The Importance of Independent Councillors in Local Government Elections

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The upcoming local government election in September will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our region. It marks an opportunity for the residents of the Central Coast to speak up about what matters most to them and influence local decision making and political processes.

Team Central Coast Leader, Lawrie McKinna, says that one of the most significant, yet often overlooked, aspects of these elections is the role of independent councillors.

“Independent councillors are essential to the fabric of local governance. Their unique ability to represent the voices of their local communities, show true accountability and encourage participation in decision making makes them invaluable for the future of our region.”

Team Central Coast invites all residents of the Central Coast to reflect on the following considerations before selecting their preferred candidate or party for the upcoming Central Coast Council election.

1. Diverse Perspectives

Team Central Coast is a community voice that offers independent and diverse perspectives. These perspectives, which are often lost in the machinery of big party politics, provide independent councillors with the opportunity to address issues based on the needs and priorities of the Central Coast community.

Without being tied to a party ideology or agenda, independent councillors promote an inclusive approach to governance on the Central Coast. The Team Central Coast movement affirms the importance of good and strong governance and recognises the need for community voices to be prioritised above party politics.

2. Accountability to the Community

Team Central Coast is a community movement, not a political party. As such, it believes councillors should take direct accountability to the community rather than to the agendas of big political parties.

Therefore, independent councillors can better prioritise the interests of the Central Coast community without being influenced by party politics or the pressures of party loyalty. Put simply, a vote for an independent councillor means you can feel confident your concerns are being addressed based on merit, rather than being sidelined for the sake of party agendas.

3. Encouragement of Grassroots Participation

Team Central Coast is a voice for the residents of the Central Coast and empowers and encourages local communities to have a say in the decision making and political processes that shape their region.

The best local governance should genuinely represent the views and opinions of local

communities on the Central Coast. For too long, the residents of the Central Coast have been neglected by council administrations that don’t truly understand the communities they represent. In this upcoming local council election, like-minded independent candidates should come together to ensure that residents on the Central Coast get a real choice in who represents them.

“Now, more than ever, we need independent voices to represent our communities and drive the growth of our wonderful Central Coast.

“Your support for independent candidates at the upcoming local government election represents a first step towards a more vibrant, responsive, and inclusive local government that truly reflects the priorities of our community.”

TEAM CENTRAL COAST

Team Central Coast is community movement and a voice that encourages like-minded

independent candidates to become catalysts for change in regional governance. The Team Central Coast mission is simple and rooted in genuine consultation and collaboration with the community to achieve local outcomes that effectively address both current and future needs.

It is time for our region to come together, formulate a robust and inspiring vision, and

collaborate with all levels of government, business, and the community to ensure that the Central Coast remains an exceptional place to live, work, and thrive.

Lawrie McKinna

On behalf of the 15 Independent Candidates who form Team Central Coast

Media enquiries and interviews:

Lawrie McKinna

P: 0427 682 071

E: lawriemckinna@icloud.com