Hunter Ward votes again

Waverley residents and ratepayers are headed back to the polls next month to vote in a by-election for the Hunter Ward following Liberal councillor Yvonne Coburn’s resignation. Ms Coburn moved to Melbourne with her family after her husband was relocated for work.

The by-election on June 4 is set to cost ratepayers more than $70,000.

Waverley Council currently sits on a knife-edge with three Labor councillors, three Greens, four Liberals (five if we include Cr Coburn) and one independent. Should the Greens or Labor win the by-election it would give them a majority and drastically change the shape of the chamber breaking the Greens/Labor, Liberal/Independent stalemate now in effect.

Councillor John Wakefield said that if the Labor candidate were to win, the Labor/Green coalition would most likely allow Liberal mayor Sally Betts to continue in her role until the September mayoral elections.

“We’re not bloody minded, we’d probably let her see out her full term,” he said.

Labor candidate Di Smith has lived in Waverley since 1994; she is an actress and teacher appearing in television programs including A Country Practice.

“This by-election is important. It is about the legitimacy of Mayor Betts. She was drawn out of the hat as mayor and only because an ‘independent’ councillor continues to give her support,” Ms Smith said.

“Mayor Betts consistently uses her casting vote on the council to push her agenda. This includes initially supporting a full-scale council depot on parkland at Hugh Bamford Reserve, increasing parking fees when she promised to decrease them and, most recently, attempting to double council rates for home-owners and businesses.

“If I am elected I undertake to bring back thorough community consultation to Waverley Council, to oppose the rate rise, and not give my support to Councillor Betts for mayor.”

The Greens are again putting forward Virginia Milson as their candidate. Ms Milson contested Hunter Ward in the 2008 Waverley Council election.

“I believe that with the continued push for infill development the need for the preservation of open space is crucial. Our residents will need it. The protection of the Bondi Bowling Club and the Hugh Bamford Reserve is vital,” Ms Milson said.

“In addition, the control of overdevelopment and the maintenance of views, good access to public transport, safety in our streets and access to services are fundamental to the quality of life of all our residents.”

The Liberal candidate Leon Goltsman ran for Council as an Independent in 2008. Mr Goltsman was five years old when he moved into the Bondi area and has lived there ever since. He has a Diploma in Business Management and operates an advertising and marketing business.

“Residents have indicated that they are concerned about the safety of family members having their homes invaded by criminals,” Mr Goltsman said.

“I would like to work more closely with the law enforcement officers and members of the public to establish exactly what preventative measures can be taken and then do whatever is needed to make this community a safer place.”