Resounding victory for returning mayor

SHARON Cadwallader has been re-elected as the mayor of Ballina, attracting over 68 per cent of the vote at the NSW local government elections held on September 14.

The Greens’ incumbent councillor Kiri Dicker finished second in the final tally.

Cr Cadwallader, an independent candidate, was elated by the result, saying the margin was unexpected. She thought re-election as mayor would be difficult and expected preferences to go against her.

However, Cr Cadwallader received almost half of the first preference vote and more than half of the preferences flowed to her.

“It’s a wonderful vote of confidence from the community. It was very humbling to get that vote,” she said.

Cr Cadwallader said she was proud of the relationships she had built as a councillor, citing that as an important factor in delivering for the community.

“Being able to build relationships with the government to get grants is a big part of the job. You have to get on with everyone,” she said.

“It’s about getting a fair share of government grant money.”

Overseeing the $78 million works budget for 2024/25, the biggest the Ballina Shire Council had proposed, is first on the mayor’s agenda for the new term.

Among the projects she is keen to see started is the duplication of the Fishery Creek Bridge on River Street, and Canal Bridge on Tamarind Drive.

Securing money for a community centre and library at Alstonville, and road and drainage upgrades are high on her list of achievements.

“I’m most grateful to the community and I’m ready to do the hard work,” Cr Cadwallader said.

The councillors making up the new council have also been declared.

In Ward A, the elected councillors are Erin Karsten, Phil Meehan and Damian Loone.

Kiri Dicker, Michelle Bailey and Eva Ramsey will represent Ward B, and Therese Crollick, Simon Kinney, and Simon Chate will serve Ward C.

The next Ballina Shire Council meeting is on October 24.