Group F: Coasties Who Care
Lisa Bellamy, Sarah Blakeway, and Tegan Mulqueeney, known as Coasties Who Care, believe that the problems facing our Council cannot be solved with the same thinking that created them.
If we keep doing things the way they've always been done, we will continue to get the same results.
They are committed to changing that by bringing a fresh, community-driven perspective to local government.
The trio believes a councillor's role is to listen to the community, communicate its priorities to the Council, and ensure those priorities are acted upon-not adjusted to fit a predetermined agenda.
To achieve this, they promise to enhance community consultation and accountability by facilitating regular meetings with resident groups, chambers of commerce, and individuals. They will empower residents to participate in caretaking and decision-making, fostering a sense of pride and ownership in their local areas.
The Council should operate on a democratic model, not a corporate one.
Coasties Who Care will focus on basic council functions, prioritizing road and verge maintenance, weed control, and other essential services to maintain a well-cared-for community.
They are committed to ensuring world-class development through thoughtful planning that integrates vital infrastructure, green corridors, open spaces, and tree-lined suburbs. Protecting and expanding the Coastal Open Space System (COSS) is central to their vision, preserving areas with immense ecological, cultural, and social value.
They aim to make the Central Coast a premier destination for tourists, skilled professionals, and innovative industries.
They promise to safeguard community assets, including public reserves, parks, buildings, libraries, and childcare centres, ensuring they remain in public hands. The Gosford Library will stay in Kibble Park, repurposed for community use.
They will work with the State Government to protect bushland at 300 Woy Woy Rd, Kariong, and ensure fair compensation for developers.
They will reverse the Council Deferred Lands Planning Proposal to address community concerns and support youth through programs, PCYC-style community organisations, and traineeships.
Additionally, they will advocate for sustainable, green public transport, facilitating waterways and electric vehicles.
Coasties Who Care are committed to real change, less bureaucracy, more democracy, and more action, with a focus on what residents truly want.
SOURCE:
Media statement, 30 Aug 2024
Lisa Bellamy, Coasties Who Care