I will guarantee continued next page is that I will consider the plight of ratepayers in any decision and I would look to fund activities like environmental initiatives by means other than a special rate variation.

I stuck to my promise with respect to the previous four-year SRV despite strong pressure to support a larger SRV within the frst six months of the council term.

Answer 2: I opposed the recent borrowing for the Grafton Aquatic Centre and Treelands Drive Community Centre as I believed it was an unfair impost on current and future ratepayers.

Council needs to charge and increase rates at a fair level, but also needs to cap spending when the people are struggling.

It is a diffcult balance and I am not against modest borrowings for essential projects.

Nobody really likes to pay more rates so the rating structure needs to be equitable.

Answer 3: Councils need to only charge rates at a level where they can carry out their necessary functions effciently and effectively.

It is diffcult for councils to assist with cost of living issues other than by keeping rates at a fair level but cost of living increases also affect councils’ operations.

The state and federal governments have more control over cost of living issues than do councils.

Cristie Yager

Answer 1: I can guarantee that I do not and will not support a special rate variation above the annual rate pegging limit.

IPART dictates the annual maximum rate peg percentage based on many factors in our unique local government area, to fnancially afford the services provided.

We get our own recommended percentage just like other LGAs.

If there is even a whiff of an application for an SRV, meaning council is seeking rates higher than the suggested, I’ll be looking towards councils’ management of fnances immediately.

Answer 2: I imagine eventually there will be another rate rise, due to the economic climate, it’s just not sensible to think there will never be another.

Costs are soaring across the board.

However, people are struggling, it cannot not be the frst method of generating income, we cannot continue using a system that has clearly shown unfairness in the distribution of services in relation to rates paid.

We must think differently. People are not proftable. Savings and sacrifces can be made in any organisation and Clarence Valley Council should be no different.

Answer 3: Firstly, minimise the need to raise rates. Allow people to keep a few bucks in their back pocket so they can shop and support local business.

To do so, we must tighten up the spending within council, focus on the essential services and fnd areas of savings, begin with stationary and work our way up.

The many small costs add up and are less recognisable to the public than the larger outlays. Secondly, think outside the box, encourage and build strong community spirit.

When neighbours help each other, the mental, emotional and fnancial burden lessens when people have support.

Alison Whaites

Answer 1: As a current councillor who was part of the discussion for the Environmental SRV I am not in support.

I was in favour for the motion to come to council to vote on and my vote would of been ‘no’.

As a ratepayer in another LGA I pay an Environmental SRV and I feel it has not supported or made a difference in that region and mismanaged’.

Answer 2: Over the past term of council CVC has been able to pay a large portion of debt off and place themselves in a great position to support the community and take out a loan for Treelands Drive Community Hub and the Aquatic Centre. continued page 10

The hard work has been done to balance the books and move forward with infrastructure to support our community and be ft for the future’.

Answer 3: CVC already support pensioners with rate discounts and by supporting good development more homes will be available to support our community.

Local government cannot force insurance companies, banks and businesses to lower their cost, but by supplying more homes the cost of mortgages and rents will decrease.

By lowering land value that section on rates can decrease for homeowners.

CVC councillors can voice their concerns to our state and federal leaders and also vote on motions at conferences to lobby state and federal government.

One council in another state support frst home buyers by giving a $500 discount on their rates for the frst year of ownership, this is something I would like to bring to council as a NOM if re-elected.

Answer 1: No, I won’t be supporting a special rate variation.

I’m in favour of the council taking the normal rate pegged amount, which is partly determined by infation. This is needed to help balance the books.

Cost of living pressures are making things expensive enough so, combining this with higher interest rates and high infation, will hurt households, especially young families, that are already struggling.

Answer 2: The new council would have to look at the books and come up with ways to save money as is the case of most businesses. How long is a piece of string?

Richmond Valley Council Reserves Right to Appeal Iron Gates Development Decision

Richmond Valley Council has lodged a Notice of Intention to Appeal the recent ruling by the NSW Land and Environment Court, which favoured Goldcoral Pty Ltd’s Iron Gates development at Evans Head. The notice allows the incoming council to consider a potential appeal without committing to the process.

Council’s General Manager, Vaughan Macdonald, emphasized that this step is to ensure that all legal and procedural considerations are thoroughly examined in light of the community’s diverse views on the matter.

The Court’s decision overturned the Northern

Regional Planning Panel’s previous refusal of the development application, allowing stage one of the project to proceed, which includes 121 residential lots, public open space, and a community building designed as a refuge from bushfres and foods.

The Notice of

Intention to Appeal extends the Council’s right to appeal until 31 October 2024, providing time for a comprehensive review of the judgement and its implications. Macdonald assured the community of continued transparency throughout the process.

Whilst I’m not a trained accountant I run a small business and understand balance sheets. At the end of the day common sense should prevail.

Answer 3: By keeping a close eye on council spending and making sure only necessary projects are being approved. With around 50% of Council spending covered by rates and rents Council will need to constantly lobby the State and Federal governments to help.

Karen Toms

Answer 1: No.

Answer 2: The only SRV that may come up over the next term is the Environmental Levy which was in last year’s Annual Operational Plan (prepare a business case ) and again in this fnancial year.

Interesting to note both times supported unanimously. However, that is not to be confused with approval of an SRV. Council’s books are balanced. We have budgeted a surplus.

Answer 3: By making sound decisions ensuring we don’t waste rate payers money with unexpected expenses.

Staying on track with budgets and always seeking effciency savings in the way we deliver services to the community.

Ray Smith

Answer 1: No. I cannot guarantee voters that I would not support a Special Rate Variation in the next term of council and If I were to support such an increase, I would need to be convinced that the additional rate income was essential for maintaining current services and facilities.

What I can guarantee is prudent fnancial management and an assurance that council’s expenditure is based on the best value for the ratepayer’s dollar and that every dollar is spent in accordance with council’s adopted budget.

Additional rate income can assist council in building reserves for future challenges such as natural disasters or unexpected infrastructure needs.

Answer 2: Council needs to match its planned expenditure with its anticipated income, this is the core of proper budgeting.

Council’s 10-year fnancial plan needs to refect and align with the Clarence Valley Strategic Plan and by adhering to this plan council will ensure that the long-term goals of the community can be achieved.

Answer 3: There is not a great deal that council can do directly to reduce the cost of living as council’s main responsibility is the provision of adequate services and facilities. However, council can continue to provide funding, through a range of grant programs, that support small business and other community groups, it can put in place strategies that can achieve affordable housing options (e.g. Draft Housing Strategy), council can also ensure that its current policies on various fees and charges comply with NSW Government guidelines and are applied uniformly across the Valley.

Melissa Hellwig

Answer 1: The 2024-2025 CVC Fees and Charges was the third highest rate hike in NSW’s Councils.

Feedback from many I’ve spoken to is one of shock at the recent rise. I aim to address this if elected.

I would love to guarantee no rise. But, in the spirit of transparency, no, I’ll not make that guarantee.

I understand how unpopular that is. Historically, new councillors such as myself have come unstuck by making promises prior to elections and then once on council reversing their promises. I don’t want to do that.

If we ever consider raising rates there must be robust consultation and community input.

Answer 2: I note that we don’t have a differential rate collection mechanism and previous councillors were possibly interested in this option.

However other members were critical – indicating these potential funds would simply be spent on large projects like the Aquatic Centre (not in the spirit of such a move).

Until I’m privy/across to the budgets of CVC I’m not really in the position to answer this fully. I recognise the large-scale borrowings that will have to be carried into the future and the impact of that.

Instead of resorting to rate increases, we may need to urgently look at operational and cost-saving measures. We can’t expect the community to bail CVC out.

Answer 3: I understand there are mechanisms for fexible payments and hardship – however I’m fully sure about the details and their ACTUAL effectiveness.

It appears that these arrangements sometimes involve debt collectors, limited fexibility for mental health or other disabilities and perhaps a too-often deferral to legal instruments.

Mortgage stress is real and heavy-handedness unacceptable for those who are suffering the most.

Instead – CVC may have to look for alternative sources of revenue.

I think lobbying state level support for areas in hardship is essential.

Additionally, increased user charges may have to be considered and other tools like higher rates for long-term vacant land. Sadly, we may have to re-focus on what is necessary rather than what is nice to have.

Amanda Brien

Answer 1 and 2: I understand that special rate variations are about funding our future community needs.

I would frst ask our community what their future needs are, look at how this is refected in council’s long-term fnancial plan, and look at what this would mean for council’s ability to fund our needs.

If it was identifed that future needs couldn’t be funded within current means, I would look at all other possible alternatives to an additional cost to rate payers.

I would ask council to look at opportunities for managing expenses differently: grants exist?

- Where could council’s service delivery models be made more effcient without losing jobs?

- What improvements could be made to waste management services to reduce this cost charged to rate payers?

- What other new and developing materials and techniques for providing infrastructure and services exist, that are sustainable and less costly to maintain long-term? What would it look like to have a strategy for replacing old infrastructure with new sustainable materials/ methods?

- What have other council’s done to address similar challenges?

- Is there an opportunity to share resources/run initiatives in partnership with neighbouring councils?

- Where would future housing development (which would spread the total costs between more people) be most appropriate to make effcient use of existing infrastructure?

If there was no other option to an additional cost, I would present all the information to our community, provide the alternative cost options including temporary time-limited options, and ask our community to advise me on the option they choose.

Answer 3: Council could explore lots of ways to help our community with costs of living, including: - working with community groups and businesses to provide and support low-cost or free events

- considering additional and alternative community uses for appropriate council owned buildings/spaces that have been vacant long-term or have had limited public use - to maximise opportunities for people to participate without extra cost

- encouraging people to use existing infrastructure in free open spaces in different ways

- promoting tourism and sequencing the timing of events to bring money into our community and spread revenue across the valley

- looking at the potential to enhance current rebate/ incentive structures

- looking at development/ infrastructure that supports employment options for our community.

I would like to see council prioritise community wellbeing by encouraging support for ongoing community-led initiatives for mental health and wellbeing, approaching planning decisions to facilitate access to services, and advocating to government for support for services we are lacking.

- What government

I would like to work with our community to come up with creative solutions together.

School Win

Millie Trustum knows what it is like to undergo cancer treatment.

The 13-year-old St Mary’s Catholic College student is no stranger to the pain and inconvenience of dealing with a life-threatening disease.

That won’t stop her, however, from doing her best to raise money for the Kids Cancer Project so research can go into fnding a cure.

“I’m selling (baked goods) and lots of little items and it’s all fundraising for childhood