Whilst the results of Saturday’s local government elections are yet to be made official, it is clear that the community’s demand for change has been realised.

Coming into the election five out of the nine incumbent Councillors chose not to stand for re-election – some had had enough, perhaps others were reading the tea leaves. When the results are formally returned, another incumbent will join them on the sidelines, with the possibility of one further.

As Donna Portland reported on Sunday, newcomers to the scene “Community minded, business focused” led by Cameron McDonald look to have secured at least three out of the nine Council seats. A clear sign that the community have had enough of petty politics and self-absorbed bickering and want elected representatives that will focus on the interests of the entire community, not just the vested and specific interests of a few.

The major parties have been dealt significant blows, with both Labor and the Greens at risk of going backwards in terms of representation and the Liberal Party only just managing to secure a single position.

McDonald’s team have been unabashedly pro-business and about progress, focusing on creating economic opportunities and jobs as well as balancing Council’s budget and preventing future rate rises. This is refreshing for the community as if feels like we’ve spent the last three years with grandstanding Councillors who seemed more concerned with profile building and one-upping each other – not on improving services and our quality of life. 

At this stage, the make up of our Council could look as follows:

Cameron McDonald (Independent - Community minded, Business focused)

Erica Warren (Independent - Community minded, Business focused)

Melissa Matters (Independent - Community minded, Business focused)

Matt Brown (Independent - Your Sensible Choice)

Imogen Draisma (Labor)

Stuart Larkins (Labor)

Melinda Lawton (Greens)

Mike Cains (Independent – A Fresh Start for Kiama)

Yasmin Tatrai (Liberal)

There are still more than 3,000 votes to be counted, and postal votes can still be sent through until the end of next week, meaning the official results are not due until the first week of October and changes to the above, could occur.

However, the strength of Community minded, Business focused team and their control of at least a third of all Council votes will be a surprise to many and no doubt wheeling and dealing is taking place to secure voting blocs on key issues and the all-important election of the Mayor.

It remains to be seen as to how this Council will perform, particularly with the challenges and financial constraints that have been created by their predecessors. However, with a focus on business, investment and change The Bugle’s View is that there might be cause for hope that our community has the representation it finally deserves.