MISSION, VISION & AIMS

Stephen McCarthy - A Ward Councilor

I love and enjoy engaging with people

Listening, seeking the facts before decisions should be made

I will always collaborate with others to progress these important aspects:

• Continue to maintain transparency in leadership - communicate in a clear, honest, open and direct way.

• Western arterial road & North creek bridge - 'To drive around Ballina in a timely manner'. Airport to hinterland etc.,

• Water security - ensure all the critical facts are presented before such an important decision is made towards our future,

• Fair rates and charges,

• A better balance between the built environment and the natural environments - ensuring that we maintain our North Coast lifestyle,

• Progress community sport, healthy lifestyle - in our shire,

• Ensure the provision of green space in housing subdivisions - where residents can enjoy nature and children can play,

• Outside play areas for older children within riding distance of residential areas. (Play areas are all designed for under 8 year olds.) Age appropriate parks for older children could include a flying fox, bouncy mats, large climbing frames, big slides, spinning cup, and picnic area with tables where social interaction and snacks can be shared,

• Seek to solve the crucial need for additional housing,

• Continue to support the 'healthy waterways' program,

• Continue to support the Coastal Recreational Path (infrastructure) from Ballina to Lennox Head - there is lots more to do on this important issue, particularly user’s educational etiquette program,

• Progress the Implementation of Kingsford Smith Reserve Master Plan – essential to the revitalisation of this area of Ballina,

• Protect the Ballina Shire Surfing culture and adopted heritage - Lennox Point, The Front, Speeds Reef , North Wall, and Trestles areas are socially, culturally and historically significant to regular surfers and visitors, some of whom have been returning daily for many, many decades

• Develop Apps and new technology to regulate safe changes and move forward in our community,

• Safe eastern access to Alstonville from the Bruxner Highway – roundabout essential to solving this dangerous traffic problem,

• Progress State-of-the-art library and Cultural Centre for Alstonville and Wollongbar worth more that $7 million,

• Advocate for solutions to the growing problem of the provision of social housing for the homeless and the disadvantaged,

• Promote infrastructure that nurtures businesses, jobs, leisure, safety for you and your family,

• Continue to support volunteers, community welfare and activities, sports clubs, service clubs, veterans, fire-brigades, the arts community, surf clubs, board riders, etc.,

• Strive to deliver our pre-covid lifestyle.