WARD WELCOMES HUGE SWING TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT INDEPENDENTS IN OUR REGION

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has congratulated independent Councillors who received a surge in support across our region as the final polls are declared.

Mr Ward said that independents now dominate all three of the councils across the Kiama Electorate.

“The surge in the independent vote reflects that locals want people on their local council who don’t have divided loyalties between their community and their party,” Mr Ward said.

“In the Shoalhaven, the Greens political party have been totally wiped out with Labor only reaching quota in Ward Three. The Mayoralty moves from an endorsed political party candidate to new Mayor Patricia White who has an enormous job ahead of her after the appalling mismanagement of the council by the Greens-Labor bloc.

“In Kiama, only one-third of this crop of Councillors were endorsed by political parties and I look forward to working with the new Mayor once they are elected.

“In Ward A of Shellharbour, Labor have been totally wiped out with Kellie Marsh being resoundingly returned alongside new Councillor Mitch Ellis being successful with their team receiving 68.18% of the vote which reflects Kellie’s incredible advocacy, and the terrific role Mitch played throughout the campaign.

“Mayor Chris Homer has massively increased his margin, winning every single booth. Independents will now have 6 of the 9 Councillors on the floor.

“With this support comes enormous responsibility and I look forward to working with my independent friends and all Councillors to ensure our community has strong leadership and gets results,” Mr Ward concluded.