1. Candidate details
Name: David Wright
Council: Ballina Shire
Town/city: Wollongbar
Number of years in shire/LGA: 37
Current councillor? Yes If yes, how many years?: 25
Clubs/sports/interests: Technology, archaeology, local community
Are you a member of a political party or an organised ‘ticket’? No
Brief description: I teach the gifted/talented class at Alstonville Public School. I have served as mayor (2 terms), deputy mayor (9 years) and councillor. I passionately believe in helping my community.
2.What has motivated you to stand?
I love my community and want to continue to use my energy and experience to further deliver outcomes that will benefit the whole shire. I have chaired Council’s Commercial Services Committee for many years, which has delivered a $40 million return to the community while growing its portfolio for the future and I wish to see it maintained to benefit everyone.
3. What is your vision for the shire/LGA?
I wish to see sustainable growth, development of community assets, improvement of infrastructure, promotion of the new ‘biochar’ project, forming policies to protect against climate change and rising sea levels as well as protecting our unique local environment.
4. In your opinion, how can council best balance the need for further residential development with the need to preserve the local environment?
Ballina Shire has been identified as a growth area by the state government. However, new development must be undertaken in a manner that will not impact on existing residents with excessive infrastructure costs, will not impact ecologically sensitive areas and increase flooding. The new LEP will give added protection. The majority of changes to water supply, sewer, roads, drainage infrastructure should be borne by the developer.
5. What particular issues do you feel strongly about?
I believe in helping groups who provide seed funding and sound ideas for projects; developing the ‘biochar’ project in conjunction with other local councils to minimise landfill and sequester carbon; building necessary community infrastructure such as surf clubs and sporting facilities through profits generated through the Commercial Services Portfolio, while keeping rates and charges as low as possible.
