Clarence Valley residents will head to the polls on Saturday, September 14, to elect nine new councillors to represent ratepayers and Council.
The Clarence Valley Independent has reached out to all candidates over the past few weeks to submit 350-word profiles, photos, and contact details to be published for free to provide voters with vital information to help shape their decision on who gets elected.
Candidate profiles will continue to be published over coming issues as we receive them and from next week the CV Independent will be publishing a series of questions and answers from candidates in the lead up to polling day.
Des Schroder
I am excited to bring my extensive experience and readiness to make informed decisions to the role of Councillor. With 14 years of service at Clarence Valley Council as an Executive Director, during which I attended over 300 Council meetings, I am well-prepared to tackle the challenges ahead. My deep understanding of State Government operations, gained as a former North Coast Regional Director, further equips me to serve our community effectively.
For the past 30 years, I have proudly called the Clarence Valley home, raising two daughters here. I’ve lived in Yamba and now reside in South Grafton. My commitment to the community is evident through my active involvement in various volunteer roles:
- Vice President of the Grafton Jacaranda Committee
- Board Director for the Clarence Valley Country University and the Clarence Valley Anglican School Council
- Supporter of no-mining groups
I have visited every town and village within our vast Council area and, if elected, I pledge to continue these visits.
My extensive experience in natural disaster recovery includes major floods in 2001, 2009, 2011, and 2013. Following the devastating 2019 fires, I spent months assisting the Nymboida and Ewingar communities.
I have strong relationships within the Aboriginal community and recently authored a book on the tragic Colonisation period.
My policies focus on:
- Promoting sustainable clean industries, including tourism, to enhance our small businesses. We cherish our clean air, water, the magnificent Clarence, world-class beaches, and our biodiversity.
- Preserving the character of the Clarence by ensuring affordable housing in low-impact ecological zones, preventing it from becoming an exclusive area for the wealthy.
- Collaborating with fellow Councillors to lead a financially responsible Council with motivated staff and excellent services.
- Enhancing cultural facilities and events to foster vibrant, connected communities.
- Working with State and Federal Governments to secure funding for essential community infrastructure, such as upgrading Grafton Base and Maclean hospitals.
- Recognizing and celebrating the long history of our First Nation people and promoting an inclusive community.
A vote for me is a vote for experience.
For more information, visit my Facebook page, Des Schroder Clarence Valley Council Candidate 2024, or email me at desschrodercandidate@outlook.com.
Greg Clancy
After 8 years as a Councillor, I have both the experience and knowledge to push for fairer decision-making and better ecological outcomes in the Clarence Valley.
I work for inclusion and support of Aboriginal communities, outlying villages and minority groups.
As a retired consultant ecologist who also worked for government departments, I have an extensive knowledge of planning and environmental legislation.
I vote against developments with poor environmental and social outcomes, at West Yamba and elsewhere. Ignoring the Climate Emergency puts people at risk from rising seas, fires, floods and storms. Filling for floodplain development threatens existing houses and will leave current and future residents at high risk and with uninsurable homes.
For over 40 years, I’ve played a major role in the local environment movement, from the 1980s Washpool and pulp mill campaigns to today’s ‘No Mines’ campaign. I look forward to CVC becoming more active in the establishment of the Great Koala National Park.
Protection of rivers and water must be a priority. Exploration drilling for toxic minerals is under way and gas companies are still lobbying for access. Mining companies can’t guarantee to protect our rivers from mine site erosion and tailings spills during floods.
I’m proud of my contributions over the past 8 years, usually as a lone voice but, by working with other councillors, I’ve succeeded in CVC decisions to acknowledge the Climate Emergency, call for a moratorium on mining in the Clarence catchment, establish the Biodiversity Advisory Committee, keep parts of Brooms Head and Wooli beaches 4WD-free, introduce a cat ban in a new housing subdivision, phase out Council’s investments in fossil-fuels, update the active transport plan and encourage Council to use 100% renewable energy. As a councillor I’ve always supported responsible financial management.
My re-election will prioritise our unique environment and social justice, grassroots democracy and non-violence. I’ll keep pushing these Greens principles and my knowledge of ecological issues to the forefront in Council’s debates. I will continue to champion efforts to address concerns regarding Council’s culture, and to work for meaningful community engagement in its decision-making.
James Allen
My name is James Allan, I am 35 years old and have lived in Yamba for 6 years, before moving to Yamba I lived in Brisbane and am originally from Inverell.
I moved to Yamba when I, along with my brother, sister, Mum and Dad, bought Caperberry Cafe.
We loved Yamba and the wider Clarence Valley so much that two years ago we bought a second cafe and put down roots here.
In 2020 I was named president of the Yamba Chamber of Commerce and spent three years in the role.
A genuine care for my community and enthusiasm for small business made my role both enjoyable and rewarding as I strove to improve business experience in my town.
My time with the chamber also involved many dealings and close collaboration with the CV council, thus I have an acute understanding of how business relations with Council can be improved.
In 2022 I was married in Yamba and recently my wife and I have had a beautiful baby girl who will grow up in the Clarence Valley.
Owning and operating two cafes has taught me a lot about business and all the challenges that go along with it.
I believe small business is the lifeblood of our valley and council must improve in many aspects of their relationship with small business.
Steve Pickering
I moved to Ulmarra with my partner in 2016 and opened the Coldstream Gallery in the historic river-port village of Ulmarra, in 2017. As an advocate for local artists and creatives I realise the importance of the creative arts and associated industries within the Northern Rivers.
As a small business owner and an active and engaged community member, I am also president of Ulmarra Village Inc., the local progress association and a member of the local Rural Fire Brigade. I have worked with my community on various local initiatives and projects including fighting to retain the Ulmarra Pool, fighting to retain the Ulmarra Ferry, the Riverside Picnic in the Park, the Ulmarra Lantern Festival, and Ulmarra’s Magical Christmas.
I am committed to preserving our Valleys’ heritage and promoting its unique character. I am dedicated to service, and our community’s well-being, and I will always work to make a positive impact.
Before moving to the Clarence Valley, I worked in the corporate IT world. Always wanting to learn more, I spent the COVID lockdown gaining a postgraduate certificate in Cyber Security. Most of my working life was spent in Perth and Sydney within IT-related industries, starting off as a trainee and progressing into areas of team management, account management, and business analyst.
I was elected to Clarence Valley Council in 2021 and, as a first-term councillor, have promoted and encouraged a focus on the arts, culture, heritage, environment, inclusiveness, and youth within the Clarence Valley and Northern Rivers region.
I am committed to our Valley and its people. I am a strategic thinker, a listener, a doer, and a tireless advocate for the Clarence Valley. I have a passion for preserving history, encouraging and supporting our youth, an inclusive, diverse community, clean water, transparency in decision making and supporting and encouraging local businesses, farmers and all community members.
I want to continue working for the residents of the Clarence Valley and have much more that I can bring to the role of councillor. I believe I have the skills, traits, knowledge and experience to continue in the role of councillor and to make decisions in the best interests of the Clarence Valley.
Andrew Baker
Maclean born, raised and educated. Apprenticeship at 15yo in Grafton. Lifetime living and working Clarence Valley except 3.5 years Pilbara Western Australia iron ore mining.
Employed
Apprentice motor mechanic NRCC Grafton 1969-73.
Plant mechanic/operator CRCC flood mitigation South Grafton 1973-74.
Motor mechanic Maclean Motors 1974.
L/H heavy machinery fitter Goldsworthy Mining Ltd Shay Gap WA 1974-78.
– elected: Convener – Amalgamated Metal Workers Union Shay Gap 1975-78.
– elected: President Combined Unions Council Shay Gap 1976-78.
Cane harvester operator JVC & BA Spencer Harwood Island 1978-79.
Diesel mechanic Peters Ice Cream Grafton 1979-81.
Plant mechanic DMR South Grafton 1981-89.
Business and Farming
Andrew Baker Real Estate Maclean 1989-2003.
Cane farming Lawrence 1992-2002.
– elected: Director Brushgrove-Lawrence Cane Growers Co-operative 1993-1997.
– elected: Director NSW Sugar Milling Co-operative 1994-97.
Property development Maclean, Gulmarrad, Lawrence & Ashby 1985-2012.
Managed local earthmoving business 2014 – 2016.
Clarence Valley Councillor 9yrs 2mths
– elected: 2012-2016 – 4-year term.
– re-elected: 2016-2021 – 4-year term (added 1yr 2mths State Government covid decision).
– did not seek re-election 2021.
Statement
- I have a good working knowledge of legislative and governance requirements as apply to Council and councillors.
- Experienced management and/or governance of local businesses and farming co-operatives. 20 years as employee then 20+ years local businesses ownership.
- Strong experience in Council decision-making, governance, report analysis and strategic planning.
- Demonstrated enthusiasm for Council rationalisation and downsizing to meet State Government ‘Fit For The Future’ requirements.
- My strong preference is to focus on Council fundamentals rather than spending on questionable-value showpieces and non-core projects.
Cristie Yager – Clarence Valley Council Candidate 2024
Hello, my name is Cristie Yager, I will be 40 just after the September election and I’m a proud descendant of Clarence Valley pioneers. I’m fifth generation to Ulmarra, born in Coffs Harbour and raised in South Grafton. With a long family history of farming, trucking, and community involvement, I’m not a typical politician, but a parent, ratepayer, and business owner who understands the cost-of-living crisis.
I am the founder of a local community group called Clarence Valley Garden Exchange, I am involved with CWA, an SES member and hold the Public Relations position within the Grafton Toastmasters branch. My eldest daughter has assumed management role in my South Graton based business, allowing me to dedicate this year to learning about local government. I’ve read an incredible amount of complicated and boring documents, every business paper and attended every council meeting. I have chosen a grassroots approach to building my profile, preferring to meet people in person and attend local events. I have a strong work ethic, a growth mindset, I am determined to make a difference and happy to work hard to do so. We need change and common sense sitting at the table.
I’m standing up as a candidate to be a strong local voice, advocating for our people. My values include self-sufficiency, traditional skills, and frugal living. My focus is on ensuring a safe, affordable and happy future for our kids and grandkids. Should I be elected, I plan to hold myself and others to a higher standard of authentic, accountable and honest leadership, with communication a key priority. I aim to:
– Encourage sensible spending and saving
– Promote clear communication and honesty
– Rebuild community spirit and resilience
– Preserve our Valley’s biodiversity
– Advocate for our villages
I believe in putting community before corporations and people before profits.
It would be my pleasure to connect with you.
Find me on Facebook via my candidate page -Cristie Yager Clarence Valley Candidate 2024 this is where I take questions, share information, and let you know where I will be so we can meet in person.
Email- cristieyager84@gmail.com