Robert Cullen is a sitting councillor for Ward B and actively campaigning against the Kyogle Councils referendum for the loss of one ward and to have a popularly elected mayor.
What do you love about the Kyogle region?
I would like to start with a poem I wrote. I must acknowledge Dorothea Mackeller.
I love this Summerland country,
A land of hills and valleys,
Of rainforest covered ranges,
Of babbling creeks and gullies.
I love the lush green farms.
I love the sweeping river plains.
The beautiful friendly towns and villages.
The Kyogle shire for me!
As you can see I am very proud and passionate about the Kyogle area. It’s a great place to grow up and live. I am a fifth generation resident dating back to 1849. I am from a dairy and beef producer background and I am a primary school teacher.
I live on our family farm at Afterlee and I’m growing Native Australian Fingerlimes. I have lived in Sydney and so I understand rural and regional life and urban issues. I want to see Kyogle maintain its friendly country town character.
Why are you putting your hand up for the Kyogle Council?
I was first elected to council in 2021 for a short term of only two years and 9 months. I would love to be re-elected for a second term and I want to continue the great work achieved by council and the amazing staff in the current term.
What relevant skills or experience do you bring to the position?
There is more to do. We must maintain the momentum. I have a lot of ideas and issues I want to achieve. Kyogle has a huge road network but a small population. We need to work to obtain grants to improve and seal gravel roads, upgrade causeways and ensure a road over the Richmond Range to link the east and west of the shire. And of course potholes. Continue to improve and maintain the main streets, parks and gardens. Continue to improve communication between council and the community. Advocate for improved mobile and internet coverage. Encourage and facilitate primary production and tourism. Greater suport for volunteer groups, the backbone of small towns. Always shop local and support small business and jobs.
What do you see as Kyogle’s role in the regional housing crisis?
Kyogle is a hilly town with only a small part of the town affected by flooding. Many ‘buy backs’ from Lismore and Murwillumbah have bought properties on high flood free areas of Kyogle. It is a safer place to look at affordable housing options. As well as more housing options on farms and rural areas.
Do you think there is a role for local councillors beyond roads, rates and rubbish? If so, what is it?
In a council like Kyogle where 60 per cent of the population do not live in towns or villages and do not have town water or sewerage, roads and rates are still one of the biggest issues. Councils hands are bound by the state government. We can look at other issues and advocate but we need to focus on the basics of a quality life in a rural and regional shire.
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