New faces reflect desire for a change

EMMA SPILLETT
espillett@kiamaindependent.com.au

As a stalwart member of the Kiama community, Sandra McCarthy is excited about the future of the council and believes the newly elected members reflect the community’s desire for change.

“We have six new councillors, so it sends a strong message about the leadership direction of the previous council and the fact that the community wants to see new ideas,” she said.

Cr McCarthy has already conceived a clear direction for the new council, focusing on climate change and strengthening environmental awareness.

She also plans to endorse the constitutional recognition of local government.

“Local government provides services that directly affect people’s lives and I believe we are long overdue for recognition in the Australian Constitution,” she said.

Striking a balance between Kiama’s elderly population and increasing youth presence is also a keen concern of Cr McCarthy and she believes it should be a priority for the new council.

As a long-serving member of council, Cr McCarthy is confident she has opened the lines of communication between the council and community and intends to maintain that position in the future.